Nuatali Whickam – or Tali as she’s better known – joined Varity Project Services last year in the role of Assistant Project Manager and quickly became a valued part of our burgeoning team. Based in Varity’s Newcastle office, Tali currently works across a range of commercial builds, providing support and direction at each stage of the project.
But there’s much more to Tali than her ability to meticulously manage project scopes, timelines, tenders and contracts.
Find out what makes Tali tick, professionally and personally, with the latest in Varity’s get-to-know-you Q&As.
1. How long have you been working in the construction industry and what initially drew you to it?
I've been working in the industry for just over four years now. I'm still very fresh but I've travelled a bit nationwide, so I've had a bit of exposure to a lot of different industry experiences from working in rural Northern Territory to corporate Sydney.
I would also have to say that my love for it probably stemmed from my father being a builder. I also just love construction, it’s a beast of a beauty. The ability to build anything based on logic and physics intrigues me.
2. What or who inspires you?
My family. We had a tough upbringing, having to leave the Solomon Islands to avoid political unrest. We came to Australia with nothing, but built ourselves up and now I am in the position that I am because of my family and the sacrifices they made. They inspire me to work harder every day and I am thankful for that.
3. What does a typical day at work look like?
First and foremost, almond flat white, extra shot with one sugar
Check my emails
List out my daily tasks in my diary
15-30 mins of reading articles while I finish my coffee
Kick start my list
Various phone calls
Gym at lunch-time
Back to the daily grind.
There are multiple snack breaks involved, Brendan actually got me hooked on the Bounce protein balls and now I'm addicted.
4. What's the best thing about living in Newcastle?
Definitely the beaches, they are some of the most beautiful I have seen in Australia, and I’m thankful they aren't riddled with so many people. You will find me swimming and strolling along Nobbys, Merewether, Redhead or Dudley beach at least five days of the week. The fact that I can do that and still work on various jobs in other cities is phenomenal, such a healthy shift in work-life balance.
5. You have worked on a variety of projects within the construction sector including defence, commercial and residential. What do you most enjoy about project work?
The simple aspect that you're building a better community. Building places for people, for industries, for your country and gaining so much exposure in the process. I've assisted in building warehouses for tanks, maintenance facilities for fighter jets, social and affordable housing for the less fortunate, and it's all for the community, to give back and make things greater.
Also… I'm a sucker for fresh slab with a trowel finish and 3 coat epoxy finish!
6. What are you currently watching on Netflix?
Love, Death and Robots. Sounds childish, but it’s one of the most mature and intriguing Netflix series I’ve ever watched, with the most bizarre concepts for each series. Must watch!
7. What's the most challenging aspect of working in the construction sector?
Dealing with different attitudes and perspectives. In school and university they always teach you how to manage things, and the processes of the industry but they don't teach you how to properly manage or connect with people. I understand it’s a process that is learnt through practical experiences, but I think teaching someone how to deal with certain outcomes or situations would definitely be of assistance.
My position as a young, ethnic woman in the industry has influenced the perspective of many people and the way they treat me. The industry is tough in that way, but I love the challenge, it helps to build resilience and understanding.
8. What's your favourite season and why?
Spring for sure - my birthday is at the beginning of spring, plus it’s the season for new beginnings and fabulous spring fashion.
9. What's the most interesting thing you're working on at the moment?
Well we recently closed out 1 Figtree Drive which is currently the new vaccination centre in Sydney. That whole handover process was quite fascinating.
10. What's something you want to do in the next year (either personally or professionally) that you've never done before?
I like to paint and apparently people like my paintings to the point where they want to buy it! So, I'm currently in the process of creating a series of paintings to display at a small art exhibition where family and friends are able to come along to browse and/or buy. I’m currently working on a piece now. It is hard to maintain the creativity side though, so I've given myself a year to get it all sorted.
To learn more about Varity, our team, our services or experience contact us today.
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