Wamarra acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which we work, live and socialise. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who we recognise as Australia’s First Peoples whose cultural practices continue today.
Tori’s manager, Chris Oudy, said:
“It’s been fantastic to see Tori’s growth since joining Wamarra. She’s embraced every opportunity to learn, continued to build her skills and developed into a strong Team Leader who leads by example. She’s hardworking, positive and genuinely cares about the people around her.”
Reflecting on the night, Tori said:
“It was really special to be recognised at the NAWIC Awards, and even better to have so many people from Symal there supporting us on the night. I’ve had some great opportunities to learn and develop at Wamarra, and I’ve been lucky to have a team around me that’s encouraged me along the way. It’s something I’m really grateful for.”
A proud Yorta Yorta and Juru woman from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Tori first shared her story with us in 2025, when she spoke about leaving early childhood education for civil construction and finding the support she needed at Wamarra. Read it here: Creating pathways for future generations.
Tori has also become the first woman and youngest participant to graduate from Wamarra’s Bulabul Leadership Program, which supports current and emerging leaders to build confidence and take ownership of their career development, and has since been promoted to Team Leader. She is now undertaking a Certificate III in Civil Construction. On the Greenline project, she has built on her experience with heavy machinery, underground services, permits and construction sequencing.
Today, she reads plans, operates machinery, uses surveying equipment and leads crews on site. Looking ahead, Tori hopes to keep growing towards Leading Hand and Supervisor roles while staying close to site and her crew. She also knows representation matters. Seeing women on site helped her take that first step, and she hopes her own journey encourages more women and First Nations people to consider a career in construction. Her advice is simple: back yourself, ask questions and never fear having a go.
Tori’s journey shows what can happen when talent and a willingness to learn are matched with genuine opportunity.
Congratulations, Tori, on this well-earned recognition.
