WIC Committee

Kate Traeger – CHAIRPERSON
McMahon Services – Divisional Administrator-Civil Engineering Group

My Name is Kate Traeger and I am the Divisional Administrator for the Civil Engineering Group within McMahon Services, a family owned company who have been providing diverse construction services since 1990.

I joined the Women in Civil committee in 2016 with the goals to raise the profiles of women within the industry and to provide an environment of support for women, whilst encouraging them to join and remain within the SA civil construction industry.

In 2019 I endeavour to continue my support to raise the profiles of women within the industry, and I would also like to increase the CCF hosted networking events, open days and come and try days.

To find out more about Kate, click here to connect with her on LinkedIn

Natasha Hemmerling – VICE CHAIRPERSON
Partner of Clarke Hemmerling Lawyers

I have been involved with the construction industry for over 17 years practising as a lawyer and specialising in building and construction law. I am a partner at Clarke Hemmerling Lawyers and act for both builders and subcontractors on construction projects Australia wide. I chaired the board of a South Australian Industry Association for over 10 years that represents subcontractors in the plumbing industry in South Australia and I was a board member of the Construction Industry Training Board for 6 years.

The construction industry is one of the last industries to frontier an increase of women so I am passionate about assisting educate and promote change to this statistic by ensuring that gender diversity strategies and targets are set and translated into action and that the barriers for entry into the industry for women are overcome. I recently joined the Women in Civil Committee because I want to help promote women in the construction industry and I am excited to be part of a progressive Committee who are dedicated to the engagement of more women in the civil sector through education, raising of female profiles and provision of a supportive environment to assist achieve this.

To find out more about Natasha, Connect with her on LinkedIn

Julie Hiscock – TREASURER
Civil Tech Pty Ltd – Business and Quality Manager

My name is Julie Hiscock. My father is a civil engineer and it was no surprise when I joined the family owned company in 1989. I began working as a junior clerk and gradually learnt every area of the business including Business Management, Administration, Human Resources, Project Management and Quality.

As part of the committee, it is a passion of mine to see women shine in the civil construction industry through the provision of moral support, relationship-building, and advocacy, to inspire women to drive forward to rewarding positions within the industry.

To find out more about Julie, click here to connect with her on LinkedIn   

Joanna Thornton – Membership/Recruitment
Team Manager, Hays Trades and Labour

My name is Jo, I joined the Hays Adelaide office in 2011 from the UK where I had worked as a BDM for global organisations operating across Sugar and Oil refineries. I developed my career with Hays across several of our business units, including banking, mining, manufacturing and logistics. I now lead a team of consultants that specialise in Resources & Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction and Civil Trades.

I’m passionate about fostering strong relationships within industry and partnering with organisations to achieve their goals. I believe diversity is vital and not only creates a workforce that represents the community but also enriches views, perspectives and stimulates commercial outcomes. I joined the Women in Civil Committee in 2018, my goal in the committee in 2019 is to understand needs, drive engagement of our members and ensure you understand the support available from the CCF SA Women In Civil.

To find out more about Joanna, click here to connect with her on Linkedin

Janet Kirton – Research
Account Manager, Protech

My name is Janet and my career has been in the recruitment industry for over 20 years, with a focus in the past 5 on mining and construction. I have worked with large organisations and small businesses and have witnessed a change in the industry to be more diverse in hiring practices. I recently joined the Women in Civil Committee to be an active participant for these changes. I am excited to be part of this evolving Committee, who are dedicated to the engagement of more women in the Civil industry through education and involvement from organisations.

To find out more about Janet, click here to connect with her on Linkedin

Sally Faraguna – Events and Education
CPB Contractors, HR Lead South Australia

My name is Sally and I am a Human Resources professional with experience in the areas of talent management, organisational development, diversity & social inclusion, employee relations and engagement. My background is in the mining, construction and engineering sectors on high profile projects, most recently completing the $800m Torrens to Torrens Project and prior to that the $1.85b new Royal Adelaide Hospital Project. With a passion for people I strive to get the best people for the job, provide the best opportunities for people, operate in people’s best interests, and help people achieve their best. My aim as part of the Women in Civil Committee is to build on my current network and develop new relationships across the industry to work to improve women’s participation and capability in the construction industry in SA, linking women to jobs and training opportunities that generate sustainable career paths and bridge the gender gap in construction.

To find out more about Sally, click here to connect with her on Linkedin

Michelle Grose – Committee Member
Survey MANAGER - MCCONNELL DOWELL

I have been working in surveying for 27 years, with the first half of my career in mining and tunnelling. My career has taken me all over Australia, having worked in remote areas of SA, NSW and Queensland and on many major infrastructure and transport projects in the cities in SA, NSW and Victoria. A couple of local projects in my CV include the Crafers to Adelaide tunnels, the Northern Expressway, the Adelaide desalination plant and more recently the Darlington Upgrade Project. Studying and working in surveying has taken me overseas to New Zealand and Germany as well.

I value the empathy and understanding I bring to the teams I work with, as I believe our mental health and well-being is an important element of a healthy, productive team.

From staring underground in Olympic Dam in the early 90s through to today, I have seen an increase in numbers from one or two females on site to only a dozen or so. I don’t believe the increase is enough and would love to help spread the word that women can do anything they want to in the construction industry. I’ve seen women excel in many roles and feedback has always been positive. I hear many companies communicate their commitment to have more women in leadership roles and I welcome this move.

To find out more about Michelle, Connect with her on LinkedIn