Aurelie Bolle

A familial legacy

A curiosity about people and places led Aurelie Bolle to explore her career options abroad, landing in Australia in 2019.

Third-generation builder, Aurelie began her career at Docks Bruxsel a modern shopping centre built in Brussels’ oldest industrial site which once housed the legendary Godin heating factory.

“I started on the project on my very first day in the industry after just finishing University, only 2 days after they signed the contract., I started alone with the Project Director on the ECI in September 2013. I stayed on the project until the Grand Opening, 3 years and 3 months later.”

Staying the course of this project and subsequently doing the same for her first project with BESIX Watpac (Hornsby Hospital) has given Aurelie a great sense of pride and accomplishment – something she says was ingrained in her by her grandfather.

“My grandfather attracted me to the construction industry as he was on the board of a Belgian builder,” Aurelie said.

“I remember going for walks in Brussels and close to the Belgian coast, with him showing me all the buildings and projects he worked on. I was so impressed by the passion he had when speaking about those projects.”

Aurelie is now building her own portfolio of projects to show her friends and family. To date, she has worked on a shopping centre, educational, and residential buildings and hospital projects.

Aurelie has also been nominated to be part of the Cultivate Sponsorship Program for her commitment and passion for her job.

The Cultivate Program is facilitated by an external consultant and matches four future leaders with an existing company leader to participate in a structured mentoring program and provide a catalyst for improving career pathways for women and inspiring change internally.

“I am glad to have been chosen to be part of the Cultivate Program,” Aurelie said.

“It is a good opportunity for me and it’s great to see the business and Senior Management really invest their time in its people.

“I hope programs like Cultivate will help the business to continue improving on gender equality and to retain women at BESIX Watpac. Working as a woman in the industry can be seen as a challenge but I think it is actually an opportunity and an advantage. We think and communicate differently. “