Written by: Lisa Buck (nee Thorne)
As we complete the final home in Urban Ridge, we wanted to take a moment to look back on the past 25 years— to a time when women working in construction was a rarity. Urban Ridge, now a vibrant community located next to a 60-hectare nature reserve, began as underutilised farmland. It was my dad, Bob’s, vision and hard work that transformed it into the thriving neighbourhood it is today. The early stages were tough, bringing a lot of stress to my parents, especially with all the engineering challenges. But over time, with an average of 25 homes constructed per stage, Urban Ridge took shape. Now, the final home has just been approved, marking the end of this incredible 25-year journey.
Judy Thorne & Lisa Buck (nee Thorne) at Urban Ridge
Geotechnical testing
Sadly, Dad passed away in 2020, before seeing the final sites completed. This legacy isn’t just about my father’s vision—it’s also a reflection of how the construction industry has evolved, especially for women. When we first started, seeing women working in construction was rare, but things have changed dramatically. One standout is Lydia Lysaght, Associate Engineering Geologist at CMW Geosciences. Lydia joined the project in 2018 during Stage 6B, managing geotechnical investigations and construction supervision.
Lydia Lysaght | Associate Engineering Geologist
“Bob trusted me to manage the project for CMW, and that trust meant a lot to me,” Lydia said. Her story highlights the growing involvement of women in engineering and construction. When Lydia started out, it wasn’t common to see women in key roles, but today, her office is nearly half comprised of women.
It’s inspiring to see how far the industry has come. Women are making a big impact in engineering and construction, and Urban Ridge is a great example of what happens when trust, collaboration, and diversity come together. Dad’s vision didn’t just build homes—it created opportunities for talented people like Lydia to thrive.
As we look ahead, we need to keep championing diversity in the industry. The women involved in Urban Ridge are paving the way for the next generation, showing that construction is changing for the better—one stage, one home at a time.
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