Meet Rebecca Noakes from the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport's Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) project team!

As Stakeholder and Community Engagement Director, Rebecca plays a pivotal role in ensuring Australia's largest public transport project delivers lasting social benefits.

“In my role, I am fortunate to lead an amazing team to deliver communications and engagement requirements for the SSTOM project. Our work includes community engagement, events and notifications, management of enquiries, ensuring community engagement compliance with regulatory approvals, delivering the community benefit initiatives, and managing internal communications as well as events.

“What I love most about working in this space really is the community aspect. The community benefit initiatives we are delivering for the SSTOM project provide a great opportunity to support diverse groups in Western Sydney. There are such amazing people working for the community, and being able to offer them support is very fulfilling.”

Rebecca’s career journey has spanned various industries, leading her to her current role in the construction industry.

“I started my working career as a journalist before moving into community events, then mining, and then local government. I saw the position for the Forrestfield-Airport Link (FAL) project and was excited to try something new and learn communications and engagement in a new sector.      

“I started with Webuild in August 2016 as Stakeholder and Community Engagement Advisor on the FAL project in Perth. Two years later, I moved into the management role and stayed with the project until its completion in late 2022.

“After the FAL project, I accepted an opportunity to take on the Stakeholder and Community Engagement Director role for the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) project in Western Sydney. This was the first time I had lived and worked outside of WA, a big move for me as a proudly born and bred West Australian!”
 
Beyond her work in community engagement, Rebecca is also a strong advocate for mental health in the workplace.

“Mental health is something I am also passionate about in the workplace. In addition to being a Mental Health First Aider, my team works hard to share the messaging throughout the organisation through our support of R U OK? events, mental health month, Any day, any time contact cards, and more.”

Rebecca has had an impactful career with Webuild so far and is excited about the future and the new opportunities the business continues to provide.

“What excites me about my future with Webuild is the Group’s expansion. We’re delivering lots of projects across the country, further cementing Webuild as a leader in construction in Australia. I look forward to being part of that future, continuing to learn new skills, and working with current and future Webuild teams from around the globe.
       
“To anyone who is thinking about joining the business I would say do it! I worked with Webuild while my twins finished high school, I was supported during a health scare, and was given an opportunity to work interstate. I have been supported and rewarded – what more can you ask for?”

Reflecting on International Women’s Day, Rebecca shared her thoughts on its significance.

“To me, International Women’s Day is important because it allows us to reflect on history and the efforts of those before us.  It also helps us review where we are today, both nationally and internationally, in supporting women and advocating for gender equality. 

“This year’s theme, March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls, is about supporting and empowering current and future generations of women. We have come a long way, but let’s not stop moving forward. 

“Let’s keep looking at what can be done to support future generations to continue advancing and getting those seats at the table.

“For women looking to start a career in construction, there are a lot of different roles available – from the bidding stages, to planning, designing and delivery, whether you are in a trade working with tools on-site, managing traffic and personnel access, or working in the office, every role is important in delivering a project. We can’t achieve one without the support of the other.

“It is very rewarding to be part of the construction of major infrastructure that will be used and enjoyed by generations to come – and the talented people you meet along the way is a bonus!”

Ends - 

About the Project 

Webuild as part of the Parklife Metro Consortium is delivering the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport project’s Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) works package.

SSTOM includes the construction of six stations between the St Marys interchange station and the Bradfield Station, a workshop depot for storing and the maintenance of trains at Orchard Hills, and also the superstructure, the signalling systems and mechanical and electric systems of the entire line, and the supply of new driverless trains.

Learn more about the project here.