History was made on Friday 10 October 2025, aka World Mental Health Day, when we proudly hosted the inaugural National Wellness In Infrastructure Awards Night at the Park Hyatt Grand Ballroom in Melbourne, an evening with over 200 industry bodies and professionals, all celebrating positive and proactive initiatives for improved mental health and wellbeing in Australia’s infrastructure construction sector.
The room was alive with connection, courage, and celebration, as we recognised projects, companies, teams, and individuals who are challenging the status quo and driving change for a healthier, safer, and more supportive construction industry. From the interactive and moving Welcome to Country by Nartarsha Bamblett to the outstanding energy of our MC, Wayne Schwass, the night was filled with authenticity, brave vulnerability, and hope.
We also launched our Expression of Interest (EOI) for our Emperor Resilience Mentoring Program, set to kick off in 2026. Interested participants can still register here: https://wkf.ms/4h2SlNt.
A heartfelt thank you to our event sponsors and Life Members: Chief Group and Downer Group for their leadership and ongoing support for our mission.
We also want to recognise the incredible teams who helped make this night possible:
The Chief Group Individual Champion of Wellness Award
Winner: Michael Fish
Michael Fish, Superintendent on BMD’s $280 million Devonport Terminal 3 Project, was recognised for exceptional leadership and care of his predominantly FIFO team. By championing family-friendly rosters, providing quality accommodation, and fostering open communication, Michael created a culture where team members felt supported, respected, and motivated. His leadership demonstrates that when people’s wellbeing is prioritised, performance naturally follows.
The Excellence in Wellness, Leader of the Year Award
Winner: Penelope Arnold
Penelope Arnold was recognised for her visionary leadership in developing The Lotus Program, an industry-first initiative providing safe, confidential support for employees affected by family and domestic violence. Through empathy, education, and partnership, Penelope has transformed workplace culture, leaving a lasting legacy of care and social responsibility.
The Small Business Excellence in Wellness Award
Winner: FSC Group
FSC Group was celebrated for embedding financial wellbeing into their workplace culture, helping staff reduce stress through practical education, coaching, and ongoing support. The judges applauded FSC for showing care, collaboration, and courage, proving that even small businesses can drive meaningful, lasting change in the construction sector.
The Downer Group Excellence in Wellness Team of the Year
Winner: Work Health & Safety Team, John Holland CPB Contractors – Ghella Joint Venture (JCG)
The JCG WH&S Team took a holistic, proactive approach to mental health, introducing on-site health surveillance, MATES in Construction accreditation, ASIST-certified responders, and tailored support for workers facing personal challenges. Their efforts created a psychologically safe workplace, fostering a culture of care that is influencing the wider construction sector.
Excellence in Wellness – Major Project or Company – Marinus Link
The Marinus Link team embedded wellbeing into the very core of their project operations, supporting staff across physical, mental, social, financial, occupational, environmental, and purpose wellbeing. Through workshops, coaching, health challenges, and team-building activities, Marinus Link achieved high engagement, reduced absenteeism, strong retention, and proactive risk mitigation, setting a new benchmark for major infrastructure projects.
The 2025 Wellness in Infrastructure Awards was more than a celebration, it was a call to action for the industry to prioritise mental health and wellbeing. Together, we’re building a construction industry where people can truly thrive.
Watch the wrap-up video and relive the highlights from the night below. If you’d like high-resolution photos from the night, please email us at hello@wellnessii.org.au.
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