Newcastle electrician Holly Bourke wins two honours at inaugural building awards

newy.com.au – Newcastle electrician and business owner Holly Bourke has won the top honour at the inaugural HIA Hunter Building Women Awards, also taking out the Tradeswoman of the Year category.

Ms Bourke, director and head electrician at Bourkelex Electrical, was named the 2026 HIA Hunter Building Woman of the Year at the awards on August 27.

Her electrical business operates across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. She also mentors young tradespeople and encourages more women to pursue careers in the industry. HIA said the award recognised her technical expertise, business leadership and efforts to improve the company’s operations as it grew.

The new awards program recognised women working in residential construction across the Hunter and Central Coast, including tradespeople, business owners, designers, administrators and executives.

Elizabeth Powell, from MARS Building, received the Administration Executive award, while Zoe Pohlmann, from Your Home Designs, was named Business Mentor/Leader.

McDonald Jones Homes’ Sharon Hill won the Executive Leadership category and Kellie Williams, from Patioworld Central Coast & Sydney North, was named Professional Business Woman.

Tabytha Hipwell, from Baxco Homes, was highly commended in the Administration Executive category. Meegan Kelly, from Buildcert, received a highly commended award for Executive Leadership.

HIA Hunter executive director Craig Jennion said the awards were intended to recognise women’s work across the residential building sector and highlight its range of careers.

“From tradeswomen and business owners to mentors, administrators and executive leaders, these award winners demonstrate the depth of talent, professionalism and dedication that exists across our industry,” Mr Jennion said.