Back in World War I and World War II, a large proportion of the country’s able-bodied men went off to fight, leaving jobs that were critical to the nation unmanned – literally.
Women had to step up to help keep the economy strong and assist Australia’s war efforts.
They picked up trades quickly, becoming skilled in their fields.
Despite a number of common misconceptions surrounding manual trade work and women, a real cultural shift has been occurring over the years with better education in schools, reinforcement in the trade industry and plenty of inspiration from gutsy women.
It would appear that Northam Mitre 10 is also hot on the high heels of this change, and in their enthusiastic support of female tradeswomen, right through to the novice home handywoman.
They hosted a Ladies Tradie Night at their store last Thursday evening to encourage females, from all over Northam and beyond, to enter the hardware zone with their female comrades.
Women of all ages attended and learnt from the best in their fields about the latest on cutting tools and drills from Sheffield, reticulation know-how from Gardenia and top Autumn gardening tips from Yates.
Guests were treated to a glass of wine, ongoing door prizes, and everyone was a winner with servings of delicious hot meat and gravy rolls, prepared by staff member Damien who showed his versatility on the Weber BBQ with a freshly roasted leg of pork.
Store Manager Shayne Lucy, who was a stand-out in his appropriate pink shirt, said it is important to celebrate and encourage in what some would consider a male- dominated industry.
“It provides them with a dedicated few hours where they can ask questions and advice on renovating, tiling, gardening, painting and much more, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere,” Mr Lucy said.
He awarded the event’s major prizes to two very lucky ladies, Wendy Roediger and Helen Davidson, who both received attractive water features for their homes.
In a cause close to the staff of Northam Mitre 10’s hearts, a special stand was run by Bronwyn from ‘Comfort Quilts Against Cancer’, displaying beautiful handcrafted patchwork quilts, beanies and socks.
Over a period of six years, Comfort Quilts has delivered over 500 quilts to men, women and children going through cancer treatment in Western Australia.
Contact them on Facebook for more information or if there is someone close to you undergoing cancer treatment that you would like to nominate.
