ARBS and the Fire Protection Association of Australia are launching Women Igniting Change – a collaborative event celebrating and inspiring women across HVACR, fire protection and the built environment.
Today’s event is designed to bring the industry together, across every role, every career stage and every pathway, irrespective of gender.
Women Igniting Change is a collaboration, all-of-industry effort, to support women across HVACR, fire protection, building services and the broader built environment.
A key focus is to support the Empowered Women in Trades 30x30 initiative, which aims to see women make up 30 per cent of the skilled trades workforce by 2030.
This is a goal that reflects the industry's shared commitment to drive meaningful change across the built environment.
The program will unite industry associations and groups representing all these sectors of industry and include a networking morning tea to meet and connect.
There will be an opportunity to hear from inspirational women across these sectors including Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) general manager, Melinda Davis.
EWIT is a national organisation working to increase participation and retention of women in skilled trades and technical industries.
Through partnerships with schools, employers and industry, Davis champions practical solutions that open pathways and support long-term careers.
Lawyer, board chair & Chancellor at RMIT University, Peggy O’Neal AO is one of Australia’s most respected leaders across law, governance and sport and is recognised for principled leadership and a track record of building high-performing organisations.
With more than 25 years specialising in superannuation and financial services law, she brings deep technical expertise alongside long-standing board and executive experience across major institutions.
O’Neal is widely known for her tenure as former president of the Richmond Football Club, where she helped guide the organisation through one of the most successful eras in its history.
She currently serves as Chancellor of RMIT University and chair of Vanguard Superannuation and is a strong advocate for gender equality and leadership pathways that endure.
Another speaker participating in the launch is Dr Bronwyn King AO, radiation oncologist, founder of Tobacco Free Portfolios and Australian Team Doctor at Tobacco Free Portfolios.
King is an internationally recognised physician and social impact leader known for driving large-scale change through collaboration and advocacy.
A radiation oncologist and founder of the global initiative Tobacco Free Portfolios, she has worked with organisations worldwide to align values, leadership and action.
Today, Dr King is spearheading global action on Healthy Indoor Air — an overlooked public health challenge with significant health and economic impacts.
In 2025, she convened the first-ever high‑level UN General Assembly side event dedicated to healthy indoor air.
A former elite swimmer and long-time team doctor with Swimming Australia, Bronwyn brings a unique perspective on performance, resilience and culture.
Another woman well known to the HVACR industry is ARBS CEO, Amanda Searle.
Searle has a 25-year background in marketing, communications, and events.
She has been active in HVACR for many years including AMCA Australia.
This role equipped her with invaluable insights and the strategic ability to navigate and shape the sector’s future.
As CEO, her focus is on driving innovation and growth, enhancing ARBS’s impact in the local and global marketplace.
Recognised for her dynamic leadership and visionary approach, Searle is dedicated to advancing ARBS’s mission to showcase cutting-edge industry advancements and foster a network of professional excellence.