Winslow prides itself on providing opportunities to the communities within which it is working, as much the company aims to offer employees to learn new skills

A perfect example of someone who took the opportunities provided and has excelled at Winslow is, Ibrahim “Ibby” Mohamud.

Unemployed and unsure of what career path he wanted, Ibby was offered a place on Winslow’s Pathway to Construction starter program.

The program was designed, and partnered, with Djerriwarrh – West@work and Mirvac.

Winslow piloted the Pathway to Construction Program in 2016 and participants were hand-picked to enrol and completed their pre-employment course the Woodlea Community Centre.

After undertaking a Cert 2 in Civil Construction, Ibby started work as a labourer in 2016 and has never looked back.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but after doing the Cert 2 I knew this was for me,” Ibby said.

“From there I had a plan – labourer, plant operator, Leading Hand.”

Ibby began his career with Winslow working at Woodlea Estate in Rockbank and soon moved around sites across Melbourne, including Tarneit, Truganina and Clyde in the southeast.

“I’ve been everywhere – I know everyone!” he joked.

Ibby’s enthusiasm and work ethic has just seen him promoted to Landscape Foreman working at Olivine in Melbourne’s north, which suits him as it’s closer to home.

He is testament to the opportunities available at Winslow for school leavers and graduates.

Winslow has embarked on a journey with talented Indigenous artist, Jenna Oldaker, to create a signature Indigenous artwork that reflected foundations that are dear to Winslow, particularly the Winslow Family values – connection with our community and the importance of teamwork.

The result, Koling wada-ngal (Let us Walk Together), is an exceptional representation of the Winslow values, and also the deepening of Winslow’s relationships with our land’s traditional owners the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In the lead up to NAIDOC week, Jenna presented the commissioned artwork to Winslow, which will hang in our Campbellfield Office reception area.

“This artwork illustrates family and community coming together as one, as we travel and learn together on Country,” Jenna said.

“The centrepiece of this artwork symbolises community and meeting place – a place where we all come together to yarn and share stories and knowledge with one another.

“The classic U shapes symbolise people, whilst the concentric circles and lines in the centre illustrate journey paths and our continued connection to culture, spirits and land.”

Last week, we unveiled the artwork to our employees to reflect on the First Nations culture and support the celebrations of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Winslow Constructors’ Geelong Region team joined developer Stockland at Banksia Estate recently for a “Little Diggers” community event.

It was a chance for the local community children to see Winslow machines up close.

Winslow began working on Banksia two years ago, which is located in Armstrong Creek, south of Geelong, and has completed five stages to date.

The project includes an intersection on Boundary Rd, with another two stages underway and a further five stages to be constructed over the next 18 months to two years.

As part of NAIDOC Week, Winslow Group staff at our Essendon Fields head office joined local community members in the Little Long Walk, which celebrated 20 years since AFL legend Michael Long walked 650km from Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra.

The aim of the former Essendon champion’s walk was to make a stand for Indigenous communities. Two decades on, the Long Walk Foundation continue to Walk the Talk, raising money and awareness to support Indigenous education programs across the country.

The Little Long Walk around Essendon Fields was to strengthen our relationship to country, walking together in solidarity, and keeping the momentum going in the spirit of NAIDOC 2024, and to raise funds for The Long Walk Foundation.

Before the walk a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony was held, as well traditional dancing from the Indigenous Outreach Projects dancers from Cairns, who braved a chilly 10C Melbourne day to perform.

Participants enjoyed a BBQ provided by local supermarket LaManna after the walk.

Earlier this year Winslow Group asked its employees to nominate a charity that was close to their hearts.

Winslow’s Tell Your Storyinitiative was an opportunity for its employees to nominate a charity that had made a difference to their lives in the past 18 months and would benefit from the donation.

The response was overwhelming.

After careful consideration, Winslow, donated $20,000 to Beyond Blue after Winslow Constructors Foreman Luke Humphrey nominated the mental health support organisation after submitting a very personal story having overcome serious mental health issues.

Building and construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work and one-in-four building and construction workers are likely to be experiencing a mental health issue at any one time.

Luke recognises the amazing work that Beyond Blue provides to people experiencing mental health issues.

He was happy to share his story and he hopes it will encourage others who may be struggling with mental health issues to speak up.

"You don't have to be sad to be depressed. I was angry,” Luke said. “I didn’t seek help for six months while trying to fight my depression alone, and it wasn’t until I spoke to my wife, family and friends, who helped me get to the doctor.

“It wasn’t easy, but I did, and it was the start of me getting better.”

Winslow Group Operations Manager Stephen Strano praised Luke for sharing his story.

“We all know mental illness is a serious problem in the construction industry. When we read Luke’s story, we were so moved and amazed by his courage in speaking up,” Stephen said.

“We care about the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families - the Winslow family - which is why we are eager to support Beyond Blue and the vital work it does for the community.”

Beyond Blue clinical spokesperson, Dr Luke Martin said men can be less inclined to speak up about their mental health issues and reach out for support.

“It’s great to see Luke sharing his story with his colleagues and employers, and leading by example so others may feel comfortable to also open up and talk,” Dr Martin said.

“Thank you to Winslow Group and their employees for supporting Beyond Blue and helping us to deliver our support services which receives up to 800 contacts a day from people right around Australia.”

Winslow donated a cheque to Beyond Blue at a ceremony in Wodonga yesterday attended by Luke and his family and colleagues.

To read more about Luke’s story in The Border Mailvisit: https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/8729889/north-east-foreman-luke-humphrey-opens-up-on-depression-battle/

Winslow participated in Women in Construction Week across many functions last week, including International Women’s Day-related events.

The National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) held its annual high tea event at the Glasshouse in Melbourne, which was also a great opportunity for participants of our Women of Winslow mentoring program (mentees and mentors) to connect.

Winlsow was represented at the NAWIC High Tea by women from across the Winslow Group, who work in various roles and projects, who all enjoyed the opportunity to engage with peers in the civil construction industry.

Our Women of Winslow initiative’s aim is to strengthen the internal connections of our Winslow women and also external industry connections.

It highlights and celebrates positive role modelling of women in positions across our business, demonstrating capability and diversity that will inspire and empower future generations of women to pursue many opportunities at Winslow confidently.

Women of Winslow not only builds the positive visibility of women in our business, but also provides important opportunities to understand career pathways and development opportunities through stronger connections with like-minded colleagues.

Winslow continues to raise awareness and build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week each year.

This year we focused on embracing Winslow’s Indigenous artwork unveiled last year and continue to share its meaning with employees through a special colouring-in competition.

We invited all employees and their families from across The Winslow Group to complete a colouring-in sheet, which was created especially for NAIDOC Week to reflect our Indigenous artwork - Koling wada-ngal (Let Us Walk Together).

The winning entries from each office in Victoria received a family ticket to the Melbourne Museum and Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

In Queensland and Northern NSW winners were awarded a family ticket to Currumbin Wildlife sanctuary to see the Aboriginal Culture Show.

A new adult education program pioneered by Winslow Constructors and Mirvac is expected to create up to 1000 local jobs in a new community in Melbourne’s rapidly growing northern suburbs.

Winslow has partnered with Mirvac and not-for-profit education provider Prace to launch the program at the 465-hectare Olivine community in Donnybrook.

The Civil Construction Labourer program is expected to create up to 1000 local jobs throughout the development of the Olivine community to deliver lifelong learning and local employment opportunities for Melbourne’s growing northern growth corridor.

The program will be launched on Monday, November 29, 2021, at Olivine with the Minister for Higher Education and Training, The Honourable Gayle Tierney MP, Winslow Managing Director Dino Strano, Mirvac Head of Residential Stuart Penklis, City of Whittlesea Administrator Peita Duncan, and Prace chief executive Paddy McVeigh, in attendance.

The Civil Construction Labourer program is part of a range of vocational and pre-employment training and TAFE pathways.

Winslow Constructors’ Executive General Manager Rohan Davidson said the company aims to “close the loop” between education and employment, providing pre-employment training for the civil construction industry and direct pathways to employment with Winslow.

“The adult learning program has been designed to ensure students receive relevant training and experience, providing the best possible opportunities for future employment in the civil construction industry,” Mr Davidson said.

“Winslow Constructors has committed to delivering up to 15 local jobs for the first intake of students and we expect this to grow, with the civil construction industry experiencing growth within the area and an existing lack of pre-qualified personnel for recruitment.”

Winslow’s Learning and Development Business Partner Caden Harte said the Civil Construction Labourer program gives those taking the course an opportunity to gain employment within the Winslow Group, or with a company in its supply chain

“There have been a range of pre-employment style programs offered for civil construction over the years, and where appropriate Winslow has supported these efforts by offering employment to suitable program graduates,” Mr Harte said.

“With Prace and the Pre-Employment Hub at Olivine, Winslow has had the unique opportunity to co-design the offering from the ground up, to help prepare workers specifically to work on Winslow sites, either as a direct hire through one of our companies or via our supply chain.

“This has resulted in a unique offering, with training aimed specifically at employability skills that are not typically taught in the white card or other industry preparation style courses.

“This same course of study also prepares students to transition naturally into the Certificate III Civil Construction, which provides a strong base for them to continue to build their careers with Winslow.”

Winslow continues to offer opportunities to all members of the community within which we operate.

And supporting women is part of the Winslow Way.

Our partnerships to provide employment and career opportunities has seen Winslow collaborate with businesses training and upskilling women.

Sindhusri “Sri” Nimmala came to Melbourne from India four years ago to complete her Masters in Civil Engineering at Central Queensland University.

She spent her first seven months as a graduate working in a bottle shop because she couldn’t find work as an engineer until Sheforce connected her with Winslow Infrastructure.

Sheforce is a recruitment and labour hire business that offers training and upskilling women to find opportunities in construction.

Sri now works in the civil construction industry as a graduate engineer with Winslow, where she is working on major projects.

“It’s not a normal job, it’s my dream job that I’ve pictured for many years,” Sri said.

“Coming into my exact field, I’m so happy. I’ve just been made permanent too, I’m so happy.”

Sri knows how hard it can be for international students to find work in their chosen field, while seeing more women entering construction emboldens her.

Working in an industry she has coveted for so long is so thrilling Sri said she bounces out of bed each morning.

“I love working with everyone, and I’m loving what I’m doing - this is what I’ve dreamt of for many years,” Sri says.

A group of Winslow Queensland men walked from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta last weekend to raise funds and awareness for men's mental health.
Spoke to a Bloke is a charity focused on supporting men's mental health.
Walk for a Bloke is an event for men to come together and walk 25km to raise awareness and funds for mental health.
Our team raised $1710 for the charity. Well done, blokes!

Last Friday Winslow Queensland hosted a charity golf day to support RUN DiPG and raise funds and awareness for DIPG, the deadliest form of childhood cancer with no treatments available.

Thanks to our sponsors and everyone who donated, the event raised more than $85,000 for RUN DiPG, a charity dedicated to improving outcomes for patients, families and communities impacted by DIPG.

“Winslow’s culture and values are about people, relationships, and working together, so we are determined to make the communities we work in a better place,” said Winslow Queensland Regional Manager Anthony Rosario.

The Winslow Queensland Charity Golf Day was held at Royal Pines Resort Golf Club on the Gold Coast.

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.

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.

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.

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.