Investing in women to build equality

'Investing in women and advocating for gender equity sets an example'

Nhung Vo

Nhung is a Senior Project Manager in the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF) team. Her role involves using her construction background and project management skills to oversee and provide governance to metropolitan, community and Aboriginal health infrastructure projects.

What drew you to work in health infrastructure?

I was drawn to health infrastructure because of the niche and complex nature of these projects. It also feels rewarding to be involved in work that ultimately helps the sick and vulnerable people in our community.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? Why is it important that we continue to invest in women and gender equity?

It’s a day to recognise the women in my life for the work that they do – at work, at home and in the community. It’s an opportunity to celebrate their feminine, unique and colourful existence. It is important that we continue to invest in women and gender equity because women have unique gifts to bring to the table, and these gifts need to be recognised and compensated.

When women are empowered, they will flourish and thrive in whatever they do. That comes back to benefit society whether that is in a social, economic or environmental sense. I feel lucky that throughout my career, I have met managers who listened and paid attention to what my strengths are. They invested in me by believing in my capabilities and giving me not only autonomy, but roles and salaries to grow into. Their support allowed me to experience what flourishing and thriving looks like!

What career opportunities would you like to see for women?

I would like to see opportunities, whether big or small and at all levels of management, that involve decision making and influence, and that pay well.

What is your advice to women who are interested in working in health infrastructure?

Just go for it. It's a saturated industry with lots of opportunities and lots to learn. The skills that you pick up are very transferrable.

'Women are smart, capable, dedicated and driven'

Sarah Skeels

Sarah recently joined VHBA as Principal Project Manager of the Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) Program.

Her role involves managing the $141 million expansion of YPARC services across Victoria, an investment by the Victorian Government that is improving the mental health of young people.

What drew you to work in health infrastructure?

It was the huge variety in size, scale and type of projects that you can work on. There is such an exciting portfolio of projects on the go at the moment, with interesting opportunities expected over the next few years.

What does International Women's Day mean to you? Why is it important that we continue to invest in women and gender equity?

For me, it's an opportunity to reflect and recognise the achievements, big or small, of fellow women in a traditionally male-dominated construction industry. It provides a platform to share experiences, both good and bad, and to explore the impacts of those experiences, to invite collaboration and discussion to drive improvement.

'Count Her In' promotes broadening the viewpoints in decision-making rooms to achieve better outcomes for everyone.

What career opportunities would you like to see for women?

Women are smart, capable, dedicated and driven enough to take on any career role in which they are interested; in exactly the same way that men are. What I would like to see is the stigma of a 'diversity hire' being removed from women who may be the first of, or are the minority, in a role and instead recognise the skills and attributes of the successful applicant.

I would like to see skill and talent celebrated, and not the negative undertones of having achieved because of a notion of needing token female representation. This stigma placed on women is the failing of a system which has historically had inadequate representation of the general population which is made up of different genders, and an array of cultures and differing beliefs.

What is your advice to women who are interested in working in health infrastructure?

Just jump in! Health infrastructure provides such a versatile portfolio of work, that addresses the health needs of all ages and abilities, from planning, design and construction, that you are sure to find a project that you love working on.

'Work remains to be done to achieve inclusivity'

Valentina Vitali

Valentina recently joined VHBA as a Senior Project Manager for the Austin Emergency Department Stabilisation Project.

She is responsible for ensuring health facilities are built on time, on budget and to the highest standard.

What drew you to work in health infrastructure?

I have always been fascinated by architecture and construction. There is something almost magical about translating a sketch into a real building! And I believe how we do this can make a real difference in people's lives.

Working in health infrastructure offers me a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the communities and their wellbeing. Understanding the needs of different cultural groups as well as how the health force is operating, developing new ways to efficiently support everyone, and building a facility where everyone can feel comfortable is something challenging and exciting at the same time, and I feel very lucky to be part of it!

What does International Women's Day mean to you? Why is it important that we continue to invest in women and gender equity?

It's a day to celebrate gender diversity and women's achievements and opportunities. It's also a reminder of the barriers that can be experienced by women, and the work that remains to be done to achieve inclusivity.

In my career in Australia, I had the luck of crossing paths with some very passionate and knowledgeable women, who inspired me and pushed me to do better in every sphere of life. Their ability to drive different teams and lead by example, be strong and supportive, not only positively impacts my work and my wellbeing but also makes me believe I can get better in what I do and become who I want in life.

I really would like all young women starting their careers now to have the same luck I had. This can be achieved by giving more exposure to women in leadership and investing in new and already existing mentoring projects for women in construction. Through this, we can create a network where women can find support and encouragement.

What career opportunities would you like to see for women?

I strongly believe gender equality should be applied in every job. Career progression should be simply driven by skills and not gender.

Currently, the health infrastructure industry has an amazing group of men and women who work collaboratively for the same objectives. It would be great to see this everywhere.

What is your advice to women who are interested in working in health infrastructure?

My best advice is to be who you are, be committed, and focus on your goals.

Work with us

Are you passionate about public health and interested in a career in health infrastructure? If so, we want to hear from you.

VHBA is responsible for the planning, delivery and oversight of Victoria’s public health infrastructure.

Our work includes:

• managing the planning and delivery of new health infrastructure projects, including public hospitals, community health services, residential aged care, mental health facilities and ambulance branches
• community and stakeholder engagement
• developing best practice guidelines for managing health infrastructure
• upgrading and managing state-wide medical and engineering equipment.

Find out more about working at VHBA and explore our current opportunities on the Careers.Vic website.