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Julie Foat from Maffra transitioned to construction industry and now contributes to Newry Pipeline Project in East Gippsland

A former health and community worker, has transitioned to the construction industry to contribute to the Newry Pipeline Project in East Gippsland.

By news@gippsland - 31st May 2023 - Back to News

Maffra local, Julie Foat, worked in the health and community sector before switching careers to help deliver the Newry pipeline and make the most of Victoria's infrastructure boom. The 23-kilometre Newry pipeline will replace 100-year-old channels with new pipelines and automated outlets. It's being delivered as part of Phase 2 of the $159.7 million Macalister Irrigation District modernisation program (MID 2030).

Julie Foat, delivery support lead at Jaydo in Newry Pipeline Project in East Gippsland

Technical aspects of the project

Julie works for our construction partner, Jaydo, and is the Project Delivery Support Lead on our Newry Pipeline Project in East Gippsland. "When I heard about the Newry Pipeline Project, I saw an opportunity to upskill and broaden my professional experience. I've been able to apply the health and safety, compliance, and interpersonal skills I gained in the health and community sector to my new career. I love the challenge of learning new things and being part of such a dynamic sector," she said.

Initially, Julie said getting to grips with construction industry lingo and the technical aspects of the project was tricky. While switching careers can be a daunting prospect, Julie said the team's support and empowering culture made her transition positive. "The Jaydo and Southern Rural Water leadership team has been so supportive and open to sharing their knowledge with me and providing me with training opportunities. I feel settled and I'm now achieving the key duties of my role to help my colleagues to do their work in a safe and effective way," she said.

Resilient impact

Julie also has a personal connection with the project. Her family moved from Swan Hill to Maffra when her dad was offered an internal transfer with the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (the predecessor to Southern Rural Water).

"I'm not superstitious but in a funny way it feels like a twist of fate that I'm now working with his old employer on this project. Dad is retired now but water is still a big part of my life. My husband is a beef producer, and this project is critical for preparing farms like ours for a drier future. I feel proud to be playing a part in a project that will deliver major water savings and help Gippsland's farmers to be more resilient to the impacts of climate change," she said.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com