On this International Women’s Day (Friday 8 March), Grampians Health recognises and celebrates the collaborative achievements of staff from the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), John Holland and Grampians Health on their work in delivering Stage 2 of the $595.6 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment (BBHR).

Grampians Health’s Chief Redevelopment & Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier-Tosco and Project Director Nicole Lancer are working closely with VHBA’s BBHR Executive Director Danny Parr, Executive Director Program Delivery Anna Marshall, Project Manager Annelyse Carter and John Holland’s Site Manager Sam Sculley to upgrade our hospital.

With more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Ms Furnier-Tosco plays a crucial role in ensuring that Grampians Health remains at the forefront of healthcare delivery in regional Victoria.

Prior to joining Grampians Health 12 months ago, Ms Furnier-Tosco had previously worked on some of Melbourne's major infrastructure projects including CityLink, Marvel Stadium and Docklands Marina.

“It’s really exciting being involved in Ballarat’s biggest and one of the most highly anticipated infrastructure projects which will help future proof healthcare in the Ballarat region for years to come,” Ms Furnier Tosco said.

“It’s a privilege to be collaborating and working alongside some incredibly talented women to deliver the much-needed upgrades to our hospital. These new modern facilities will provide our communities with the best possible care for years to come, including care closer to home."

“As a leader, I’m passionate about creating an inclusive environment for all where people are encouraged to develop and maximise their potential while achieving positive outcomes.”

Ms Lancer, who is an experienced construction professional with a demonstrated history of working on large and complex projects including the Victorian Heart Hospital, Bendigo Hospital and Royal Children’s Hospital, joined the BBHR project team two and a half years ago.

“The redevelopment is the first project I have worked on where women hold the majority of senior leadership positions across multiple organisations,” Ms Lancer said.

“I hope it inspires younger women to aspire for senior and executive opportunities. A career in healthcare construction is incredibly rewarding. Few careers provide you with such tangible and highly visible reminders of how your efforts and career has improved the lives of those in your community.”

Ms Parr said it was often said that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’.

“That’s why it’s so important to make visible the achievements of women at all levels, and from all disciplines, helping deliver the expanded and upgraded hospital for the Ballarat community and its surrounds,” Ms Parr said. 

“In a traditionally male-dominated industry, we hope this can create a positive and inclusive working environment, including for women starting out in their trade or construction careers.”

Ms Sculley said she was really excited to be contributing to something so important to her hometown of Ballarat.

“This project will create lasting benefits for our local communities and that’s something I’m really proud of,” Ms Sculley said.

“It’s great to see dynamic women playing such a key role in the delivery of this project. The world is really at your feet in construction and the career development opportunities are second to none.”

The BBHR will deliver a new ground-floor emergency department, a state-of-the-art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.

Once completed in 2027, Grampians Health’s Ballarat Base Hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients and an extra 14,500 inpatients.