Women in the electrical industry

Donna is currently the acting Deputy Director-General for the Office of Industrial Relations, which is responsible for regulatory frameworks, policy advice and compliance activities for work health and safety, electrical safety, industrial relations and workers’ compensation – to improve the wellbeing of all Queenslanders by making Queensland safer and supporting fair and productive workplaces.  Donna’s previous roles include Executive Director, Electrical Safety Office, Regional Director, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland; Director, Agriculture and Manager, Coronial Liaison Support Services and holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management.

Dylan Dawson owner of Dawson Electric, along with his wife Kristine, started the business in 2007 in Woolloongabba. Specialising in residential electrical and maintenance- Dylan works with a team of experienced electricians and apprentices to provide high quality customer service in Queensland.

Keeley – Four years ago, Keely began working at Dawson Electric aged 15 years as a school based apprentice and is now a 3rd year. As a 17-year-old school-based electrical apprentice, Keeley took out both the Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) Professional of the Year award, and the Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) funded Young Achiever award at the recent AWIC Awards in 2022.

Finding a supportive workplace has helped Keeley’s ambition flourish; with Dawson Electric she feels she has not only found a job, but a work family. For Keeley, helping change the stigma around females in trades is important.

Before joining the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) as a senior electrical safety inspector, Jane worked as a sparky and has been in the construction industry for nearly 30 years.
Jane has been with ESO for over five years now and continues to be a powerhouse in her industry. She's also a strong advocate for young women in the electrical trade.

With an expansive career working as a TV Host and Pit Lane Reporter for the Supercars on Channel 7 + 10 & FoxSports - Riana adds colour with her wonderful interviews and personality shining through in all she does. She is full-time again with the Supercars Championship this year.

A gifted dancer earlier in her life, Riana has kept herself in incredible shape by pushing her limits both physically and mentally. In 2021 she completed her first Iron Man and achieved multiple goals pushing aside injury challenges along the way. She was also one of three who finished the selection course on SAS Australia in 2022!

Cassandra is a valued worker for Stowe Australia, one of the leading contractors in the electrical industry. Cassandra has worked for Stowe Australia for over 10 years and has been a crucial part of both large-scale construction projects, and the Southern Queensland service division. Cassandra holds an Electrical Fitter Mechanic licence as well as holding licences in high risk works. Cassandra has always held a firm stance on fair and safe work practices.

Keith started his electrical career in 1986. After gaining his electrical fitter and mechanics licence he worked for a number of companies on domestic, commercial, hospital, petrochemical and industrial projects.

He has served on a range of board and committees in the area of apprentice training, construction, training competencies, workplace health and safety and Australian standards and has been a member of the Electrical Safety Board and Electrical Licensing Committee since 2011.

Prior to his role as Commissioner, Keith was the President of the Queensland and Northern Territory Electrical Trades Union branches.