I started out behind a desk as a site administrator at the North East Link Project Watsonia SEM Vent Tunnel location. But being on site every day, watching the work across the three SEM sites, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted to have a go at the physical work instead of being in the office.
So, I made the switch. These days I’m in the operator’s seat. It’s physical, its long hours, and it’s a massive shift from the office. But it feels right. Everyone I work with has been willing to show me the ropes and being patient while I find my feet.
I’ve been lucky to see so many phases of the tunnelling process firsthand, from excavation, breakthroughs, now the benching process. Not everyone gets that, so I consider myself fortunate to be part of it all.
My advice to other women considering construction - I know it sounds like a cliché, but life really is too short not to try the things that interest you. Desk work isn’t for everyone. If there’s something you want to do, especially in an industry like this, just go for it. You’ll have tough days, sure. But you’ll have those in any job. It’ll be worth it in the end.