HCCDC is committed to helping create communities where women and people of all genders have equitable access to opportunities, participation and leadership.
Guided by the NSW Government's Gender Equality Action Plan, we support initiatives that advance gender equality, remove barriers to participation, and foster inclusive, safe and respectful environments. Through our projects and partnerships, we aim to deliver places and outcomes that respond to the diverse needs of the communities we serve.
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of women in construction, development and public space design.
Inclusive public space design
Through the Safer Cities program, we're empowering women and girls to help shape how the places around them are designed and managed.
Public space co-design with teen girls
Bernie Goodwin Park, Morisset | Lake Macquarie
When HCCDC invited local teen girls to share their ideas for a public space in Lake Macquarie, they embraced the opportunity to help shape a place that reflected their needs and experiences – creating a more inclusive space for young people and the wider community to enjoy.
Through a series of workshops, the girls identified what makes them feel safe, welcome and connected in public spaces. The HCCDC team worked alongside the girls to bring their vision to life, creating an enhanced public park with hammocks, social seating, landscaped gardens and recreation spaces inspired by their ideas.
'Smart' street furniture co-design
Safer Cities recharge spot trial | Gosford Waterfront
Co-designed with women and girls through the Safer Cities Program, the 'smart' street furniture trial put community voices at the centre of public space design, demonstrating how inclusive collaboration can create more welcoming and accessible places for everyone.
The initiative explored how thoughtful features such as seating, shade, lighting and device charging could encourage people to spend more time in public places and feel more comfortable doing so.
Insights gathered through anonymised data collection helped build a better understanding of community needs, informing future approaches to inclusive placemaking.
Collaborating for safer public spaces
Ideas generation | Gosford CBD
Building on the Her Way project, we partnered with women and teenage girls from the Gosford community to better understand how public spaces can feel safer, more welcoming and accessible.
We brought participants together for workshops and guided "walkshops" through the city to discuss what influences their sense of safety and belonging. The group identified opportunities for improvement, including lighting, wayfinding and visibility, providing valuable insights into how public spaces are experienced.
This feedback is helping inform future public space enhancements, demonstrating the importance of involving women and girls in the design of safer, more inclusive communities.
Jen, Project Manager
Mount Penang Parklands and University of Newcastle
From building Lego creations as a child to managing major construction projects, Jennifer has built a successful career in engineering and project management.
After completing a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours Class 1), she has worked on major projects including developments at Williamtown RAAF Base, Cessnock Correctional Centre, HCCDC's Mount Penang Parklands and University of Newcastle's student accommodation project in Honeysuckle.
“It’s definitely a challenge being the only woman on site, but this really depends on the people who you work with. I have been fortunate to have supportive colleagues to progress me throughout my career".
Neisha, Project Engineer
Honeysuckle Promenade and Cottage Creek
Growing up on a farm, Neisha developed a passion for solving engineering problems and discovered her career path through a University of Newcastle STEM camp in Year 7.
As a civil engineering graduate, she worked with Daracon Group on HCCDC's Honeysuckle Promenade and Cottage Creek naturalisation projects, helping coordinate stakeholder engagement, approvals and project delivery.
"If you have an interest in STEM subjects, just ask. The engineering and construction industry is key in society and quickly evolving."
Jasmine, Artist and Designer
Cottage Creek Public Art
By elevating First Nations voices and stories, Jasmine Craciun's public artworks contribute to a more inclusive and representative community.
Embedded along the Honeysuckle waterway and bridge, the Layers of Us installation draws inspiration from artefacts uncovered in the area and celebrates the enduring connection of the Awabakal and Worimi people to the lower Hunter River. The storytelling artwork was created by Jasmine in collaboration with the HCCDC, Wylaa Buuranliyn and Artscape teams as part of the Cottage Creek naturalisation project.
Nicola, Cultural Heritage Manager
Honeysuckle Urban Renewal
Nicola's work has helped uncover and document Newcastle’s rich history through archaeological discoveries at Honeysuckle. Specialising in Aboriginal heritage, she worked with Umwelt to record and interpret the city’s archaeological record.
“I studied anthropology at the University of Queensland and worked in the UK and Ireland before moving to Newcastle,” she said. “We’ve uncovered important stories that weren’t well known, and the community’s interest has been fantastic.”
Nicola believes respect comes through action. “Any doubts disappear when people see you getting your hands dirty and doing the work.”
Fiona, Country Market Director
Honeysuckle Foreshore Remediation
Novocastrian Fiona (right side of picture) worked on Honeysuckle foreshore remediation projects for over 2 decades and went on to lead the Australian and New Zealand operations of the international engineering firm Ramboll.
Fiona first studied Environmental Engineering at the University of Newcastle and was one of only six women in a course of 24.
“I’ve never had an issue being a female in my work - my approach has always been to be professional, do the job and do it well. I think the industry needs to work with the education facilities to encourage female participation.
As employers, we need to offer the same flexibility for men and women in the working week, so family household commitments are shared.”
Ruth, Site Engineer
Honeysuckle Park
Ruth’s first construction project was Honeysuckle Park, where as a site engineer with Glascott Landscape and Civil she worked on everything from soil testing to project communications.
“I haven’t faced any issues being a woman in the construction industry. I’m usually the only woman on site, but I work with respectful colleagues who are always willing to help,” said Ruth.
At university, however, her success was sometimes attributed to being part of an engineering minority rather than her hard work. Today, she’s passionate about building a better future for the community through engineering.
Anita, Trainee Engineer
Honeysuckle Promenade and Cottage Creek
Anita worked on HCCDC’s Honeysuckle Promenade and Cottage Creek naturalisation project. Inspired by her travels and an early fascination with architecture and infrastructure, she pursued a degree in civil engineering and secured a trainee engineer role with Daracon in her second year of study.
Anita enjoys solving complex problems and seeing projects evolve from concept to completion. “I’m grateful to work with inspiring women who empower each other and continue to pave the way for women in civil construction.”
Her advice: “Back yourself, embrace the process and go for it.”
