Sunshine Coast builder Sam Sheppard, the builder behind the Women into Building Housing Showcase was presented last week with a special award for outstanding achievement by a woman in a mentoring role. The award was part of the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s 2010 Women in Development Excellence Awards.

Ms Sheppard, who heads the Buildmore Group, was also the only nominee to take out two awards at the ceremony, held in Brisbane. The Buildmore Group was announced winner of the Workplace Award which recognises the outstanding performance of a workplace in supporting and encouraging female staff through the development of company culture and policies.

UDIA Queensland President Warren Harris said the calibre of nominees was outstanding, as were the projects they had been instrumental in making a success. “The impact of this project is extensive, providing opportunities for students in schools, TAFEs and colleges, designers, trades people, suppliers and industry partners,” Mr. Harris said.

The judging panel found it was difficult to fit Ms Sheppard’s contribution, commitment, energy and achievements within the criteria of the seven award categories.

“When the Judges noted that they were presenting an extra award this year because the contribution of one particular person should not go unnoticed, I was stunned to hear that it was me,” Sheppard admits.

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Thank you to the Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council (CPSISC) for providing this article, and to the Queensland Business review for allowing us to use parts of their story: www.qbr.com.au