by Kara Chisholm, Transport for NSW

MY CONSTRUCTION HEROES

by Kara Chisholm

Senior Environment Officer, Transport for NSW & 2021 NAWIC Chapter Mentoring Program Mentee (NSW)

My decade of working as a female environmental advisor in the construction industry began when I was 21 years old. I was young, unknowledgeable and frankly, downright scared. I began a career working on site, where I was required to relocate roughly every three years for a new project. I was also required to attend and speak at prestarts, which consisted of 100 or so men, early each morning and work 12-hour days to hit tight deadlines. The industry is facing some serious challenges in diversity and mental health and it still has a long way to go. But in a world of the #metoo movement and increasing reports of calling out the ‘old school’, unhealthy behaviour in the industry (which I am all for), I want to pay recognition to some others who have contributed to changing the industry. Not the amazing women who are creating awareness and rallying for equal pay, but the everyday superintendent, foreman and managers who have been my male role models and to be honest, are probably the only reason I am still working in the construction industry. Throughout my career I have come across these (generally older) men, onsite and in the office. They have not only looked out for me at work, they have become close friends who greatly impact my personal life. Because of project work, I am living away from family, and I unfortunately don’t have any older brothers. Throughout every project I have worked on, I have met these men that have invited me to attend dinner with their families and hang out with their kids, they have listened to me cry over multiple break ups, consistently given me life advice and encouraged me to become the best version of myself. They have coached me through any work issues and have consistently had my back whether it be protecting me from that ‘snide’ comment that someone on site has said, or backing me up in a meeting when things are getting heated and when I’m the only female in the room. Throughout the last decade I have witnessed these guys on a daily basis being amazing male role models not only at work, but in their personal lives. The industry is moving towards promoting STEM subjects to high school girls and making what was an outdated industry, more appealing to women. The benefits of being a young woman in the construction industry are severely undervalued and not recognised. Yes, the negatives are real and yes, I have consistently experienced prejudice and sexism in the industry. However, a support network like I have in the world of construction is the most valuable tool a girl can have and the impact on a woman’s professional and personal development is immeasurable and overlooked. To all those male role models supporting the females onsite “you go guys” we truly appreciate it.

Kara Chisholm with her male role models Con Boutsikakis and Chris Greenaway. Kara would also like to especially thank Tim Gooley, Adam Wood, Damian Wagner, Innes Menke, Peter Higgs, Chris McCallum, Shannon Chisholm and Paul Duncan