Trailblazer wins award
IT was the emotion-charged victory written in the stars, and this trailblazer knows her father would be looking down on her with a smile.
Kristan Ramage took home the Women in Building gong at last month’s North Queensland Housing & Construction Awards on a special night for her family.
Miss Ramage’s crowning moment came almost exactly 10 years after her father, Kevin Ramage, passed away.
“Big Kev” was a well
known builder around Townsville and even made an appearance on the TV show Jack of All Trades.
Miss Ramage spent her free time during high school helping Kev at work and feeding on his knowledge.
“Dad was very old school about making sure the job is done properly the first time,” Miss Ramage said.
“He just wanted to get in and get it done properly.”
While a young Miss Ramage had a strong passion for the trade sector, she ended up choosing a different path after
school. She spent time working in customer service and management, including at Townsville City Council, but always knew she would come back to her calling.
Miss Ramage is now a project liaison with Allied Renovations and Construction.
“We talked about doing a carpenter apprenticeship (after school), but it was a very different industry to work in as a young female back then,” she said.
“It always felt like that was the direction I wanted to go
back to and the other jobs just didn’t stick.
“I’ve gone hard and taken this job really seriously.”
The 34-year-old said her boss, Ron Cernusco, played a major role in her winning the Women in Building Award.
“I couldn’t have done it without his support. He’s given me the opportunity to give it a try.
“It was a bit of a shock to win the award but it was a special one for my family because of Dad.
“We had a really good feel
ing about it and we were all excited.
“I was only talking to Grandma today and she was in tears saying Dad would be so proud of what I’m doing.”
Miss Ramage said she may complete her builder’s licence in the future.