8 MARCH 2021 - Women of the Metro Tunnel Project - Victoria's Big Build
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LET’S ALL #choose to
CHOOSE TO challenge
CHALLENGE
Women of the
Metro Tunnel Project
8 #IWD2021
MARCH
2021
8
Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
DANIA
It means a lot
when I know that
what I do makes a
difference. Achievement
and fulfilment, that’s
what I look forward to.
THE PASSPORT
TO A FULFILLING
CAREER
Dania Uctuk’s career has taken her around
the globe to places such as Dubai, Jordan
and Singapore – but now Melbourne
is very much home.
Over the past 12 months, the line
between professional and personal
lives has been blurred like never
before. Fortunately for Dania
Uctuk, the overlap isn’t new.
“I was working for an
international Turkish construction
during her professional career.
“When I was four years old, we
moved with my mum to Jordan,
where I spent my childhood
and early adult life. While I was
studying civil engineering at
university, I was selected for a
UCTUK
mining industries and it’s made me
appreciate the value of persistence.
To achieve a great result on such
large projects is never about luck,
it’s about hard work and believing
in yourself.
“It means a lot when I know that
Planner & Scheduler
MEtro Tunnel
where Dania has lived and
worked. Starting her Australian
life in Perth, her career has also
taken her to Dubai, Abu Dhabi
and Singapore. Now in Melbourne
and working with RPV on the
Metro Tunnel Project, Dania
Dania has kept active while
working from home by
maintaining her passion for yoga
and walking. She’s also managed
to pick up a few new recipes
while in lockdown.
“At home I have a handsome
company building a dam between student exchange and spent six what I do makes a difference, or is excited to be learning about and cheeky 12-year-old boy,
Jordan and Syria when I met my weeks working on building sites that I can help the team to achieve another sector: rail infrastructure. a fluffy little dog and a husband
husband and we started moving in Warsaw, Poland.” the ultimate goal. Achievement “My role as a planner is to study who supports my working life.
around the globe for work as we Spending time across a range and fulfilment, that’s what I look the project and break it down into Working from home was a nice
are both engineers,” she says. of industries, Dania is motivated forward to.” small elements from start to finish, change but challenging when it
Born in Iraq, Dania has been by challenging and ambitious As diverse as the industries she’s highlighting the risks and critical comes to home-schooling and
a globetrotter throughout her work. “I’ve worked across civil, worked in is the list of places issues that can affect the project,” seeing your little boy growing
life and has continued the trend energy, marine, infrastructure and she says. from a child to a teen.”
1 2
8
Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
PAULA
I get involved in a wide range
of design, construction,
stakeholder and environmental
issues and work collaboratively
Senior Precinct Manager to solve problems.
MEtro Tunnel
KEEPING THINGS
ON TRACK IN
WILLIAMS
Step out at tram stop 19 on St
Kilda Road, along the busiest tram
corridor in the world, and you’re
on the doorstep of the Shrine
of Remembrance. Here you’ll
see the enormous acoustic shed,
Surveying the construction
activities at these two precincts
brings into sharp focus the
challenge and responsibility for
Paula Williams, RPV’s Senior
Precinct Manager for Anzac
has fundamentally changed the
way many approach their roles.
For Paula, it has been a rewarding
and positive experience, with
team members stepping up to the
challenge and excelling. “I have
LOCKDOWN
Flexibility has been an important skill for
Paula Williams, managing two Metro Tunnel
precincts while responding to the added
responsibility of home-schooling.
in flood mitigation and had a stint
running a martial arts business
with her husband. “That was
when our oldest two children were
very young. I still really enjoy
martial arts, but haven’t been
and as operations manager, before
the move to RPV.
As with many at RPV, Paula
balanced parenting and home-
schooling duties with the challenge
of her demanding role in the
practically touching Melbourne Station and the Eastern Portal always loved the flexibility of training actively lately. I also enjoy workplace. Nevertheless, she
Grammar School, that allows tunnel entrance. being able to work from home supporting my local basketball says stepping in as a teacher for
construction on the Metro Tunnel “It is a very broad and interesting on occasions but now I am really association as a coach and team extended periods in 2020 was
Project to continue 24/7. role where I get involved in a wide impressed with the way so many manager.” rewarding. “The highlight of
Continue on the No.58 tram range of design, construction, team members have embraced When her children started school, last year for me was being able
down Toorak Road, directly stakeholder and environmental remote working.” it was time for Paula to move to support my year 7 student
opposite South Yarra station for issues and work collaboratively Paula studied engineering at back to engineering, working for learning remotely whilst I
an elevated vantage point of the to solve problems,” says Paula. RMIT and did an internship with VicRoads for more than 10 years continued to support the Metro
works to connect the eastern Collaboration has been essential Melbourne Water in the 1990s. in many roles in major projects, as Tunnel Project achieve important
end of the Metro Tunnel to the recently, as working from home She then worked for several years a pavement specialist, in structures milestones.”
existing rail corridor.
3 4
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Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
JEANNIE
Choosing to
challenge is about
deciding on my own on
what I want to challenge
without influence
by others.
LEE
A RAIL FANATIC
AT WORK OR
Technical Manager, Substations
Metro Tunnel
ON HOLIDAY
Understanding Jeannie Lee’s passion for rail is often
as simple as asking her what she did on her last
overseas trip.
How does one unwind during Monash University. “After I and later Substation Maintenance priority when reviewing designs, exercising daily during the
time away from a multi-billion graduated, I was really fortunate Manager. “Prior to leaving MTM, given high-voltage electricity is second lockdown.”
dollar rail infrastructure project? to land a job, so I decided to stay I’d actually been to every ‘existing’ something that we can’t see with For Jeannie, the 2021
Jeannie Lee ‘gets away from it all’ in Melbourne,” she says. substation across the network, the naked eye.” International Women’s Day theme
by flying overseas to visit train Starting as a planner working for hence my familiarity with With a study already set up at #ChooseToChallenge is about
stations and rail museums. Alcatel Lucent (part of Nokia), construction, maintenance and home, Jeannie’s transition to setting an example to others, by
“My last memorable trip was Jeannie was responsible for the operation for a substation.” working from home was fairly speaking up against unacceptable
Japan back in 2019. Travelling construction of telecommunication Now her role focuses on the straightforward, though like behaviour. “It’s actually not easy
allows me to gain new experiences works at Gladstone LNG in Sunbury Corridor Substation many, she misses the human to choose to stand up or call out
and also to see what the other Queensland. “I have always Project and delivering two interaction. “It’s no longer as gender bias and inequality. It
country’s rail system is like – even been interested in rail so after substations at Calder Park and simple as a swirl of our chair or takes courage and it’s easier to
though it’s only limited to museums the project ended I joined the South Yarra for the Metro Tunnel a short walk to talk to someone. let rude remarks slide. Choosing
and the station platforms.” rail industry,” she says. Project’s Rail Infrastructure I realised I’d been forgetting to to challenge, for me, is about
Jeannie arrived in Melbourne Moving on to Metro Trains Alliance. “My main role is to move around for too much of the deciding on my own on what
from Malaysia in 2007, starting (MTM), Jeannie worked as provide technical input during first lockdown, so I set a reminder I want to challenge without
a Bachelor of Engineering at Electrical Technical Lead the design phase prior to delivery. to ensure I do some stretching or influence by others.”
I put safety as the number one
5 6
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Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
Look after
yourself so that
VANESSA
you can help others.
When women support
each other, big changes
can happen.
BEING HAPPY IS
GASHTASBI Senior Assistant,
office of the ceo
Shortly after moving to Australia
from Tehran, Vanessa Gashtasbi
made a decision that has defined
her family and career.
“I have a Bachelor of Food
Arriving as skilled migrants in
2007, Vanessa and her husband
had planned only a temporary
stay. “I had no idea about
Australia and didn’t know anyone.
is incredible and the team is so
professional. I feel so proud to
be part of this team, to make
big changes for the state,”
Vanessa says.
KEY TO HELPING
OTHERS
A bold decision after arriving in Australia in 2007
changed the course of Vanessa Gashtasbi’s life.
keeping positive. It wasn’t easy,
especially during the second
lockdown.
“It was difficult to detach
from work after logging off,
element of living a happy and
healthy life is to look after yourself
so that you can help others. I truly
believe that when women support
each other, big changes can happen.
Science and spent a year in a food Our plan was to move to Canada, While her family loves the as I remained in the same space. “On International Women’s Day
production factory as a food and where we had family and friends. outdoors, lockdown encouraged I committed to mindfulness and we need to recognise what women
nutrition scientist,” she says. But Melbourne became our home improvisation. “We’ve had to running daily. I’ve learnt to give have achieved but also how much
“I planned to continue my and my daughter Nora was born learn how we can have quality myself time alone, which helps needs to be done around the
major in Australia and had been here in 2013.” time indoors: baking, Lego, my clarity. But being around each world. In many countries women
accepted to a Master of Science Vanessa arrived at the then- movies, gardening, drawing and other almost permanently has also still have no voice or freedom
course. Just before enrolment, Melbourne Metro Rail Authority reading. Working from home been a positive for my family,” of choice. Great steps have been
I decided that I enjoyed the office in 2015, moving into her current made me realise how busy my life Vanessa says. taken in recent years, but there
environment more and moved role in 2017. “RPV has been one had been and suddenly it came In 2021, Vanessa is dedicated to is a long way to go.”
to Business Management.” of the best workplaces I have to a halt. We had to manage focusing inwards. “The first
ever experienced. The culture everything from home while
7 8
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Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
Senior Project Manager, Commercial
HANNAH
Metro Tunnel
I’m very grateful to
trailblazers who’ve
come before me… IWD is a
reminder to keep pushing
boundaries and showing
what women are capable of.
M NEILL
PROBLEM
SOLVING SKILLS
ARE KEY
From National Parks to Melbourne’s CBD, Hannah
McNeill’s career has centred on improving the state’s
infrastructure for all Victorians.
A love of camping seems Yorta Yorta country near “I think of my role as a ‘problem “Working from home, it also what women are capable of, while
appropriate for Rail Projects Echuca, around three hours solving’ one, where if issues come involves a lot of Teams meetings creating spaces for other women
Victoria’s Hannah McNeill, who’s north of Melbourne, but have up that are difficult to resolve, and dog walks, sometimes to grow, develop and be supported
tackled everything nature can been in Melbourne for around then we need to find a way simultaneously!” at work and beyond.”
throw at her as part of her work 15 years now.” through them, so they don’t Hannah feels women have Beyond work, when she switches
as an engineer. Far from the Murray these days, impact the delivery of the project.” a lot to offer to the infrastructure off for the week, Hannah’s focus
“I started my career as a junior Hannah is a key part of the Metro The commercial and legal team and construction industry. often takes her back to her
engineer on a project rebuilding Tunnel Project, working with the is a change of pace for Hannah. “I’m very grateful to the country roots.
bridges and roads to improve fire commercial and legal team on the “I’ve mainly worked in trailblazers who’ve come before “I love to go camping, travel and
access to Victoria’s National Parks Tunnels & Stations work package. engineering roles until now,” me,” she says. “It’s now fairly hang out with family and friends,”
and State Forests,” Hannah says. “This is one of the major work she says. “Lots of design review normal to see women in design she says. “I also like to work on
“We worked in very remote areas packages on the project,” she says. and construction supervision. teams, on construction sites or projects and spend weekends
with lots of native wildlife, snow, “It’s an incredibly important and My current role is more focused around negotiating tables. fixing things.”
flood and fire to contend with. complex project connecting two on the commercial and legal “To me, International Women’s
“My background is in country existing train lines via new tunnels side of things. Day is a reminder to keep pushing
Victoria. I’m originally from under the CBD. those boundaries and showing
9 10
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Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
JANETTE
Strive for greatness
and help others reach
their potential, because
sometimes they may not
SATO
realise that they have it.
CLEAR THINKING
Deputy Director, communications
& Stakeholder Engagement IS ALWAYS IN
FASHION
Metro Tunnel
Janette Sato originally had plans to make it big in the
fashion world – but it turned out communications
was just her style.
When Janette Sato was making fashion was where music and realised she had the knack for Janette’s parents migrated from new, exciting things,” she says.
the big life decisions in her teens, culture collided to fascinating effect. spotting a typo at a thousand paces. the Philippines in the late 1970s “Hopefully we get to travel safely
one ambition loomed largest: After creating her own designs to Various jobs followed, such as but she’s a born and raised again one day, so we can take
to become a fashion journalist. mirror her musical tastes – 1970s editing for a financial services ‘westie’; hailing from Tottenham, them to Japan – our favourite
“I was really into fashion and styles to match her Beatles phase, company then working in Kangan she still lives in the western holiday destination. It’s the
wanted to be a designer or for instance – Janette studied at Batman TAFE’s marketing suburbs and is looking forward culture, the food, the fashion –
a fashion journalist,” she says. the Melbourne School of Fashion. department. These roles took to the Sunbury Line benefits of just the buzz of being there.”
“I was making streetwear and her into stakeholder territory, the Metro Tunnel. Janette’s own experience of
The next step was a journalism
wanted to combine my two loves degree at Deakin University, first with the Victorian Taxi But her travelling horizons are discovering her professional
of fashion and music.” and while she decided against Directorate, then VicRoads, far broader; Japan is where she strengths informs her advice
Growing up immersed in music, the media (“I thought it was Major Road Projects Victoria and partner Jack were engaged, for fellow staff as we celebrate
she played electric guitar and a bit cut-throat”), it made her and finally RPV. and where they hope to one day International Women’s Day.
learnt classics by bands such understand the power of language. “I’m truly pumped about leading take sons Christian, almost 4, “Strive for greatness and help
as The Beatles. But she also the team in an exciting year for and 16-month-old Henry. others reach their potential,
In that curious way life has of
embraced the pulsing club tracks closing one door then ushering my projects, but in particular, “I love being outside with my because sometimes they may not
of Faithless and other electro acts you through another, Janette the Metro Tunnel,” she says. boys, exploring our beautiful realise that they have it,” she says.
of the late 1990s, and realised state and opening their eyes to
11 12
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Women of the Metro Tunnel Project
ZOE
MARCH
2021
If I can open doors for
people I will, but it’s
a two-way street. It’s
rewarding for me as well. Engineering Manager
Metro Tunnel
A POSITIVE
TOOGOOD
MINDSET IS ‘PA’
FOR THE COURSE
Zoe Toogood’s grandfather inspired her to reach
further – and now she’s helping young engineers
to fulfil their potential.
Isaac Newton said, “If I have Zoe’s grandfather was a clerk of “I naturally like to help people, Change your mindset. You’re “I really enjoy teaching my female
seen further, it is by standing works on major developments in and if I can open doors for them not begging to be let into the mentees to be confident and stand
on the shoulders of giants.” For Brisbane and his conscientiousness I will, but it’s a two-way street,” industry’.” up for themselves.”
Zoe Toogood, the inspiration to set the standard for Zoe. “He was she says. “It’s rewarding for me Zoe encourages young women Zoe says with a smile she feels
broaden her career horizons came really committed to the job and as well.” in the industry to accentuate their “like a bit of a mother hen” – and
from her beloved grandfather, saw it as a huge responsibility,” One of her first mentees needed own attributes rather than trying that’s true in and out of RPV. She
or ‘Pa’. she says. the Toogood pep talk and to imitate others. and husband Mark are raising
“It never occurred to me that He showed her the only limits are responded perfectly, landing “I think young female engineers their boys Robson, 12, and Luca,
engineering might be seen as a those you set yourself – an ethos a job with John Holland. face very specific challenges,” 7, to embrace the outdoor life with
bloke’s thing because he always Zoe now channels as a mentor “When I met him, he was working she says. “It’s a male-dominated pursuits such as paddle-boarding
encouraged me,” she says. “Pa for young female engineers, on his CV and preparing for industry, and while men are near their Beaumaris home.
was very kind and very supportive as well as helping qualified future interviews, desperate to get invariably supportive colleagues, And with any spare time left, Zoe
– and when I was young I could engineers from refugee or asylum a break – being subservient, to be there are not enough female role finds a moment of mindfulness by
never do anything wrong in his seeker backgrounds through honest. I just said, ‘You’ve got to models at senior levels. immersing herself in a book and
eyes. If I was in trouble with Mum CareerSeekers and the EPIC stop that. You’re in Melbourne – playing “anything by Ed Sheeran”.
I’d run to him!” program. there’s a shortage of engineers.
13 14
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Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
Through the hard Business Services
work of many teams Coordinator
CATRIONA
we’re confident we have
the systems in place to
make BITTO a success.
DON’T GET
ROBERTS
BITTER, GET
BITTO
In the work from home world, Catriona Roberts
has adapted to a new environment and to a range
of new tasks to support RPV’s staff.
‘BITTO’ (Back In To The Office) “The office set-up was completed “Prior to COVID-19, our team study with Swinburne University, ‘Choose to Challenge’ is the
dominates the thinking of anyone through the hard work of many focused on office-based support. riding takes up much of Catriona’s International Women’s Day theme
currently working from home teams and we’re confident that Suddenly, some of the daily free time. “Ballarat’s restrictions for 2021 and Catriona points out
due to the restrictions on their we have the systems in place to aspects of our role – security weren’t as strict as in Melbourne. the value of challenging to drive
regular workplace. make BITTO a success. The next cards, stationery, cab vouchers, We rode our bikes at the nearby positive change. “It is vitally
Catriona Roberts is dedicated step is to open more floors in the to name a few – were no longer state forest and did a lot of important to challenge inequality
to ensuring that the transition office when restrictions allow it priority tasks and other aspects muddy night riding throughout and gender bias in the workplace.
to a COVIDSafe workplace is as and we’re prepared to continue like providing new starters with winter which was fun… and “Whilst many organisations have
seamless as possible for RPV staff. to work in a hybrid work hardware and IT support a little terrifying!” she says. implemented clear codes and
“The BITTO preparation began environment for as long as drastically changed,” she says. The adjustment to working from cultures regarding this change,
back around April last year, and we have to.” Departing Melbourne’s leafy home took some time for Catriona. some are still struggling with clear
there were many changes along While everyone’s daily tasks have eastern suburbs for Ballarat a few “It was a bit challenging for all messaging and implementation
the way, including the lockdowns changed somewhat over the past years ago, Catriona traded regular of us to settle into a routine with of workplace culture. If we don’t
which delayed the set-up of the year, it’s hard to imagine many weekend bike riding trips or remote learning,” she says. challenge this, we won’t see
office spaces,” she says. have been altered as dramatically travelling to the snow to stay “I found that the turntables were positive change.”
as those in Business Services. close to home when lockdown a handy standing desk!”
restrictions hit. Along with online
15 16
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Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
EFFIE
All the research clearly
demonstrates that women
add a dimension to decision
making that produces greater
positive outcomes.
Safety Compliance &
Systems Manager
RIDING A WAVE
ELEFTHERIADIS As a keen renovator, one lesson
for Effie Eleftheriadis from 2020
is that open-plan living has its
drawbacks, particularly when you
complexity, with a central office
in Melbourne being replaced
by several hundred individual
workspaces. “Your workplace is
has also found regular walking to
be an essential tool in the current
work from home environment.
TO INNER CALM
Effie Eleftheriadis finds that regular beachside walks
near her home are the key to keeping a sharp mind
and a healthy soul.
International Women’s Day is
a chance to advocate within the
industry, an opportunity Effie is
keen to capitalise on. “Choosing
Effie is driven by the opportunity
to be an industry leader, working
for the Victorian Government
body responsible for delivering
“We’re lucky enough to live by the
have different working hours from not defined by the building that beach and I find that being out in to Challenge means stepping multi-billion-dollar rail
your new ‘office’ buddy. you go to, it’s where you perform the water is very relaxing. We love up and speaking out against infrastructure projects.
“My husband is a shift worker, work,” Effie says. “The working paddling, so I really missed that,” unconscious bias and entrenched “It’s an opportunity to improve
which makes it challenging to from home space is an extension of she says. behaviours that inadvertently the lives of so many, the quality
navigate that space. I don’t like our workplace and the challenge is discriminate against women,” of life in the community. You
for all of us to understand that the “Along with longer walks at Effie says.
being in an enclosed space, so lunchtime, I do a pre-work and can influence and impact
I’ve taken to moving around the organisational and individual “Women comprise 50 per cent infrastructure that leaves a legacy
responsibilities don’t finish within post-work walk to simulate that
house,” she says. “Now that the travel journey. It allows me to of the population and are an behind for the next generation. It’s
weather’s good, I’m sitting outside those four walls.” untapped resource; all the research really satisfying and it’s the reason
centre and be present, and the
– I don’t know what’s going to Following the easing of restrictions ability to sharpen my thinking clearly demonstrates that women I came here.”
happen in winter!” of the enforced Melbourne following a walk has been add a dimension to decision
RPV’s health and safety lockdown during 2020, Effie was really helpful.” making that produces greater
responsibilities now have added excited to return to the water. She positive outcomes.”
17 18Construction partner:
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Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
The satisfaction of building
STEFANIA
civil infrastructure and
knowing these stations will be
here for over 100 years outweighs
any of the day’s challenges.
A STRONG WORK
CALATI
ETHIC AND
PERSISTENCE
PAYS OFF
Senior Project Engineer,
Arden Station
Stefania is using her love affair with rail to dismantle
gender stereotypes in the construction industry.
Stefania is overseeing the build outweighs any of the day’s and meditation. “It’s always well enough,” really resonates Stefania feels the Metro Tunnel
for the Metro Tunnel Project’s challenges,” she says. something I look forward to with her. Project showcases those who are
new Arden Station in North Stefania believes women bring outside of work,” she says. Stefania started her career in making a difference in tipping the
Melbourne. She’s also worked valuable perspectives to the She’s been pursuing her teacher structural design but quickly gender balance in construction.
across the health, education construction and rail industries. training for a few years, and has moved to construction. “To continue to support women
and commercial sectors before “Women have a distinctive even managed to slip her passion who are in male dominated
finding a great deal of satisfaction for meditation into her work. “When I was 26, I was plucked
decision-making process, we from obscurity as a young fresh- industries, it’s necessary for
building rail stations on the Level arrive at conclusions from a “It’d surprise people to learn both men and women to be a
Crossing Removal Project and the that on my last project, I had faced engineer and tasked with
completely different place to men” leading a huge team in north-east part of the narrative,” she says.
Ballarat Line Upgrade. she says. general foremen and supervisors “Together we need to commit
participating in weekly meditation China to design, construct and
“The most incredible part of my “We’re extremely empathetic deliver a 500 room-mining camp in allowing women to succeed
job is the people. The satisfaction and breathing classes!” she says. in roles that have previously
and can read between the lines, for a zinc mine in Queensland.”
of working with people to which brings a unique energy Stefania is inspired by Albert been held predominantly by
construct these massive projects Einstein and passes on his wisdom She says delivering the job men and dismantle these gender
to a sometimes stressful and through freezing winters and long
improve communities, drive demanding industry.” to her engineers. She says his stereotypes that are enmeshed in
the economy and ultimately quote “If you can’t explain it days and nights taught her strong the industry.”
contribute to future generations Stefania keeps the balance in simply, you don’t understand it work ethic and persistence.
this environment through yoga
19 20Construction partner:
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Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
Helping build a
job of this scale
DAKSHATA
from scratch and see
the structure rise in
front of your eyes is
immensely satisfying.
DAS
NEW
CHALLENGES Project Engineer
PARKVILLE Station
EVERY DAY
Originally from India, Dakshata Das moved
to Melbourne five years ago and fell in love
with the city.
The move from India to particularly one horned shifting environment towards offshore oil project and as In an industry like construction,
Melbourne may seem a big one, rhinoceros,” she says. “Living equality,” she says. a Trainee Engineer for projects Dakshata believes one way to
but Dakshata Das has been on the in cities and having a family “But this will all be worth it, including a bridge upgrade and bring in more gender equality
move for much of her life. background in Assam, I’m a city and will only help us achieve this a major water supply project. is to win the trust of your team
“My dad was in the Indian girl who loves the mountains.” collective goal, so stay strong!” She describes her current job and to be strong as an individual.
Army,” she says. “He got Now well and truly settled in Dakshata’s greatest achievement as tangible and wholesome. “I think women as engineers
transferred to a different city Melbourne, Dakshata lives by is something close to home. “Having the opportunity to help bring a sense of care and give
every 12 to 18 months, so I the motto ‘be yourself’, which “It’s the fact that my parents build a job of this scale from a different dimension to a role
studied in 10 schools across India she feels is important for are proud of who I am as an scratch and see the structure rise and to the team.”
over 12 years.” women in construction. individual today,” she says. in front of your eyes is immensely
Dakshata grew up in metropolitan “I want to tell all women in Now a Project Engineer at the satisfying,” Dakshata says.
cities, but her parents are from construction, especially the Metro Tunnel Project’s Parkville “My role is dynamic with new
Assam, south of the eastern newbies, that there will be days Station site, Dakshata has challenges every day. Keeping
Himalayas. we have to prove ourselves as we previously worked in India as the end goal in mind keeps
“It’s an area known for tea try to make a mark in a culture- a Structural Engineer for an me going.”
plantations and wildlife,
21 22Construction partner:
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Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
STEPHANIE HARNESSING
One of the reasons I enjoy
communications is the
chance to pursue creative
interests in a corporate setting.
MAKIN Working for a mining company
is a tough introduction to the
world of communications, but the
lessons Stephanie Makin learned
still stand her in good stead.
In an early role, Stephanie spent
3½ years in corporate affairs with
Senior Advisor, communications
& Stakeholder Relations
Metro Tunnel
“Working in mining I learnt
how important it is to build
a social licence to operate, and
demonstrate an accountability
to the community.”
The job taught her the value of
earning the community’s trust
“It felt rather remote and
detached as a teenager, especially
when all I wanted to do at the
time was go out and see live music!
Now I look back and feel really
lucky to have grown up there.”
Her career initially veered
THE POWER OF
COMMUNICATION
Stephanie Makin is driven by growth and new experiences,
whether that’s through embarking on new industries or
discovering the sights and sounds of exotic destinations.
“One of the reasons I enjoy
communications is the chance
to pursue creative interests in
a corporate setting,” she says.
These experiences have honed
her views on what an inclusive
workplace should be.
Joining RPV in the middle of a
pandemic was a challenge for the
naturally gregarious Stephanie,
but regular yoga and gym sessions
kept mind and body healthy – as
did dreaming of when she could
again explore the world.
global minerals giant MMG, with – something that informs her towards art and graphic design, “A workplace culture in which staff A keen traveller, her bucket list
a remit that ranged from speech current role on the Metro Tunnel, and she’s a stickler for the written feel comfortable and empowered to already has a few ticks, including
writing for the chief executive where Stephanie oversees word. This versatility found its speak up on issues of inequality is the visual kaleidoscope of Rio’s
to crisis management. stakeholder relations for the outlet at the State Emergency critical to create the change we’re Carnivale, the alpine grandeur of
“There were some interesting Kensington and South Yarra sites. Service, where in her role all working towards,” she says. Switzerland, and the beaches of
issues, and you could be dealing Stephanie grew up in the overseeing internal and corporate “I’m really inspired by strong and Mexico – partly due to the appeal
with everything from safety Dandenong Ranges, an idyllic communications, social media and assertive women in my life, and by of a perfectly made margarita.
issues to protests at mine sites surrounding that she appreciated digital channels, she refreshed the supporting each other, we can help
in Peru,” she says. more when she moved away. organisation’s brand and style. to foster that environment.”
23 248
Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
My mum was a big
influence on
approaching things
creatively and following
your own pursuits.
DUSK Senior Advisor, communications
& Stakeholder Relations
Sunbury Line Upgrade
JOHNSTON
HOME ROAM
SETS THE TONE
A childhood spent exploring the Australian bush
has imbued Dusk Johnston with a sense of adventure
and an interest in people’s stories.
Growing up beneath the endless “It was a great childhood. I was That first love was journalism, response team working on driving their van along the west
blue skies of the Northern Rivers raised to be independent and my and after cutting her teeth at her plant and animal pest and coast of the US.
region in NSW, Dusk Johnston’s parents encouraged us to problem- local station she headed off to disease outbreaks. For Dusk, whose name is a tribute
back yard was a rural adventure solve and explore the world study at Queensland University “Though nothing compared to to her paternal grandmother,
playground. around us, which had an influence of Technology in Brisbane. COVID-19, these crises could International Women’s Day is
Living 20 minutes’ drive outside on my career.” “I’ve always enjoyed talking have had devastating impacts a reminder of people who have
‘town’ (that town being Kyogle, Her artist mum and musician to people, hearing their stories, for the agriculture industry in helped her to develop.
itself only a few thousand strong) dad gave Dusk and her siblings and have taken those skills into Queensland and potentially “I am very thankful to the women
unearthed a sense of adventure the freedom to make their own stakeholder relations,” she says. Australia,” she says. who have taught and mentored me,
in Dusk. decisions; to discard the song sheet While working casual shifts at Taking a two-year hiatus from both personally and professionally,
“There were lots of kids on and let instinct set life’s rhythm. ABC Radio in Brisbane, Dusk their careers, Dusk and her and International Women’s Day
neighbouring properties, so we “My mum was a big influence on sensed the shifting sands of engineer partner, Sath, were drawn always gives me pause to reflect
were always swimming in the approaching things creatively and the industry, with a dwindling to North America by their love of on this, as well as consider how
creek, exploring the bush, making following your own pursuits,” she number of jobs on offer. Her skills skiing. Hospitality jobs paid their I can do the same to others.”
cubby-holes – which was probably says. “They didn’t push me in any then took her to the Queensland way in winter sports mecca Banff,
quite dangerous as the area was direction – just find out what you Government, including a stint and warmer months were spent
full of snakes,” she says. want to do.” with the Biosecurity Queensland
25 26Construction partner:
8
Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
Educate kids that gender
THAO
LE
should not dictate career
choices — females can be
engineers and fire fighters,
males can be nurses or teachers.
SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER
LEADING
Town Hall Station
BY EXAMPLE
Thao Le’s parents came to Australia in search
of a better life — a decision that underlines the
importance of grasping every opportunity.
Thao Le believes diversity is perspective to traditional choices – females can be engineers As a Senior Project Engineer, step in building a new exit to
an important element of any methods and inject new and and fire fighters, males can be Thao embraces every challenge English Street.
workplace — a belief that stems improved ways of working.” nurses or teachers.” that allows her to learn about Thao began her professional life
from her migrant background. For Thao, gender equality Thao is using her leadership skills and understand different as an undergraduate engineer with
Thao’s parents left Vietnam by and diversity are part of the by taking part in the Lendlease infrastructure projects. Wyndham City Council, then
boat in the hope of a better life same equation for attracting graduate mentoring program. It’s this quality that has helped joined Fulton Hogan’s Graduate
for Thao and her siblings. talented and committed staff To that end, she quotes the words her work successfully on projects Program, working on the Monash
The family spent three years in to the workforce. of entrepreneur Richard Branson: such as the CityLink-Tullamarine Freeway Widening Project, then
a migrant camp in Hong Kong She says: “We must educate “If somebody offers you an Freeway Widening, a project progressed to Site Engineer.
before being accepted into people about the importance amazing opportunity but you are that improved safety and traffic Now with Lendlease, she’s been
Australia — a country they’ve of not only gender equality, not sure you can do it, say yes — flow on one of Melbourne’s involved with projects such as
called home for the past 30 years. but also diversity, which then learn how to do it later.” main arterial roads. Peninsula Link Freeway, Regional
It’s little wonder that Thao feels includes diversity in culture, On a project as complex as Working as lead engineer, she Rail Project — and now the
strongly that everyone should gender, experiences and skill the Metro Tunnel, every day is oversaw the revamp of the Bulla Metro Tunnel Project.
have the opportunity to prosper. sets, that will improve the different, and for Thao it’s one Road Bridge, which included
As she says: “I believe success of a company.” of the most rewarding aspects closing the bridge for two
women and men from diverse She adds: “Educate kids that of her role. and a half weeks — a critical
backgrounds can bring a different gender should not dictate career
27 288
Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
NADIA
Yachting formed
a huge part of my life
– it’s character-building
when you mix blisters
Senior Project Safety Advisor and saltwater.
Metro Tunnel
CHART YOUR
PUNSELIE
OWN COURSE
IN THE WORLD
From sailing in Venezuela to schooling in Oman,
Nadia Punselie’s journey has been an enlightening one.
When it comes to trailblazing That’s also how Kumiko met fluently, and – as she modestly to get by, and he built his career strategies, because prevention is
female role models, Nadia Dutchman Edwin, after she had puts – can understand Japanese from nothing,” she says. better than cure”.
Punselie need look no further than initially rented a room in his and Spanish. After completing her schooling Growing up, one of her passions
her own mother, Kumiko. mother’s house, and love blossomed “The best thing about my in Perth, Nadia gained an was sailing, which – given Holland’s
Nadia’s mum left her Tokyo home for the pair. upbringing was the exposure to architecture degree, but then history as a seafaring nation – she
and seized the chance to see the With Nadia’s father employed in the different cultures and societies,” she found herself at a crossroads. thinks is “in the blood”.
world, at a time when that was oil and gas industry, globetrotting says. “For instance, Oman was so “I didn’t know what I wanted After the exhilaration of sailing in
far from typical. became a way of life for the couple different culturally – the women to do, so Dad suggested I try Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo – one
“Back then society was quite – and Nadia and her two brothers would cover everything, but in a big company in an administrative of the oldest lakes on earth –
strict, and women in Japan when they arrived. South America it’s the complete position – and there I became Nadia’s love of the great outdoors
weren’t encouraged to go Nadia is a citizen of the world, opposite – people go around really interested in safety now finds an outlet in hiking.
overseas,” Nadia says. “She got an having grown up in the wearing almost nothing!” reporting,” she says.
But the ocean still holds huge
opportunity through her company Netherlands, Brunei, Oman, Nadia’s father, too, was a huge Nadia inspects Metro Tunnel sites emotional sway for her, and she says:
to go to Holland, which at first Venezuela and Perth. She holds influence. “He came from a family daily to “keep projects honest and “Yachting formed a huge part of my
put her family offside.” Dutch and Australian citizenship of seven kids who always fought for have discussions around big ticket life – it’s character-building when
and can speak English and Dutch food on the dinner table, struggling high-risk construction safety you mix blisters and saltwater.”
29 30RUBY
Construction partner:
8
Women of the Metro Tunnel Project MARCH
2021
It’s important that management focus
on capability and character when
considering recruitment and promotions.
GEOTECHNICAL
CAPABILITIES
CHAN
ARE KEY TO
Geotechnical Manager CONSTRUCTION
WEST PRECINCT
SUCCESS
Melbourne’s unique geology makes work interesting
for Ruby Chan.
For Ruby Chan life has been Tunnel Project, and Ruby says “Being part of an onsite interesting rock can always make to find the right person with the
all about rocks since graduating in she hasn’t looked back. geotechnical team comes with me smile and recharge!” right capability and mindset.
2009. Just two years later she was “Work in Hong Kong can be its challenges. It is hugely As a young woman in a male- “If we are not looking for the
nominated for Young Tunneller all encompassing and sometimes satisfying when the broader
dominated industry, Ruby has best candidate from the whole
of the Year at the International I felt like it was possible to lose construction team realise how
sometimes had her capabilities market – we will be missing out
Tunnelling Awards. focus on the things that are much value and knowledge a
questioned. “Others can make on great employees.”
Ruby started her career in Hong important to me, like family. geologist or geotechnical engineer
can contribute to a project” assumptions about my experience Ruby believes that promoting
Kong, where she worked with Whilst working in Melbourne, and expertise,” she says.
tunnelling contractors and I have really tried to take time she says. a gender-equal world in schools
consultants. “I spent the first to think and learn, slow down “I am always inspired by new “That’s why I always prepare and in the wider community
phase of my career learning a bit and enjoy life,” she says. thinking and new attitudes. well and work hard to build trust is critical to encouraging
and practising design principles Helping my team to perform and confidence across all the more women to join the
Ruby says successfully tackling
and construction practicality,” at their best and project success project team disciplines.” construction industry.
the construction risks associated
she says. Three years ago, an with the complexity of geology is is what drives me.” Ruby says women in the “My advice to any women who
opportunity came up to move to one of the most challenging and Ruby says although her job is not construction sector provide the are new engineering graduates is
Australia to work on the Metro rewarding aspects of her job. easy, it’s not hard to bring a smile industry with the opportunity to give everything a try and never
to her face. “Bringing me an be bound by your gender.”
31 32FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR PROJECTS railprojects.vic.gov.au
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