15 July 2026
Four years after joining Leed as a graduate engineer, Callum Cusack was managing projects.
Eight years on, he’s delivered civil infrastructure projects across South Australia, developed skills across multiple disciplines and built a depth of experience that can take much longer to acquire.
Since starting with Leed in 2018, Callum has built a career that has taken him from the Riverland and Kangaroo Island to Olympic Dam, Port Lincoln and Robe. Along the way, he’s been able to make lifelong friends and visit remarkable places around the state.
Fast-tracking career progression through regional work
Working for Leed has enabled Callum to gain diverse experience across pipelines, treatment plants, concrete structures, bulk earthworks and more. He has built the type of broad skillset that comes from being involved in all aspects of a project.
He believes regional work played a major part in his career progression.
Regional projects often require engineers to take on broader responsibilities and become involved in every stage of delivery, creating valuable learning opportunities early in their careers.
In Callum’s experience, ‘If you work regionally, you’ll get way more chances to step up’.
Developing a broad skillset
The variety of work that Callum has undertaken on his regional projects has helped him build a practical understanding of project delivery that extends well beyond traditional engineering responsibilities.
‘We self-perform work that might otherwise be subcontracted, so you gain experience across a much wider range of activities.’
He’s also gained licences and competencies to safely operate construction equipment when required, enabling him to support project teams in regional and remote locations. ‘Leed is great for giving you a range of projects and experience,’ he says.
More than just the work
While the professional development has been significant, Callum says some of his most memorable moments have come from having the chance to get to know these regional communities.
‘I’ve seen some pretty amazing sunsets in different parts of South Australia,’ he says. ‘And out of all the places I’ve been, the desert is probably the best,’ he says.
Working in remote locations also presents challenges that many metropolitan projects don’t.
‘You have to organise logistics and be prepared,’ he says, adding that ‘it’s not just a matter of dropping into the hardware store if you forget something’.
He’s also had the chance to get to know each community in a way most visitors never do, such as discovering the best coffee shop in each location and making connections with the locals.
Building friendships for life
One of the best parts of Callum’s Leed journey has been the friendships and working relationships he’s built along the way.
‘I enjoy the country work because of the people and the characters I meet,’ he says.
‘I’ve made great friends in each place and become mates with the many of the people I’ve worked alongside.’
Regional project teams often spend extended periods working and living together, creating friendships that continue long after projects are complete.
‘The crew usually spends time together outside work and we look after each other when we’re away,’ he says.