8 MARCH 2021 - Women of the Metro Tunnel Project - Victoria's Big Build

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8 MARCH 2021 - Women of the Metro Tunnel Project - Victoria's Big Build
LET’S ALL              #choose to
        CHOOSE TO              challenge
        CHALLENGE

    Women of the
 Metro Tunnel Project

 8                  #IWD2021
MARCH
 2021
8 MARCH 2021 - Women of the Metro Tunnel Project - Victoria's Big Build
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    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.”

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    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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.”

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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

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Construction 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,

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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.”

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     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

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     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

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     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.”

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RUBY
                                                                                                                                                          Construction partner:

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     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.”

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