24 August 2026
KDL and Ryse Construction are celebrating a double win at the 2026 HIA Queensland Building Women Awards, with April Williams and Kelly Allan both taking home honours.
Kelly was named Tradeswoman of the Year, recognising her skills, commitment and contribution on site, while April won the Administration Executive category for her contribution to the business and the wider Ryse team.
Kelly and April were joined by many of their Ryse and KDL colleagues on the day, making the double win an especially proud moment for the team.
The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of women across Queensland’s residential building industry and the important role they play in its continued growth and success.
The individual wins capped a strong showing for Ryse with the company itself also selected as a finalist in the Inclusion and Advancement of Women category.
KDL Property Group Managing Director Kent Leicester said the recognition was thoroughly deserved.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Kelly and April and what they contribute to Ryse every day,” Kent said.
“They both bring enormous commitment to their roles and are great examples of the talented women we are fortunate to have across KDL and Ryse.
“To have two individual winners as well as Ryse recognised as a finalist for the Inclusion and Advancement of Women is a fantastic result for the whole team.”
Kelly, a Site Manager at Ryse, has also been selected as a finalist in the upcoming 2026 Awesome Women in Construction Awards for Contribution to Construction.
Kelly said being named Tradeswoman of the Year was a very proud moment in her career.
“It’s a huge honour to receive this award, particularly alongside so many talented women working in Queensland’s building industry,” she said.
“I love what I do and I’m fortunate to work with a team that backs its people and gives me the opportunity to take on new challenges and keep developing.”
April, the Ryse Operations Manager, said winning the Administration Executive award was particularly special because it also reflected on the team she had helped to build.
“I’m incredibly proud to receive this award, but I’m also very conscious that everything we achieve at Ryse is a team effort,” she said.
“We’ve built a fantastic group of people who genuinely support each other, so having so many of the team there to celebrate with Kelly and me made the day even more special.”
Ryse Construction was established in 2022 as KDL’s construction arm and has continued to expand its team and project pipeline across South East Queensland.
