The construction and engineering industries are often defined by high-pressure environments, long hours, and fast-paced project demands. These pressures can take a toll on mental health, making it vital to create workplaces where wellbeing is part of the foundation, not an afterthought.
We’re thrilled to announce that Ellen Connor, long-time finance and people leader, mental health advocate, and volunteer with WII, has been appointed Company Secretary and Director of Wellness in Infrastructure, taking over the role from James Wiley. We thank James for his valued contributions and dedication during his time with us.
By day, Ellen serves as Chief Financial Officer at FSC, a small, employee-owned engineering company where wellbeing is embedded in the culture. In her own time, she volunteers with Wellness in Infrastructure, where she leads the Wellness Education Subgroup.
“FSC is passionate about creating a mentally healthy workplace,” Ellen says. “I wanted to take what I’ve learned at FSC, learn more about wellness at a broader, industry level, and help to make this industry we all love even better.”
A Certified Practising Accountant with a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Ellen is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Certified Mental Health First Aider, and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Whitebelt! Her career spans strategic management accounting, commercial operations, project management, and process improvement, always underpinned by a commitment to fostering mentally healthy workplaces.
“I believe education and knowledge are the key to destigmatising mental health issues and empowering people to lead healthier, more balanced lives.”
Beyond her work with WII, Ellen also makes a difference in other not-for-profit spaces. She is a Director at Robogals Global, an international organisation that inspires, engages, and empowers young women to pursue engineering and STEM careers. Robogals has now reached more than 100,000 girls worldwide through its workshops and initiatives.
She is also the Founder of Switch 2 Infrastructure, a program designed to enable and support mid-career women to transition smoothly into specialised and fulfilling careers in infrastructure. Switch provides paid, on-the-job training, mentorship, and flexible pathways, helping women build confidence and carve out new opportunities in the sector.
Ellen recently celebrated graduating from the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Company Director Course, a milestone she describes with enthusiasm:
“One of the most intense yet satisfying training experiences of my career. I was lucky to have an incredible cohort + awesome facilitators, meaning I learnt soooo much. One of our team described the course as a ‘new-age MBA’ and it felt like that! Over the last 10 years of my career, at least once a year someone has told me to do this course. And now I will be that person, telling others to do it. It’s awesome. If you’ve been thinking about it, do it. You won’t regret it!”
It was FSC’s authentic approach to wellbeing that inspired Ellen to look beyond her own organisation.
“We’re passionate about creating a mentally healthy workplace at FSC. I wanted to build on what I’ve learned here, expand my understanding of wellness at an industry level, and contribute to making this sector even better for everyone.”
While progress is being made, Ellen acknowledges that change can be slow in construction and engineering, where old-school mentalities still linger.
“Lack of knowledge and understanding of wellness are still common in an industry that is notoriously slow to change. We need to keep having these conversations and ensure education is a priority.”
For Ellen, wellness goes far beyond physical health, it’s about finding balance in all areas of life.
“Wellness is feeling balance in all areas of life, physical, mental, emotional, and social. It’s about recognising your needs and taking proactive steps to maintain good health and wellbeing in those areas.”
Her holistic outlook reflects the kind of workplace culture Ellen hopes to foster, where mental health is openly supported, and people feel empowered to bring their full selves to work.
Ellen’s contributions, as a newly appointed Director, Company Secretary and long-standing mental health advocate, underscore her commitment to creating a more informed and supportive industry. By championing education, encouraging open conversations, and taking a balanced approach to wellbeing, she’s helping to lay the groundwork for a healthier future in construction.
Her message is clear: when it comes to mental health, we all have a role to play, and education is where meaningful change begins.
Ellen is a strong advocate for volunteering in the mental health space and encourages others to get involved in causes that matter to them.
“Volunteering brings so much joy. Find what you are passionate about and get involved! You won’t regret it.”
Join us as a volunteer at Wellness in Infrastructure and help support proactive improvements to mental health in the construction industry.
Get involved today and be part of a healthier, stronger industry. Regester your interest to volunteer with us here: Contact – Wellness In Infrastructure
Every donation fuels Wellness In Infrastructure’s mission to bring essential mental health and wellbeing programs to construction professionals nationwide. Your support directly impacts the reach, accessibility, and effectiveness of our university-validated tools and interventions, ensuring industry-wide transformation.
Post Tags :
Share :
