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.
Located in an emerging pocket of thriving Collingwood, 116 Rokeby, an 11-level office building has been designed exclusively for design, property and construction companies who share a passion for premium spaces and a commitment to considered impact.
An understanding of the changing needs of an office building informed the Carr design of ‘a breathing space,’ where work, sustainability and lifestyle converge. The “vertical village” at 116 Rokeby features a communal rooftop with kitchen and ground floor café offering, and premium end-of-trip facilities redefine the role of the office to create a series of flexible spaces for changing needs of office workers.
“We’ve created a building that deeply considers work-life integration,” explains Rebecca Trenorden, Carr Associate Director.
“One of the main things COVID showed us is the deep need for social connection and great amenities, and this ability to have a building community where likeminded tenants share a space that’s so connected is very rare.”
Figurehead Group are the developer and builder of 116 Rokeby, with Figurehead and Flux Construction teams set to occupy two floors of the building.
Joe Grasso, Founder and Managing Director, Figurehead Group has a vision for the building to become a hub for like-minded professionals who appreciate design and innovation.
“We want the space to be inspiring, and motivate people to come and do their best work,” Joe says.
“Our business is focused on continuous improvement, ensuring we produce a product that’s the absolute best in market.
116 Rokeby is a part of this story, and the building features spaces to support innovation and ensure the office is a great place to work.”
Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability has been deeply considered in every aspect of 116 Rokeby — inside and out — to set a new benchmark in environmental and wellness credentials in this emerging commercial precinct. Targeting Platinum WELL™, 5.5-Star NABERS and Climate Active Carbon Neutral Building Certification, 116 Rokeby is an exemplar of how considered design can have a positive impact on the environment and the people that interact with the space.
A key inclusion is the double-skin northern façade. An exemplar of both form and function, utilising automatic sensor-controlled blinds and a plenum to perform an impactful chimney stack effect with great impact on energy saving. It naturally heats and cools the building, whilst improving internal amenity through clear glazing and an abundance of natural light.
“The diaphanous northern façade at 116 Rokeby has environmental sustainability innovation at its core,” says Stephen McGarry, Carr Associate Director.
First Nations Collaboration
Another first, 116 Rokeby will also have a commissioned artwork imprinted into the concrete southern façade as a respectful acknowledgment of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people and a representation of Figurehead’s journey and commitment to reconciliation. The artwork, ‘Reflections of a Breathing Space’, is a collaboration by two First Nations artists: NAIDOC Creative Talent of the Year in 2022, sand artist, Lowell Hunter, and painter, illustrator and digital artist, Gerard Black.
"The intention of this artwork is to respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land, of which 116 Rokeby St Collingwood resides upon today,” First Nations Sand Artist Lowell Hunter says of the artwork collaboration with Figurehead.
“By committing to working respectfully with First Nations people you start to develop a deeper sense of the rich and strong culture that exists within our communities - this is something that we should all embrace and be proud of,” he continues.
Construction at 116 Rokeby has commenced; with completion due in early 2024.
There will be seven floors available for lease; details available via request at 116rokeby.com.au