Empowering Women in Construction: Figurehead’s Trip to Ballarat

In Victoria’s construction industry, women make up just 14% of the workforce, with only 2% in onsite roles. At Figurehead, we’re working hard to change those statistics. With 24% of our team being women—including 12% in onsite roles—we’re proud to be setting a higher standard for inclusivity and opportunity in construction.

Our recent overnight trip to Ballarat exemplified this commitment, bringing together women from across the business for an inspiring day of connection, learning, and empowerment. The trip offered a unique chance to gain firsthand insights into our projects while continuing to strengthen the inclusive culture we’re building at Figurehead.

"Being surrounded by like-minded women who support, share experiences, and inspire each other was refreshing. The support from the women at Figurehead has deepened my dedication to advancing in this field." —Ramya Alamuri, Project Coordinator

The journey began with a visit to Bradmill Yarraville, where Site Manager Richard Herbert shared the progress of the exciting townhouse Development, where Figurehead are responsible for delivering the very first stage of a landmark infill Project in Melbourne's inner west.

Day 2 featured a site visit to Lyons Place, a residential project developed for Hygge in Ballarat. Site Manager Julian Sanfilippo led an in-depth walkthrough of the site, offering an engaging and detailed overview of the project. The tour highlighted the intricacies of delivering Figurehead’s first project in Ballarat, showcasing not only the architectural and construction details but also the critical learnings gained from navigating the unique challenges of working in a regional area. Julian shared insights into the logistics of managing local supply chains, fostering relationships with regional subcontractors, and maintaining Figurehead’s high standards of quality and efficiency in a new geographic market.

Our women learned how adapting to the dynamics of a regional environment—such as material availability, workforce coordination, and community engagement—plays a pivotal role in the project’s success.

The site tours highlighted not just the technical complexities of these projects, but also the opportunities for women to contribute to every aspect of the construction process. For many of our team, seeing these projects up close reinforced the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and achieving excellence.

"I returned from the trip with a deep sense of unity and belonging, having spent purposeful, enriching time with the incredible women of Figurehead. I felt proud, inspired, and more committed than ever to my role in this industry." —Tilly Field, New Business Coordinator

But this trip was about more than just buildings. It was about empowering our female employees with real-world insights and fostering a sense of belonging in an industry where they remain underrepresented. Sharing experiences, learning from each other, and seeing the tangible outcomes of their contributions helped build both confidence and camaraderie.

At Figurehead, we believe that diverse teams drive better outcomes, and we’re proud to be creating pathways for women to lead and succeed in construction. The Ballarat trip was another step forward in that mission—a chance to celebrate our progress while looking ahead to an even more inclusive future.

Together, we’re not just building projects; we’re building a stronger, more equitable industry.