Amidst the general hustle and bustle of noisy construction sites, there is a quiet yet significant development occurring in the representation of women in the concrete grinding and polishing industry. Typically dominated by males, the introduction of advanced remote control technology has opened up opportunities for increased female participation. Playing its part is Progrind Australia, which is forming effective partnerships nationwide helping to increase the levels women delivering mechanically polished concrete to big name retailers including JB HiFi, Dan Murphy, Beacon Lighting, Coles and Woolworths.

This latest grinding equipment developed by Worx+, would easily appear overwhelming for some operators, but Mel’s been operating machinery since she was a kid. From earthmoving, to carpet laying, and being a mum, she is now part of a strong husband and wife team delivering thousands of square metres a year and loving every minute. Mel loves the challenge of exposing aggregate and transforming dull grey concrete into a showcase product. She’s not fazed by being the only female on site behind a grinding machine, and encourages other women to get out and ‘give it a go’.