Building world-class hospitals relies on the hard work and ingenuity of people working in the construction industry, and women are more represented than ever before, thanks to a range of female participation and retention programs, along with the commitment of government and industry bodies.
Principal contractor for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre project, John Holland, has implemented a range of initiatives to support the increased participation of women in traditional and non-traditional construction roles, including school visits, on-site events and activities for female workers, and site visits by a range of community groups and industry organisations.
These initiatives have been made possible through the engagement of a full-time Female Participation Advisor role, funded through the NSW Government's Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program. The position plays a key role in creating opportunities for women through recruitment into apprenticeships and non-trade positions, and working with subcontractors to increase female representation in trade roles.
Health Infrastructure and John Holland are also proud to support the Australian Constructors Association’s It’s Possible campaign, helping mid-career women consider a switch to construction.
A group of 15 women were recently welcomed to site to see construction up close and meet some of the people from our integrated project team, providing the opportunity for them to ask questions, share their stories, and get a unique insight into the industry. During 2024, John Holland’s women in construction initiatives resulted in... 17 schools being engaged More than 800 female students engaged 83 women focused activities held, engaging more than 3,000 people 8.8% of non-traditional roles on site held by women Women representing 4.5% of tradespeople on site Pictured: Top and right – students of Rose Bay and Sydney Secondary Colleges on site for tours in March. Below right – Health Infrastructure Acting Chief Executive, Leisa Rathborne, speaks to a group of mid-career women interested in construction as part of the ‘It’s Possible’ campaign. Published April 2025