Tools, timber and tenacity: The path from carpentry to claims

For someone who grew up speaking Gaelic in a tiny village of 400 on the Isle of Lewis off Scotland’s west coast, building a new life on the other side of the world wasn’t part of the plan. But that’s exactly where Iona found herself, after a journey full of surprising turns.  

“I originally started out in social work,” she said. “I worked with children, adults and families with additional needs. But after a personal loss, I came to Australia to reset and that decision ultimately shaped everything that followed.”

A journey across continents and careers  

After some time down under, Iona returned to Scotland to care for her father and run the family estate - a hunting, fishing and farming property. She found herself drawn to construction work during a renovation of the 200-year-old 12-bedroom lodge.  

“It was a massive job. I watched YouTube videos, did a lot of it myself and brought in trades when I needed to. But I loved it. There’s something so satisfying about taking an old building and giving it new life.”  

When the estate was sold, she followed her instinct and headed back to Australia. 

She obtained her Certificate III in Carpentry over the next two years through a combination of TAFE training and on-site work. 

“I loved working with timber - there’s a creativity to it, an artfulness,” she said. 

Finding her feet…and her future 

She continued to hone her trade, working across a range of projects. She said being a woman in a traditionally male industry brought its share of challenges but was quick to highlight the importance of holding your own and not making assumptions.

Ultimately, a recurring shoulder injury made long days on the tools harder to sustain. Rather than walk away, she pivoted, taking on a supervisory role where she could use her technical skills while managing people and projects.  

That combination of practical and interpersonal experience made her a natural fit as an Event Assessor with Suncorp.  

“This role combines all the things I enjoy; helping people, managing the process and bringing my trade knowledge to complex situations that need solutions. It feels like the perfect marriage,” she said.  

Supporting flood recovery and changing perceptions 

When she joined Suncorp, Iona was tasked with helping close out claims from the 2022 Lismore floods, a sensitive and deeply challenging process for affected customers.  

"It was complex work, but incredibly meaningful. Engaging with the community and sensing their relief at moving back home after everything they’d been through. Those handovers are incredibly emotional. You feel the weight of it,” she said. 

There’s no single story that stands out as more rewarding than others. Iona said there have simply been too many.

But being a woman in her role can still influence how she’s perceived, particularly when she’s on-site.  

“When you’ve built your own house and worked on the tools, you’ve got the credibility, so that’s been really helpful,” she said. 

“But generally, when people find out I’m a licenced carpenter they mostly say, ‘good on you’. They’re actually really supportive.” 

Building something bigger 

Iona’s passionate about paving the way for others. “We’re seeing more women in trades these days, which is obviously a good thing for the industry,” she said. “It changes the culture.”

Iona credits Suncorp for supporting that mentality. “I’ve felt valued from day one. My trade background was regarded as an asset and everyone backed me right from the start, not just with words but with real support and appreciation,” she said. 

Now based in the Northern Rivers, she and her partner live in the house they built themselves. Looking back, she says it’s the mix of experiences, from social work to estate management, carpentry to claims, that gives her a unique perspective.  

“I’ve had to turn my hand to all sorts of things. Growing up on an island, you learn to be resourceful. I think that’s carried through everything I’ve done.” 

“I never would’ve imagined I’d end up here, but every step along the way has taught me something,” she said “If I can make a difference, especially for women coming into this space, then that’s something I’ll be proud of for a long time.” 

And for young women thinking about a trade, her advice is simple. 

“Go for it. Don’t overthink it.”

Whether it’s helping someone return to their home or encouraging other women to step on site for the first time, Iona is proud to be building something that lasts.