Wiley are supporters of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and we proudly sponsored the Wiley Award for Achievement as a Business Woman at the NAWIC QLD Awards for Excellence 2024, a meaningful way to honour the long-standing role of women in Wiley’s 106-year history. Women have been vital to the company’s growth and success across generations, from the early days of Audrey Wiley, second-generation leader and daughter of founder Harry Taylor, to today’s leadership by Suzie Wiley (her granddaughter).
Audrey’s journey in construction began as a child, growing up immersed in the business her father founded. Her leadership, alongside her husband Gordon Wiley (who began as an apprentice under Harry Taylor), marked the transition from Taylor to Wiley, setting a powerful example for female involvement in what was then a male-dominated industry. This legacy continued into the third generation with Louise Thomas (née Wiley), whose work in graphic design shaped Wiley’s brand identity.
Now, as Wiley’s fourth-generation Managing Director, Suzie Wiley continues to uphold the values that have guided the company for over a century. Suzie notes that the increasing opportunities for women in construction reflect the core principles that have been central to Wiley’s success, ensuring women remain at the forefront of its continued evolution.
It’s not just the Wiley women who have shaped the company. Jayne Lynn, who has worked with three generations of the Wiley family, has thrived in construction accounting and finance, rising from junior roles to senior leadership. Jayne shared a story with Suzie about how, when she started her family, her grandmother invited her to keep working—an offer uncommon at the time. Jayne embraced this, and today, her two sons, Greg and Jay Lynn, have joined Wiley, continuing the family legacy.
Congratulations to Felicity Furey, CEO of WeAspire, on winning the NAWIC Wiley Award for Achievement as a Business Woman, and to the 11 inspiring women who were nominated. Thank you for all that you do!
CELEBRATING KAZ TANOVIC FOR HER NOMINATION AND TALENT
The NAWIC QLD Awards for Excellence provided an excellent opportunity for our Wiley team to celebrate Kaz Tanovic (pictured in high viz orange), who was nominated for the McIlwain Student of the Year Award. Kaz’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Initially a Personal Trainer in the fitness industry, Kaz pivoted to construction during the COVID-19 pandemic, embracing a new career with enthusiasm and her characteristic ‘can-do’ spirit.
Kaz joined Wiley as a cadet nearly two years ago and quickly made her mark, earning the Wiley Cadet of the Year award in 2023. As she now completes her Bachelor of Construction Management at QUT, her thesis on strategies for engaging mature-aged women in construction management is just another example of how she is already contributing to the industry’s future. Kaz embodies the values we champion at Wiley, blending technical expertise with emotional intelligence, and we couldn’t be prouder of her nomination. We look forward to seeing how she continues to grow and inspire those around her.
Of course, the NAWIC team knows how to celebrate! Congratulations to the Awards organisation committee—this was one of the best awards nights we’ve attended. Women know how to layer up great music, good food, dancing, and meaningful celebration of each other. We also loved winning the Dulux dog! Thanks for having us NAWIC.
Congratulations:
Kaz Tanovic – Wiley
Heather Anderson – icubed consulting
Jodi Carroll – Apollo Property Group
Michelle Caterson – ACCIONA
Kandyce Draper – CV Services Group
Felicity Furey – WeAspire
Debbie Futcher – McIIwain Civil Engineering
Michelle Gardiner – QBuild
Emma Hunter – eInstitute
Shannon Kratzmann – Ardent Consulting Services (ArdentAU)
Tanya Yvette Mathers – Ink Duck
Deanna Stones – Waco Kwikform LTD
Louise Watson – QBuild
#NAWICQLD #NAWICfindyourvoice #NAWICawardsforexcellence #womeninconstruction
