R U OK? Day is a day that has become a focal point on Winslow’s annual calendar to come together to support each other and remind our teammates that every day is the day to ask 'are you OK?'.
It's a day to remind ourselves to Chat & Check-in with a workmate, any day, and have conversations that can help them through a difficult time.
The statistics around the construction industry and mental health are alarming, with workers in this industry six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work.
One-in-four building and construction workers are likely to be experiencing a mental health issue at any one time.
This was highlighted recently by Winslow Constructors Foreman Luke Humphrey, who was happy to share his story and encourage others who may be struggling with mental health issues to speak up, and others to Chat & Check-in.
Winslow continues to build capacity around the Group to support and care for each other throughout the year with our trained Mental Health First Aiders, who are identified by their unique TradeMutt shirts.
Just by having a chat to check in on their mental health can make all the difference.
Our teams in Victoria, South Australia, Northern NSW and Queensland took time out to Chat & Check-in with each other, because a simple chat can help a mate.
Read about Luke's story here: https://winslow.com.au/newsroom/winslow-group/lukes-story-raises-20-000-for-beyond-blue
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Last year Winslow commissioned artwork that told a story about working here, and how we come together from all walks of life, care and look after each other and work together.
It is also an opportunity to reflect on the First Nations culture and support the celebrations of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Koling wada-ngal (Let Us Walk Together),by Indigenous artist Jenna Oldaker, is an exceptional representation of the Winslow values and also the deepening of Winslow's relationships with our land’s traditional owners, many of whom work across the Group.
Wiradjuri man Curtis Reid is considered and all-rounder by the Winlsow Constructors team in Wodonga, where has worked for a year.
He his handy behind the controls of machinery and says he doesn’t mind getting in a trench to lay pipes either.
He started in construction as a labourer at 17, followed by a plumbing apprenticeship then moved into roles at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) before arriving at Winslow.
Asked what Reconciliation Week means to him, Curtis said it’s about celebrating aboriginal culture of “who we are, where’ve come from”.
“I’m a strong believer in to know where we’re going we’ve got to know where we’ve been,” Curtis said.
The Wiradjuri man says it is his elders who he is thankful for who paved the way for the opportunities he has had.
Curtis’ mother is Wiradjuri, and his father is Kamilaroi, but tradition dictates that he aligns with his mother’s people.
The Wiradjuri is the largest nation on the eastern coast of Australia, with the Kamilaroi the second largest.
“Because of my elders - my uncles and aunties - I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have, and I work where I work because of them,” he said.
“Go back 50 years and most blackfellas couldn’t walk down the street, and had to stay outside pubs,” he said.
“But without them (elders) I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I love telling that to my kids and nieces and nephews.
“We’ve got opportunities beyond measure compared to 50 or 60 years ago.
“Reconciliation Week is just celebrating that culture, how old it is.”
When Winslow heard The Path of a Horse property at Trentham was closed due to damaging storms in 2021, causing over $50,000 dollars of destruction, much needed assistance was quickly offered.
Winslow subsequently committed to providing vital resources and equipment towards assisting with the clean-up costs to ensure the property is clear and safe, ready for use again.
Winslow is a strong supporter of veterans and ADF reservists, employing numerous veterans across the business. Winslow and The Path of a Horse share a common aim of supporting our veterans in making a positive transition. Winslow is a strong advocate for the work of Path of a Horse and their work is instrumental in helping recovering veterans through its wholistic approach to therapy and through its use of equine therapy. The Charity assists people of all ages and from all walks of life, who wish to seek better mental health and well-being.
“It was immediately obvious we would offer our assistance and continue supporting our veterans to ensure the Charity can restart their crucial work. Providing our people, our resources and our infrastructure equipment is what we do best. So, a natural partnership was formed to ensure their essential rebuild could happen, providing a positive start towards the reopening of such an important facility for our veterans”, said Damian Murrihy, General Manager Winslow Infrastructure.
Winslow will commence clean-up works at Trentham in July 2021.
Winslow Queensland Region is a proud sponsor of the Taringa Rovers Soccer Football Club in Brisbane, a club with values that align with Winslow’s.
Winslow is passionate about supporting local communities, and sport plays a huge part in all communities.
As part of NAIDOC Week recently, Taringa Rovers unveiled their Indigenous jerseys utilising artwork created for the club by artists Ngalin Ayeye in 2022.
The artwork captures the core values and community spirit of the soccer club as well as paying respects to First Nations culture.
Winslow’s Medium Density & Retirement Living Business Unit attended the sod-turning ceremony for Summerset Torquay, Victoria, which included an informative Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles.
Summerset Retirement Villages is developing the site, south of Geelong, into 290 independent and assisted retirement units and 80 residential aged care beds.
Summerset Torquay will deliver employment opportunities for the community, a large new public park, and long-awaited upgrades to surrounding streets.
Winslow is engaged to carry out external works, with construction to commence in early 2025.
Throughout April, Winslow honoured the importance of the health and wellness of our male employees.
Men’s Health Month focused on the importance of good health and positive health practices.
Initiatives included four themes that aimed to improve the physical, emotional, and mental health knowledge of our male workers – Awareness, Education, Prevention, Family.
We promoted safe, healthy lifestyle choices for our men, and reminded them of the health issues they face and what they can do to take charge of their health.
Men’s Health Month wasn’t just for men – we want women in their lives to learn more too.
We also encouraged our men to share their story about how they have made good choices in personal health practices, with many highlighting changes they had made to lose weight, eat better and improve their mental wellbeing.
We ended the month with Winslow Men’s Health Month physical ‘packs’ with information on common health problems, merchandise, vouchers, and personal skin self-checks.
All men received special Winslow ‘Be Safe Today’ work socks, which are being proudly worn around our work sites and offices.
In a show of team spirit, Winslow competed in the 2023 Melbourne Teams Corporate Triathlon at Elwood Beach.
The Winslow Group had 30 entrants consisting of 10 teams of three participants representing teams from our West, North, East, Geelong, Infrastructure and Medium Density business units.
Teams completed a 400m swim, 10km bike ride followed by a 4km run, with our highest placed team finishing 49th out of 388 teams with a time of 2h 43m 16sec.
It was a great chance for team bonding, and all of our athletes thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to next year’s event.
For more than 10 years Winslow has been constructing The Point estate in Point Lonsdale with our partner Moremac Property Group to deliver more than 500 residential and retirement lots.
At Winslow, we thrive on building communities and are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment in which we operate, with our clients, stakeholders and other interested parties to achieve strong sustainable outcomes.
The development of The Point required Winslow and Moremac to overcome extraordinary challenges.
The Point is based around a unique water body engineered to allow a regular flushing of seawater using a system of computerised gates to manage water ingress and egress.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/731568081?h=edab29bf47&dnt=1&app_id=122963
The system required a high level of engineering innovation, and this has been followed by an excellent residential development creating a new coastal community on the popular Bellarine Peninsula.
This was recognised in the annual Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) – Victoria awards.
In 2021, The Point was recognised with the Judges’ Award – Regional Victoria, and the Environmental Excellence Award.
Judges said The Point required significant environmental and engineering challenges, and “tackled some of the most complex water management systems that the judges have ever seen in Victoria”.
The awards also recognised The Point being a community of high-quality, coastal-inspired homes set within an environment sensitive to its abundant natural assets, landscapes, and parks.
The ongoing development of this exciting estate continues with the final bridge crossing and stages being created now.
Today is World Mental Health Day, which Winslow is commemorating with the launch of ‘The Road To Positive Mental Health – Building Strong Connections’, a document that highlights our dedication to support our employees.
This document highlights the approach and ongoing initiatives Winslow has in place to encourage positive mental health for our employees and their families.
World Mental Health Day raises awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
Winslow is a leader in mental health support in civil construction and we continue to be committed to raising the awareness and understanding of the benefits of positive mental health through our integrated inhouse employee engagement initiatives and Health Safety Environment (HSE) initiatives.
We have always recognised the need to support our construction workforce to feel safe and comfortable about reaching out and talking about mental health issues with recognised agencies, support persons or each other.
Drake Workwise, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, is a free support service to all Winslow employees and their families.
We developed our bespoke Chat & Check-in initiative as an ongoing message to look out for each other regularly or with one of our qualified mental health champions, who are recognisable by their distinctive TradeMutt shirts.
We are determined for our employees to be in a state of wellbeing where they feel good, function well and cope with the normal stresses of life.
It’s the Winslow Way.
Winslow was a proud gold sponsor of the 2024 Lismore Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival last month.
More than 7500 people attended the annual three-day long event in Lismore, Northern NSW, with an additional 90,000 viewers streaming the event online.
The Lismore Knockout provides a valuable space for Aboriginal communities across NSW to connect.
This year, 20 men's teams, nine women's teams and two Under-17s teams gathered to compete.
Lismore City Council described it as a "vital part of Lismore's cultural and sporting landscape".
The event boosts the local economy with a weekend of entertainment and importantly, a great sense of belonging and community for everyone who played and attended.
Winslow’s support of local communities was on display on May 6 at Eynesbury Golf Course, west of Melbourne, for the annual Eynesbury CFA Golf Day.
Winslow, a major sponsor of the event, let loose 12 talented, and not-so-talented, golfers on the greens for the 18-team challenge.
Eynesbury Fire Brigade Auxiliary President Kimberley Briggs said despite the icy start to the day in below zero temperatures, the players had a great day, and many walked away with sporting memorabilia bought at the auction.
“We managed to raise just shy of $9500,” Kimberley said.
“These funds will go towards much needed firefighting equipment for our little volunteer brigade.
“Without Winslow’s support, and the support of the community, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
“We appreciate everything Winslow has done for us and look forward to another great Golf Day in 2023.”
While the Winslow teams didn’t win the day, our players did finish in middle of the leader board.
The funds raised will help with the purchase of new equipment and, most importantly, assist in buying a much-needed second vehicle for the brigade.
A Winslow fundraising event has helped deliver an Australian-first for a Melbourne hospital.
Winslow recently presented a cheque to the Epworth Hospital in Richmond to support its Renal Ward, which has been caring for a member of the Winslow family.
In August last year, Winslow hosted a fundraising event - Nick’s Head Shave For Kidney Disease - to in support of Transport Manager Nick Nesci, who has kidney disease and requires a five-hour dialysis session three times a week at the Renal Ward.
Some of Nick’s colleagues and family shaved their heads at the event held at Marnong Estate and raised a staggering $126,264.00 for the Epworth’s Renal Ward.
In an Australian first, with the funds raised, the Epworth has been able to purchase a Transonic Haemodialysis Monitor, which is a portable device that monitors patients while they receive dialysis.
The monitor, which is the gold standard of surveillance during dialysis, helps measure and assess dialysis delivery to ensure delivered blood flow and recirculation is optimal.
Any potential problems with delivery are identified via the monitor so the nurse can rectify the problem or alter treatment immediately.
“As a victim of kidney disease, Nick’s Head Shave For Kidney Disease was the realisation of my personal dream of raising much needed funds for the Renal Ward at the Epworth Hospital - a unit that has supported me and others in so many ways through their dedication, compassion, care, skills and experience - and also towards research into kidney disease,” Nick said.
Click here for more about Nick’s Head Shave: https://winslow.com.au/newsroom/winslow-group/head-shave-raises-funds-to-save-lives
Winslow Group, via the Allenby Foundation, donated $20,000 to Ganbina, an organisation that matches Winslow’s values of encouraging the growth and development of young people.
Ganbina runs Australia’s most successful Aboriginal school-to-work transition program Jobs4U2, which helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth aged from five to 25 years old stay engaged in mainstream education, training and employment.
Winslow’s donation will support the Ganbina Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program, which gives participants an insight into leadership and to expose them to the skills and commitment required to be leaders.
The program aligns with Winslow’s values where each person is empowered to make good decisions to look after each other as family, be accountable to each other and be committed to operating safely.
“It has been a great honour to continue the relationship with Ganbina and support the important work they do with young Aboriginal people in nurturing them to achieve their full potential,” said Amelia Rizzo, Winslow’s General Counsel.
The three-year program starts in Year 10 and assists participants to develop initial skills around leadership and expose them to leaders and experiences that they would otherwise not have.
“We are delighted to accept another generous donation from Winslow,” said Ganbina CEO Anthony Cavanagh.
“These much-needed funds will ensure our Youth Leadership Program continues to give participants an insight into leadership and to expose them to the skills and commitment required to be leaders.”
The Allenby Foundation was established in 2022 by Dino and Franca Strano as the philanthropic arm of the Winslow Group to help those who need it.
Creating more job opportunities for locals
Winslow’s new Platinum sponsorship agreement with Geelong Soccer Club sees the company intensify its support and promotion of local employment openings by providing hands on support and assistance with Winslow career opportunities for Club members.
Winslow and the Geelong Soccer Club have announced Winslow as the official playing strip sponsor from 2022. The Winslow brand will be on the front of the club’s senior teams’ strip (u19, u21, and seniors).
The new four-year sponsorship is a natural fit with both Winslow and Geelong Soccer Club having a mutual interest and passion to grow and develop young people. This sponsorship will play a critical role in funneling members towards new career opportunities with the objective of future proofing a sustainable and healthy local construction industry.
Winslow’s longevity in the Geelong area as a significant employer is a real asset for the soccer club’s members with many members already applying for jobs. Winslow is working on several important infrastructure projects for the Geelong Region which have current employment opportunities and have a strong pipeline of work planned in the Region for the future.
Geelong Soccer Club is one of the strongest and largest sporting clubs in the Geelong area with their solid membership reaching new highs this season. Thus, providing a perfect opportunity for Winslow to reach young people and offer the support and encouragement needed as Regional Victoria grapples with the impacts of the pandemic.
Winslow’s Geelong Regional Manager, Darran Bunnett said, “we are thrilled to sponsor such a strong community sporting club that is so aligned with the values of Winslow. Our young people are our future, and we look forward to teaming up with Geelong Soccer Club to enhance local employment opportunities”.
Geelong Soccer Club President, Robert Kukanovski said, “we are delighted to welcome Winslow into the Geelong Soccer Club family not only as a partner but also as supporter of our community. The partnership announced today will contribute to career pathways and jobs for our members through Winslow’s already strong presence in the Geelong region”.
Winslow Infrastructure is giving back to the next generation, and the broader community, outside of construction by providing students with innovative experiential real-life learning with industry experts.
Winslow’s Emerging Leaders and Crazy Ideas College are working together to help students from Patterson River Secondary College lead change on issues they care about.
Winslow prides itself on providing opportunities for diverse experiences that stretch and challenge our people.
We learn by doing, it’s what we do best, that’s why the partnering with the Crazy Ideas College was a perfect match.
The Social Innovators Program offers a unique approach to how we train our emerging leaders.
They get a chance to see leadership through a different prism.
They get to understand some of the futuristic ideals toward leadership, and the way they get to engage with the students, the way they get to mentor them, it’s truly encouraging.
The Winslow Way is about learning with and from each other and deepening our understanding of the communities where we work.
Our involvement in the community is to enhance and create opportunity.
It is a privilege to work with and within our communities and we are invested in building great communities for the future.
In May, a two-day Social Innovators Workshop was held where 75 students kick-started their journey where they worked in teams to invent programs, products and services that enrich the lives of others in the community.
It was a chance for students to explore innovation and problem solving, not traditionally offered at school that provides the opportunity to bring industry closer to the communities where they do work.
Winslow introduced ‘futuristic’ thinking concepts, while also giving some of our Emerging Leaders an opportunity to step into a leadership role and deepen their skill set while working and mentoring students.
The program encourages students to embrace their passions and equips them to turn an initial thought into a realistic, practical concept that they can pursue and be proud of.
Students generated novel ideas promoting care for the environment, enhancing health and wellbeing, reimagining learning and fostering community connectedness.
recruitment and labour hire social enterprise in the construction industry, resulting in the employment of three talented women into our business.
Sindhusri (Sri) Nimmala is working on RBR, Dulangi Malwatta on the Sunbury Road Upgrade Project, and Ammaila Rashid, who works in our pre-contracts team in Port Melbourne, have all been employed as graduate engineers.
The WI and Sheforce teams recently filmed a video as part of the Hume SEED program case study, to highlight best practice in inclusive employment, collaboration and B2B opportunities and the positive impact that our collaboration is having on people’s lives.
Larissa Farnan, WI HR Manager and Sri were the stars of the show, with support from Dulangi and team volunteers for some B-roll shots.
“WI decided to participate in the Hume SEED program as we have a commitment to inclusive hiring practices,” Larissa said.
“The Hume SEED program is an economic development program aimed at providing employment opportunities for underrepresented groups in Hume through inclusive hiring and social procurement.
“It is important to have a diverse and inclusive workforce in the competitive construction industry, not only as a means of social responsibility, but also as a pathway to success.
“WI joined forces with Sheforce, another Hume SEED signatory, to drive inclusive employment and foster meaningful change.”
Sri came to Melbourne from Hyderabad, India four years ago to complete her Masters.
She spent her first seven months here as a graduate working in a bottle shop because she couldn’t find work as an engineer.
A friend told her about Sheforce, and this created the pathway to her employment with WI on the RBR project.
Sri is grateful for the ongoing support of Larissa, and for the opportunity Sheforce offered her, as it can be very hard for international students to find work in their chosen field.
“It’s not a normal job, it’s my dream job that I’ve pictured for many years,” says Sri, who was offered the job on her 26th birthday.
“Coming into my exact field has made me so happy and I’ve just been made permanent too.”
Winslow Infrastructure’s Sunbury Road Upgrade team was awarded the best project over $150 million at the 2024 CCF Earth Awards last Friday night.
The Victorian Civil Contractors Federation Earth Awards are an annual celebration of the ‘best of the best’ when it comes to excellence in project delivery in the civil construction industry.
“Major Road Projects Victoria and WI worked in partnership to provide an exceptional outcome for the local community, existing stakeholders and the many interfacing new housing developments in the Sunbury region,” said WI General Manager Leonard Bam.
“This win is a celebration of excellence in our industry, and one we should all be very proud of.
“Congratulations to everyone who played a part in delivering this exceptional project”.
It's the Winslow Way.
Winslow was a proud sponsor of the Lismore Rugby Union Club’s inaugural Indigenous Round jersey.
This jersey was worn by all four senior teams against Casuarina Beach Rugby Club.
The design is inspired by Widjabul Wia-bal dreaming of the Bundjalung Nation, which includes the creation story of the Goanna (Dirawong) and the Rainbow Snake as well as three Warrior Brothers.
The women’s team were the only victors on the day, with the 1st Grade, 2nd Grade and Colts all putting in gallant efforts against Casuarina.
Winslow donated $1500 for the jersey, designed by 1st Grade team member Calijah Craig, and the club raised $4000 for local indigenous charities.
For the second year in a row, Winslow Queensland has been a major sponsor of the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation Giving Day.
The Gold Coast Hospital Foundation held a record-breaking Giving Day this week with more than $213,000 raised to support the health service, patients and families.
Throughout the day, the donation phone lines were manned by 100 volunteers calling on friends, family, past supporters and the community.
Every donation was celebrated, every like and share on social media helped spread the awareness even further, and ultimately contributed to the final donation tally.
Winslow continues to support local families and the communities that we work and live in.
It’s the Winslow Way.
Winslow is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment in which we operate and making the communities we work in a better place – it’s the Winslow Way.
That’s why we’re proud to be part of an inspiring initiative alongside the City of Moreton Bay, Australia Wide Lining, and Global Synthetics to support the McGrath Foundation in its mission to ensure no one faces cancer alone.
As part of the ongoing works at the Caboolture Landfill Expansion Project, Winslow Queensland has embraced the installation of pink-wrapped Geofirma Geotextiles across the entire landfill cell floor.
For every metre of this special Geotextile installed, a portion of the proceeds helps fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses across Australia.
In just two weeks, more than 20,000sq m of Pink Geofirma was installed helping Global Synthetics move towards its $15,000 fundraising target, and Winslow’s philanthropic arm, the Allenby Foundation, has also contributed $1000.
