To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, we’re highlighting the women driving the planning and delivery of the largest mental health facility in NSW under construction at Westmead. This day honours the achievements of women across all aspects of life - social, economic, cultural, and political - while also advocating for gender equality.

It also offers an opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of women in the construction industry, in a traditionally male-dominated field.

The 2025 theme, "Accelerate Action," calls for swift and decisive steps toward achieving gender equality. It calls for increasing momentum and urgency in addressing barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

Project Director Elise Miller, noted how the diversity of the team made her experience more fulfilling.

“It’s been a joy to be in this industry, especially with the increase in women’s participation.”

Initially pursuing a nursing degree, Elise found her career path in construction after working in an administrative role at a construction company. Her growing interest in the field led her to switch her studies to a Bachelor of Construction.

Reflecting on her work, she shared how rewarding it has been to be involved in such a large and significant project in Western Sydney.

"I take pride in knowing that the space we’re building will contribute to positive health outcomes for consumers and the broader community, especially here in my local health district," she said.

Redevelopment Lead Julianne Harvey has been at Westmead since 2003, starting out working in the Medical High Dependency Unit. Since then, she has moved onto capital work, overseeing the Cumberland West Mental Health Services Relocation, Rouse Hill Hospital Development and Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital expansion projects.

Julianne explained that having experience on both sides of the fence has its advantages. "My background in nursing and clinical healthcare redesign gives me a unique perspective on the intricate workflows and practical needs of healthcare facilities, ensuring that the new buildings are not only functional but also support safe, high-quality patient care," she said.

Project Manager Alice Issa has had a passion for architecture and construction since the age of 13. “I’ve always had a passion for building and construction,” Alice said, illustrating how early interests have shaped her career.

Service Engineer Alyce Gower, who oversees all service trades alongside a services manager, has always been passionate about design and complex infrastructure.

“This led to me to starting out my career as a mechanical engineer, then progressed into the contractor space.”

However, it hasn't always been smooth sailing. When asked, the women openly shared the challenges of navigating the construction industry.

Alyce sharedsome early career challenges “I had reservations about entering the mechanical engineering field because there didn’t seem to be many women, and I thought there would be gender biases.”

“The industry is changing a lot and we’re now seeing more and more women coming into the field and women taking on leadership roles.” Alyce explained.

Alice echoed Alyce’s experience, reflecting on one of the biggest challenges she faced in her 15-year career: finding role models, particularly women in senior leadership positions. They suggested women get involved with organisations like NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), which connects women in the industry and provides vital support.

“When I started out it was difficult not having women to look up to in top management roles, but that made me even more determined to succeed, and now I have many women to look up to, and the industry is richer for it” Alice said.

Despite the challenges they've encountered, each of them shared valuable advice for women aspiring to break into the construction industry.

Alice emphasised the importance of staying true to yourself. “Don’t try to change yourself to fit in. The diversity you bring is important”

Alyce advised others to take advantage of the industry’s growth potential. “This is a great field to break into with significant growth. My advice would be to find a mentor to help guide you.”

Julianne said, “Be confident in your abilities but recognise they form part of a wider team whose combined expertise and knowledge will often reach the best outcome.”