6 March 2018

BMD PRESS FOR PROGRESS – HEAR EULALIA’S STORY

At BMD our business is our people. BMD recognises the importance of gender diversity in the construction industry and believes in the value that different perspectives can add to our business. During an interview series in the lead up to International Women’s Day, find out first hand why our female employees see a career at BMD.

EULALIA SHARES HER STORY FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
LABOURER

I am …

I am an Indigenous woman from the Kimberley’s in Western Australia. My parents are amazing Christian people who work very hard. I am the middle child with an older brother and younger sister. I was raised and completed my schooling in Queensland. I have a passion for the outdoors, nature, food and positive thinking.

I am a mother of four beautiful children. I have three boys and one girl who are aged 7, 12, 16 and 18. My two eldest are working full-time, one as a second year mechanic apprenticeship and the other has a Traineeship with the RSPCA. I believe I have installed in them a good work ethic.

I work as a Labourer at BMD and work in Queensland Rail corridors as an Authorised Person, controlling the civil construction works performed in a hazardous and challenging environment. I am currently working on the Inner City Bypass Upgrade to deliver positive safety outcomes, while studying my Certificate IV in Civil Construction and I am on BMD’s Reconciliation Action Plan working group.

Being the only woman labourer on this site, my role is so much more than this. I am the …

  • physical education teacher
  • document controller (I have the neatest handwriting)
  • water boy
  • counsellor
  • nurse
  • mother to some, sister to others
  • taxi driver / managing deliveries
  • cultural awareness advisor
  • cleaner/plumber to the men’s toilets.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way. To me, my children, my family, God, work and friends are what is most important.

I will #pressforprogress …

I work hard every day and consider myself equal to all of my work mates. I don’t believe any of the men onsite would say I’m not capable of something because I am a woman. It is important that we press for progress and challenge stereotypes and bias. Roles are no longer defined by gender and at BMD we are inclusive of all people, no matter their gender or cultural background. I strongly believe that women can work in physical jobs onsite and can play a critical role in managerial roles such as Foreman. With support from mentors and the team you work in, this is achievable.

I believe that I can be seen as a role model for women wanting to get into construction and hope that more women can follow in my footsteps. With the assistance from my mentors and superiors, I’m working hard to become the first female Sub-Foreman at BMD.

As a mother I’ve always encouraged and taught my daughter and three boys that they can do anything they want….find something you love and do it well. I believe it is important to instil this from a young age to set them up for life. Anything is possible no matter what challenges arise. If you want it, go for it.

I see a career at BMD because …

To me, BMD still feels like a small family owned business, even though we are now much bigger than that with 1,700 employees across the country. I feel I am part of both a close-knit team, and a big family. I am consistently encouraged to keep achieving my goals within the work place and I am proud of the role I play as a woman in the construction industry.

I am particularly proud of being put forward to nominate for the Pacific Group Holdings Indigenous Female Employee of the Year Award. I have made it through as a finalist, and I will be attending the Awards night tomorrow evening. To me, being acknowledged as a finalist alongside other inspiring women is already a significant achievement.

If you are interested in a role like Eulalia, visit our careers page.

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