What is cultural safety?

Cultural safety is about shared respect, shared meaning and shared knowledge.

On a strategic level, cultural safety is about institutional reform. It means removing barriers to the optimal health, wellbeing and safety of Aboriginal people. This includes addressing unconscious bias, racism and discrimination, and supporting Aboriginal self-determination. By working with Aboriginal people to embed cultural safety in our designs, we can support improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

In designing health infrastructure, we use universal design principles.

Universal design is about inclusivity, and means designing something so that it’s accessible to as many people as possible. Whether that’s a building, product or service, an environment or a program, universal design thinks about the people who will be using something and puts their needs first.

Michael Walker is Principal Advisor, Universal Design at the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA).

He explains that supporting identity in universal design is about ‘support for the construction of a positive self-image... that could come in forms of how you create entry doors or breakout spaces, or smoking ceremony areas’.

He adds that it’s important to work with elders when thinking about cultural design, ‘because we've got so many different tribes. The Taungurung, where I come from, might have a completely different understanding of symbolism to the Yorta Yorta, for example’.

‘We need to design together and use only art and symbolism that is relevant to the local communities – so that they can connect with it. We are also currently working with Aboriginal people to develop guidelines for designing for cultural safety.’

‘It’s not about saying “you must do this or that”, it’s applying the Victorian Human Rights Charter and universal design principles.’

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative Medical and Regional Health Hub

In 2019, we completed construction of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) Medical and Regional Health Hub in Ballarat.

The purpose-built $8.5 million facility was designed in partnership with BADAC to create a culturally welcoming environment and provide a range of services for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Victoria’s greater western region.

Karen Heap (Yorta Yorta) is Chief Executive Officer of BADAC, and was involved in the design for the Medical and Regional Health Hub.

The design includes the colours of the Aboriginal flag, images of a platypus and a fire pit area.

Jon Kanoa (Kerrupmara/Bunitj) is Chief Operating Officer at BADAC. Jon says the design creates a culturally safe environment, ‘making sure that whatever appointment they’re coming in for, that they're feeling comfortable in doing so’.

Learn more about the BADAC Medical and Regional Health Hub via our dedicated project page

Executive Director, Asset Development and Infrastructure Advisory Services

Deanne leads a multidisciplinary team of experts focused on environmental sustainability, property management, engineering services and asset management. She has worked in the public sector for more than 15 years and is on the board of a charity supporting mums and families in need.

What can you tell us about your career and current role?

'I’ve been fortunate to work on some really high profile and important projects that have seen lasting change. Some of the work I’m most proud of in my career is where there’s been a change in law or a new precedent set. For example providing land rights to traditional owners, mandating a new class of toilet for people with profound disabilities in the National Construction Code and establishing new asset management functions for the health sector. Our Asset Information Management System means we now know what assets we have and what condition they are in. Most recently, I’m incredibly proud of our support and response to the pandemic.

'VHBA has amazing people. Across all our teams we’ve delivered 1590 intensive and critical care beds and added 496 beds into the system during 2020-21. Our aerosol study highlights the importance of effective infection prevention and control strategies in health facilities to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The study was a key input into Victoria being one of the first governments to recognise aerosol transmission, ventilation assessments and upgrade works. Our representation has also been highly sought on numerous local and national taskforces and committees.

'I’m proud to lead passionate teams developing health projects that deliver tangible benefits to the community.'

What professional challenges have you experienced as a woman?

'I’ve faced the stereotypical challenges that all women face. Especially working in infrastructure where I am often one of few women – if not the only woman – at the table. I’ve been ignored, put down, been told I don’t have the skills and can’t do the job or project. There have been occasions where, despite being one of the more senior people in the room, I’ve been asked to take minutes.

'But I’m very fortunate at VHBA to have the support of leaders who call out negative behaviour. We’ve all experienced that time where we have an idea or a solution and it’s ignored only to have a male colleague bring it up 10 minutes later and be accepted. I’ve been in meetings where our senior leaders call it out and put the recognition back where it belongs – male or female.

'Good leaders also reinforce the importance of health and wellbeing and for me my gym routine is the first thing I drop when things get busy. I don’t like the word balance as it implies that everything is equal and, as a mum, I’d go crazy trying to achieve this and fail on all fronts. I prefer harmony – there will be times where work takes precedent and times where the kids take precedent.'

What improvements have you seen for women in the industry?

'In the past decade I’ve seen more female representation in senior roles of Secretary and Deputy Secretary. I’m a big believer in “you can’t be what you can’t see”.

'Flexibility has also increased, even before the pandemic, with improved sharing of loads. More male team members are taking parental leave – longer than a week or two and doing the kids activity runs. There’s also a shift in language with our male colleagues being more comfortable in sharing pride in their families at work.'

What further work could help Break the Bias?

'Many people don’t think there is a problem with bias, so we need to show where it is, what and why need change.

'I find it’s often an unconscious bias. For example, a couple of years ago we had a cartoonist attend and draw the outcomes of a Communities of Practice event. This event had a number of senior female and male leaders speak and present.

'We noticed the men were being drawn bigger than women, regardless of physical size or the importance of their role. When we pointed this out the artist was mortified, he hadn’t realised he’d been doing that, and he immediately fixed it to be more equal.'

What advice would you give to younger self or women interested in joining the industry?

'The infrastructure industry is very high paced. I would tell my younger self to learn good habits early and learn to decompress. For those starting out I’ve found my mentors and champions invaluable. Being able to seek multiple views and to test things, make sense of the political dynamics and to draw advice. My other key piece of advice is simply to never give up.'

Project Director, Pathway to 144 Mental Health Beds (Mental Health Beds Expansion Program)

Responding to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, Samantha is leading a complex multi-site project to deliver acute mental health beds across the state.

What can you tell us about your current role?

'The Royal Commission has enabled a once-in-a-generation investment in mental health. Our role is to deliver the buildings that have been informed by co-design – where consumers, families and staff have been involved in the design process.

'It’s amazing for the project team to see this project transform from designs on paper to the buildings coming out of the ground. And to see the realisation of design in safe and therapeutic environment, individual bedrooms, staff and consumer amenity including important features like open green spaces and being able to see the sky above in multiple courtyards.'

What challenges have you experienced as a woman in the industry?

'I’ve been working in major projects for five years and it is something I’m really passionate about. The challenges of large-scale delivery projects are the same for everyone in the business and provide lots of experience and opportunity to learn and develop.'

What improvements have you seen?

'I can see increasing numbers of women in the construction industry – in government, in our consultants' groups and importantly in our construction partners. I can see a real effort and commitment to grow representation. I think over time as more women move into senior and specialist roles, and lead visibly from the front, this will provide opportunity for all people to see more diversity and what this brings to major project delivery.

'We want all staff to be able to see themselves in the industry at all levels.'

What advice would you give to your younger self?

'Always be enthusiastic, put your hand up for everything and try things out of your comfort zone – they can give the best opportunities of your career.'

Director Projects, Health Capital Program

Dijana oversees several large projects and programs at VHBA and has previously managed construction projects with the Department of Justice as well as projects in war torn countries around the world.

What challenges have you experienced as a woman leading such diverse projects?

'In some countries that I have worked in, such as Iraq and Sudan, the cultures are quite conservative and being a senior woman in the field can pose challenges. In Australia, the infrastructure sector has been predominantly male. This was particularly evident when I started in this country nearly a decade ago when I would rarely see women among the builders and contractors I engaged with. This is now slowly changing.'

What improvements have you seen for women in recent years?

'Recently government introduced a Building Equality Policy which aims to increase female participation in the construction industry by introducing mandated targets for women in trade, non-trade and managerial roles on public construction projects.

'In the public sector there has also been a push for gender diversity across the board which helps, but I also think that capable women have found their voice and way to impose themselves over years, with their skill and knowledge. Women are also more interested in studying engineering which was not always the case.'

What further work could help Break the Bias and create a more sustainable future for women and girls?

'There is still more work to be done, especially to see women in executive leadership positions. Leaders set the culture of an organisation and a more diverse leadership group are more likely to encourage policies to see a diverse organisation.'

What advice would you give to younger self or women interested in joining the industry?

'Be persistent. Keep learning. When you are knowledgeable then you can speak with confidence and authority.'

Director, Community Hospital Program

Lisa leads the delivery of community hospitals and has previously delivered projects with the Department of Justice.

What types of projects have you worked on throughout your career?

'I’ve previously worked on correctional, secure and transitional facilities for the justice sector and I’m now working on a $675 million investment to deliver 10 community hospitals in growth areas across Victoria.'

What challenges have you experienced as a woman in the industry?

'I’ve always worked in male-dominated environments - first correctional, then construction. When I first started working on construction sites, it was a novelty as there weren’t many women wearing a hard hat and steel capped boots. There was a lot of pre-judgement that women didn’t know much about the construction industry, and it wasn’t a place for them. Back then, I’m sure people thought I attended meetings to take the minutes. Attitudes have certainly changed now.'

'As an industry, we’ve come a long way for opening pathways for women and having leadership roles in the construction industry. Although I still believe we have a long way to go but there has been growth and I’m excited about the future for young women considering a career in the infrastructure sector.'

Why should women consider working in infrastructure?

'Women generally handle multi-tasking well, and as every day is different in this industry, there is a constant need to delegate and prioritise. It’s challenging but it also brings great reward when you’re able to manage risks or solve problems to deliver something tangible and provide benefits to the community.'

How are you empowering women in the industry?

'I mentor women and give them a forum to talk through challenges. With my leadership style, I believe I empower women to be more confident and explore opportunities to improve and develop their skills. There are great opportunities out there for women, sometimes the biggest hurdle for women is their lack of belief in their capabilities. I like to support them and try to bring the best out of them, so they can put themselves forward for opportunities. A measure of my success as a leader is the people, including women, who can help develop into the future leaders of tomorrow.'

Manager, Design Services

Sally provides advice across a wide range of VHBA projects, from master planning and feasibility into delivery.

Why did you choose a career in infrastructure?

'My interest in architecture was sparked by my love for art, design and mathematics. I’ve been in government for five years but prior to that, I worked as an architect in the private sector for 25 years – in Melbourne, Bangkok and Paris. I also ran my own business for five years when my children were young.'

What are the benefits of having women in leadership roles?

'Construction has traditionally been a male-dominated industry and having women in leadership can offer role modelling for other women, showing it’s about choosing the best person for the job rather than it being based on gender.'

What has been your proudest achievement in your career to date?

'Working on health infrastructure projects is very rewarding as there are always complex problems to solve. The work we do impacts many people’s lives, including the communities they are built in, and it’s very satisfying to be part of this. I strive to realise innovations within these projects, moving away from business as usual, and it’s great to see this imbedded in projects.'

Why are female voices important in designing health infrastructure?

'Women make up 50 per cent of the population. They are often underrepresented in the design of those spaces, and women, of all ages bring a different and relevant perspective.'

What career opportunities would you like to see for women?

'I would like to see the same career opportunities for men and women. It was again reported on recently that men are still earning more than women in Australia for the same roles. This is not a great incentive for women to tackle some careers where they do not feel supported.'

At the Victorian Health Building Authority, we have $9.21 billion of projects in planning and delivery and $16.6 billion in managed assets. Our pipeline of over 127 projects will support thousands of jobs at the peak of construction – supporting Victoria’s economic recovery for years to come. We have 294 staff, with more than half identifying as female and 41 per cent in team leadership roles.

Under Victoria’s Building Equality Policy, suppliers must meet the following minimum onsite gender equality targets:

• trade covered labour: women are required to perform at least 3% of the contract works’ total estimated labour hours for each trade position
• non-trade Construction Award covered labour: women are required to perform at least 7% of the contract works’ total estimated labour hours for each non-trade Construction Award covered labour position
• management/supervisory and specialist labour (staff): women are required to perform at least 35% of the contract works’ total estimated labour hours for each staff position

This policy was introduced January 2022, with a transitional period until January 2024.

The latest CommSec State of the States report showed construction work in Victoria is 21.9 per cent above its decade average. More women are active in the Victorian labour market now than in the past, but they make up only 2 per cent of the workers in Australian construction.

Victoria's Women in Construction Strategy aims to attract, recruit and retain women in the industry. The Victorian Government has several other initiatives in progress:

• Gender equality and women's leadership
• Victoria's Gender Equality Strategy
• Women and Girls in STEM: Increasing participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Victorian Health Building Authority is responsible for the planning, delivery and oversight of Victoria’s health infrastructure.

Our critical 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.

If you are passionate about public health and interested in contributing to the planning, design and delivery of world-class health infrastructure, then we want to hear from you. Learn more about our organisation via our careers page and follow VHBA on LinkedIn for job ads and updates.

It’s essential to cement the role of women in a modern construction industry and celebrate those who are inspiring the next generation to get involved – from getting on the tools to taking seats in the board room.

For this Women in Construction Week, we spoke to Katie O’Brien. Katie is Deputy Project Director on the $1.5 billion New Footscray Hospital Project at the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) and is one of a number of women delivering the state’s largest ever health infrastructure investment.

Can you tell me about the New Footscray Hospital Project and your role in making the $1.5 billion project a reality?

‘At $1.5 billion, the New Footscray Hospital Project is the largest health infrastructure investment in Victoria’s history. From the time of business case development to contract close, the project team at the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) comprised approximately 75 per cent women.

‘I joined VHBA in March 2018 as Transaction Lead for the project. In this role I was part of a multidisciplinary team that worked from business case through to contract close. This included overseeing the detailed procurement process for the project as a public private partnership under the Partnerships Victoria policy.

‘Now that shovels are in the ground, I’ve transitioned to the role of Deputy Project Director. My role involves working with the Project Director to oversee the delivery of the overall project with a particular focus on the legal and commercial aspects of the project as well as supporting the members of our design and technical team and working with delivery partners to ensure the project runs on time and on budget.’

How long have you worked in the construction industry and what compelled you to join?

‘I’ve worked in infrastructure for around eight years. In that time, I’ve worked across a number of projects in the education, transport and health sectors. 

‘I was compelled to join the industry to see something big come to life – from end to end - contributing to a legacy that will serve the community for years to come.’ 

What do you love most about your job?

‘The variety of the work and the people I work with. We’re one team with one dream and that’s to deliver a hospital that’s going to be there for many years to come, saving lives and providing essential healthcare for the community.

‘There are ten tower cranes on the new Footscray Hospital site at the moment. When I drive across the city on my daily commute, I can see the cluster of cranes in the skyline. It’s so encouraging and a great reminder of our shared purpose - and the important work we’re doing for families in the west.’ 

What does your average week look like? 

‘No day is ever the same. And that’s what makes it exciting.

‘We can be out on the new Footscray Hospital construction site in our hard hats and high-vis one day, and the next in an office talking about commercial matters, or working side by side with the doctors, nurses, and support staff who are contributing to the design of their new hospital.’

Why should more women consider a career in construction?  

‘There are so many opportunities for women to thrive and grow in the industry. Whether that be in planning, procurement, legal services, programming, architecture and design, quantity surveying, machinery operators or on the tools. The list is endless. 

‘The skills you pick up in the industry are so transferable – no matter your role – so the opportunities for upskilling and promotion are plentiful. 

‘I have a degree in business and economics and started my career in HR, and here I am today contributing to one of Victoria’s biggest infrastructure projects.’ 

What advice would you give young girls/ women considering a career in the industry? 

‘Say yes. You don’t know what’s possible until you give it a go. There’s so much demand for women in the construction industry. If you have a positive attitude and are willing to learn, I can guarantee there’s an opportunity for you to succeed.’ 

How important are female voices in the industry? 

‘Diversity of voices and perspectives is so important because it leads to better outcomes for the community.

‘In the workplace, having strong female voices inspires and instils confidence in the next generation of women to put their hand up to take on projects or roles that might be out of their comfort zone.’

Can you tell me about some of the women you’ve worked with throughout your career - how have they inspired you?

‘I’m very fortunate to have worked with a number of inspiring women throughout my career and who are now leading some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the state. They are paving the way for the next generation of women in the construction industry and showing anything is possible. 

‘It’s also really inspiring seeing women at the top of their game set boundaries for work, life and family balance. It’s changing the culture of the industry for the better and rubbing off onto our male colleagues too!’ 

Career highlight? 

‘In March 2021, construction got underway on the new Footscray Hospital. It was the culmination of three years of planning, consultation, and community engagement led by a mostly female team. It was a big moment for us and one that I will look back on proudly for years to come.’ 

The Victorian Government has provided up to $1.5 billion to deliver a new Footscray Hospital – the largest ever health infrastructure investment in the state.

Located on the corner of Geelong and Ballarat Roads, the new Footscray Hospital will support the increasing demand from Melbourne’s booming western suburbs, ensuring families can get the care they need close to home.

Building a bigger and better Footscray Hospital will cut wait times and reduce pressure on nearby hospitals. With an increase of nearly 200 beds, the new hospital will treat approximately 15,000 additional patients and enable around 20,000 additional people to be seen by the emergency department each year.

Since construction got underway in March last year, about 330,000 cubic metres of dirt and rock have been removed from the site as part of work to build the underground carpark and ground floor.

An impressive 36,000 tonnes of concrete have been poured on the site. Once complete, approximately 150,000 tonnes of concrete will have been used – that’s about 25 Olympic swimming pools’ worth.

Major construction on the new hospital is expected to be complete in 2025.

To find out more about the New Footscray Hospital visit our dedicated project page.

Building gender equality

The Victorian Government is committed to achieving gender equality in the workplace. In December 2016 it launched the state’s first gender equality strategy (GES), Safe and Strong: A Victorian Gender Equality Strategy.

To take further steps to implement the GES, the Victorian Government announced in June 2018 that it was developing Victoria’s Women in Construction Strategy, in partnership with the Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC).

The strategy outlines the steps that need to be taken to attract, recruit and retain female workers in the construction industry so that one day there will be equal numbers of men and women working in construction. 

Building Equality Policy

In December 2021 the Victorian Government announced an Australia-first Building Equality Policy (BEP). 

Disrupting gender stereotypes, the BEP applies to new government projects and mandates female representation in at least three per cent of each trade role, seven per cent of each non-trade position and 35 per cent of management, supervisor and specialist labour roles.

Coming into effect from 1 January 2022, the BEP also mandates that four per cent of labour hours for apprentices and trainees will be required to be performed by women. 

At the Victorian Health Building Authority, we have $9.21 billion of projects in planning and delivery and $16.6 billion in managed assets. Our pipeline of over 127 projects will support thousands of jobs at the peak of construction – supporting Victoria’s economic recovery for years to come.

We have 294 staff, with more than half identifying as female and 41 per cent in team leadership roles.

If you are passionate about public health and interested in contributing to the planning, design and delivery of world-class health infrastructure, then we want to hear from you. Learn more about our organisation via our careers page and follow VHBA on LinkedIn for job ads and updates.

A year ago, the final report and recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System were tabled in Parliament.

The Commission set out to redesign Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system to benefit the whole Victorian community. It made 65 recommendations for changes in the final report, in addition to the nine recommendations in the interim report.

The Victorian Health Building Authority is delivering a number of dedicated infrastructure projects that respond to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

Many of these projects are being delivered with an engagement process that draws on the insights and experiences of patients, consumers, carers, clinicians and researchers with lived experience of the mental health system.

In the year since the final report was tabled, we’ve made significant progress on a number of key projects highlighted in the report, including:

We’re urgently delivering 144 new acute public mental health beds in response to the crucial need identified in the Royal Commission.

This $492 million investment will provide 120 hospital-based beds and 24 home-based beds across four health services to address increased demand on our system.

The beds will be spread across Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre (16 beds), Western Health’s Sunshine Hospital (52 beds), the Royal Melbourne Hospital (22 beds) and Northern Health’s Epping campus (30 beds).

Once complete, the new hospital-based beds will provide more than 43,000 days of care, enabling 2,500 more Victorians to access vital mental health services every year.

Read more about the project here.

The $349.6 million upgrade of the Thomas Embling Hospital will transform Victoria’s forensic mental health system and the way forensic mental health services are delivered across the mental health system.

In early 2022 the design team was appointed, Guymer Bailey Architects and Aecom (Engineering), and work has begun developing the detailed designs for the expansion, along with the process to appoint a builder.

Read more about the project here.

$141 million in funding will double Victoria’s Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) service capacity. The expansion will provide greater access to mental health treatment and support for people aged 16-25.

In late 2021 we announced the five new 10-bed YPARC centres will be built in:

• Greater Ballarat
• Greater Geelong
• Greater Shepparton
• Heidelberg
• Traralgon

Existing YARC facilities in Bendigo, Frankston and Dandenong will also be refurbished as part of the $141 million investment. 

Once complete, the five new facilities will have the capacity to provide prevention and recovery care services for more than 900 young people each year.

The investment is in addition to a new $11.9 million 20-bed YPARC centre in Parkville. The new facility is expected to open its doors in the coming weeks.

Designs have been released and construction is underway on Victoria’s first Statewide Child and Family Centre.

The $7.3 million facility will deliver vital residential mental health and wellbeing treatment to children under 11 in an environment that allows them to stay with and be supported by their families. 

Read more about the project here.

Construction is well underway on a new Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) centre in St Albans, the first of its kind in Victoria. 

The design team has been appointed to expand mental health beds at Warrnambool Base Hospital, delivering five more acute mental health beds and redesign to hospital’s acute mental health inpatient unit.

Over the next 12 months we look forward to:

With so many different types of mental health care facilities in planning and delivery, it can be difficult to understand the level of treatment, care and support that each provides.

In this article we unpack some of the different mental health facilities we’re delivering and explaining how they’ll support Victorians experiencing mental ill health or psychological distress on their recovery journey.

You can read more about our mental health projects here on our website.

Mental health helplines can provide support if you are experiencing mental ill health:

• Beyondblue – call 1300 224 636 for telephone support, information and resources for people dealing with depression or anxiety.
• Lifeline - call 13 11 14 for this free, 24-hour Australia-wide crisis support and suicide prevention service.
• Kids Help Line – call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling and advice for young people between the ages of five and 25.

A comprehensive list of counselling, online and phone supports for mental illness is available on the Better Health Channel website.

The Department of Health also provides information on mental health resources for those struggling due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They are available on the Mental health resources page on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria website.