A guest blog by Linstel D'mello, Gerneral Manager at COgear® & proud Ambassador for Melbourne Build Expo 2025.

 

Diversity doesn’t start with policies or quotas. It starts with something far simpler: the right to be seen and heard.

As an Industry Ambassador for Melbourne Build Expo and someone deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment throughout my career, I have often reflected on the foundational steps needed to achieve genuine diversity in construction and trades. It boils down to a simple, yet profoundly impactful idea:
Women need to have an opportunity to be heard and be seen on site.  That’s the first step toward true diversity and inclusion.

But what does that actually look like in our day-to-day working lives? What does 'being seen and heard' truly mean to you on the job?

 

Being Seen: More Than Just Showing Up

When I say "being seen," I’m talking about visibility that goes beyond simply occupying a space. It means:

• Recognition of Contribution – Having your hard work acknowledged, your skills respected, and your capabilities trusted—not just when you’re present, but when decisions are made.
• Representation in Leadership – Women in foreman roles, project management, and executive positions normalize female leadership and demonstrate a clear path for advancement. It shows young women entering the trades that there’s a future for them at every level.
• Appropriate Resources – Correctly fitting PPE (a mission close to my heart at COgear®), dedicated changing facilities, and inclusive imagery on company materials all send the message: you belong here.
• Inspiring Future Generations – When women are featured on billboards, in industry magazines, and speaking at events like Melbourne Build, it sends a powerful message: “This industry is for you too.”

 

Being Heard: The Power of a Valued Voice

"Being heard" delves deeper into workplace culture and psychological safety. It’s about ensuring that every voice matters:

• Ideas Welcomed, Not Dismissed – Suggestions for efficiency, safety improvements, or problem-solving are taken seriously and attributed correctly.
• Safety Concerns Taken Seriously – Confidence to raise issues and challenge unsafe practices—knowing they’ll be acted on without fear of reprisal.
• A Seat at the Decision-Making Table – Being actively included in meetings, debriefs, and strategic discussions so diverse perspectives influence outcomes.
• Open Dialogue, Respectful Challenge – The ability to express different opinions and challenge the status quo respectfully,  and be met with openness rather than defensiveness.

 

Building the Foundation Together

Ultimately, being seen and heard isn’t just about women—it’s about creating workplaces where everyone thrives. When diverse voices are empowered, innovation flourishes, problems are solved more creatively, and the industry attracts a wider talent pool.

The Melbourne Build Expo 2025 is a fantastic opportunity to further these conversations. I invite you to join me on October 22–23 at the MCEC as we explore how to build environments where every person feels genuinely seen, deeply heard, and fully empowered to contribute their best.

 

Join the Conversation - I’d love to hear from you:
What does ‘being seen and heard’ mean in your day-to-day experience on the job?

Let’s keep the conversation going.

 

Connect with Linstel D'mello, General Manager, COgear® on LinkedIn.