As Australia celebrates NAIDOC Week, it is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements, resilience and contributions of First Nations peoples across every industry and community.
For Elisabeth, a proud Birpai Dunghutti woman, the pathway into construction was not always obvious.
In fact, she never imagined she would one day be building some of Sydney's largest projects.
"I failed timber in Year 12 and never thought I'd end up in construction," Elisabeth recalls.
Everything changed when she joined the We Build Bright Futures pre-employment program, which provided an opportunity to interview with Future Form. It was a chance she almost didn't take.
"I looked at Future Form and saw it was formwork. I'd never seen a woman in formwork before and I doubted myself,” she said.
Despite the uncertainty, Elisabeth chose to back herself and take the first step.
That decision would change her life.
Walking onto site for the first time as the only female apprentice was intimidating. Like many entering the industry, she faced self-doubt and uncertainty. What she discovered, however, was a workplace culture built on support, patience and opportunity.
Through the guidance of site leaders, mentors and fellow team members, Elisabeth gradually built confidence in her abilities and developed skills she never thought possible.
Today, she is completing her carpentry apprenticeship and has found not only a trade, but a career she genuinely loves.
"Comparing where I started to where I am now, it's a complete difference. I'm proud of myself for the growth,” she said.
Behind that growth is an organisation committed to creating opportunities for the next generation.
Under the leadership of Future Form Managing Director Nabil Hafza, the company has built a reputation for investing in people, not just projects. For Elisabeth, that investment was felt from day one.
"I've realised Future Form has provided me with a lot of attention and care compared to what some others experience in the industry. They've given me time to grow into who I am today,” he said.
Nabil believes the future of construction depends on creating pathways for people from all backgrounds to succeed.
"Construction offers incredible opportunities for young Australians. Elisabeth's journey shows what can happen when talent is given a chance, supported by the right people and encouraged to believe in themselves. We are incredibly proud of what she has achieved and what she represents for the future of our industry,” he said.
As NAIDOC Week reminds us of the importance of empowering future generations, Elisabeth's story stands as a powerful example of what is possible when opportunity meets determination.
Today, she proudly represents her culture on site, honours the generations that came before her, and is helping inspire others to see construction as a career without limits.
For Future Form, that may be the most important structure of all: building pathways, confidence and futures that last long after the project is complete.
About us:
About Future Form
Future Form is the trusted structural partner behind Australia’s most ambitious builds, delivering integrated formwork and structural solutions that shape skylines, support infrastructure and enable national growth.
Contact details:
Morgan Clark - 0427 994 521
[email protected]
