Great expectations for women working on the Medlow Bath Upgrade
As Transport for NSW widens a stretch of the Great Western Highway to provide a safer and more efficient road, the career paths of women working on the Medlow Bath Upgrade are likewise broadening.
Two of those are Glenmore Park’s Chloe Brooker, 28, and Vanshika Patel, 23, from Schofields, who are among a nearly 100-strong female workforce to have worked on the project since it began in March 2023.
Employed by Transport for NSW’s lead contractor on the project, Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure, both say their careers have been fast-tracked due to the opportunities available to them as 1.2 kilometres of the Great Western Highway is duplicated through Medlow Bath to provide two lanes in each direction.
Ms Brooker, who started on site as a labourer, now aspires to be Abergeldie’s first female site superintendent while Ms Patel’s goal is to progress from her current undergraduate engineer position to become a site engineer.
“It may not be the biggest project in terms of the distance we’re covering, but it involves so many unique aspects and challenges from an engineering point of view,” Ms Patel said, who is in the final year of a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
“What that means is my level of experience has been amplified by this project which in turn accelerates the career goals I can now have.”
Ms Brooker added: “Because of this project, and the opportunities it provides, I’ve been able to advance my skillset to become a supervisor. And it will be thanks to this project that I’ll achieve my aim of being a site superintendent.
“I’ve worked on this upgrade since it began, so to eventually see the road built, and with vehicles travelling along it, will give me a massive sense of achievement.”
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said Transport for NSW is committed to increasing women’s participation across its infrastructure projects.
“There are many women like Chloe and Vanshika working across the state on Transport for NSW projects, and we would love to see that number continue to increase.
“By working with the industry and contractors to implement flexible workplace policies and developing mentoring programs to support women’s long-term success in the industry, Transport for NSW aims to make construction a more appealing career choice for everyone.”
A spokesperson for the Australian Government said it was helping to drive women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction.
“We want pathways in place so women can look forward to bright futures in any industry.
“Chloe and Vanshika are two great examples of what’s possible when women receive opportunity and support.
“Making changes to workplace and training cultures, as well as supporting women to feel safe, secure and free from gender-based discrimination or harassment, will break down the barriers to enter this industry.”
As well as doubling capacity along the length of the project, a new 105-metre-long pedestrian bridge is being installed to provide improved access for crossing the busy highway from the Medlow Bath train station.
Additionally, the Great Western Highway and Bellevue Crescent intersection is being made safer with the installation of traffic lights.
The bridge will open in early 2025 and the traffic lights will be activated once the project is completed.
Together, the Australian Government and the NSW Government are investing $176.6 million towards the Medlow Bath Upgrade which is expected to be completed in 2025.
Find more information on the Great Western Highway upgrade at Medlow Bath here.