Florence Taylor

We are proud to share FLORENCE, inspired by Florence Mary Taylor, a remarkable individual who left a lasting impact on various fields throughout her illustrious career.

Born on December 29 1879 in Bedminster, Somerset England, Florence was the eldest daughter of John and Eliza Parsons. In 1884, her family immigrated to Australia, where she would eventually establish herself. Drawing inspiration from her father, who was employed in the department of public works. From him Florence developed a passion for engineering and decided to pursue a career as a draftsman.

Florence's accomplishments were numerous and diverse. She held various positions, including chief draftsman, producer, and editor at her business Building Publishing Co Ltd. while also making her mark as an architect. Her contributions were not limited to the professional sphere; she also played a crucial role in the Women's National Service during World War II.

An embodiment of determination and resilience, Florence was also the first Australian woman to fly an aircraft. Her unwavering dedication and exceptional skills earned her multiple awards and accolades, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in her respective fields.

Florence's impact extended beyond her professional achievements. Her vibrant personality, characterized by her tall stature, boundless energy, and outspoken nature, was often complemented by her distinctive fashion sense. With her long sweeping skirts and decorative hats, she left a lasting impression wherever she went.

Today, Florence Mary Taylor's legacy lives on, and her accomplishments remain relevant and deserving of admiration. We invite you to explore more about her life and contributions as we celebrate the remarkable journey of this extraordinary woman.

Click HERE to read more about Florence Taylor.

FLORENCE Today

Welcome to FLORENCE. Created by the Master Builders Association NSW, FLORENCE was born out of a recognition that a significant portion of the construction industry was lacking support and representation.

We firmly believe in the importance of women in all roles within the construction field. Our mission is to encourage and highlight the feminine side of construction, fostering inclusivity and diversity. Through our FLORENCE Magazine and engaging FLORENCE Luncheons, we are continuously expanding our reach and influence.

With each passing day, FLORENCE is growing stronger, championing women in construction and celebrating their valuable contributions.

Together, let's construct a new perspective.

“Women currently only make up 13 per cent [as of July 2022] of the building and construction industry's workforce and, of those, only 2 per cent are in trades. The other 11 per cent of women work in administration and support roles.” - The Australian Broadcasting Corporation

”Women are less likely to participate in the workforce (62.1 per cent) than men (71.0 per cent), and more likely to work part-time (42.9 per cent) than men (18.8 per cent).” - Labour Force, Australia, January 2023.

The Master Builders Association New South Wales (MBA NSW) is our mother company. We are a not-for-profit, non-government company, and the oldest association in Australia.

MASTER BUILDERS NSW MISSION STATEMENT : "To promote the interest of the building and construction industries and protect the rights of MBA NSW members"

If you would like to find out more information about the MBA, please click HERE.

FLORENCE is run from the MBA Events and Awards Department. You can contact us HERE.