WIC Committee

AMANDA BROWN | VICECHAIR
PLANNER & SCHEDULER, THE SA ASPHALT SURFACING BUSINESS – DOWNER

Hi! I’m Amanda Brown, a Planner & Scheduler for the SA Asphalt Surfacing Business at Downer. I’ve been in the civil construction industry for 13 years—four of those with Downer and nine in an operational management role with a pavement marking company. Before that, I spent what feels like a lifetime in retail management!

In 2024, Downer launched EmpowHER, a company-wide Women’s Network, and I joined the Governing Committee to support and uplift the incredible women I work with. My goal is to help expand the network and reach more women across our company. As part of my commitment to supporting women in civil construction, I also joined the WIC committee, recognising the valuable learning and networking opportunities it offers—not just for myself, but for my colleagues at Downer and the broader industry.

Over the years, I’ve attended many WIC events and have been inspired by the committee’s dedication to engaging, encouraging, and promoting women in civil construction. I’m excited to learn from and contribute to this incredible group, helping to create a more inclusive industry while inspiring the next generation of women to pursue their careers without limitations.

Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn

ANGELIQUE WAUER | SECRETARY
HSEQ & HR ADVISOR, SEM GROUP OF COMPANIES

Hi, I am Angelique, and I have been in the Civil Industry since 2021, when I started with SEM Group, a South Australian owned family business. I am a H.S.E.Q and H.R Advisor, where I get to work closely with all of our employees, and stakeholders. I found a passion for safety, and working with people, which lead me into my role.

I joined the Women in Civil Committee to as I am dedicated to working toward a inclusive and equitable environment, bridging the gender diversity gaps. I want to be a part of the change which not only encourages more women into the Civil Industry, but supports their growth and development within it. I have a genuine commitment  to fostering a more inclusive industry for everyone, and leveraging my professional experience to drive positive change, and supporting women in their careers.

Connect with Angelique on LinkedIn

BRITTANY MATTERS | Treasurer
Finance Reporting Manager, MCMAHON SERVICES

I'm Brittany and I am the Finance Reporting Manager for McMahon Services.

I joined the committee in 2021 after attending a couple of events and becoming inspired to support and empower women in our industry.

I'm hoping to use my place on the committee to provide opportunities for better female representation in our industry, both on site and in leadership roles. I believe with more women in the industry, we can change the current perceptions and make it a more inviting environment for women looking to enter the workforce. 

Connect with Brittany on LinkedIn.

JANELLE BARON | COMMITTEE MEMBER
ESTIMATING Manager - CPB CONTRACTOrs

My name is Janelle, and I am an Estimating Manager for CPB Contractors in SA.  I have been in the construction Industry for over 30 years, starting as a trainee soil tester on a remote construction crew, gaining a degree in Engineering and then finding my niche leading the pricing effort on Infrastructure, Resource and Building Projects.

When starting out I had no idea of what an Engineer was yet alone what role they played in construction, I would have benefited from being exposed to construction, which was initially the catalyst for being visible and promoting engineering to primary and secondary students.  I started my journey advocating for more women in construction with a motto of you can’t be what you can’t see, to now seeing more women in senior leadership roles and changing my thinking to “you can be what you can’t see”. 

I have joined the committee to work alongside other likeminded women to increase networking and mentoring opportunities for Women In Construction in SA.

Evonne penrose | COMMITTEE MEMBER
Safety advisor - bmd group

I first entered the civil construction industry in 2019 joining BMD as a Labourer as part of a pre-release program run by Adelaide Women’s Prison. During my first 12 months of work in the industry I took every opportunity to upskill and I have obtained formal qualifications in my Certificate II and Certificate III in Civil Construction and tickets including roller, excavator, working at heights, confined spaces, forklift, traffic management, asbestos removal, and chainsaw operation. During my time onsite delivering projects across South Australia for BMD, I found my passion for safety and am very proud to now be in a role where I can lead by example and motivate crews to operate safely in all that they do.

Having truly faced adversity and worked extremely hard to turn my life around, I believe it is my duty to help others to do the same. I feel very fortunate to have found myself a career in construction and as part of the Civil Contractors Federation Women in Civil committee I am hoping to play a part in helping people join this fantastic industry. I look forward to being able to provide my perspective to issues women face and inspire more young women to build a rewarding career onsite.

Connect with Evonne on LinkedIn

AYA PULLE | COMMITTEE MEMBER

My name is Aya and I have just completed my Certificate 3 in Civil Construction through CACL, hosted by SADB. I joined the civil construction industry knowing it is obviously male dominated and not a traditional career for women, however the thought of working on big projects across South Australia and driving past seeing works happening excited me and led me to a pretty drastic career change in 2023. Since starting my apprenticeship, I have gained numerous plant tickets, high risk licence, HR truck licence, and other tickets which are commonly required on site. I love the variety in projects, the day to day and just the nature of the work. Some days can be challenging but it is incredibly rewarding.

By joining the Women in Civil committee I hope to inspire more women to not only join the civil industry but to help retain the women already in the field. There are times when I can go days without seeing or speaking to another female on site, which is the one of the main reasons I hope to create change by increasing the diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

Connect with Aya on LinkedIn

GEORGIA STURTZEL | COMMITTEE MEMBER

G’day my name is Georgia, and I’ve been in the civil industry for four years. I have just recently completed my Certificate lll in General Civil through civil apprentices and careers LTD, hosted by McMahon Services Australia. I joined the civil sector in 2022 at 17 years old whilst still completing my year 12 studies knowing next to nothing about the industry other than it being heavily male dominated. Even though it was daunting, the curiosity and eagerness to explore a career in this amazing industry and to contribute to the ongoing development of infrastructure, not only in my community, but in the state outweighed the fear. I have been fortunate enough to work on some challenging but extremely rewarding job sites over the duration of my apprenticeship and now as a full-time employee. I have gained multiple plant and equipment tickets, HR licenses and high-risk tickets that allow me to perform all different sorts of task. I love being able to learn new things on different site but to also hone my current skill set.

By joining the amazing team on the Women In Civil Committee I hope to be able to support the women currently in the industry but to also be a role model for women and young girls looking at joining the trade. I believe it is detrimental to our industry to not have women involved in all roles across this division of construction and I hope that I can contribute to that by showcasing the diversity and inclusion.