Australian Women's Pest Management Association

Stronger Together. Lifting Each Other Up. Reaching for the Stars.

ABOUT AWPMA

The Australian Women’s Pest Management Association is a national community supporting women across every part of the pest management industry.

AWPMA brings together technicians, business owners, administration teams, trainees, suppliers, educators, managers and industry leaders. Whether someone is new to pest management or has been here for decades, AWPMA exists to create connection, visibility and practical support.

Founded to increase the participation of women in pest management and strengthen support for those already working in the industry, AWPMA continues to champion a more inclusive, professional and forward-thinking sector.

Today, AWPMA operates as a division of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association, giving the group stronger national support while keeping its original purpose at heart: helping women in pest management feel seen, supported and able to succeed.

What We Do

AWPMA is focused on building a pest management industry where more women can enter, stay, grow and lead.

We do this by encouraging collaboration, supporting professional development, celebrating achievements and working alongside AEPMA and the wider industry to strengthen participation and representation.

Our work is not about separating women from the industry. It is about making sure women are included, recognised and supported within it.

Connection

We create opportunities for women in pest management to meet, share ideas, build relationships and support one another across roles, businesses and regions.

Recognition

Through initiatives such as the AWPMA Excellence Award, we celebrate women who are leading, mentoring, innovating and raising standards across the industry.

Professional Growth

We support learning, development and confidence-building through events, conversations, resources and opportunities that encourage people to keep growing.

Industry Visibility

We help raise the profile of women in pest management and show the broader community that this industry offers meaningful, skilled and rewarding career pathways.

AWPMA and AEPMA

In 2023, AWPMA formally merged with AEPMA, creating a stronger structure for the future while preserving the heart and purpose of AWPMA.

This partnership provides AWPMA with national industry support, administration, governance and visibility, while allowing the association to continue its focus on women in pest management.

Together, AEPMA and AWPMA are working to build a stronger, more inclusive and more connected pest management industry across Australia.

The AWPMA Team

AWPMA is led by people who are actively involved in the pest management industry and understand the real challenges, opportunities and day-to-day realities of the sector.

Our team works behind the scenes to coordinate events, awards, communications, professional development opportunities and industry initiatives that support women and strengthen the wider pest management community.

KUY RIDER

Kuy Rider is the General Manager of Allure Pest Solutions (formerly Conquer Termites Northside) and a licensed general and timber pest professional with over 15 years in the industry.

Since 2014, she has helped grow the business from a two-person operation into a thriving team of 20, focusing on staff development, strong culture, and sustainable business systems.

In recognition of her contributions, Kuy was awarded the AWPMA Excellence Award in 2021, honouring her leadership, professionalism, and dedication to lifting others. She now serves as Queensland Chair and a National Board Director of AEPMA, where she helps shape policy and support pest management professionals across the country.

At AWPMA, Kuy is known as the voice of the people – a natural connector and advocate who makes sure the needs and ideas of our community are heard at the highest levels. She’s a true leader (and expert cat herder), known for her warmth, inclusivity, and the ability to bring people together, no matter their background.

SARAH CUTTING

Sarah Cutting is the General Manager of Spiderman SE Eco Pest Management, a qualified pest technician, beekeeper, and systems nerd based in regional South Australia. She runs a multi-route business focused on environmentally responsible pest control and is known for pairing hands-on field knowledge with a strategic mindset.

Her background spans pest management, business growth, compliance, beekeeping, and community education. She’s a sharp operator who believes in clarity, high standards, and doing things the right way – even when it’s the hard way.

At AWPMA, Sarah is the one behind the scenes making the engine run. She coordinates the AWPMA Excellence Award, the Professional Development Fund, the website, and the forms and workflows that keep everything moving. She also authors and edits many of the AWPMA articles for the AEPMA magazine.

Sarah brings insight, integrity, and a zero-BS approach to everything she does. She’s committed to creating a space where more people feel seen, supported, and able to succeed – because that’s how the whole industry moves forward.

About AEPMA

The Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association is the peak industry body representing professional pest managers across Australia.

AEPMA supports the industry through advocacy, standards, training, technical guidance, events and member services. Through AWPMA, it also supports a dedicated focus on increasing participation, recognition and opportunity for women in pest management.

FIND OUT MORE

About AWPMA