Recognising the incredible women building the new Shellharbour Hospital

This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights how creating the right environment helps women thrive. Across the project, this is reflected not only in the delivery of the new facility, but also in how our teams work together each day.

For Assistant Project Manager Philippa Delevaux, the impact of support was felt early in her career. A senior colleague recognised her potential and provided the encouragement she needed to step forward with confidence - an experience that left a lasting impression.

"She gave her backing when it came to taking new steps and finding my footing in the industry," Philippa says.

"Her commitment to my success meant so much that I continued to show up even on the hard days."

Now established in her own career, Philippa is committed to creating that same environment for others. She sees mentorship and everyday encouragement as powerful tools for building confidence and capability within teams.

"I consistently try to give the people around me support. I try to emulate that sense of collaboration and encouragement."

Site Engineer Brionai Sutherland, who has been on the project for nearly five months, is currently managing the internal fit-out of the new facility. Drawn to the dynamic nature of construction, she values being in the action and solving challenges that arise.

"The thing I enjoy most about my job is that I am out on site every day instead of sitting in an office for hours. Being on site means that every day something new and exciting happens as well as having different problems arise each day to solve," she says.

Brionai says her confidence in the industry was built on strong foundations at home and reinforced by the people she has worked alongside. That early encouragement gave her the belief that she belonged in the field.

"My parents were big supporters at the start and helped me gain opportunities through their network to get me into the industry. They have also supported me by always instilling in me the confidence that I can succeed in the industry as a female and not to let anyone tell me any different."

Throughout her career, she has continued to benefit from advocates who championed her growth and progression. That collective support has strengthened her resolve to do the same for others.

"I’ve been lucky throughout my career that numerous people I have worked with have supported me significantly and always advocated for my career progression," she said.

For Brionai, she says that progress is about visibility and normalisation such as increasing representation in site and trade roles, as she believes, to help shift perceptions and expectations across the industry.

"Progress for women in construction to me looks like more females in site and trade roles. This would then hopefully result in nobody treating a female worker differently as it would be completely normal."

She is passionate about encouraging more women to consider construction as a viable and rewarding pathway, and sees advocacy as part of her own responsibility.

"More opportunities can be created for women entering the construction industry by showing female workers that you can have a successful and exciting career in construction as a female. I will continuously advocate for every women to enter this industry as it provides a fun and exciting career for anyone who joins."

Work Health Safety and Environment Coordinator Shanae Milnes believes inclusion is central to the “Give to Gain” philosophy. For her, creating safe and respectful environments is about ensuring people feel genuinely valued.

"I find real purpose in working to ensure people go home safe each day and have a safe and welcome place to come to work at everyday, where they feel seen and heard."

She says progress goes beyond statistics and is reflected in everyday behaviour and people’s confidence to speak up.

"To me it isn't about numbers, it's about genuine inclusion on site, where everyone feels safe to speak up and given the opportunity to challenge ideas and lead without feeling the need to constantly prove they deserve to be there."

Mechanical Services Engineer Sarah Doherty highlights the importance of culture in shaping positive career experiences. For her, a supportive environment and open communication make all the difference in fostering growth and confidence.

"What I enjoy most is the people involved and the working environment we create around us; there’s never a silly question and open communicative collaboration is always encouraged."

She also sees early exposure and awareness as key to broadening participation in the industry and that introducing young women to the possibilities within construction can help remove uncertainty and build aspiration.

"By introducing the possibilities of where this career path can take you at a young age, the opportunity doesn't seem so scary or out of reach."

The theme of “Give to Gain” is also reflected within Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. In June 2025, Rebecca Nisbet stepped into the role of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Project Manager for the new Shellharbour Hospital.

Her career has spanned workforce support, nursing studies, critical care divisional support and procurement before joining the redevelopment project. She credits mentors and strong female leaders for giving her the confidence to take on new challenges.

“They encouraged me to think bigger and bolder, knowing I was always supported.”

Rebecca says working on this once-in-a-generation project holds personal significance to her.

“As a full-time working mum to two young daughters, I want them to see that if you work hard, opportunities come your way and that they mustn’t be constrained by stereotypical gender roles.”

Builders BESIX Watpac is committed to improving women’s representation on the project, including through quarterly Lean-In Workshops that bring together women across the business, from consultants and subcontractors to clients, to share experiences and build networks.

That commitment is reflected in the workforce. Women account for around 15 percent of the total project team. In trade roles, they represent 10 percent of the workforce, exceeding the national average of 4 percent. Participation in non-traditional roles has also surpassed the 7 percent benchmark.

Senior Project Director Dominic Longo highlighted the contribution of women across the project and that the team’s strength lies in its diversity of experience and perspective.

" Women are contributing across every aspect of this project. From trade roles to project management, design and safety, they bring expertise, leadership and fresh perspectives that elevate the whole team," he said.

“While there is more work to do, the progress on this project shows what is possible when support, opportunity and encouragement are put into practice.”