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Wellness in Infrastructure

@wellnessinfrastructure

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For industry, by industry. Achieving world-class mental health and wellness within the infrastructure construction industry in Australia.

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We are incredibly proud of William Phillips, who leads our Young Professionals Working Group here at Wellness in Infrastructure. He is also a Construction Advisor for BMD Group and a Transport Australia's Emerging Leader Award Winner.

Over the past year, Will has delivered an exceptional research report on supporting early-career professionals in the infrastructure sector, and it’s a paper that we believe every industry professional should take the time to read and fully absorb.

This is not just theory. It’s practical, grounded in research and full of actionable insights. What stood out most to us is the clear connection between workplace systems, culture and mental health outcomes.

“Mental health outcomes are not just personal issues; they reflect systemic conditions around supervision, clarity of role and site culture.”

“Burnout affects one in three young professionals…”

“A short check-in, coffee, or taking time to listen… can make a difference.”

These insights strongly reinforce what we saw in our 2023 industry research report by Professor Luke Downey, where younger professionals reported higher levels of stress, fatigue and psychological strain, highlighting the urgent need for better early-career support.

The message is clear:
1) The early years matter
2) Culture matters
3) Leadership matters

We strongly encourage every leader, employer and professional in infrastructure to take the time to read this report. Because the future of our industry depends on how well we support the next generation.

📄 Read our summary and the full report: https://wellnessii.org.au/supporting-the-next-generation-of-infrastructure-professionals/ by @wellnessinfrastructure

Today we’re sharing an important leadership update as our national volunteer working group continues to grow and evolve across the infrastructure sector.

First and foremost, we extend our sincere thanks to @emz_trev (Emily Trevaskis) for her outstanding leadership over the past few years as Chair of the Working Group. Emily has played a pivotal role in building the strong, collaborative national network we have today, and we are deeply grateful for the time, care and commitment she has given to this work.

As our volunteer community continues to expand, we’re pleased to welcome Laurice Temple, GAICD, CPPE as the new National Chair of the Working Group, alongside Liz Ellis as the new Victorian Chair, with @endriasar (Andrea Sargent) remaining on as Deputy Chair.

These leadership updates reflect the continued momentum of our volunteer community as we work together to improve mental health and wellbeing across the infrastructure sector.

👉 Read the full announcement on our website: https://wellnessii.org.au/continuing-the-momentum-leadership-updates-at-wellness-in-infrastructure

#WellnessInInfrastructure #Infrastructure #ConstructionIndustry #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Leadership #Volunteers by @wellnessinfrastructure

Culture doesn’t change by accident, it changes through leadership.

Our latest industry research report (conducted by Professor Luke Downey of @swinburne University) makes one thing clear: Mental health outcomes in infrastructure won’t improve unless leadership behaviours, decisions and systems change.

As Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association (ACA), puts it: “If we want different outcomes, we must lead differently.” And Martin Smith, Former Chief HSE & Sustainability Officer at @johnhollandgroup says: “Let us lead the industry not only by what we build, but by how we care for the people building it.”

Both leaders expand on these perspectives in their full report forewords, available to read in our 2023 Wellness in Infrastructure Research Report. Their reflections reinforce a critical message: change is not only necessary, it’s possible!

Wellness in Infrastructure works with leaders and organisations to assess current mental health risks and embed proactive, preventative approaches into everyday leadership and decision-making.

Read our full report and leadership forewords here: https://lnkd.in/gRvuDYgn

Be the change you want to see. Become a WII member to keep our work alive or Volunteer to support our mission.

https://lnkd.in/g7eVJawH
https://lnkd.in/exxfW6jg by @wellnessinfrastructure

Oh hey, 2026! It’s great to be back on deck and we’re kicking off the year with face-to-face chats with our amazing corporate members: Downer, @chiefgroup & DECMIL.

Our first stop for 2026 was a wonderful conversation with Simon Barnes at DECMIL. Connecting in person, listening, and continuing important discussions about mental health and wellbeing in construction.

These conversations matter. They help us stay grounded in the real challenges facing our industry and ensure our work remains practical, relevant and led by those on the ground.

Thank you, Simon and the DECMIL team, for making the time to meet and for your support. We’re looking forward to many more meaningful catch-ups as the year unfolds.

In 2026 we’ll be building on the momentum from 2025: partnering with industry leaders, amplifying evidence-based solutions, and supporting organisations and individuals to foster healthier, safer and more sustainable workplaces.

If you or your workplace are looking for practical, positive & proactive industry-led support to improve mental health and reduce risk - WII membership can help. Reach out to us today via hello@wellnessii.org.au for a chat.

#wellnessInInfrastructure #MentalHealth #ConstructionIndustry #WellbeingAtWork #PsychologicalSafety by @wellnessinfrastructure

Congratulations to Michael Fish, inaugural Winner of the @chiefgroup Individual Champion of Wellness Award! On Friday 10 October (World Mental Health Day) we celebrated the inaugural National Wellness in Infrastructure Awards, recognising leaders and teams who are transforming the culture of mental health and wellbeing across Australia’s construction industry.

Michael Fish was named the national winner of the Chief Group Australia Individual Champion of Wellness Award, honouring his outstanding leadership and compassion. As Superintendent on @thebmdgroup’s $280 million Devonport Terminal 3 project, Tasmania’s largest wharf facility in nearly 30 years, Michael led a predominantly FIFO team with empathy, innovation and care. He championed family-friendly rosters, quality accommodation, and a supportive team culture built on trust and open communication.

Michael truly exemplified the Wellness in Infrastructure core values of Care, Collaboration and Courage, proving that when wellbeing comes first, performance naturally follows.

His leadership has left a lasting positive impact, reducing absenteeism, strengthening retention, and setting a new standard for workplace culture across BMD and beyond.

The other finalists in this category also did incredible work, making it an exceptionally tough decision for the judges. We’ll be sharing their inspiring stories next week, because there’s so much we can all learn from the individuals driving change across our industry.

Congratulations again to Michael, and a huge thank you to Chief Group for sponsoring this award and helping us shine a light on those leading the way in construction wellbeing.

#WIIAwards2025 #WellnessRightNow #WellnessInInfrastructure #WorldMentalHealthDay #ConstructionWellbeing #Leadership #MentalHealth #FIFO #ChiefGroup #WellbeingAtWork #CultureChange by @wellnessinfrastructure

History was made last night.

We proudly hosted the inaugural National Wellness In Infrastructure Awards! An incredible night that brought mental health and wellbeing into the spotlight, in front of a sold-out crowd of over 200+ passionate leaders, industry bodies, and changemakers.

The room was alive with connection, courage and celebration, as we recognised the projects, companies and individuals who are challenging the status quo and driving change for a healthier, safer and more supportive infrastructure construction industry.

From the moving Welcome to Country by @queenacknowledgementst, to the outstanding energy and heart of our MC @wayneschwass, the evening was filled with authenticity, brave vulnerability and hope.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors and Life Members, Downer and @chiefgroup for their unwavering support of this movement.

To our finalists and winners - just wow and congratulations! Each of you is creating a much-needed positive ripple effect across the industry. We will be featuring separate posts about all our winners next week, but for now we want to give them a huge shoutout: Michael Fish, Penelope Arnold, the Work Health & Safety Team from John Holland & CPB Contractors Ghella JV, FSC and Marinus Link. Well done!

We couldn’t be prouder of our dedicated team of volunteers, whose passion and commitment made this milestone event possible. Thank you!

Shout out to @eventsmate_au for your expertise in the lead up and on the night. Thanks to @burninghousehq for capturing all the imagery and videos so we can share the night with everyone.

We’ll be flooding your feed next week with many more photos, highlights and winner stories, so keep an eye out as we relive the marvelous evening that was.

#WIIAwards2025 #WellnessRightNow #WellnessInInfrastructure #ConstructionWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #IndustryChange #Leadership #WellbeingAwards #PositiveChange by @wellnessinfrastructure

New Board Appointment: We are proud to announce that Ellen Connor GAICD has been appointed as a Director and Company Secretary of Wellness in Infrastructure.

Ellen brings extraordinary experience from her role as CFO at FSC, her leadership in our Wellness Education subgroup, and her wider not-for-profit work with organisations such as Robogals Global and Switch.

Her passion for driving change through education and empowering healthier, more balanced workplaces will be a huge asset to our mission.

Please join us in congratulating Ellen on this appointment!

Read the full article about Ellen’s journey and contribution on our website: www.wellnessii.org.au/news by @wellnessinfrastructure

Nice one @chiefgroup!!! We are delighted to welcome Chief Group as our first Corporate Standard Member for 2025 under our new membership model.

Chief Group have been with us since the very beginning as Founding Partners, and we are proud to recognise them as Life Members as well. Their ongoing support of Wellness in Infrastructure means the world to us.

From championing mental health initiatives, to taking a seat on our Executive Advisory Committee, and always standing alongside us at events, Chief Group continues to show their commitment to improving wellbeing across our industry.

We are so grateful for their partnership, passion, and belief in our mission. Together, we are building a healthier, safer, and stronger industry.

Learn more about our memberships here: www.wellnessii.org.au/memberships by @wellnessinfrastructure

Well, that was quick! We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that Downer has become our first Corporate Platinum Member under our new membership model!

Downer have been with us since the start as Founding Partners, and we’re proud to now also recognise them as Life Members.

Their continued commitment means so much to us as we work together to tackle mental health and wellbeing challenges across the infrastructure construction industry.

From supporting us at events or expos, to proudly taking a seat on our Executive Advisory Committee, and simply standing beside us as we grow, Downer has consistently shown leadership and dedication to improving outcomes for our people and our industry.

We are ecstatic to continue this partnership and to have them on board as we enter this exciting new era.

Learn more about our memberships here: www.wellnessii.org.au/memberships by @wellnessinfrastructure

WII Memberships are live! We’re thrilled to share this exciting evolution that sets us up for a sustainable future, as we continue our mission to improve mental health and wellbeing in the infrastructure construction industry.

Corporate memberships are now available: Lite $8,000 | Standard $20,000 | Platinum $50,000 (limited to 8)

Individual memberships will launch soon, and we’re accepting expressions of interest now!

This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the pivotal support of our Founding Partners, who backed us in our early years. To honour their commitment, all Founding Partners will now receive Life Membership!

Learn more and join us: www.wellnessii.org.au/memberships by @wellnessinfrastructure

From AFL Legend to Mental Health Trailblazer, @wayneschwass is bringing his powerful voice to the #2025WellnessInInfrastructureAwards

We are thrilled to announce Wayne Schwass the founder of @pukaup as the Master of Ceremonies for the 2025 Wellness in Infrastructure Awards, on Friday 10th October (aka: World Mental Health Day).

Wayne brings authenticity and lived experience to the wellbeing conversation. As someone who has dedicated his post @afl career to creating environments where people feel safe to talk about mental health his voice is a reminder of what courageous leadership looks like.

We’re honoured to have Wayne guide us though an evening that celebrates those driving real change across our industry.

Have you nominated your Wellness In Infrastructure Champions for an award?

There’s still limited tickets and sponsoring opportunities available

www.wellnessii.org.au/events by @wellnessinfrastructure