Two step • Martyna Zwiazek

Martyna Zwiazek
Hong Kong to Tasmania

I’m a civil engineer with more than 7 years of experience. I expanded my horizons in Project Control in Hong Kong. Living and working in Asia gave me the opportunity to explore new places, what allowed me to continually learn and grow as a person. Then I moved to Tazmania, another amazing experience.

Listen to Martyna's podcast!
Two step • December 2024

After landing in Tasmania, the first thing that caught my attention was the fresh air and cooler climate compared to Hong Kong where I spent the previous year. The island’s rugged landscapes, with it’s rolling hills and distant mountains, seem both untouched and welcoming. What struck me first as I drove from the airport to the hotel was the sheer number of animals killed on the roads. Initially, I thought they were Tasmanian devils, but I later learned at work that most of them were possums and wallabies, a smaller breed of kangaroo. It made me realise that living so close to wildlife can involve risks for both animals and people, and that we would need to be careful.

After spending a year in project control, I’ve transitioned back to a production role, now based at the precast site. My responsibility is to oversee the construction of 1082 rebar cages for a bridge being built in Tasmania. Managing over 7000 tonnes of reinforcement, along with coordinating logistics, procurement, cost control, and ensuring technical accuracy and safety, is both a challenging and rewarding experience. I learn a lot through this process.

Moreover there are 19 different nationalities on the project, including myself. While this can sometimes lead to confusion, it also adds a lot of humor and interesting cultural moments to the work environment! Every Friday, we hold Morning Tea, where two team members take turns preparing their national dishes according to a rotation schedule. It’s fascinating to sample, for example, a traditional Senegalese meal here in Tasmania!

This year, I’ve discovered a passion for Reformer Pilates, which I fully intend to continue after leaving Tasmania. I also enjoy hiking, petting kangaroos and meeting friends for brunch. I had the chance to catch up with Elias (a fellow participant in the Bridges Programme) and his wife, discussing life in Australia.

Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, offers a fantastic range of charity shops, which lets me indulge in my second-hand shopping hobby and find unique pieces for my wardrobe. Currently, I’m planning a road trip in New Zealand with a campervan—a completely new experience for me. I can’t wait to spend a week surrounded by nature and soak in New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes!

Martina
Martyna Zwiazek
Hong Kong to Tasmania

I’m a Civil Engineer with over 7 years of experience, currently expanding my horizons in Project Control in Hong Kong. Living and working in Asia gives me the opportunity to explore new places, what allows me to continually learn and grow as a person.

Listen to Martyna's podcast!

Two step • Martyna Zwiazek

After landing in Tasmania, the first thing that caught my attention was the fresh air and cooler climate compared to Hong Kong where I spent the previous year. The island’s rugged landscapes, with it’s rolling hills and distant mountains, seem both untouched and welcoming. What struck me first as I drove from the airport to the hotel was the sheer number of animals killed on the roads. Initially, I thought they were Tasmanian devils, but I later learned at work that most of them were possums and wallabies, a smaller breed of kangaroo. It made me realise that living so close to wildlife can involve risks for both animals and people, and that we would need to be careful.

After spending a year in project control, I’ve transitioned back to a production role, now based at the precast site. My responsibility is to oversee the construction of 1082 rebar cages for a bridge being built in Tasmania. Managing over 7000 tonnes of reinforcement, along with coordinating logistics, procurement, cost control, and ensuring technical accuracy and safety, is both a challenging and rewarding experience. I learn a lot through this process.

Moreover there are 19 different nationalities on the project, including myself. While this can sometimes lead to confusion, it also adds a lot of humor and interesting cultural moments to the work environment!
Every Friday, we hold Morning Tea, where two team members take turns preparing their national dishes according to a rotation schedule. It’s fascinating to sample, for example, a traditional Senegalese meal here in Tasmania!

This year, I’ve discovered a passion for Reformer Pilates, which I fully intend to continue after leaving Tasmania. I also enjoy hiking, petting kangaroos and meeting friends for brunch. I had the chance to catch up with Elias (a fellow participant in the Bridges Programme) and his wife, discussing life in Australia.

Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, offers a fantastic range of charity shops, which lets me indulge in my second-hand shopping hobby and find unique pieces for my wardrobe. Currently, I’m planning a road trip in New Zealand with a campervan—a completely new experience for me. I can’t wait to spend a week surrounded by nature and soak in New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes!