In the energy infrastructure industry, safety is everything. But for Liezel de Castro, it’s also personal. As a Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Coordinator on major projects at Transgrid, she’s showing how purpose-driven work and inclusiveness can transform safety culture while opening doors to new voices and perspectives.
Transgrid operates the high-voltage electricity transmission network across New South Wales and the ACT and the Major Projects division is responsible for delivering large-scale infrastructure developments that expand and strengthen Australia’s electricity transmission network. The team manages complex, high-value projects from planning through to construction and commissioning, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
That’s where Liezel comes in. Her journey is a reminder that with the right support, career changes can lead to meaningful impact in industries where women have historically been underrepresented.
Finding purpose in a new profession
When Liezel joined the Major Projects HSE team, she brought with her a unique background in criminal justice as a criminal defence solicitor.
In her previous career, she built skills in analysing complex issues, communicating clearly under pressure, and advocating for people’s wellbeing. These are the same strengths she draws on today as she works to make major infrastructure projects safer for everyone involved.
Now, as an HSE Coordinator, Liezel is turning those transferable skills into practical safety leadership across some of Transgrid’s most complex infrastructure projects.
She supports major safety initiatives that bring project teams and contractors together to lift safety standards across the sector. Whether it’s contributing to industry-wide forums, helping deliver safety training, or ensuring teams are equipped to manage high-risk activities, her role is about creating consistency, accountability, and a culture where safety is more than just a policy.
“It’s all about building a system where people feel empowered and supported to work safely every day,” she says. “Safety shouldn’t be something we just talk about—it needs to be something we live out.”
Liezel sees her current role as just the beginning of a long-term journey in safety.
“I’m genuinely passionate about advancing my capabilities in the safety domain. I believe safety is embedded across all areas of any organisation—from operations, leadership and culture. I am eager to deepen my understanding of how safety integrates across these areas and with the right support, mentoring and ongoing education, I am committed to growing into a strategic safety management role. I see this as a long-term career path where I can contribute meaningfully to organisational safety culture and performance.”
Did you know Transgrid offers coaching and mentoring programs, plus training, educational support and more?
Find out about this and their other impressive policies and benefits.
Putting people first in safety
Safety, for Liezel, is more than systems and checklists. It’s about relationships, communication, and care. That philosophy shaped her work during Safetember, when she helped develop Energy-Based Observation guidance materials.
“These conversations give managers real insight into how well critical safety controls are understood and used,” she explains. “It builds trust and helps us address gaps before incidents happen.”
She’s also proud to have supported the Healthy Minds, Safer Environments initiative, which recognises the role mental wellbeing plays in overall workplace safety.
“This kind of work matters to me because it reflects where safety needs to go. It’s not just about preventing injuries anymore. It’s about supporting the whole person.”
A culture that builds belonging
While the energy infrastructure industry has traditionally been male-dominated, Liezel says her experience at Transgrid has been one of genuine inclusion.
“My manager and team have been inclusive from day one. I’ve always felt like I belong here.”
That feeling was reinforced when her contributions to industry-wide safety forums were acknowledged. “It was empowering to know that what I was doing mattered, and that people saw the value in it.”
She credits her manager with providing consistent feedback and encouraging her development through learning opportunities like monthly safety sessions and support to pursue further study.
Encouraging others to step forward
Liezel believes there is a place for more women in field-based safety roles and wants to help others see what’s possible.
“Find someone who inspires you. A mentor who really believes in safety and believes in you. That makes a huge difference.”
And when challenges arise, she says staying connected to your purpose is key.
“For me, it’s making sure people get home safe. That’s what drives me every day.”
