Winslow’s Medium Density team in Diggers Rest, northwest of Melbourne, raised $1550 for homeless youth after co-hosting a barbecue with construction partner AVID Property Group on August 22.

Our team, which is working on the Vantage Bloomdale estate, put their tools down to show support and raise awareness and funds for the Property Industry Foundation’s Hard Hat Day.

According to the Foundation, youth homelessness affects just under 40,000 young Australians and every night one in two young people are turned away from safe and secure accommodation.

A total of $775 was raised on the day, which was matched by Winslow.

National developer AVID secured more than $13,500 in donations at its three Hard Hat Day events held at its residential community developments across the country – Amara (Ormeau, Queensland), Covella (Greenbank, Queensland), and Vantage Bloomdale (Diggers Rest, Victoria).

Winslow is invested in building great communities and is determined to make the communities we work in a better place.

It's the Winslow Way.

Winslow hosted a fundraising event to raise funds for kidney disease research at Melbourne’s Epworth Medical Foundation.

The event was in support of Winslow’s Transport Manager Nick Nesci, who has kidney disease and requires a five-hour dialysis session three times a week until, hopefully, an organ donor is found.

Nick’s colleagues and family shaved their heads at an event held at Marnong Estate, which raised a staggering $126,264.00 for the Epworth Medical Foundation.

“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 who 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.

“I have worked with the staff and patients in the Renal Unit to understand the urgent needs of the Renal Unit.

“They are a combination of addressing needs for patient comfort and equipment upgrades.”

It is with great excitement that Winslow is sponsoring the inaugural Autism Cup this Saturday with Altona ‘Magic’ Soccer Club taking on Avondale Football Club.

The two clubs have developed a strong bond through a common goal of raising awareness of autism, and funds for Beyond the Boundary, an organisation focused on delivering soccer programs designed to create a supportive and enjoyable environment for children and families living with autism.

The Autism Cup was born from a casual conversation, based on personal experiences between club members, about the challenges surrounding children and families living with autism.

The Altona ‘Magic’ SC and Avondale FC soccer communities have dedicated the past two months to creating a showcase event, which promises a day of fun, activities and focus on raising awareness of autism and has encouraged likeminded people to achieve great things. 

The Autism Cup is not just a football match, it’s a celebration of community, inclusion and the extraordinary potential of every individual.

The day commences at 2:15pm with a kids’ carnival, 4:15pm President’s fundraising function and culminates with the Autism Cup match between Altona Magic Soccer Club and Avondale Football Club senior teams staring at 6:15pm.

Join us on Saturday July 6 at Paisley Park for The Autism Cup or be part of The Autism Cup fundraising for Beyond the Boundary by donating here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/theautismcup

Tickets to the President’s function can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-autism-cup-presidents-fundraising-function-tickets-921091739187

Winslow recognises our social responsibilities as being fundamental to our long-term sustainability and growth. 

We work closely with the community on reducing the impact of our works and physical footprint. 

In Byron Bay, Winslow NSW is working with Arakwal Native Title on the Sandhills Wetland Project.

Due to the high cultural significance of the area, there are a group of Arakwal site officers that monitor the site to ensure any Aboriginal cultural heritage is protected.

These site officers have been utilising a sieving machine to comb through the soil for any potential artefacts.

Winslow will continue to work alongside Arakwal Native Title for the duration of the project, maintaining a strong and respectful relationship.

Winslow Constructors North Region team joined developer Stockland to host a Little Diggers event at the Katalia Estate in Melbourne’s north last weekend.

Katalia is a significant Stockland development in Donnybrook.

Children were thrilled to meet Bob the Builder and experience Winslow machines up close, as well meet local CFA members and learn about their fire truck.

At Winslow, family is the foundation on which we exist because our employees are family.

It is this culture that explains why many have been with the Group for so long and become part of Winslow’s fabric.

Kylie Wilson, Personal Assistant to Winslow founder and Managing Director Dino Strano, recently celebrated her 30th anniversary at the company.

Winslow was a different company when Kylie walked into its small Bundoora office in January 1993 to start her role as receptionist.

Three decades later, Winslow Group has offices throughout Victoria, Queensland and Northern NSW, and Kylie has been there to see the company grow.

Kylie says her reason for staying with the company for three decades has been the relationships she has formed and job satisfaction.

“I have been able to grow as a person and mature into different roles over the years, and I’ve been given great opportunities,” Kylie said.

Asked what advice she would give to new employees, Kylie said “you have been given one of the greatest opportunities - grab it with both hands and run with it.” 

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.

Last Saturday, Geelong Soccer Club and Avondale Football Club met at Winslow Park in Corio for the inaugural Pathways Cup.

The Pathways Cup is a collaboration between the Lions and Avengers, two likeminded soccer clubs, and supported by the Wadawurrung People, to raise funds to provide inclusive opportunities in the soccer space for local Indigenous people.

A total of $93,505.00 was fundraised, which will be used to buy a bus to provide opportunities for Indigenous children to access and be involved in soccer.

Guest speakers included Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP, City of Greater Geelong Councillor Eddy Kontelj, Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles, Koorie Academy Basketball CEO Ricky Baldwin and Indigenous Civil Group Director Phil Jackson.

Funds will also start a new Indigenous soccer program at Avondale FC, and for youth soccer programs in the Geelong community inclusive of Indigenous Australians through The Geelong Foundation.

This opportunity will make a tangible difference to many young people through the development of soccer clinics and supporting registration fees and uniform purchases.

The day included junior games with the senior teams facing off with Geelong winning 3-2 in an exciting match.

Winslow was a major sponsor along with ICG, and Kyabram Greens Estate.

Other key sponsors included: Larrakia Bilirra, LV Football, YVE Group, ID Land, BA Roads, Koori Academy, Tutt Bryant, 2Bros Concreting, Maple Living, Fetch Recruiting,and Case Rentals.

“Our intention was for The Pathways Cup to be the beginning of a collaboration between two likeminded soccer clubs and supported by the Wadawurrung People, with the aim of providing inclusive opportunities in the soccer space for local Indigenous people,” said Avondale President Steve Strano.

“With the amazing fundraising total, we achieved more than that. Working together as part of the community is what makes opportunities like this happen.”

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.

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.”