Please note: this is a hybrid event so if you’re based in Sydney, please come along! There will be refreshments and the opportunity to network after the panel discussion. 

The theme for International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2025 is “Together We Engineer”. This theme emphasises the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and collective strength in shaping the future of engineering. It celebrates how women engineers across the globe are uniting to drive innovation, break down barriers, and create sustainable solutions that benefit communities worldwide.

Join us for the evening for an insightful panel discussion at Western Harbour Tunnel Office about “Inclusion in Tunnelling” with our wonderful speakers that include:

Isabel Wang, Senior Project Engineer – Cross Passages

Isabel Wang is a civil engineer with 15 years of field experience in the bridge, civil, and tunnelling industries, Isabel graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Sydney and began her career as civil estimator, seizing the opportunity to move into a site-based engineer role. During this time, Isabel worked closely with site supervisors, subcontractors, and suppliers, navigating the daily hustle of machinery, drawings and construction crews. Isabel honed her technical skills and sparked her passion for leading teams, building a solid foundation towards Project Engineer, her current role as SPE and completion of an 8-month diploma course designed to advance the careers of female professionals. As a frontline leader, she has successfully managed a number of complex, billion-dollar projects for clients such as Transport for NSW and Sydney Metro. Her expertise in overseeing construction activities, coupled with her leadership focus on safety, efficiency, and quality, has been instrumental in her role. Her dedication and innovative problem-solving significantly contributed to the successful, ahead-of-schedule, and defect-free completion of the Sydney Olympic Park station box, which she is immensely proud of.

Raneen Nashi, Project Engineer – North Fire Suppression

Raneen Nashi is a mechanical engineer currently working as a Project Engineer on the Western Harbour Tunnel, where she is responsible for delivering the fire suppression system for the northern section. She began her tunnelling career on WestConnex 3A, gaining experience in both design and commissioning. Originally from Iraq, Raneen completed her mechanical engineering degree in Australia after beginning her studies in biomechanics. Her interest in infrastructure and complex systems led her into the tunnelling sector. With a diverse technical background and cross-disciplinary experience, she brings adaptability, a practical mindset, and a collaborative approach to delivering projects that benefit the wider community.

Evonna Dai, Project Engineer – Excavations

Evonna Dai is a Project Engineer currently working on the Southern Launch Cavern Excavation Team for the Western Harbour Tunnel. She holds a double degree in Civil Engineering and Architecture from the University of Sydney. After starting her career in residential construction, she transitioned into major infrastructure and tunnelling. The Western Harbour Tunnel marks her third tunnelling project, following her work on WestConnex 3A and the CTP projects. Each project has provided unique challenges and rewarding experiences that have shaped her growing expertise in the industry.

Christian D’Hondt- Construction Manager

Christian D’Hondt has a successful track record in delivering major underground infrastructure projects across a range of contract models, including Alliances, ECI, D&C, Construct Only, and ITC. He brings extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of underground construction, particularly in complex urban environments. Christian has worked with Tier 1 tunnelling contractors on projects ranging from $50 million to $3.2 billion. His experience includes TBMs, road headers, shaft excavations, conveyors, tunnel logistics, civil structures, mechanical and electrical fit-outs, live rail interface works, and the commissioning and handover of underground infrastructure

This event will be both in-person and available to attend online.