Speaking for change

Amarapave is helping to reshape the industry by providing inclusivity, opportunities and role models for females, non-binary individuals and other minorities hoping to enter the construction and asphalt sectors. Managing Director Jenika Stubelj, a speaker at the 2025 Converge Expo, explains.

The infrastructure and construction sectors have placed a great importance on the development of diverse workforces.

While the industry is working to address cultural reform, only three per cent of tradespeople are represented by women per SBS Online, highlighting the industry’s need to attract a more diverse cohort to battle workforce shortages.

It’s here, that Amarapave is helping to turn the tide.

The social enterprise specialises in asphalt paving services within the construction industry, with a distinctive mission to transform workforce diversity and inclusion.

Ash MacMahon, Field Director – Amarapave (left), pictured with Amarapave Managing Director Jenika Stubelj (right).

As well as providing professional asphalt services, Amarapave is actively challenging industry stereotypes and creating employment opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Amarapave Managing Director Jenika Stubelj says that while creating meaningful employment opportunities across different backgrounds and identities is a priority for the company, so too is the quality of its projects.

“We can deliver an asphalt paving job just as well as every other company with regards to quality. But we’re also showcasing that there’s a different way of thinking,” Stubelj says.

“Ash (MacMahon, Field Director – Amarapave), who identifies as non-binary, runs our crew. I don’t think that’s been seen before in the asphalt industry.

“We’re very much about breaking stereotypes and empowering people. The best way to do that is to actually get out there and showcase our work.”

Converge expo 2025 is doing just that, by providing a platform for industry changers and leaders to showcase and exchange ideas and solutions, in the hope of improving the industry across the board.

Converge is a brand-new expo that for the first time will bring together Municipal Works and Commercial and Civil Construction, to provide attendees a glimpse at Australia’s infrastructure future.

“We work in a field where we’re always innovating, and we’re always looking for a better way to do things,” Stubelj says. “At trade shows like Converge, you go along with the intention to learn and see what the rest of the industry is doing.

“They’re a great collection of innovations, whether that’s in human resources, technology or people, there’s usually something new to learn.”

Stubelj, along with four other speakers of note, will be presenting as part of Converge expo’s Championing Change panel, focusing on ‘building a workforce that reflects our communities’.

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She says the panel will encourage attendees to consider diversity, reflect on their own experiences, and potentially drive change in their own organisations, through shared perspectives and stories.

“I think it’s really cool that there’s a whole selection of really inspirational, powerful female role models that are going to be talking at this event,” she says. “When you have these opportunities and you can tell your story, quite often there’s going to be people in the audience that resonate.

“Ideally, it’s those people who can share our insights within their own organisations. Then, hopefully we’ll see more ripple effects.”

The Championing Change panel will also aim to provide more understanding around the benefits of a diverse workforce, explore the challenges faced by underrepresented groups, as well as showcase innovative approaches to breaking down traditional stereotypes.

The panel will also explore strategies for creating inclusive work environments. Speaking on this aspect, Stubelj says expectations from prospective employees have rightfully shifted, meaning organisations also need to adapt.

“People entering the workforce these days are looking at organisations through a cultural lens, and looking for workplaces that are serious about equality,” she says.

Amarapave is paving the way for greater inclusion in the construction and asphalt sectors.

“Are there equitable opportunities for training and development? Do people feel like they can contribute their opinions? If they speak up about something, are they going to be heard, or are they going to be discriminated against for trying to go against the status quo?

“People naturally are drawn to that feeling and sense of purpose at work. You want to go to work and feel like you’re valued and you’re contributing to something, regardless of the financial compensation.”

Stubelj adds that less employees are driven by ‘I know someone that’s gone into that industry’ or ‘the money’s good over there’. Instead, she says organisations need to reflect and ask themselves: Are people feeling like they belong in the company?

It’s considerations such as this that’s led to the continued success and growth of Amarapave.

The company is now pushing and gathering momentum in its efforts towards winning additional contracts and tenders on state government projects.

“I get a real buzz out of being able to create employment outcomes,” Stubelj says. “It’s fantastic when we can bring someone in who’s been trying to get into the construction industry and has had the doors shut on them. It’s great to give those people that opportunity, then to see them flourish and grow.

“We’re excited about continuing to build the next generation of asphalters.”

Converge will take place on September 17-18, 2025, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For more information on exhibiting and attending, visit convergeexpo.com.au to download the prospectus, or contact our team directly on +61 3 9690 8766 or converge@primecreative.com.au