As part of celebrating International Women’s Day, the incredible contributions of women in the construction industry are highlighted, particularly those shaping the planning and delivery of the largest mental health facility under construction in New South Wales. The $540 million Integrated Mental Health Complex project at Westmead is being driven by an inspiring team of women in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Elise Miller: Project Director and Champion of Diversity
Elise Miller, the Project Director of the Integrated Mental Health Complex, shared how the increasing participation of women in construction has made her experience in the industry incredibly fulfilling. Elise initially pursued a nursing degree but transitioned to construction after working in an administrative role at a construction company. Her growing interest in the field led her to shift her studies toward a Bachelor of Construction, where she has since excelled.
Elise expressed how rewarding it has been to be involved in such a significant and impactful project in Western Sydney, stating that the diversity of her team has been a key driver of success.
Julianne Harvey: Redevelopment Lead with Healthcare Expertise
Julianne Harvey, the Redevelopment Lead for the project, has a background that blends nursing with capital work. Having started in the Medical High Dependency Unit at Westmead Hospital, Julianne made a career transition into overseeing major healthcare facility projects such as the Cumberland West Mental Health Services Relocation and the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital expansions. Her unique perspective, combining nursing expertise with experience in healthcare facility design, has proven invaluable in ensuring that the new buildings are functional and conducive to high-quality patient care.
Alice Issa: Project Manager with a Lifelong Passion for Architecture
Project Manager Alice Issa has had a passion for architecture and construction since she was 13 years old. Her love for building and construction has shaped her career and driven her success in the field. Alice’s journey highlights the power of following one’s passion and remaining dedicated to the pursuit of a career, despite the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry.
Alyce Gower: Service Engineer with a Love for Complex Infrastructure
Alyce Gower, the Service Engineer overseeing all service trades, has always had a deep passion for design and complex infrastructure. She began her career as a mechanical engineer and later progressed into the contractor space, where she now leads service management on the project. Alyce spoke candidly about the challenges of entering a male-dominated field, admitting her initial reservations about gender biases but emphasizing how important it is for women to push forward and break barriers.
Navigating Challenges and Overcoming Barriers
The women shared the various challenges they faced in their careers, from concerns about gender biases to the struggle of finding role models. Alyce recalled the difficulty of entering the mechanical engineering field, where there were few women, and Alice reflected on how challenging it was to find female role models in senior leadership positions. Both women emphasized the importance of organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), which provides a valuable support network for women in the industry.
Despite the challenges they faced, each woman shared advice for others looking to break into the construction industry. Alice encouraged women to stay true to themselves and embrace the unique diversity they bring to the field. “Don’t try to change yourself to fit in. The diversity you bring is important,” Alice advised. Alyce suggested finding a mentor to help guide the journey, while Julianne highlighted the importance of recognizing the collective expertise of a team and the power of collaboration. “Be confident in your abilities, but recognize they form part of a wider team whose combined expertise and knowledge will often reach the best outcome,” Julianne said.
A Powerful Legacy of Women in Construction
These women’s contributions to the Integrated Mental Health Complex project are a testament to the growing role of women in construction, particularly in roles that impact healthcare infrastructure. By leading with passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, they continue to pave the way for future generations of women in the industry, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and progress.
