Commenting on the Male Champion category, George Bardas said:
“I recognise that diversity in the workplace is an organisational strength and I believe that gender equity is key to the performance, achievement, and wellbeing of Australia’s workforce. Business leaders can have a critical and long-term impact on new starters, whilst also supporting those working in more senior positions. My focus is on ensuring we provide women with genuine opportunities for leadership roles and career progression at all stages of their career.”
As an advocate for women in construction, George has spent his 30-year career working to better the representation of women at all levels. He has not only mentored and advocated for women, from cadets to senior executives, he has gained thoughtful and original insights from his mentees in return.
Taylor is committed to championing diversity and inclusion, and sharing targets to hold the business accountable over time.
– Taylor is on track to to increase female representation across the business to 30% by 2026 – having successfully grown representation from 12% to 18% in FY2022.
– From 2021, Taylor’s annual Cadet intake has achieved a a minimum of 50% female recruits.
– In 2022, Taylor launched the KARI / Taylor #WomenBreakingGround Scholarship, contributing $15,000 per year to support high achieving female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in studies in Construction. Co-created with our Official RAP Partner, KARI Foundation, you can learn more about it here.
– Taylor’s #WomenBreakingGround Education Engagement Program includes sponsorship and engagement with the UTS Built Environment Student Association (BEA), and a schools engagement program delivered for key clients. Working to increase the pipeline of female candidates in construction, Taylor is encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM areas of study.
– The Taylor Women in Construction (TWIC) engagement program has strengthened internal and industry connections for our female team members while providing unique opportunities to promote the role of women in construction.
Congratulations to George and Cassandra on this incredible recognition, and to all Award winners on the night.
