Meet Namirah Sudirman and Madasyn Hallett – who are responsible for the manufacture of precast headwalls at MJB Industries in Australind, WA.
Both were just 17 when they started at MJB, Madasyn was fresh out of school and Namirah had been working in fast-food. Both were introduced to the company by family members.
“Taking great pride in what they do, Namirah and Madasyn produce some of the best headwalls I have ever seen. Their attention to the smallest detail in cleaning the moulds, placing the reo and concrete, stripping and handling shows an enormous care factor about the products they are responsible for producing … they’re a couple of precast power houses,” said Karen Thompson, Executive Director of the Concrete Pipe Association of Australasia following a visit to the site in January.
Madasyn says she enjoys the independence and complexity of the work. “I can now finish trowel a product! I am keen to do bigger products and learn how they work and go together.”
Namirah enjoys the room she has to grow as an individual at MJB. She’s proud of what she’s achieved including “setting up headwalls by myself and understanding the MJB processes.”
“Madasyn and Namirah began with MJB in 2024 and have become integral members of MJB’s precast manufacturing team, building their technical skills to produce high-quality concrete precast products,” says General Manager Ian Prosser. “Their journey reflects the company’s commitment to building a diverse and skilled workforce and their dedication not only strengthens MJB Industries’ production capacity but also serves as an inspiring example for more women to pursue rewarding careers in the precast concrete industry.”
Their advice to women who have thought about working in the construction industry but may be unsure if it’s for them? “It feels good that a woman can do stuff that guys can do – anything a man can do, a woman can do,” says Namirah. Madasyn agrees. “You can do anything you want to. Put your mind to it and you’ll feel good about the move.”
Women in Construction Week is 1 – 7 March 2026 with various events planned around the country by Natnal Association of Women in Construction chapters across Australia to celebrate and champion women in construction.
For more information visit: https://nawic.org/wic-week/