Brimbank Northwest Star Weekly: Building blocks of gender diversity

A local Keilor construction company has partnered with Melbourne City Football Club in an effort to help boost female representation across male-dominated industries.

Nostra Homes, founded by proud Keilor local Anthony Caruana, has signed a new multi-year partnership deal with Melbourne City Football Club.

Both partners are working to promote inclusivity and diversity in their respective male-dominated industries – construction and sport.

The state government reports that women account for just 2 per cent of workers in the Australian construction industry. Although there are more women active in the Victorian labour market now in comparison to previous years, Nostra says the industry still remains an area that has proven to be highly resistant to change.

By working with SheForce, a female-led recruitment and labour-hire social enterprise in the construction industry, Nostra is hoping to spearhead this change, boasting a workforce comprised of of 36 per cent women.

Football Australia reports that women make up 22 per cent of Australia’s participation base, with plans to grow this base to 50 per cent by 2027 through its Gender Equality Action Plan.

Nostra Homes founder Anthony Caruana said joining forces with Melbourne City will assist in elevating both brands’ efforts in empowering female representation across the two male-dominated industries.

“Sporting bodies are doing an amazing job to encourage greater women participation and now, the construction industry needs to open its doors to more female talent, as greater diversity only makes our workplaces stronger,” he said.

As part of the deal, the Nostra logo will feature on the sleeve of City’s A-League Women’s home jersey for season 2023-24, and on the front of the playing shorts for all matches. The logo will also feature on the back of the A-League’s Men’s playing shorts.

Article published in Brimbank Northwest Star