More about our event speakers

Tamika Smith, Women of the Year Entrepreneur 2021

Recently named ‘Entrepreneur Woman of the Year’ Top 10 most influential entrepreneurs & shortlisted for Queenslander of the Year, Tamika Smith has been widely acknowledged & respected for the work she has contributed by building commercially viable companies with good social ethics.

Named “Most Influential Woman in Construction” by Built International, Tamika lead the #istandforkelly movement to support domestic violence victim the late Kelly Wilkinson & her children left behind by rallying the entire sector to ensure 8 children were supported by building a new home and a new beginning. Within 48 hours, the sector had answered the call and had all joined together to deliver a house & land package.

Tamika’s expertise ranges from effectively building businesses within the construction sector, working within NFP’s and For Profit businesses as a Founder, Executive Director, Chair, Board Advisor, through to development, project management & being a thought leader within the offsite construction sector.

Denita Wawn, Chief Executive Officer Master Builders Australia

Denita was appointed as Chief Executive of Master Builders Australia in March 2017. She has nearly 30 years’ experience as a leading advocate for industry and employers in the nation’s capital, around Australia and internationally.

Her previous roles include CEO of the Brewer’s Association of Australia and New Zealand (Brewer’s Association), Deputy CEO of the National Farmers’ Federation and Executive Director of the Australian Hotels Association (Tasmanian Division).

Denita is a Director of Cbus Super Fund, National Australia Day Council, and Canberra Grammar School. Her previous corporate governance experience includes roles as Chair of the Worldwide Brewers Alliance, Chair of the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) Scheme and as a director of Hostplus industry superannuation fund.

Amanda Hewer, Born to Build Field Coordinator Master Builders SA

Amanda Hewer is a Field Coordinator for the Born to Build Program at Master Builders SA. Amanda has completed a data cabling apprenticeship and has worked in many states as part of her travels around Australia.

During Amanda’s 18 years of working in the construction industry, she has gained experience installing data, security and fibre cabling and equipment in residential properties; commercial sites (including the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, other hospital upgrades in Darwin and Hobart, the construction of hotels, shopping complexes, schools, banks, airports and in remote communities); conducting telecommunications audits at a RAAF base, and even installing fire cabling and devices on boats and ships in Hobart.

As part of her role as a Born to Build Field Coordinator, Amanda spends time presenting and conducting workshops at schools, sporting clubs and other organisations, promoting career pathways and jobs in the building and construction industry.

Jessica Braithwaite, Television Presenter for the Nine Network and co-host of Building Ideas

Jessica Braithwaite lights up the airwaves across Australia with her catchy song-writing and bubbly TV presenting. Jessica presents weather for the Nine Network and writes for national travel magazines, airlines and women’s websites and is a proud ambassador for Save The Children. Jessica fronted her indie band Gemini Downs, playing festivals including the Big Day Out and supporting some of the country’s biggest names.

Now, Jessica delivers a dose of sunshine when she beams into our lounge rooms each night as a television presenter for Channel Nine. She is also co-host of the Building Ideas tv show launching in February 2023.

We look forward to you joining us at our 2023 HiViz Luncheon. Secure your ticket today!

Special thanks to our event sponsors: Toyota Australia, Cbus, Women Building Australia, Master Builders Insurance Brokers and Roussos Recruitment.