Women who are Building Victoria
As Master Builders Victoria celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, this collection of photographs showcases the strength, skill, and dedication of some of the women who are shaping Victoria’s building and construction industry.
Captured in their places of work, these images celebrate the women who are accelerating action across their sectors.
They are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and diverse future. Through these powerful images, we recognise and honour their hard work, resilience, and the lasting impact they have on our communities.
A special thank you to those who made this project possible and the women who have put themselves and their stories forward.
Emma Place
Assistance Project Manager, Becon Construction
When I entered the construction industry in 2019 as an administrative trainee, I didn’t really know what I wanted to pursue as a lifelong career. At the time I was working for a small construction company and would pitch in to assist teams in construction, OH&S and estimating. This is where my passion for building and construction began.
Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, the company that I had been working for unfortunately closed their doors. From there I began studying for my Diploma of Building and Construction and was hired as an Assistant Project Manager at Becon Constructions.
With the support of the Becon team, I managed to complete my Diploma through night school, while continuing to work full-time. Over the past 2.5 years I’ve completed several retail developments, and I am proud to now be working on a new $40 million shopping centre development in Clyde North, one of Becon’s largest projects in its 40-year history.
Rosanne Luna
Senior Project Manager, Harnest
With over 20 years in the building industry, I have embraced the variety of work and challenges it presents. The ever-changing nature of this industry is what I love most ‘no two days are the same.’
From early beginnings, I immersed myself in learning, earning qualifications, and actively participating in industry groups and committees. My career began in the residential sector, but over time, I sought experience in other areas, including commercial fit outs, high-rise construction, and commercial furniture. After returning from maternity leave, I even worked in an architectural practice, which broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the industry, viewing it through a different lens.
I believe everyone ends up where they are meant to be. Being part of a people-centric industry, I am currently working with the Mazzei Group working with Harnest. I have truly found my people here.
Making a difference has always been my ultimate goal even if it’s just for one person, I consider that a success. The industry has been good to me, and I’ve worked hard to evolve alongside it. Over the years, I’ve seen increasing opportunities for women and a growing embrace of diversity in various roles. While we’ve made great strides, there’s still more to achieve, and I look forward to continuing to make an
Alice Samson
Workflow Manager, Harnest SDA
I entered the construction industry about 8 years ago with zero construction experience, I am very grateful for the mentors and leaders that gave me chances in those early years when on paper I wouldn’t have had the necessary “experience” for the roles. Since stepping into the construction industry, I have held some incredibly fulfilling roles within Operations teams, from managing projects directly to managing operational process and training and now leading a team of project managers who deliver complex disability housing projects across Victoria and South Australia.
This industry brings daily challenges and rewards in any role, however witnessing my team support each other and develop their own knowledge during a period of exponential growth within disability housing at Harnest has by far been the most rewarding experience. I am incredibly proud to have built and now lead a team of strong, intelligent and driven female project managers.
Anna Galluzzo
Head of Construction (South West), National Development Group
Anna is a highly accomplished and well-educated construction expert with over 30 years of experience across both the commercial and residential sectors. She currently serves as Head of Construction at McDonald’s.
As the only child of a migrant builder, Anna spent much of her childhood around construction sites. She began her career in the residential sector, following in the footsteps of her father, working as a partner and registered building practitioner in their luxury home building business. Anna’s career has since evolved to encompass various leadership roles, both on-site and off-site, within medium to large construction organisations. Anna holds a Bachelor of Architecture, a Master of Engineering (Construction Management), and has been a registered building practitioner in Victoria since 1994. She is also a sitting member of the Building Appeals Board.
In addition to her professional achievements, Anna has published several research articles in leading Australian journals and presented at national and international conferences. She is currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy in the Built Environment at RMIT University, where her research topic is on “Women in Onsite and Offsite Project Leadership Roles in Construction.”
Kathryn Walder & Marnie Atcliffe
Registered Architects & Builder, Atcliffe Walder Atelier
Atcliffe Walder Atelier is a studio born out of a long-term partnership between Marnie Atcliffe and Kathryn Walder.
They are both Registered Architects and Domestic Builders with over 50 years of combined experience working in the Victorian residential construction industry.
Their underlying beliefs are that buildings should contribute positively and that well designed homes improve the lives of their occupants.
We enjoy collaborating with like-minded clients, consultants and trades people who don’t see gender as a barrier.
Nicoletta Damalis
Labourer, Built Environs
Through my experience as a mum, with a child on the spectrum, I have developed the skills to be patient, understanding and nurturing. I greet all workers as they arrive for their day, I am always humbled as I can see the faces of women change when they first meet me. I find that being there for them from the minute they arrive gives them a sense of empowerment, and I know they are comfortable with the fact that they are now not alone.
We build connections as we share the same challenges. I have regularly been able to pick up on emotions that women face, whether its happy or sad, and have always been available to help where possible.
Sarah Wade
Head of Design & Project Management Construction Victoria, Lendlease
With over 20 years of experience in the Construction industry, Sarah commenced her career in construction at Baulderstone Hornibrook, initially as an Undergraduate whilst completing her Property and Construction degree at the University of Melbourne.
Since this time, and following her transition to Lendlease, Sarah’s career has seen her progress from Design Manager to the Head of Design and Project Management, Victoria at Lendlease. Whilst undertaking this key leadership role, Sarah has also led and continues to lead major Health projects for the business, most recently as Design Director on the Frankston Hospital Redevelopment PPP and, at current, as Design Director for the New Melton Hospital Project.
Perin Breakell
Qualified Carpenter, Craft Built Homes
‘If you can see it, you can be it’ is something I have always believed. Women working in trades just wasn’t seen or heard of when I was finishing school, and it held me back from going after a job as a chippy. But the dream stayed with me and 20 years on I am proud to say I am now a qualified carpenter.
My experience is proof that your gender should never stop you from going after your dream, and it’s never too late to chase it. Because if I can do this, you can too.
Angela Perry
Director, Guardian Building Inspections
I’ve always been passionate about property. As a successful real estate agent and business owner, I invested in a development project only to discover too late that the builder was unlicensed and fraudulent. When the bank foreclosed, I faced a choice: bankruptcy or reinvention. I chose the latter.
I put on a tool belt, hired an experienced carpenter, and rebuilt what I could. Seeing firsthand the poor craftsmanship in the industry inspired me to become a builder. Years of working with both small and large firms exposed systemic issues in construction defects, mistrust, and costly claims. Determined to improve industry standards, I became a building inspector, specializing in domestic and commercial inspections, NCC and DDA compliance, pre-purchase assessments, and expert reports for VCAT and insurance cases.
You don’t always see the whole path—just keep moving forward. Ignore the noise, stay persistent, and opportunities will follow.
Watch the below video to see more from these incredible women who are building Victoria:
We invite you to join our Women Building Victoria LinkedIn group.
In this group, individuals have the opportunity to join collaborative conversations around empowering and progressing women across the building and construction industry.
Here, you’ll connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and celebrate the achievements of colleagues who are shaping the future of our industry. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, networking opportunities, or simply a supportive community, you’ll find it here at Women Building Victoria.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive industry for all.
Photography: Ben Brown
Project lead: Nikki Dawson
