From Carpenter to Project Engineer
Darcie's path began at 16 when she left school after Year 10, originally wanting to become a diesel mechanic. Instead, she became the first female apprentice bridge and wharf carpenter with Roads and Maritime Services NSW.
"I was walking into an all-male crew. They all thought I was a bit of a princess at the time," Darcie recalls. That changed on her first day doing formwork: "I belted my finger and a few choice words flew out. I think that broke the ice."
Over eight and a half years, her career evolved from apprentice to Project Quality Representative with Transport for NSW, before landing her current role as Project Engineer with Coonamble Shire Council.
Managing Major Infrastructure
Today, Darcie manages everything from project planning and budgeting, to on-site coordination with contractors. She's currently overseeing a $42 million road upgrade project that will be executed over two years.
"It's a bit of a juggling act because we've been through so many plans at the moment, but no doubt it's going to be rewarding," she explains. "No two days are the same, which is what I love."
Community Impact and Recognition
What drives Darcie's passion is the direct connection between her work and community benefit. "It is very rewarding, and you get to drive over it or drive past it and you've got a sense of belonging to the community."
Living and working in the same area adds satisfaction: "Just to be a person that lives and works in the community as they go, 'oh she worked on that job' because there's not many women in the engineering field."
A Different Perspective
As a woman in engineering, Darcie observes distinct differences in approach. "Women see things from a different point of view compared to men. We take the slower approach."
Challenges remain: "Women still have to prove themselves a lot. I've been out on sites and I'm the go-to person, but a contractor will go to the male because I'm female." Despite this, she's optimistic: "I can see a change, a good change."
Lessons in Resilience
One formative project was an 18-month timber bridge reconstruction. What started as handrail replacement became a major rebuild when they discovered snapped structural members.
"You could see straight through the timber member. We needed to close this bridge today and get working," she recalls. "They were long hard days, but it's rewarding to walk away knowing I've worked on it with my own hands."
This reinforced a key lesson: "Your attitude will get you further than any qualification." That first apprentice day taught her "the value of resilience, humour and earning respect for hard work. You can't always control how people perceive you, but you can control how you show up."
Professional Networks and Growth
Introduced to IPWEA by former general manager Paul Gallagher, Darcie values the connections: "I'm glad I've made a few connections through Young IPWEA. It's more than just a professional network. It's a genuine support system for younger people coming up through the ranks."
She sees this involvement as crucial: "A lot of people in IPWEA are looking to retire. We're the ones that have got the ability to be them one day and take what we can from them."
Advice for the Next Generation
Darcie's advice is direct: "Say yes to the uncomfortable stuff. Growth doesn't come from your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to ask questions, speak up, chase opportunities, put yourself out there and even if you don't tick every box, chuck your hat in the ring."
She emphasises relationships: "Some of the best moves I've made early on weren't because of what I knew, it was because of who I knew and how I worked with them."
Currently completing her Certificate IV in Field Construction Supervision and starting an Associate Degree in Engineering, Darcie envisions change ahead. She hopes for more collaboration between local government and community, innovative funding models, and breaking traditional approaches.
"Just because you've done it for 80 years doesn't mean we have to do it for the next 80," she says. "We need resilient people behind resilient infrastructure."
Going Together Into the Future
Darcie's journey demonstrates that diverse pathways strengthen the profession. Her emphasis on attitude, resilience, and continuous learning exemplifies the qualities needed for tomorrow's infrastructure challenges.