After more than a decade of service with Gold Coast Health and a career spanning nearly 50 years, Project Manager Phil Rule is preparing to hand over the reins.
Known for his encyclopaedic knowledge of hospital systems, steady leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of patients and staff alike, Phil has been a quiet force behind the scenes of some of Gold Coast Health’s most significant projects, including most recently the new H Block wing at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH).
From minor works to major builds, his influence will be felt long after the tools are packed away. H Block stands as a milestone project and a lasting part of Phil’s legacy, a fitting culmination to a career spent building better environments for care.
To kick things off, tell us about your career journey...
My career began as an apprentice electrical fitter mechanic with global technology company Honeywell, where I spent more than 35 years. I eventually stepped into senior leadership as the manager for Australia and New Zealand’s industrial automation service group.
When I moved to Tamborine Mountain, I wanted to work closer to home and took a role at GCUH through major infrastructure services provider, Transfield. That initial six-week contract turned into 11 years of service. First in maintenance, then leading the Capital and Minor Works team and more recently in project delivery.
I’ve always found purpose in mentoring others, solving problems and seeing things improve. This is what’s kept me inspired over the decades.
What does your role entail?
It’s a little bit of everything, from electrical, fire, controls, building services and integration, I’ve gained just enough knowledge across many areas to know when something’s not quite right or who to go to.
I think people would be surprised by how relational this job is. It’s not just about technical skills, it’s about knowing who to ask, what questions to ask and how to connect all the dots.
A lot of it is problem-solving, navigating grey areas and making things work in a complex environment like a major hospital.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
For me, it’s about making things better for the people on the ground – the clinicians, the support staff and ultimately the patients.
I love being able to listen to staff, understand their pain points and find ways to improve things. At Robina Hospital, for example, items within the Transfer Unit weren’t part of the original scope and needed a lot of on-the-ground changes.
We made it work and now the feedback from staff and patients is overwhelmingly positive. That’s the kind of impact I’m proud to have.
When it’s complete, what will the new H Block (GCUH Sub-Acute Building) mean for the community?
I hope it feels like a place designed with care, not just functionality. From the natural light to the calming views, everything has been thought through to support recovery and wellbeing. Having seen how disorienting and stressful hospital environments can be – especially for older patients – it’s been a real privilege to have contributed to a space that feels more peaceful, more human and more fit-for-purpose.
One of Gold Coast Health’s values is ‘Community First’. What are some of the ways you give back to the Gold Coast community?
Giving back has always been part of my life. I’ve been with the Tamborine Mountain State Emergency Service (SES) for over a decade, now supporting in a logistics and light duties role after some health setbacks.
I also help run Movies on the Mountain at the Zamia Theatre, choosing and screening films for our local community. It’s all about showing up where you can. Whether it’s during a storm response or at a weekend community movie night, it feels good to contribute beyond the day job.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting their careers in this industry?
Keep learning, stay curious and never settle for a job you don’t enjoy. Your work takes up a huge chunk of your life – make it count.
I’ve had the privilege of working in many different roles under the same roof and what’s kept it interesting is the willingness to try something new, step outside my comfort zone and help others along the way.
What does the word ‘retirement’ mean to you right now?
It means rest, reinvention and reconnection – all of the above and maybe a bit of surrealism, too.
I don’t see retirement as slowing down, just shifting gears. I’ve some projects lined up, travel plans with my wife and no doubt more involvement in the community. My wife's list of to-dos is even longer than mine, so I’m sure I won’t be bored.
Lastly, what do you do to stay healthy?
Gardening is my therapy. Living on an acre at Tamborine Mountain means there’s always something to do, whether it’s landscaping, mowing, or building something new.
I enjoy the physical work and the headspace it gives me. I also love going for walks and getting out into nature. With more time in retirement, I’m looking forward to focusing more on my health and building better habits.
A tribute to Phil
“As Gold Coast Health’s Project Manager, Infrastructure Planning, Delivery and Commissioning (H Block at Gold Coast University Hospital), Phil Rule’s contributions have shaped not only the physical spaces the health service works in, but the culture of collaboration and integrity that underpins every successful project.
The new building will support older persons, rehabilitation and transitional care services in a recovery-focused setting designed with both functionality and humanity in mind – and Phil has played a key role in bringing it to life. Thank you, Phil. All the best for your well-earned retirement.”
- Gold Coast Health Executive Director Infrastructure Planning Delivery and Commissioning Richard Christensen
