Graduates helping build Bendigo’s future

Two young construction professionals are helping shape some of Bendigo’s most important community spaces, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to projects that will serve the region for generations.

Bronte Midgley-Mather and Josh Opie are graduates working with the head contractors on the Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo Showgrounds projects, both funded through the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.

Bronte works with Fairbrother  as a Construction Graduate on the Bendigo Stadium redevelopment and is based in Castlemaine. Having grown up in Emerald, she’s always been drawn to regional life.

“I think it’s the space, the lifestyle and the access to the outdoors,” Bronte said.

Working on a live stadium has given Bronte insight into the scale and complexity of major projects. “It’s been a steep learning curve,” she said. “Seeing how many stakeholders are involved, how much planning goes into every stage, and how important it is to keep momentum through challenges has been really valuable.”

For Bronte, the most rewarding part is contributing to a facility that supports health, recreation and community connection. “Being a small part of something that impacts so many people across different ages and communities is really meaningful,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bendigo local Josh Opie works with AW Nicholson as a Project Coordinator on the Bendigo Showgrounds redevelopment. Born and raised in Bendigo, Josh is now gaining hands-on experience on a project close to home.

“I love the convenience of regional Victoria,” Josh said. “It gives you a much better work-life balance and more time to focus on personal interests outside of work.”

Josh has particularly enjoyed learning about the technical and contractual sides of construction. “This project has a lot of moving parts, from precast concrete to hollowcore slabs and structural steel,” he said. “It’s been really interesting seeing how all those elements come together and how much coordination is required.”

Working on a site he grew up visiting has made the project even more meaningful.

Both graduates say the investment in Bendigo’s infrastructure is creating exciting opportunities for young professionals to build meaningful careers in regional Victoria.

“These projects show that you don’t have to be in a capital city to work on complex, impactful builds,” Bronte said. “You can do meaningful work and still enjoy the benefits of regional living.”

With graduates like Bronte and Josh contributing their skills and fresh perspectives, Bendigo’s future continues to be built by the next generation of construction professionals, right in the heart of the community.

These projects are being delivered by Development Victoria in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria, and have involved close collaboration with the City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo Stadium Limited, and the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society. This will ensure the Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo Showgrounds upgrades cater to the local community and deliver positive outcomes for the region.

Find out more on the Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo Showgrounds web pages.