Driving Gender Equity at Transport

Welcome to the Transport Women in Leadership Site. This is a space for you to find information, tools and resources about gender equity, and collaborate and connect with other people across the cluster.

For information about our commitment to driving gender equity, key programs and initiatives and our discussion board, you can visit the pages under 'Key Information'. For upcoming events, announcements and articles of interest, check out the 'What's New' board below.

This page is for you, so we encourage you to share your suggestions for what you would like to see more of on the discussion board.

Inclusion and Diversity Team

Welcome to the Transport Women in Leadership Site. This is a space for you to find information, tools and resources about gender equity, and collaborate and connect with other people across the cluster.

For information about our commitment to driving gender equity, key programs and initiatives and our discussion board, you can visit the pages under 'Key Information'. For upcoming events, announcements and articles of interest, check out the 'What's New' board below.

This page is for you, so we encourage you to share your suggestions for what you would like to see more of on the discussion board.

Inclusion and Diversity Team

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    Meet Samiha Najem | Inspiring Women in Engineering

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    1. Tell us what you do at Transport

    I am currently the A/Associate Director System Integrity within Engineering Maintenance Directorate at Sydney Trains. I lead a team in providing assurance on the asset condition and system integrity resulting from the maintenance activities across Sydney Trains. We do this through audits, asset inspections, reporting, engineering documentation and adherence to compliance to standards. It is an operations environment so there is never a dull day working in the team J.

    2. What's your proudest moment?

    My proudest moment, was a small project I ran a few years ago – it was delivering break room facilities for bus drivers. At the completion of the project, I received direct comments from bus drivers on how it made a difference to their daily work commute. I have delivered larger projects since but I often refer to that moment in driving the value for what I want to achieve, meeting a community need and improving the way of life of customers whether internal or external.

    3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in Engineering?

    A career in engineering is incredibly diverse, it is challenging and rewarding. My advice would be to pursue your passion and believe in your capabilities every step of the way.

    4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

    There are embedded society constructs that contribute to behaviours entrenched in the way individuals speak, think and act. We need to educate and reflect on behaviours that contribute to impacting the acceleration and retention of women in engineering. I have always believed, this education needs to start early on with young girls and boys at schools, providing equal opportunities and exposure to pursuing a career in in engineering. Industry and the workplace can play a key role in advocating for this change in schools and transforming the future of women in engineering.

    5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

    I am an indoor rock climbing enthusiast - my next challenge is to master outdoor - it is a great challenge.

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    Meet Chantal Farrelly | Inspiring Women in Engineering

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    1. Tell us what you do at Transport

    I am currently working as a Project Engineer in the Electrical Testing and Commissioning team in Major Works in Sydney Trains. This involves preparing, planning and delivering the testing and commissioning for electrical infrastructure projects within Major Works. This involves carrying out the testing requirements on electrical equipment and preparing commissioning documentation.

    2. What's your proudest moment?

    I have been in the engineering industry for about 7 years and my proudest moment would have to be when I was part of the electrical commissioning team for delivering the power management system for a new Iron Ore Mine project in Port Hedland, WA. I came into the team during the design phase of the project and I was able to see it through to the final stage of Site Acceptance testing. This power management system was used to allow the mine to fully automate its electrical process control system without any human interaction.

    3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in Engineering?

    I would like to encourage any woman who feels they might be slightly interested in having a career in engineering to put yourself out there and learn more about where a career in engineering might take you. I remember when I first enrolled into my university degree someone asked me what I was studying and I told them it was engineering. Their first response was “Oh, so you’re going to fix cars or motors?”.

    I highly recommend attending university open days at any time during your high school years or any workshops related to engineering as it can really change your perspective to what an ‘engineer’ does. There so many workshops and seminars dedicated to promoting women in engineering which I was a part of during my university days. I could really see that many young women and girls didn’t realise the different jobs, projects and career paths that engineering can take you.


    4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

    I believe we need to dedicate more outreach programs for young women to let them explore and understand the career paths engineering can take you. These programs could involve site visits or even workshops hosted by some engineers in Tfnsw.


    5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

    I used to play soccer for about 15 years and even made it into the women’s premier league team. I also referee men’s club soccer teams on weekends.

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    Meet Sally Bell | Inspiring Women in Engineering

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    1. Tell us what you do @ Sydney Trains

    I’m currently on a secondment to EDU as an Electrical Systems Engineer looking after the practical application of our Electrical Network Safety Rules

    2. What's your proudest moment?

    I have a couple, first would be becoming a mother and second would be finishing my engineering degree after 7 years working full time and having two children.

    3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in Engineering?

    If it’s your passion and you like to solve problems, give it a go. There is so much more to being an engineer than sitting behind a desk drawing designs.

    4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

    This is the biggest question that has been going around for years. I don’t know the answer, but maybe giving women the encouragement and support that are already in the industry so they don’t leave and give it a bad name. We have a high number of women leaving the industry, if we can work out how to keep them, maybe more would join us.

    5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

    I play the guitar.

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    Meet Irene Fernandez | Inspiring Women in Engineering

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    1. Tell us what you do at Transport

    Electrical Team Manager fortunate to lead an amazing team in the delivery of preventative, corrective & incident response maintenance activities on City North electrical infrastructure. Enabling safe & reliable passage for our customers.

    2. What's your proudest moment?

    When I progressed from an Electrical Engineer to Plant Manager, responsible for chemical manufacturing sites across Victoria & Tasmania.

    3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in Engineering?

    My advice to women is not to allow the fear of failure to deter them from entering what is a rewarding career path in Engineering.

    ‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work’ - Thomas Edison

    4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

    Empower young girls to choose STEM subjects in school, to have the confidence that they too can excel in these subjects. Highlight the role of female engineers throughout history and the innovative works by current pioneers in the field.

    5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

    During my MBA I went on exchange to the University of Edinburgh, a truly memorable experience exploring the Scottish Highlands, tasting Haggis & touring the haunted Greyfriars Kirkyard.

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    Meet Katherine Holzner | Inspiring Women in Engineering

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    1. Tell us what you do at Transport

    I am a Project Engineer focusing on the development of road (maintenance, safety, efficiency) projects for handover to construction. I work closely with and co-ordinate a multidisciplinary team to identify and work through project constraints, threats and opportunities with a focus on delivering a well-considered and value for money solution, optimised for the particular site.

    Having worked in Engineering Services as a Road Designer and with the Environment Branch as an Environment Officer, I get to utilise my somewhat diverse skills. I also get to work closely with the community which is both challenging and rewarding.


    2. What's your proudest moment?

    A proud moment was returning to Southern Region from Hunter on secondment to manage the same team that I started my Road Designer in Training program so nine years earlier. I particularly enjoyed working with and supporting the trainees and the returned ‘retirees’.

    I also find it incredibly rewarding when we can make seemingly minor, cost effective changes to projects which enhance community and road user experience immensely. I am continually humbled by how accommodating, generous and cooperative the community are.

    3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in Engineering?

    There will be challenges but don’t lose sight of what you want to achieve and the impact this career can have. Be yourself and find your way, it could set the way for others.

    4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

    This is quite a complicated and multifaceted matter. As such and unfortunately, I don’t believe there is any simple fix which could be encapsulated into a few motivational sentences. I do believe however, that forging change, like with any ‘problem solving’ (whether an engineering or societal problem etc.) initially requires an in depth understanding of the past and present condition (problem identification) from a wide variety of voices - and all genders. In short, we need to have a hard look to understand the nature of the problem before we focus on transforming.

    5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

    During my 12 year full time employment with RTA/RMS/TfNSW, I’ve studied part-time via correspondence for 10 years, completing a Bachelor of Engineering, a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability, and dabbling with some German language studies for fun! Given that at high school I didn’t ever consider going to uni until the final stages of the HSC (no one in my family had been to uni), I am still surprised that I persevered with the work/study combo and the associated pain that went with it. Shout out to all that know this pain! Double shout out to those that had kids on top of it – I don’t know how you managed it, truly inspiring!!

    I am also eager to understand what drives women to STEM and the challenges they face across TfNSW. I would love to investigate this further. If there is an opportunity for me to do this, let me know and I might just start studying a sociology / psychology degree 😉👎. But seriously, give me a call!

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    Meet Jo Withford | Inspiring Women in Engineering

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    1. Tell us what you do at Transport

    My current role is Project Engineer/Contract Manager with Regional and Freight, based in Newcastle. I manage the Road Maintenance Council Contracts with City of Newcastle and Maitland City Council as well as managing the development and construction of various safety and Infrastructure Services projects. I am very active in encouraging women in STEM where I promote Transport and engineering by speaking at various primary school, high schools and Universities. I am Digital Leader of Transport’s Women in STEM Network as well as being on Engineers Australia’s Sub-Education Committee. I also represent Transport as an Ambassador for Sydney Build 2020/2021.

    2. What's your proudest moment?

    Earlier this year I was 1 of 17 Australian’s awarded the position of being a STEM Ambassador for Science and Technology Australia. This is an amazing opportunity which enables me to work together with my local MP, Sharon Claydon to help bridge the gap between science and government in Australia. Being awarded Fellow status with Engineers Australia in 2018 was a proud moment as it was nice to be recognised by my fellow Engineers for contributing positively to the field of Engineering. I was also proud to be awarded Transport’s Regional Maintenance Female Employee of the Year for 2019. On a personal note, I am proud of the fact that with the help of my husband, I have been able to raise three happy and successful daughters while still maintaining a successful and fulfilling engineering career. I am also proud of the fact that I have been working for Transport for 20 years.

    3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in engineering?

    It is vital that we always be true to ourselves, do what feels right, always be authentic and have confidence in our own ability. Have your ‘non–negotiables’, be brave and step out of your comfort zone at times because when you do, amazing opportunities may present themselves. It is also nice to support other women in engineering.

    4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

    The only way we are going to transform the future of women in engineering is when Australia’s workforce reflects the communities we live in and provide a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace culture where both men and women are given equal opportunity for success. We are certainly moving in the right direction however we still have a great amount of work to do.

    5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

    Before my Husband and I settled down in Newcastle (24 years ago!), we spent three years travelling in a campervan and working as engineers around Australia. It was an amazing experience – great for our relationship and also fabulous to see our beautiful country.

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    If home is not a safe place

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    One tragic consequence of the COVID-19 lockdown has been an increase in incidences of domestic and family violence and abuse in Australia.

    In this vodcast, our Secretary Rodd Staples, talks with two external experts about why domestic and family violence and abuse is a workplace issue. They explore the signs to look out for and what leaders can do to support people impacted by domestic and family violence and abuse.

    Warning: please note that this vodcast includes discussion of themes and issues that may be triggering for some listeners. For additional information and resources, please visit 'Support for domestic family violence and abuse' on the Staywell Hub. For support, call 1800 RESPECT or in an emergency call 000.


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    Women in Industry Awards

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    Don't miss your chance to nominate yourself or a colleague in the 2020 Women in Industry Awards! Each year the awards recognise the outstanding contributions of women working in the mining, transport, engineering and manufacturing sectors. Help us celebrate Australian women who are thriving and excelling in their chosen fields, and contributing to the growth and cultures of male-dominated industries. Nominations close Friday 3 July https://go.pardot.com/webmail/401112/1332990218/666f135ace8b3eae4523a7d48f5e1bf5c907f16bf8aefbdbce00f34e93d7c3c3


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    Delivering a virtual Acknowledgement of Country

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    With more employees working flexibly and joining online meetings from various locations, it’s important we continue to recognise and pay respects to the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which attendees meet. Here are some ways to deliver an Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of a meeting, speech or formal event that takes place online.

    https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nsw-public-service-commission_delivering-an-acknowledgement-of-country-activity-6663683957915295744-Kpqf

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    Have you joined the WiSE Network?

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    At Transport, we are committed to increasing the representation of females working in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Construction (STEMC). We are working to improve attraction and retention of women of STEMC and building the pipeline for women in STEMC from students through to our future leaders. The Women in STEMC Employment (WiSE) Cluster Network is a foundation for this work.

    Why you should join the WiSE Network
    • Connect and network with other members of the Network from across the cluster
    • Volunteer for outreach activities with local schools and universities
    • Be visible and build your profile as a women in STEMC
    • Be involved in a movement to drive change

    Click on this link to find out more and join the network.

Page last updated: 03 Sep 2020, 03:40 PM