Saturday 10th October 2026
The Timberyard, Port Melbourne

HONOURING THE EVERYDAY HERO

Saturday 10th October 2026 · The Timberyard, Port Melbourne

What the EWIT Gala is all about.

Once a year, the trades industry comes together to celebrate the hands-on, problem-solving, heart-driven legends who keep our world working. Industry leaders, trailblazers and emerging talent; CEOs and first-year apprentices, all standing side by side to celebrate and champion the future of trades in Australia.

Get ready for a night of celebration and fun!

“One of the best awards nights I’ve been to. Love the speeches from the winners and the EWIT crew. You are amazing. What. A. Vibe.”

- Isabel Duffy, Tomorrows Women in Construction (TWIC)

This night is for you.

The Village

  • THE TRADIE

    On the tools, in the thick of it. You’re the everyday hero this night exists to celebrate. Tonight, you’re the one being cheered for.

  • THE LEADER

    You run the crew, the site, the business. You worked hard to get here - and you’re holding the door open for the ones coming next.

  • THE SUIT

    You run the company, sign the contracts, fund the future. Come celebrate the industry, and the people, you help build.

  • THE CHAMPION

    You back the village from the sidelines: the mentor, the ally, the educator, the partner, the family. The core structure of support.

  • THE RISING STAR

    First-year apprentice, just getting started. This is where you see what’s possible and experience where you belong.

The Gala Experience that awaits.

From the moment you arrive to the final song, every minute is designed to celebrate.

  • THE ARRIVAL

    Welcome to the festivities! A drink in your hand, cameras flashing, the room already buzzing. The village arrives, glammed up and ready to celebrate.

  • THE FEAST

    A premium sit-down dinner on long, shared tables, where the whole village comes together and the stranger beside you becomes a friend.

  • THE AWARDS

    The heart of the night. The lights drop, the stories begin, and our everyday heroes take the stage. Expect cheers, happy tears, and standing ovations.

  • THE CELEBRATION

    Then the music takes over. Dancing, laughing, and the kind of night you’ll still be talking about in years to come.

With more surprises to be revealed on the night.

What The Village Experienced.

Here’s what last year’s guests had to say.

“I’d a thousand percent recommend the EWIT Gala to every tradie and apprentice I know! Events like this are exactly what our industry needs - they make you feel supported, seen, and proud to be part of such a strong community of women in trades. I’m so grateful that something like this exists while I’m doing my apprenticeship, because it reminds me that I belong here, and it makes me even more excited for the future of women in trades.”

- Hayley Campbell, Apprentice, Media / Content Creator

It felt like a night out with my family. The EWIT fam

- Attendee, 2025

I came on my own and honestly have never felt more warmly welcomed.

- Attendee, 2025

A powerhouse celebration of grit, heart and sisterhood.

- Attendee, 2025

A great initiative for strengthening our communities, supporting women, and reinforcing our industry.

- Audrey Whisker, Whisker Architecture (Ally / Employer)

Packed full of legends and baddies.

- Attendee, 2025

So inspiring, empowering and making a difference.

- Rebecca d’Angelo

A must-attend event.

- Brett Tedman

97%

rated the night excellent

92%

left more inspired

86%

made a connection that mattered

97%

rated the night excellent

92%

left more inspired

86%

made a connection that mattered

The Village Behind The Night.

A night like this doesn’t happen alone. These are the organisations standing with us - backing the everyday heroes and the village behind them to build the future of trades. We’re proud to celebrate alongside them.

GOLD SPONSOR

AWARD SPONSORS

APPRENTICESHIP SPONSOR

Want to Join the Village? Become a sponsor.

Know a legend?

Nominate them here!

The awards are the moment we stop and honour the women, allies and organisations changing the future of trades. Nominate a workmate, a mentor, your apprentice, your boss, any person you want to acknowledge and celebrate.

You can even nominate yourself!

Why We Host This Gala

Because the people who build our communities deserve to be celebrated. Because representation matters. Because together, we're creating an industry where everyone belongs.

  • 1 in 100 - industry trades apprenticeships are held by women.

  • 3% - female representation in trades; as low as 1% in carpentry and welding.

  • 47% - of female tradies have left, or are considering leaving, citing lack of respect or harassment.

  • 100 of 293 - occupations nationally with labour shortages; trades hit in every state.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

Together, we can be world changing.

Get Your Ticket to Join the Celebrations

A ticket is your entry to the full experience, from welcome drink to last dance. Tell us your dietary and accessibility needs when you book, and we’ll take care of the rest.

GENERAL ADMISSION - INDIVIDUAL

$297

per ticket

Come and celebrate with us! You’ll be seated among the wider village, with the opportunity to start conversations and make new connections.

GROUP OF 10

$2,970

10 tickets

Round up your crew, your team, your work family - ten of you, celebrating side by side.

IMPORTANT: A group of 10 is seated together, but not at a private table. Our long banquet tables connect the whole village - so you’ll sit with your crew together, with the village surrounding.

APPRENTICE TICKET

FREE

Application only

Just starting out? This night is for you too. Thanks to our Apprenticeship Ticket Sponsor, APM, we have 30 fully funded tickets reserved for apprentices. Limited spots.

Proudly Sponsored by APM

Nearly 400 of our village filled the room last year.
400 more will join us this year!
Get your tickets now to join the crew and celebrate.

Are you a business that wants to get involved and support the cause?

Email [email protected] to find out how you can be involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does seating work?

Everyone shares long banquet tables - the village sits together. A group of 10 is seated side by side (but not at a private table); solos and pairs join the wider table. No private tables, by design.

Why is the ticket $297 this year?

You asked, we listened. The night now includes a full plated, sit-down dinner as part of the experience.

I have dietary or accessibility needs.

We capture these when you book, so everything’s sorted before the night.

I’m an apprentice - is there a free ticket?

Yes. Thanks to our Apprenticeship Ticket Sponsor, APM Apprenticeships, 30 fully funded tickets are available. Apply via the apprentice option.

FAQ image

What should I wear?

Dress to impress! This night is for you, so dress up in whatever makes you feel good.

Where is The Timberyard and is there parking?

The Timberyard is in Port Melbourne, and we will be releasing parking and access instructions closer to the event date.

What’s your refund policy?

We do not accept refunds but we do accept transfers. Please email [email protected] with your transfer request, and the team will ensure you’re taken care of.

Got your answers? Buy your ticket now.

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