For the first time in Kane history, almost the entire female population of the organisation gathered in one room to participate in an open forum. This brave initiative was designed to pose some very simple and also very complex questions to a section of the company that while they are small in number, are very strong in voice and not short of an opinion.

Over two busy days, this group dissected, discussed and debated a number of matters important to not only women within the company, but to every KANE employee. This report summarises and explores the findings of the Forum as well as suggesting the way forward, armed with this knowledge, into a new chapter of Kane Constructions.

Kicking off on Friday 7 May, the Women of Kane congregated at the Como Hotel, South Yarra and settled into their well appointed conference space. The outline for the day was simple, one by one points of discussion would be raised and thrown open for debate. Some topics brought about nodding heads and murmurs of collective agreement. Others divided the room and were thrashed out until common ground was unearthed. These topics were based upon the federal government's & Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) reporting, which Kane have completed for the past several periods.

This Report takes each topic and explores the previous reporting Kane has offered to the EOWA as well as the collective thoughts of the Forum and how the Forum suggested to change or improve these particular areas. The recommendations made are thoughts which might be further refined to eventually become part of the 'Kane Way'.

While a room of fiercely focused Kane Women churned out a massive amount of food for thought, the Forum wasns't all brainstorming. The Women of Kane thought it was equally important to have social time including the rest of the Kane family. Friday night Women of Kane drinks attracted a great many of our male colleagues who were keen to hear what the Forum had discussed and the views raised. Most were surprised and pleased to know that the majority of the concepts brought forward would not only benefit the Kane females, but also assist, aid and improve the work environment of all employees.

The inaugural Women of Kane Forum was a great success. Not only did it give the female population of Kane the opportunity to meet their national colleagues, but also establish and strengthen a now steadfast bond. As a group, the Women of Kane thoroughly enjoyed the experience and hope the suggestions made can bring about positive change for the entire Kane family.