8 MARCH 2020 - TheWomen of Rail Projects Victoria
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An equal
world #EACH
is an FOREQUAL
enabled
world
TheWomen of
Rail Projects Victoria
8 #IWD2020
MARCH
2020
8
MARCH
2020
BEING A
MUM IS MY
BIGGEST LIFE
ACHIEVEMENT MEGAN
CUSACK
Parenting is the scariest job, says Megan Cusack,
because you have the responsibility of shaping
the lives of individuals.
“I have three boys, an 11-year- “Another secret passion Deputy Director, Communications
old and two nine-year-olds is Real Housewives —
and becoming a mother has I’m addicted to every country and Stakeholder Engagement
been my most rewarding role,” and state represented, with MELBOURNE AIRPORT RAIL
Megan says. my favourite being the Real
One of the challenges is being Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
careful not to inflict too many When it comes to personal
biases. “I think I’ve done alright heroes, Megan sets the bar
so far,” Megan says. “My high with Michelle Obama.
children have views on politics “As First Lady, her every move
and climate change — not was under scrutiny,” she says.
things I was debating at the age “She always stayed true to her
of nine!” values and beliefs and did it In a nutshell
In the workplace, she says: with much grace and dignity —
“Women bring an element of I aspire to be more like her.”
Megan’s entry into construction infrastructure. “I enjoy having Megan feels a work/life balance
empathy — an ability to see A resident of inner Melbourne, was an accident. “I found a conversations with stakeholders is essential for both men and
issues from all aspects, not just Megan still misses the signature job doing FIFO from Roxby and gaining insights into what women. “Having children, and
black and white.” snacks of her home town, Downs,” she says. “I managed matters most to them,” Megan losing a parent — that’s helped
Outside work, an active family Adelaide. “You have to love
Fruchocs and fritz, things you
Women bring internal communications for says. Her career highlight so far me realise the importance of
a 3,000-strong workforce of is being involved in EastLink. balance,” she says. “I used
keeps her busy. “I enjoy paddle-
boarding, cycling, running, gym can only ever get in Adelaide,” an element of contractors for the then Western “My children travel through to work day and night and
she says. While I couldn’t Mining Corporation.” expected my team to do
training and managing my son’s
football team,” she says. imagine living anywhere empathy — an ability From there it was jobs at
the EastLink Tunnel referring to
it as ‘mummy’s project’ — all of the same.
else, I still refer to Adelaide
as home.”
to see issues from all Thiess, Melbourne Water and us on the project are proud of “I now see the importance
a consultancy, before joining the legacy we’ve left.” of equilibrium for myself and
aspects, not just RPV to help deliver city shaping my team.”
black and white.
1 2
8
MARCH
2020
KYLA
SEEK POSITIVE
Assurance Manager
Regional Rail Revival
INFLUENCES,
REGARDLESS
OF GENDER
Her mum is her role model now, but as a child,
BROWN
Kyla Brown’s influences were predominantly men.
“My childhood heroes were Kyla was an avid cricketer
cricketers, David Attenborough, as a child. “I played in my local
Douglas Adams and Indiana women’s cricket team when
Jones,” Kyla says. I was 15,” she says.
“As a teenager, I realised I was “There were no girls’ teams
modelling myself on men, which back then and very few women’s
is okay, but I realised women teams, so it’s great this is
weren’t well represented across now changing.”
society, apart from ads for Born in Wangaratta and
washing detergent!” spending plenty of time there
Raised by a working mum and with her grandparents as a
In a nutshell a dad who ran the household,
Kyla has lived the concept of
child, Kyla is a lover of nature.
“I love camping with my
gender equality. partner, Greg and my two boys,
Starting in software That’s the project she’s most “I also work with incredible Rhys and Heath.” she says.
engineering, Kyla spent the proud of. people with many experiences “Mum and dad ran a business
first 10 years of her career in to learn from.” together from the time I was “I also love my garden, my
“Living near the rail line, I can three,” she says. “Mum did the chickens, my bees, my fish and
telecommunications, health, see first-hand how much it’s While there are more men than
logistics and rail. “I started as ordering and selling. Dad was my cat — they enrich my soul.”
benefited the community and women in engineering, Kyla feels support with the paperwork
a junior programmer and ended I often use the shared paths.” both bring equivalent expertise These days Kyla’s parents are
up Team Leader before starting and running the household. back in the state’s northeast,
Kyla finds stakeholder and experience to the table.
a family,” she says.
“I was at Westinghouse Rail
engagement the most challenging “If you have an engineering If you have “He made our lunches every
day, washed our clothes, made
at Violet Town. “It’s about two
hours northeast, off the Hume,”
and rewarding part of her brain, whatever the gender,
Signals Australia, then Siemens current job. “I communicate, you bring an engineering an engineering dinner and was the one I’d talk
to about my day.
Kyla says.
Rail and eventually MTM, “They’re close to Violet Town
where I worked on the Caulfield
share information and make
decisions with numerous
competency,” she says.
“Where women make the
brain, whatever the “I had equal parenting through Railway Station and I’ve taken
to Dandenong Level Crossing
Removal Project,” she says.
stakeholders,” she says. difference is in team dynamics.” gender, you bring an my life, which has been a
positive influence.”
the train to visit them, which
is a very pleasant journey!”
engineering competency.
3 4
8
MARCH
2020
WOMEN
SUPPORTING
WOMEN IS VITAL
Amanda Correy aspires to be a well
respected senior woman in her field and place
communications and engagement front and
AMANDA Acting Director,
Strategic Communications
CORREY
centre in the decision-making process.
She may be from Perth, but Amanda says that community
Amanda Correy has well and goodwill is essential for major
truly cemented herself as a infrastructure projects. Comms
Melburnian with a well-known and engagement has played an
love of infrastructure and the important role on the Metro
Richmond Football Club. Tunnel Project in correcting
“I’m a passionate Tigers fan,” misconceptions and addressing
Amanda says. “Going to the highly sensitive issues such
Grand Final last year was a as tree removal from the
massive highlight.” St Kilda Road boulevard.
Amanda joined the then “Now we can take our learnings
Melbourne Metro Rail from the $11 billion Metro
Authority in its earliest days Tunnel Project and roll these out
back in 2015 and has seen to our other projects, creating In a nutshell
the organisation evolve into better community outcomes.”
multi-project organisation also A strong work ethic has seen Amanda started her now Acting Director Strategic “I’ve worked with amazing
delivering Melbourne Airport Amanda complete a Bachelor communications career Communications across senior women who’ve supported
Rail, Regional Rail Revival of Communications and a in London at a social around $25 billion of rail me, and that’s something I’ve
and the Western Rail Plan. Diploma in Japanese, and more housing organisation. infrastructure projects. tried to emulate during my
“Our priority as a comms recently an Executive Masters “I took a leap into the unknown She’s found communications own career.”
team has always been to in Public Administration. straight after uni, living overseas has historically attracted more Amanda also sees a work-life
promote a no surprises
and proactive approach to
“My Masters has given me
a much greater appreciation
I’ve worked with for two years, which taught me
a lot about myself and is also
women, while men gravitate to
finance and engineering, but says
balance as vital for both men
and women. “Balancing careers
strategic communications.
We’re encouraged to raise issues
of what it takes to be a savvy
public servant — balancing
amazing senior where I met my now husband.” the mix is changing. “The more and parenting will hopefully
women in engineering and lead to more women with
with the executive team to give financial, regulatory, political women who’ve supported Since moving to Melbourne
she has worked with the infrastructure the better, as children in senior roles,” she
our team the best opportunity and environmental factors and
to address stakeholder issues on delivering the best outcomes me, and that’s something Victorian Taxi Directorate,
Regional Rail Link and Rail
projects will always benefit
from a diversity of ideas and
says. “That’s why I actively
promote and support within
the front foot.” with the resources available,”
she says.
I’ve tried to emulate Projects Victoria, where she is approaches,” she says. my team the flexible working
arrangements available at RPV.”
during my own career.
5 6
8
MARCH
2020
Choose kind — you can’t go wrong.
Even delivering a tough message,
you can be kind about the way you do it.
EDUCATING AND
NURTURING THE
CATHY Advisor, Learning and
Organisational Capacity
WORKFORCE
Working to provide education for her co-workers
while focusing on family, Cathy Capogreco knows
that learning doesn’t stop when you leave school.
Kindness is key for Cathy
Capogreco. It’s the approach
she takes to work and life, and
tough message, you can be kind
about the way you do it.”
Outside family and work,
CAPOGRECO
the quality she’s most proud of interior design and home
in her two daughters, 18-year- renovation are Cathy’s
old Charlie and 21-year-old great loves.
Alannah.
“We recently extended our
“Raising them — with my outdoor deck area and built
husband Roger — to be an outdoor bar and cooking
responsible, kind and intelligent pavilion which will eventually
adults is probably my biggest house a pizza oven,” she says.
achievement in life,” she says. “We love to entertain and
“It’s like you let out this big fortunately for me Roger, being
metaphorical breath when your of Italian background, loves to
youngest child finally turns cook. He also made his own
18, finishes high school and wine this year.”
has some sort of plan for their
In a nutshell future. We made it! Of course,
Home renovation shows are
essential viewing providing
parenting doesn’t end there — plenty of inspiration, so it’s safe
From roads to rail, via local In mid-2019, a position as a been a real shift in someone’s but it is certainly a milestone to bet the Capogreco family
government, Cathy Capogreco Learning Advisor lured Cathy mindset or behaviour as a result to celebrate. will be celebrating milestones
has come a long way since her to Rail Projects Victoria. of them having attended one of “When it comes to family, in style with home-made pizza
first job at the RACV’s office in “My job is to ensure that the our training sessions. I’m fortunate to have my and wine for many years
Noble Park. people I work with have the “Although gender is really 80-old-mum and 98-year-old to come.
From there Cathy moved to knowledge and skills to do their irrelevant, it’s probably not a nan still around and both
Nillumbik Shire Council, where jobs properly. It’s important to coincidence that more females relatively well.”
she worked for 12 years. Her remember that learning doesn’t are drawn to working in the
stop when you leave school!” Cathy is driven by a golden
time at the council included the learning and development field,” rule: “Choose kind — you can’t
devastating Black Saturday fires, Cathy says. Cathy says. “It calls for people go wrong. Even delivering a
in which about a quarter of the “I love hearing about those with a nurturing nature.”
shire was destroyed. learning moments when there’s
7 8
8
MARCH
2020
I’ve always been interested in
FROM FREQUENT how we plan cities and the impact
on health outcomes.
REGIONAL RAIL
GRACE
TRAVELLER TO
CITY PLANNER
Having spent plenty of time on the Melbourne to
Senior Transport
Planner
Warrnambool line, Grace Macpherson is excited
to be part of city-shaping rail infrastructure.
Grace is a person of action — Hiking is a one of her preferred
MACPHERSON
from riding to work, playing holiday activities — and
Aussie rules and coaching something that has taken her
tennis, she’s not one to stay still to amazing places.
for long. “I’ve climbed Mount Fuji
“During uni I worked as a tennis in Japan and Annapurna in
coach,” Grace says. “In terms Nepal,” Grace says. “I’m
of football, I’ve played for West doing Cradle Mountain in
Brunswick for the last three Tasmania next.”
years. Three grand finals, three Grace’s role model is one who’s
runners-up, one dislocated knee at the top of her game right now.
and one dislocated finger!”
“I do love Ash Barty,” she says.
It’s sport that has given her one “Yes, she’s the number one in
of her proudest achievements. the world, but her continuous
In a nutshell
“I was fortunate enough to message of ‘just be yourself’
be selected for the VAFA Big hopefully resonates with men Grace’s career started close RPV in 2018. She works on the “With our Metro Tunnel
V football representative team and women of all ages.” to home, a long way from the client-side management of traffic Project, yes, we’re building a
last year where we played a world of rail. and surface transport. tunnel but I’m more interested
Grace feels gender equality in things above ground. Our
representative game against is something everyone should “During uni holidays I tested “I’ve always been interested
the AFL Goldfields League,” the pH levels of cheese at the in how we plan cities and the team looks at the construction
be aware of. impacts and the legacy outcomes
Grace says. “The team was Warrnambool Cheese and impact on health outcomes,”
selected from players all across “Something very simple to Butter Factory,” she says. she says. for all above-ground transport
the VAFA league.” consider is the use of ‘they’ “I’ve since worked around — pedestrians, cyclists, and
instead of ‘he’ or ‘she’ when “Moving to Melbourne for uni, tram, bus and vehicle users,”
But Grace’s adventures extend transport, in both not-for-profit I’ve spent plenty of hours on the
talking about people you and government.” she says.
far beyond footy ovals, taking don’t know,” she says. “Not train to Warrnambool, so I’m
her to some of the world’s Being a Transport Planner is a excited about the investment in “Time flies at work — a sign
generalising on if they are male I enjoy what I do.”
nature and activity hotspots. or female.” perfect fit for Grace, who joined regional rail.
9 10
8
MARCH
2020
BALANCE
EVIE THE KEY FOR
Engineering Standards Manager
Engineering Assurance
SUCCESS IN
YOUR CAREER
Inspired by her own mother, Evie Bohan juggles
an engineering career with family life — and a
love of reality TV!
BOHAN
Fellow working mums are to me — I never appreciated
an inspiration for RPV’s how she managed to work full
Engineering Standards Manager, time and look after us all until
Evie Bohan, who describes I became a mum myself.”
her own family as her priority Evie is back in her home town
outside work. after spending time living in
“I love to spend time with my both Brisbane and Darwin,
little family when I’m away and says Melbourne is where
from the office,” she says. her heart is.
“I’m at work five days a week The first engineer in her family,
so I try to make sure I’m present she says she often finds women
with them when I’m at home. have come into engineering
“I’ve been lucky enough to because of a family member
In a nutshell have some amazing working who’s been in and around
mums come before me through the industry.
Evie is a veteran of rail, spending Evie especially loves that her that represents and caters for my working life and it’s been “I seemed to stumble into an
the past eight years working two-year-old son shares her both genders. invaluable watching how engineering degree,” Evie says,
on projects across Victoria, enthusiasm for her work. The work/home balance is
My two-year- they’ve navigated this. “However I’ve loved it since
including level crossings. “It is “He looks at me in wonder
exciting to contribute to the when I tell him I go to work and
something she sees as vital,
especially since starting families
old looks at “I’ve been able to not only take
tips and tricks but pick up on
I started and couldn’t imagine
doing anything else.”
biggest infrastructure projects
being undertaken in Victoria —
build train tracks and stations,”
she says.
often coincides with a sense of me in wonder when how they conduct themselves
within the workplace while
It’s not all work and raising a
pressure to climb the ladder at family for Evie though — she
both in Melbourne and
regionally,” she says.
With a balance of men and work. “It’s important to make I tell him I go to juggling everything else. I’ve has a secret guilty pleasure.
modelled myself on this too.
“My role is across all of RPV,
women across engineering at
RPV, Evie feels the organisation
it ‘normal’ for both men and
women to take parental leave
work and build “My own mum, who worked
“I’m pretty much an expert on
every Real Housewives season,”
so I get to be involved in issues
across most of the projects.”
is well equipped to build a world and have flexible working
hours,” Evie says.
train tracks while my sisters and I were
growing up is an inspiration
she says, “not even sorry!”
and stations.
11 12
8
MARCH
2020
COMMITTING
TO ENGAGE
WITH REGIONAL
COMMUNITIES KAITLIN
ALLEN
A strong sense of community serves Kaitlin Allen Communications and
well in her professional and personal life. Stakeholder Relations Advisor
REGIONAL RAIL REVIVAL
Kaitlin appreciates that “She’s a phenomenal political
achieving a gender equal world scientist, who was instrumental
requires proactive solutions. in my decision to study and
“Embracing diversity is key to work in the stakeholder
sustainably achieving a gender engagement and community
equal world. A workplace that development sector.”
embraces diversity is an inclusive Kaitlin has been inspired by
and empowered workplace.” women leaders throughout her
Originally from Torquay, professional career. “In all my
Kaitlin is more than a mere roles, I have been fortunate
big city transplant: she’s a enough to be guided by some
certified expert. “I’m actually formidable female leaders.
a qualified historical tour guide
for Melbourne.”
Having more women in the
leadership space allows young
In a nutshell
Now working with the Geelong women to see positive reflections
of themselves, fostering a sense Kaitlin’s professional “In my role with the ASRC, Kaitlin’s ability to build
and Warrnambool Line Upgrade background is in community I worked within the fledgling relationships is used to good
team, Kaitlin uses her approach of ambition and empowerment.
development and stakeholder Social Enterprise Program, that effect on the Warrnambool and
to work and life to help build “Having more women in the engagement. Some of Kaitlin’s was borne of a need to create Geelong line upgrades. “As an
relations with local communities. leadership space allows young previous employers include sustainable jobs for people ardent advocate of community
“‘Think globally, act locally’ women to see positive reflections
— empowering your own of themselves in society.” Having more the Asylum Seeker Resource
Centre (ASRC) in Footscray,
seeking asylum. The program
employed asylum seekers and
development principles, I find it
hugely rewarding to use my skill
community, while thinking of
the bigger picture, is something
Being exposed to the voices of
women with different cultural
women in the a social entrepreneur program helped them on their path to set and experiences to better
for refugees in Durban self-sufficiency. It really exposed understand and engage with
that has always resonated with backgrounds, experiences and leadership space allows (South Africa) and an me to the sustainable and our regional communities. I also
me — both in my personal perspectives helps broaden our
and professional life.” understanding of the world and young women to see educational capacity building
program for school children.
positive impacts social enterprise
initiatives can make.”
thoroughly enjoy seeing how
major rail infrastructure projects
creates a more gender equal
Writer and activist Naomi
Klein is a strong influence. and inclusive environment.” positive reflections of can help build the capacity of
rural communities.”
themselves in society.
13 14
8
MARCH
2020
MAJA
WOMEN CAN
Manager,
Solutions Architect
BRING A FRESH
APPROACH
Fifteen years in the IT industry have helped
convince Maja Bator that extensive planning,
effective communication, skill and teamwork
deliver the best outcomes.
BATOR
Every day, Maja is motivated Maja’s name comes from
by the perception that she an unlikely source: she was
needs to work that bit harder named after a German cartoon
in a male-dominated sector. character, Die Biene Maja
“The tech world is still a (Maja the Bee). “I often think
‘boys’ club’. Enterprise and how Maja’s desire to explore
solutions architecture are the wide world is similar to my
male-dominated fields and choices in life. I like to think
I am often the only woman that there are many similarities
in the room, so I need to invest between us — she loves
more energy to make a point,” freedom, is fearless, fair, happy
she says. and willing to help everybody.”
“Women can bring fresh Away from the office, Maja
approaches to the table can rarely be found sitting still.
which, combined with “I use every opportunity to
In a nutshell male strengths, can lead to be physically active. I ride my
innovation and, ultimately, bike to work, go to F45 and
Maja’s professional life began She moved to Australia in does will improve the quality better use of technology.” yoga on weekdays and run and
in Croatia, while she was 2014, working as a consultant of life for Melburnians as well as Maja’s daily mindset is to explore bike trails on weekends.
still studying. “While I was in Queensland, before moving the wider Victorian community. embrace challenges. “I don’t My husband and I love
working on my master’s degree to Melbourne to join Rail “My current role contributes pay too much attention spending time in nature, so
in mathematics and computer Projects Victoria. to better communication, to singular achievements. hiking is one of my passions
science at Zagreb Uni, I worked
as high school teacher for a
Maja’s job satisfaction stems
from the people that she
collaboration, information
sharing and productivity,
I have the Rather, I strive to continuously
work to the best of my
too. We also enjoy visiting
the great vineyards of South
couple of years which I enjoyed
very much.”
works with and being part which helps empower people opportunity ability and to have a
meaningful existence.”
Australia and Victoria and
always bring home a few
of an organisation that will and enhance their work-life
During 15 years in the IT help deliver huge change for balance. I have the opportunity to improve and amazing bottles to enjoy and
be reminded of our trips.”
industry, Maja’s career has
taken in a range of roles.
Victorians. “It’s very rewarding
to know that the work RPV
to improve and modernise how
people work.”
modernise how
people work.
15 16
8
MARCH
2020
BUILDING
INFRASTRUCTURE
IN A NEW
COUNTRY
Paula Botero swapped one coffee culture for another PAULA project Manager
Avon River Bridge
BOTERO
when she moved from Colombia to Melbourne —
and 10 years on, she’s hung onto her accent.
“I’d been a project and bid know how much you can
engineer in infrastructure for discover by reading other
five years in Colombia when people’s writing.”
I decided to learn English,” If she had her time over, Paula
Paula says. would make a career out of her
“So, I packed my bags and love of animals.
came to Australia to learn the “I’d be a vet,” she says.
lingo while at university.” “I’d live on a farm and look
Paula’s education has provided after animals that have suffered
her proudest moment, while human cruelty.
working and studying for her “One of my passions outside
master’s degree. work is helping homeless
“My employer found out I had animals, trying to get them In a nutshell
the best marks in the course,” a forever home or a temporary
she says. “They offered me place to stay.
Paula’s first professional roles “Moving back from delivery “Despite the toughness
a scholarship and the whole “I also like cooking and in Australia were big ones, to development when I arrived required to survive in this male-
course was paid off by them. swimming. They clear my working as a project engineer, at RPV was challenging dominated sector, we need to
“I was pleased to know my mind and recharge me with building RMIT’s building on but rewarding. recognise that as human beings,
efforts were recognised and positive energy.” Swanston Street and then the emotions form an integral part
“I used to liaise with engineers,
I didn’t have to ask for it.” For a role model, Paula looks NAB building in Docklands. of any job we do,” she says.
work crews and supervisors.
Paula’s love of study extends back to her days growing After three years in the At RPV, I liaise with stakeholders “Unfortunately, only we
well beyond engineering and up in Colombia, close to her commercial sector she moved from different backgrounds, women are commonly associated
includes psychology. extended family. to the rail industry. “I worked disciplines and interests. with feelings. It’s okay to talk
“I also learnt how to read other “My grandmother Conchita
It’s okay to at MTM, with projects such as “It was overwhelming at first, about them. Emotions don’t
people’s handwriting through a
technique called graphology,”
is my role model,” she says.
“She’s my definition of courage,
talk about FMBH, North West Program
Alliance and Caulfield to
then fascinating.” make us weak or incompetent.
They make us human.”
she says. “It’s surprising to independence and love.” feelings. Emotions Dandenong Level Crossing
Removal,” Paula says.
Paula feels women bring
empathy to engineering.
make us human.
17 188
MARCH
2020
JO
RELISHING
Senior
Property Advisor
TUNNEL
JOURNEY FROM
It’s great to see
THE START
Jo Bull enjoys doing rewarding work
we are shifting alongside people she admires.
BULL
away from the assumption
that certain skills are While the passion that Jo is simple: “The same things
has for her work is quickly that men bring. Different roles
associated with a apparent, it is a nice bonus to will always require different
particular gender. work alongside someone whom
she admires. “My manager,
strengths, and it’s great to see
we are shifting away from
Greg, and I have worked the assumption that certain
together since I started on skills are associated with a
Regional Rail Link,” she particular gender.”
says. “I admire his depth of Jo grew up on the Mornington
knowledge, lateral thinking and Peninsula, a region to which
the way he tackles issues with she still feels a great attachment.
calmness and reason.” “I still live bayside,” she says.
Jo balances her job with being “I find it hard to imagine ever
In a nutshell a mother to a young daughter
by pursuing opportunities
living away from the water —
and Melbourne coffee!”
for flexible work. “I really Jo takes every opportunity
Starting her career in rail “I joined RPV (then MMRA) the Metro Tunnel and knowing do think embracing flexibility
while at university in 2011, in mid-2015.” I was part of the massive team to experience the great
is key,” she says. “Technology outdoors: “Our family try
Jo can now be considered a As part of the team delivering that made it happen,” she says. enables us all to deliver on our
seasoned campaigner in the “Taking a walk up Swanston to get away camping as
the Metro Tunnel since the early responsibilities, even if it doesn’t often as we can,” she says.
industry. “I have worked in stages of the Project, Jo doesn’t Street and seeing all the progress fit the 9-to-5 mould — and I
rail for the vast majority of is very exciting. “Our daughter’s first trip
have to travel far to see the genuinely believe that flexible was at five months old, and
my professional career, after results she has helped deliver. “The most enjoyable and arrangements can be a ‘win-
gaining the opportunity to hopefully she continues to enjoy
“I am very proud of the rewarding part of my role win’ for both the employee and it for many years. Our next one
work on Regional Rail Link in is how we collaborate to the organisation.”
2011 whilst studying spatial projects we are delivering, is in March, with four other
and I often smile when I think solve complex challenges When asked to consider families with toddlers. Bedtime
engineering,” she says. with integrity, respect and
about one day travelling what women bring to the will be very interesting.”
through infrastructure like innovative thinking.” industry, Jo believes the answer
19 208
MARCH
2020
EMBRACING People and Engagement Director
DIVERSITY IN Rail Infrastructure Alliance
LIFE AND WORK
For Briana Dowling, the idea of supporting
diversity isn’t limited to the office.
Briana believes looking
for ways to challenge gender
stereotypes in all aspects of
life is critical.
“I feel most proud when
I know I’ve contributed to
a team that genuinely cares
about its people. If you get the
BRIANA
DOWLING
“I truly believe we need to team culture right, it can be
create more space for men to such a rewarding experience,”
lean into their home lives to she says.
enable more equal division of “We’re driving some awesome
domestic and parenting duties. change in our diversity and
If we can get this right, then social inclusion work at RIA.
women can play a greater And I’m super proud to be a
and more equal role in the mum! I have great teamwork
workplace and we all benefit,” with my husband so we can
she says. manage our parenting and
“Increasing the participation of work commitments. We make
women along with other under- an extra effort to support
represented groups is critical to each other.”
achieving progressive industry Along with spending time
change and it is encouraging to with her family, friends and In a nutshell
see steps being taken to address dog away from the office
the diversity challenges in the (“The Village is critical!”), Briana’s career started in local to work with great people on “The best thing about this
industry,” she says. Briana is enjoying the government (“back when we interesting things.” industry is we never stop
challenge of studying a
“We have a way to go, but
it is heartening to see the Masters of Construction Be yourself, used to fax press releases to
the local papers!”), before a
Following the birth of her son
in 2012, Briana spent time as a
learning — every day something
new or different surprises
industry make an effort to
better reflect and represent
Management.
She has one last piece of advice
everyone else shift to the private sector and
then government roles with
consultant on major transport me! I am proud to help shape
some of the decisions in how
projects, then returned to
our communities.” for RPV staff: “Be yourself, is taken! VicRoads, the Department of project delivery after her we deliver this infrastructure
Briana takes pride in not everyone else is taken!” Transport and PTV. daughter arrived in 2015. so that legacy opportunities
only delivering great work “I loved being exposed to all Her current role is People are maximised, and the
outcomes, but also helping to stages of the project lifecycle and Engagement Director community’s experience during
create supportive environments and I had so many opportunities for the Metro Tunnel’s Rail construction is as positive
both at home and work. Infrastructure Alliance. as possible.”
21 228
MARCH
2020
IN AUSTRALIA
EMMA Safety
coordinator
– SAFETY – FOR
THE LONG-TERM
Despite growing up, studying and starting
her professional career in Ireland, Emma Casey
has strong family ties to Australia.
“I was never your stereotypical “With hardly any field
CASEY
‘Irish backpacker’; I am an experience, talking to people
Australian citizen by descent,” who had been working in
Emma says. “Immigrating from the field for 30 years was
Ireland was not an easy decision tough,” she says. “The key
to make. Having the citizenship was listening, never pretending
gave me workers’ rights and that I knew all the answers.”
prosperity opportunities — While the sector has made
I knew this wouldn’t be a great strides to embrace gender
temporary move.” diversity in recent years,
Now established in Australia, Emma says continued support
Emma remains proud of is vital: “It is important that
her Irish heritage: “We are women who work in safety
an unrivalled breed with an build networks and we need
evolving culture that translates to commit to secondary and
internationally wherever in the tertiary programs, encouraging
world you may find one of us. the next generation to
We’re not bad at rugby either!” embark on a career in health
In a nutshell and safety.”
Armed with an honours degree
in fine art and a postgraduate Away from the office,
Twelve years’ experience in still one very familiar face at “I am privileged to be part
diploma in fashion buying and Emma’s great passion is
retail back in Ireland saw Emma RPV to greet Emma. “My dear of a diverse multicultural team
management, it was after her music. “While other people
progress through the ranks to friend Maria, whom I’ve with an incredible amount
move to Melbourne that Emma enjoy a good book, there is
a senior position for a popular known since primary school, of talent and experience,”
high street retailer. was working in the Regional she says. “As we deliver I am privileged decided to complete further
studies and follow in her sister’s
nothing I like more than finding
a good album or new artist,”
Rail Revival communications these revolutionary major
Following an economic
downturn, Emma moved to team. I think it shows not just infrastructure projects, I am to be part of a footsteps by pursuing a career
in safety.
she says. “I have an eclectic
taste in music, it’s my form
Australia in 2012 and made what a small world it is, but
the opportunities that exist on
excited to have the opportunity
to look at ways in setting new
diverse multi-cultural Starting in construction, of release.”
the career change to safety in
2016. Half a world away from major projects in Victoria for
talented people with all sorts
safety standards and practices
for our people.”
team with an incredible Emma had to earn the respect
of experienced workers.
home and relatively new to the
construction industry, there was of different skill sets. amount of talent
and experience.
23 248
MARCH
2020
KEEPING A
FINGER ON THE
DIGITAL PULSE
While you may not recognise
Margot Willumsen by her given name,
it’s a source of pride for her.
Margot explains: “Margot
is not my real name. My full
name is Margrethe. My family
“Construction/ infrastructure
can be perceived as disruptive,
dry and traditionally male-
MARGOTOnline Communications
Manager
WILLUMSEN
was living in Japan and I dominated, so proactively
was born on the Emperor’s working to increase female
birthday. My dad is Danish, representation is critical for
so he decided to name me after the longevity of the industry.
the Danish Queen. I don’t like “Being aware of the biases
to use the name in conversation in the workplace is important,
because most non-Danes don’t particularly understanding that
say it correctly and I find it too some biases towards women
formal. But I am proud of it, are entrenched — for example,
and I always think about living how and why the pay gap
up to such a strong name.” exists. From an individual
Margot was born in Adelaide perspective, I always remind
but has lived in Melbourne for myself how important it is
most of her life and, she says: to support my fellow women In a nutshell
“I have even started to lose the to succeed.”
Adelaide accent.” Besides a fondness for Margot’s professional experience Moonee Valley City Council’s such as the station naming
With a range of infrastructure gardening and the outdoors, comprises communications infrastructure program.” competition and the Arden
projects around Melbourne on one of Margot’s great passions roles in local and state The opportunity to work on Station tours a success.
her CV, Margot feels embracing is digital technology, which government. She says: “I have the Metro Tunnel has provided “Social media is renowned as
a diverse workforce can serves her well in her role with always worked in community
pay dividends. Rail Projects Victoria. I always relations in some form or
Margot with significant
challenges, but also several
a fast-paced feedback loop and
being in the mix of that every
“I am an advocate for
diversity in all areas of
“I love digital technology
and its impact on our society,”
remind myself another, and I have been most
proud of times I achieved great
highlights. “I am proud of
advocating and using digital
day is both demanding and
exciting. I also love working
life, to make decisions she says. “So almost everything how important community outcomes. I have
a passion for infrastructure
to benefit the project; from in city-shaping initiatives,
that are well-rounded and I listen to or read is based building more than 80,000 so I count myself lucky to
sympathetic to the community on that.” it is to support and have previously worked followers across our channels, work for a project that I am
on VicRoads projects and
around them,” she says.
my fellow women to breaking engagement records
in order to make initiatives
proud of.”
to succeed.
25 268
MARCH
2020
MY MOTTO IS
‘NEVER, EVER
CASSANDRA GIVE UP’
Thailand seems a world away from the Metro
Tunnel, but it’s the base of RSA Signalling
GASH
Project Engineer, Cassandra Gash.
When it comes to career “I am really pleased the
highlights, Cassandra is Government is investing in
living hers, more than women in rail. Rail has been
Senior Project 7000 kilometres from home. a wonderful industry for me.
Manager, Signalling “Relocating to Thailand to I hope more women see rail as
be embedded with the RSA an attractive path and allow
signalling provider has been one their careers to bloom in this
of my proudest achievements,” challenging and rewarding
she says. industry,” she says.
“It’s a unique and challenging When she’s not busy with all
opportunity for me things signalling in the office,
professionally and personally. Cassandra is experiencing the
This is my first time working best her current home base has
to offer.
In a nutshell abroad and living on my own.”
During her time in Thailand, “I go trail running and do
Cassandra has learnt to yoga,” she says. “I also love
Cassandra has always worked the delivery of conventional workplace by understanding and
embrace cultural differences. photography and going
in rail. and CBTC signalling hardware challenging their own personal
on weekend adventures in
“I’ve been involved in all phases and software packages. biases when making judgements “Gaining an appreciation of rural Thailand.”
of project delivery, from scope “In Thailand, I’m privileged about people. how people think, work, and
are motivated has been essential Cassandra is about to set off
and requirement development, to work amongst numerous “This is crucial when recruiting,
in integrating diverse teams on on an adventure of a different
contract procurement, design, women in engineering leadership undertaking performance
the project and producing the kind, with her first child on
testing and commissioning to positions,” she says. “It’s a reviews, mentoring, coaching
best results from individuals,” the way.
completion and handover.” gender-balanced environment.” and promotion selection,”
Before joining RPV in 2016, “In my experience, women in she says.
In my experience, she says.
Before her relocation,
“Along with numerous other
RPV mothers and fathers,
she was the Signalling Design rail regularly push themselves “Teams should comprise a
Manager for the Regional Rail outside their comfort zone diversity of thought and voice. women in rail Cassandra was proud to serve I’ll soon be endeavouring to
strike the balance of working
Link Rail Systems Alliance. and are authentic leaders.” It’s proven the latter promotes as a mentor in the Women in
Cassandra is now an RSA Cassandra believes everyone innovation, which is the key regularly push themselves Transport Mentoring Program. in a fulfilling career and
lovingly raising a child,”
Signalling Project Engineer,
based in Bangkok, overseeing
can contribute to a fairer to the successful delivery of
complex rail projects.”
outside their comfort zone she says.
and are authentic leaders.
27 288
MARCH
2020
LIVING BY
THE MOTTO
‘YES I CAN’
Not many people uproot their career and move
across the world, but that’s exactly what Gina
Sotelo did before joining Rail Projects Victoria.
GINA senior Environmental
Management Systems Advisor
SOTELO
Originally from Colombia, raised three girls without
Gina made the big move to having the opportunity to go
Australia five years ago. to university,” she says.
“I come from Bogota, a city “They’re always looking for
located 2600 metres closer to ways to improve themselves by
the stars, as we say over there,” learning from experience and
she says. motivating others to achieve
“I worked hard through uni, their dreams.”
selling empanadas, a traditional Gina’s dreams have led her to
Colombian dish, to make sectors including mining, oil,
the money for field trips gas and construction, mostly
each semester.” as a project co-ordinator and
When life called for a change environmental engineer.
of environment, Melbourne She was one of the organisers
was top of the list. of an RPV fundraiser for In a nutshell
“We don’t have seasons in wildlife injured in the recent
Bogota, as we depend on the bushfires — something that Gina’s proudest achievement “RPV’s Environmental and regulations and understand
altitude,” Gina says. reflects her love of animals to date is starting from scratch Management System is an the reasons behind them.”
and the environment. in a new country and succeeding example for other projects
“The average temperature
is 13 degrees, which made “Outside work I love spending Doing our in her job. across the Major Transport
Gina believes women are
a strength in infrastructure,
Melbourne the perfect match for time with my family and being
surrounded by nature and
best job is the “People were saying it would Infrastructure Authority. This
has been the most rewarding
for their ability to contextualise
me when I decided to come to be difficult and my chances while maintaining a focus on
Australia. Having all seasons in animals,” Gina says. best way to reaffirm were low. Now I’m not only aspect of my role so far,”
she says.
the small details.
one day isn’t strange for me!”
Her parents had expectations,
“It doesn’t matter if it’s hiking,
having a picnic, a good coffee
that a job done well an Australian citizen, I’m proud
to be working at RPV,” she says. “The most challenging aspect
“But individually, doing
our best job is the best way
which inspired Gina to adopt or just sitting in a nice place
to enjoy the landscape.
doesn’t depend on Gina interacts with different is creating environmental
awareness within RPV, delivery
to reaffirm that a job done well
the motto ‘Yes I can’. areas of RPV, meeting other doesn’t depend on gender, but
“They worked hard to “I also enjoy reading books gender, but on people with an interest in the partners and contractors, on knowledge, effort, drive and
to comply with standards
accomplish their dreams and and it’s even better when I can
combine reading and nature.”
knowledge, effort, environment and supporting
various initiatives.
commitment,” she says.
drive and commitment.
29 308
MARCH
2020
RELISHING
Manager, Communications
and Stakeholder Engagement
Engagemen
Melbourne Airport Rail
THE CONSTANT
CHALLENGES OF
DANIELLE MAJOR PROJECTS
For Danielle Koroneos, it’s clear a professional
career spent in transport has changed her outlook.
Reflecting on her career to program help to demonstrate
KORONEOS
date, which has been spent that the same pathways are
entirely in the transport available to everyone.”
sector, Danielle notes wryly: Danielle doesn’t need to look
“I never thought I’d work in far to find an influential female
transport, let alone get excited role model — her mum. She
by trains or giant holes in the says: “She tackles anything
ground. Oh, how working in thrown at her with a can-do,
construction changes you!” glass half-full attitude. She is
Danielle recognises the always calm, measured and
industry’s tremendous overwhelmingly positive.
opportunity to create a Her positivity is infectious.”
more diverse workforce. And how does Danielle relax
“Construction is traditionally from the challenges that major
a male-dominated industry transport projects frequently
In a nutshell and I do think it can benefit bring? “Netflix and Stan.
from more diversity,” she For me, watching TV is a great
says. “A mix of views and way to switch off after a day
Starting in a marketing role “Working in projects, I love professional and high-achieving
at Yarra Trams directly from that no day is the same,” she individuals throughout my I am thankful approaches will only lead to
continual improvement.”
in the office. I also love hiking
anywhere scenic. Put me on
university, Danielle moved on says. “Each day brings new and career,” she says.
to major projects, working often challenging issues which Danielle’s time on the
that I have Now with Melbourne Airport a mountain, in a rainforest or
Rail, Danielle was previously the bush and I’m in my happy
on Regional Rail Link and
the Metro Tunnel, before
need to be resolved quickly and
often involving multiple teams
Metro Tunnel holds particularly
fond memories. “The team dealt
been able to work with the Metro Tunnel Project place,” she says.
moving to her current role
managing communications and
and people. with some really difficult issues with many incredibly and is quick to illustrate
how it creates a more diverse
Travelling rates highly on
“I love working within a great, in a very tough community Danielle’s list. “My favourite
stakeholder engagement for the high-performing team. Working environment,” she says. professional and workforce. “Promoting
the different career options
country is most definitely Italy.
Melbourne Airport Rail project.
For Danielle, the satisfaction
with great people makes you
better. I am thankful that I have
“The work challenged me and
I’ve come out the other end
high-achieving available to you while in school
What’s not to love? Incredible
culture, food and amazing
is important,” she says. “Metro
from her role comes from
the constant challenges.
been able to work with and
learn from many incredibly
grateful for the experience.” individuals throughout Tunnel HQ and our schools
scenery. La dolce vita!”
my career.
31 328
MARCH
2020
SPREADING THE
WORD ABOUT
SIGNALLING ANTHEA
NGAI
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Anthea Ngai
never expected to live outside her home city but
Melbourne has helped her rail career.
Anthea’s motto is simple: “Women are good at organising
Senior Project
Work hard, play hard. things and planning well in Manager – CBTC
“If I’m into anything I always advance,” Anthea says.
work to achieve the best I can,” “I think women are excellent
she says. “I also believe that listeners and we take the time
time is money. I feel frustrated to hear all sides of a problem
when people spend hours and come up with a better
talking things over without overall solution.”
getting started.” Her role model is the man
Despite that, while she seems who introduced her to the
quiet in the workplace, Anthea world of rail signalling,
is quite the talker. Henry Cheung.
“In the workplace I look “He inspired me a lot, provided
quiet, but that’s because I just guidance to my career path
want to get my job done,” she to become a great engineer
says. “Back at school in Hong and manager,” Anthea says. In a nutshell
Kong, the feedback my parents “He opened my mind to enrich
received was, ‘Your daughter my skills and utilise the unique Anthea joined the rail industry to Melbourne, where rail since 2017.” At this point,
is academically above average, characteristics and abilities straight after university. construction is king. Anthea can see the light at the
but she’s too talkative’. of women in the industry. end of the tunnel.
“I started as a graduate railway “I’m currently working to fit
“I was moved to the quietest
person in class, but I made
“Most managers keep team
members for themselves.
I think women operator in Hong Kong, our high capacity signalling “The design of new trains is at
where I trained as a signalling onboard equipment into the the phase of incorporating our
her talk. Then they moved
me to the specialised teacher,
He is a true mentor. He let me
fly and encouraged me to work
are excellent engineer,” she says. “I was new high capacity metropolitan onboard signalling design,”
who I talked to through the outside Hong Kong, and here listeners and we take excited to witness the first
moving block signalling systems
trains,” she says. “This new
technology lets our trains run
she says.
“We’re on course to see our
whole class!” I am now in Australia.”
Perhaps that communication
the time to hear all commissioned in Hong Kong.” more often during the peaks,
moving towards a reliable
first test trains running tests in
The skills gained in her home the network this year, which
enhances Anthea’s ability to sides of a problem and country brought Anthea ‘turn up and go’ network. would be very exciting.”
multi-task, something she
thinks women are skilled at. come up with a better to Australia — first Perth,
then Sydney and finally
“The work is massive and
the journey has been long
overall solution.
33 348
MARCH
2020
TEAMWORK
MAKES
SHANNON PROJECTS COME
TOGETHER
An experienced construction lawyer,
Shannon Radomski has found her perfect place
RADOMSKI
at RPV, surrounded by a ‘fantastic team’.
Move over Greg Evans and “I had the best childhood in
Mike Larkan. RPV has its Horsham,” she says. “We grew
very own qualified marriage up on a hobby farm and spent
Managing celebrant in Shannon Radomski a lot of time in the Grampians.
— and she qualified in style! “I moved to Ballarat at the
principal lawyer
“I became a celebrant last year, end of primary school. After
to conduct a wedding ceremony finishing high school in Ballarat,
for two good friends,” she says. I moved to Melbourne to study
“The RPV commercial and media and law at university.
legal team — along with many “That was in 2002. I’ve been
In a nutshell others within RPV — went over in Melbourne ever since.”
and above to help me get my When she’s not wrangling
From NBN to rail, Shannon The move to RPV sees Shannon Shannon believes avoiding qualification. They took part legal documents, Shannon has
knows how to deal with working with what she describes gender stereotypes and making in a mock wedding ceremony a yen for crime novels, films,
complex legal issues. Before as a fantastic team. decisions based on merit, that was required to complete Nordic noir and games of
joining RPV in 2018, she spent along with flexible work my course!” 500 with family and friends.
“I love being part of the broader
10 years as a construction
lawyer at a private firm.
project team, pulling together arrangements, may help to
address an under-representation
The people I work She’s not out chasing business,
but plans to keep her
Chess, good food and pub
trivia are also high on her list
the technical, commercial
“I covered sectors including and legal elements needed to of women in leadership roles
in the workplace.
with daily, regardless accreditation for a while to see of favourite pastimes.
if it comes in handy for other
transport, telecommunications,
defence, retail and building”
structure and procure major
projects,” she says. “The people I work with
of gender, are intelligent, family and friends.
Shannon is inspired by those
around her, with no short
she says. “It’s equally rewarding daily, regardless of gender,
are intelligent, hardworking,
hardworking, collaborative Marriage celebrant was just supply of role models. “I admire
“I worked especially closely to see projects through to the latest qualification for and learn a lot from many of the
with NBN on the procurement implementation and work collaborative and passionate and passionate about Shannon, who grew up in people I work with,” she says,
about delivering major Horsham (in the Wimmera)
and implementation of the
contracts for the rollout.”
through issues that arise
during delivery.” infrastructure projects,” she says. delivering major and Ballarat.
“my role models are my parents,
sister and grandparents.”
infrastructure projects.
35 368
MARCH
2020
I became an engineer to make
the world a better place.
BUSTING
STEREOTYPES
MELISSA Project Director
Regional Rail Revival
TO BENEFIT
ALL WORKERS
Returning to work after having her daughter
TRAPANI
Olivia was Melissa Trapani’s biggest challenge.
Melissa Trapani doesn’t do other women. It’s also imperative
things by halves, as evidenced that we all work to identify
by her choice of first car. and eliminate the inherent and
“It was a VK Commodore,” unintentional biases in the
she says. “I restored it with my structural, cultural, interpersonal
Dad!” That’s a fitting entry into and personal dimensions
car ownership for an engineer of organisations.” Melissa
who’s done her time in mines, feels gendered workplaces are
smelting and academic research. problematic, both for the over
and under-represented gender.
“I’ve completed a Master’s
Degree and PhD, run half- “Acquired rhythms and practices
marathons, built a house tend to reinforce stereotypes of
and produced two beautiful what the dominant gender ‘ought
children,” Melissa says. “I can to do’, while on the other hand
In a nutshell honestly say the thing that a disproportionate distribution
stretched me the most was of power tends to disadvantage
One thing Melissa’s career hasn’t “After five years of FIFO, She’s been Acting Manager getting back to fulltime work the minority gender,” she says.
lacked is variety, with a range I joined the then Department of of Work Package Development after having Olivia. “But the growing number of
of vastly different experiences Transport in 2009, later moving and Senior Project Manager— women working in mining and
“It took more self-discipline
filling her CV before she moved to the Regional Rail Link Stations and Precincts. She’s construction over the past 20
than all of the others combined!
to Rail Projects Victoria. Authority where I managed the now the Project Director for the years has brought about greater
I had to re-evaluate and reinvent
After finishing her engineering Southern Cross work package.” South West Region in Regional diversity of perspectives, greater
the way I work, and it wouldn’t
degree in 1999, Melissa moved Once RRL was complete Rail Revival. understanding of the needs of
have been possible without the
into academic research, studying in 2014, Melissa joined the “I’ve always loved making sense support of two amazing women stakeholders, demonstrated
heat transfer. Moving Victoria Rail Office, of complex problems,” she says. of RPV, Trish Burrows and different approaches to familiar
which became the Melbourne “I became an engineer to make Linda Cantan. problems and catalysed the
“That led me into managing
Metro Rail Authority and the world a better place.” redesign of organisations to
R&D projects in BHP’s smelting “It’s so important that women
then RPV. benefit all workers.”
business,” she says. actively and proactively support
37 38You can also read
