On 28 May, the ATS Mentor Alliance, together with the Diversity in Tunnelling Subgroup, delivered an engaging hybrid event designed to help tunnelling professionals build stronger and more meaningful professional relationships.
Hosted simultaneously in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, while also welcoming online participants from across Australia, the event brought together 29 attendees from a range of organisations and career stages. Supported by seven facilitators from the Mentor Alliance team, the evening focused on developing practical communication skills that can strengthen mentoring relationships and workplace interactions alike.
The session began with a short interactive training exercise introducing participants to techniques for creating more purposeful and productive conversations. Attendees then moved into small-group activities where they rotated through the roles of speaker, mentor/listener and observer, encouraging active listening, thoughtful feedback and deeper reflection.
The event formed part of the ATS Mentor Alliance’s ongoing commitment to supporting professional growth, inclusion and stronger connections across the tunnelling community.
ATS Queensland Chair Annalena Chapman, who facilitated the session, said the evening highlighted the value of creating spaces where people can connect on a more personal level.
“It was wonderful to see conversations unfold and connections form throughout the session. We arrived as strangers and left as a more connected group—people who will feel comfortable engaging with one another when we meet again. It was especially valuable to recognise how much we share as humans, from common challenges to similar sources of enjoyment in both our work and our lives overall.”
Feedback from participants reinforced the positive impact of the event.
Ben Larsen-Smith, Technical Sales Representative – Infrastructure QLD at MC-Bauchemie Australia, said the workshop provided a valuable opportunity to connect with others across the industry.
“As someone who is still relatively new to the tunnelling and infrastructure sector, I found it valuable to hear different perspectives and connect with people from across the industry.”
He noted that one exercise challenged participants to discuss personal challenges and vulnerabilities in a professional setting.
“I think that openness is what helps build stronger and more genuine relationships between mentors and mentees.”
The event was an undeniable success. More than simply bringing people together, the workshop helped participants develop the confidence and skills needed to foster deeper conversations, stronger mentoring relationships and a more connected tunnelling community.
The ATS extends its thanks to the Mentor Alliance Core Team, the Diversity in Tunnelling Subgroup, Impact Business School and the Engineers Australia support teams in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane for helping make the event possible.
