Two female MARQ Property agents have thrown their support behind an inspiring community project, relishing the old adage that ‘charity begins at home’.
In a heart-warming story of kindness, generosity and goodwill, the Strathnairn Charity House has been designed and predominantly built by women in a two-year labour of love that has seen almost $1 million of donated materials and craftmanship poured into the home.
The property, a joint initiative between Master Builders ACT and Ginninderry, will be auctioned on March 25, with proceeds from the sale going to Hands Across Canberra to distribute to three local charities – Pegasus Riding for the Disabled, Karinya House and Canberra City Care Charnwood.
MARQ Licensed Agents Natalie Kokic-Schmidt and Rachel Anasson are among a group of select female real estate agents from four agencies – MARQ, home.byholly, Ray White Canberra and LJ Hooker Kippax – who are marketing the home with online partner, Zango.
Natalie said not only had there been incredible support and collegiality from the women involved in the project, but the home itself had already attracted great interest during the marketing campaign.
“What is inspiring is that this property has predominantly been a female-only build, with around 80% of people working on the project women,” Natalie said.
“Female electricians, female trades, a female builder, female project manager and an all-female marketing and sales team have been involved. It has been really awesome to see women come together to make it happen – and it’s all for charity.”
The heartening project comes after a 2021 Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) report found that just 1% of trades and technical positions in the Australian construction industry were held by women.
Set on a 721sqm corner block with a floorplan spanning 330sqm of living space, the Strathnairn Charity House is a split level design that has been curated with multigenerational and intergenerational families in mind.
There are four large bedrooms, generous living spaces, two kitchens, three bathrooms, a study and an outdoor entertainment area with an outdoor kitchen.
The home has an energy efficiency rating (EER) of 7.3, an impressive 6000L underground water tank, heat pump, and solar array and inverter.
Even the location – at 41 Rachel Makinson Street – is apt, with the road name celebrating a successful woman – the first female physicist to hold the position of chief research scientist at the CSIRO.
Rachel said she had been inspired by the leadership of Jo Farrell, from Kane Constructions, and the dedication, commitment and craftmanship of all of the women involved.
“It’s been fantastic to see Jo’s leadership through the entire build – and not to mention
the female sacrifice that goes into pulling off a project like this. Most of these women have families, they’re mums, they’re still running their jobs and their home as well.
“As a single working mum, it certainly alleviated a lot of vulnerability for me because there is so much pressure for women to keep it together 24/7. It has been really nice to know that the other women are doing similar things, and there was that extra level of acceptance, support and appreciation of each other.”
Rachel said it was an honour to help market such an incredible home after growing up in Strathnairn in her youth, noting the lifestyle the suburb offers.
Surrounded by green space, Strathnairn has a focus on its natural surrounds, with its close proximity to the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor, Paddys Park, local bushwalking trails and spectacular views of the Brindabellas.
“Nature wise, it truly is a beautiful area and the designers have used the surrounding environment as inspiration within the home, capturing the views of the Brindabellas and through the use of reclaimed timber and natural materials in the construction,” she said.
Master Builders ACT Chief Executive Officer Michael Hopkins said the Strathnairn Charity House was a powerful example of how the construction sector could work together to create significant community impact.
“It’s been incredible to see the willingness of the local building and construction industry to jump on board,” he said. “This project has seen almost 60 subcontractors and trade suppliers donate time and materials to deliver a quality home that represents the best of local industry.
“I’m particularly thankful to Jo Farrell…who drove the project as our lead builder and the generosity of local industry, which flowed through all stages of planning, construction and sales.”
MARQ Property will host the next series of inspections.
Join Nat and Rachel at the Strathnairn Charity House on Saturday from 3pm to 3.45pm and Sunday from 11.30am to 12.15pm, as well as next Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23 from 5.30pm to 6.15pm.
The property will go to auction on site on Saturday, March 25 at 1pm.