Keeping cool in our relentless western summers is no easy breeze, but that and so much more is what young high achiever Molly Mayall has just accomplished, taking home a major national award last week.
Molly is a first-year apprentice with Chill-Rite Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in Dubbo, and was recently honoured as a “National Future Leader” at an industry get-together in Sydney.
The AIRAH (Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating) Awards are an annual event recognising excellence and achievement within Australia's HVAC&R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) industry.
Up against rising star finalists from across the country and representing NSW, Molly was awarded the AIRAH National Young Leader prize for 2025. After earlier taking the state title, Molly was announced as the national winner at a glittering ceremony held at the Pearl Ballroom of the Crown Casino in late November.
This young tradie couldn’t be happier or more humble about her stellar rise through the industry, she said after her recent triumph.
“When I won the Rising Star Award for NSW, I honestly couldn’t believe it, as there were so many great people nominated,” Amy recalled.
“When I won the National Future Leader Award, I was speechless, as I never thought in a million years, that a little girl from Dubbo could win such an amazing award,” she added.
She revealed that there was something a little unreal about hearing her name called as the national winner of the award.
“When they read out the award category at the event, they touched on where all the past winners are now, and it was really inspiring to see the opportunities within our industry.
“Winning this award now inspires me to believe more in myself, and that people see the hard work I have been putting in; the recognition and praise were more than I expected, and the encouragement and respect from my co-workers has grown so much,” Molly enthused.
Starting as an apprentice with Chill-Rite, she said that through her current training and development, she hopes to gain additional skills and progress in the industry.
“I am currently a first-year electrical apprentice… and on the commercial team, and have learnt so much, like building switchboards for our projects under the supervision of Jake (her supervisor).
“Chill-Rite also offers staff the opportunity to work in residential or service teams which helps you be such a well-rounded tradesperson.” she explained.
Quietly Topping her 2024 TVET Certificate II in Electrotechnology class, Molly has since applied that same discipline and attention to detail across complex commercial projects, Senior Lead Technician at Chill-Rite, Jake Stoneman said.
Her initiative and adaptability have quickly earned her the respect of her colleagues and supervisors alike, he added.
“Molly’s energy and initiative are second to none,” Jake said.
“She approaches every task — big or small, with professionalism and pride; she’s set a new benchmark for what a first-year apprentice can achieve,” he concluded.
