Emmeline Rocks

One of the first female students to graduate from Charles Sturt’s engineering program, Emmeline Rocks is blazing a trail for others to follow.

Emmeline hit the ground running early in her Bachelor of Technology/Master of Engineering (Civil) studies. She undertook her first two work placements in Wagga Wagga – an engineering traineeship at Riverina Water, and a building cadetship with Hansen Yuncken working on the construction of Estella Primary School. She moved to Albury in 2021 to join Zauner Construction, completing her remaining two placements while finishing her studies and master’s thesis.

Zauner Construction promoted Emmeline to her current role as Project Manager upon graduation in 2023. She has worked on some of the company’s leading projects, including the Northeast Health Wangaratta redevelopment, the Opal Fibre Packaging Plant and a five-level carpark. She is currently project managing the redevelopment of Jacob Toyota in Wodonga.

“The unique structure of the Charles Sturt Engineering degree enabled me to gain experience while studying and advance my career so soon after graduation, which would not be possible with a traditional engineering degree,” Emmeline shares.

“My journey as a civil engineer and project manager would not have been possible without the opportunities that Charles Sturt Engineering degree offered me.”

Emmeline is committed to advancing opportunities for women in the male-dominated construction industry. She shares her experience freely with current and future engineering students through a range of Charles Sturt events, including Engineering Career Pathways and EngFest. Emmeline is an active mentor in Charles Sturt’s Connecting to Industry program and has facilitated student cadetships.

She has also spoken with girls from Albury-Wodonga high schools as part of Regional Industry Education Partnerships’ ‘Girls Can Too’ initiative, reshaping their perception of construction as exclusively a ‘man’s field’. Her genuine passion for her work and determination to inspire a new, more diverse generation of engineers shine brightly through in every interaction.

“Through my involvement with these programs, I am committed to breaking down barriers and stigmas around women working in the construction industry.”

In recognition of her inspiring contribution and leadership in the industry, Emmeline was awarded the 2024 Women in Building Award for the Riverina Murray Region by the Master Builders’ Association. She has also been nominated for the association’s NSW Graduate of the Year Award, to be announced later this year.