It’s a long way from Pakistan to the Epping Road Upgrade but helping deliver safer and more-reliable travel is all part of the journey for Donnybrook’s Sumaira Amanat.
Ms Amanat immigrated from Pakistan to Australia in 2017 in search of a career in construction and better education for her young children.
Now she’s an environmental advisor on the Epping Road upgrade, working daily in her own neighbourhood as part of a diverse and vibrant project team.
Ms Amanat reflected on her career journey as the team celebrated the important contributions of its female members for International Women’s Day.
She’s part of a large team of women working on the project in roles covering everything from plant operation and safety through to engineering and communications.
Ms Amanat works for McConnell Dowell, the construction partner helping Major Road Projects Victoria deliver the Epping Road upgrade.
Regularly on-site, she helps ensure the project complies with its environmental plans and approvals to minimise impacts on the environment and community.
Ms Amanat knows the Epping Road project area intimately. She’s on the road daily, not only for work purposes but also family activities such as taking her three children to school or day care and shopping with husband Ferhan.
As a local, Ms Amanat is especially excited about the upgrade’s benefits for the 35,000 drivers who use Epping Road daily in Melbourne’s north.
“I’m proud to be a woman working in construction to help the Epping Road Upgrade deliver its goal of safer and more-reliable travel for all the road’s users,” she said.
“Our team works hard to support a diverse and vibrant culture on the project. It’s a safe and respectful place for the team’s female members, who contribute to the upgrade in a wide variety of important roles.”
“I would encourage any women thinking about work in construction to explore their opportunities for career pathways on projects like the Epping Road Upgrade.”
