By Luke Voogt
Geelong tradeswomen have taken up tools in impoverished rural Cambodia, volunteering in 98 per cent humidity to build a much-needed family home this month.
“The climate and poverty here is extreme,” said Geelong Women In Trades co-founder Leesa Hanlon yesterday.
“The rural people are still feeling the effects of the wars, both civil and regional, in the last 50 years. This country needs all the help (it) can get.”
The contingent of tradie ladies worked in steamy conditions with carpenters from Volunteer Building Cambodia throughout September.
“VBC was awesome to work with,” said Geelong cabinet maker Laura Thompson.
“They taught us new skills and we showed them how we do things back in Australia.”
“The Cambodian skills exchange has been a great opportunity for me to learn new skills in building trades and give back to a family that really needs help,” added apprentice electrician Katrina Palmer.
Leesa and Fiona Lawrie started Geelong Women In Trades to address industry shortages and get more women in trades.
“The Geelong Women In Trades girls have done a fantastic job fundraising and worked very hard over the last 2.5 years to make this trip happen,” Fiona said.
Geelong Women In Trades are auctioning two cubby houses, from an apprentice building competition earlier this year, on their Facebook page to raise funds.
