Sunshine Coast Inspired Minds Lunch

Breaking ground and empowering women in construction

Ready to be inspired and connect with a powerful network of women in construction? Join us at our Inspired Minds Lunch on Thursday, 19 June and hear from our industry leaders who are breaking ground and empowering women in construction through mentorship, flexibility, and equitable recruitment.

Our panel brings together Peita Ball (Watermark Constructions), Val Woodley (Murphy Builders) and Matt Peters (BADGE Constructions), who'll delve into the topic of how creating a more inclusive construction industry starts with intentional action.

They'll also share about structured mentorship programs that foster growth and retention, flexible work policies that accommodate diverse needs, and recruitment practices that prioritise equal opportunity to form the foundation for a more balanced, innovative, and resilient workforce.

Come and meet the leaders’ supporting women in a traditionally male-dominated field, connect with like-minded professionals and leave feeling motivated to reach new heights!

OUR SPEAKERS

Peita Ball
People & Culture Manager | Watermark Constructions

Peita has built a diverse and impactful career spanning the construction, education, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors. From humble beginnings in hospitality and events, she transitioned into leadership roles at TAFE Queensland, where she led major projects and stakeholder engagement programs across Southeast Queensland.

In six years with Watermark Constructions, she's led over 700 residential construction projects as Project Manager before stepping into her current role as People and Culture Manager. In this current role, she's driven strategic workforce initiatives, led organisational change, and implemented an integrated management system for Quality, Environment and Safety aligned with ISO standards.

Alongside her professional roles, Peita has consistently championed values-based leadership, compliance, and continuous improvement, positioning herself as a trusted and forward-thinking leader.

Val Woodley
HR Manager | Murphy Group

Val Woodley began her career in Sydney’s scuba diving industry at 18, while moonlighting as a jazz singer at local venues. Her diving career took her overseas and to Cairns, where she earned an aquaculture trade certificate, worked with crocodiles, and managed an award-winning scuba operation on the Great Barrier Reef—where her passion for HR first emerged.

With the onset of the GFC, Val transitioned into mining HR and recruitment with Broden Mine Management, supporting clients across PNG, Indonesia, QLD, and WA. She later joined Pioneer North QLD (a Hanson Heidelberg subsidiary), providing HR and safety support to over 200 employees and helping refine their Integrated Management System to maintain OFSC accreditation.

After moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2011, Val completed her tertiary qualifications in HR Management and joined Murphy Builders QLD in 2013. There, she developed a comprehensive HR system and supported key improvements to the WHS (IMS) system. In 2017, Val was awarded the Master Builders Diversity Award for her contribution to inclusive workplace culture.

Matt Peters
General Manager, Sunshine Coast | BADGE Constructions

Matt has spent more than 20 years in the construction industry from time ‘on the tools’, to site and project management roles. Now, as the General Manager of the Sunshine Coast office of BADGE Constructions, he combines his practical knowledge and leadership capability to work alongside his team creating a unique service delivery to clients across the region - bringing their construction projects to life.

Always a believer in hiring people, rather than hiring for roles, Matt has personally designed a number of careers for those individuals where he sees exceptional talent.

Specifically, Matt is known for creating career pathways with personalised training and growth prospects for several female talent in his business, often who have entered the company via more traditional roles. Matt is an ally for the growth of female participation in the construction industry with a genuine passion for creating opportunity and advocating a work environment that's for everyone.