One of East Gippsland’s most established civil construction companies, Whelans Group, has celebrated 50 years in the industry, marking half a century of delivering major infrastructure projects while remaining deeply connected to the communities it serves.
Chief executive officer Leigh Brennan said the milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on both the company’s growth and its enduring values.
“As we celebrate our 50th year in the industry and approach the end of another productive year, it’s a chance to reflect on what has been a remarkable journey for Whelans,” Mr Brennan said.
Founded in 1975, Whelans Group has grown into a major regional and state contractor, delivering projects ranging from local road maintenance to large-scale transport upgrades across Victoria.
Over the past year alone, the company has delivered major road upgrades for VIDA Roads (formerly Major Road Projects Victoria) and expanded its long-standing road maintenance partnership with East Gippsland Shire Council.
Under that contract, Whelans now manages more than 3000 kilometres of sealed and unsealed roads and more than 8000 culverts across the region, providing everything from routine maintenance to 24-hour emergency response following extreme weather events.
One of the most significant achievements in the company’s history came this year with Whelans winning the $75–$150 million project value category at the Civil Contractors Federation Victoria Earth Awards. The award recognised the team’s work restoring access on the Bogong High Plains Road after the largest landslip Victoria had experienced in 40 years, delivered in partnership with VIDA Roads and design lead WSP.
“It was an enormous effort from everyone involved, and a true highlight in our company’s history,” Mr Brennan said.
Beyond major projects, Whelans’ regional earthmoving division has undergone a major transformation, strengthening its capability while delivering key developments including Cobains Business Park Stage 2, Drayton Park Estate, the Mallacoota Streetscape Upgrade, and landslip remediation works across Gippsland.
The company is also preparing to launch its first self-developed residential project, the Bullumwaal Road subdivision, marking a significant step into development and construction.
Whelans’ quarry operations at Bruthen and Johnston Road, Bairnsdale, have continued to support regional construction, with both sites achieving strong compliance results during a statewide inspection blitz, while the company’s Welding, Fabrication and Engineering (WFE) workshop has delivered major custom builds and equipment upgrades for industry clients.
Community involvement remains a cornerstone of the business.
This year, Whelans raised $23,500 for FightMND through the Bairnsdale Football Netball Club’s Big Freeze campaign, led by business services manager, Kaitlyn Mathers who went down the slide, and continues to support a wide range of local charities, sporting clubs and community organisations across East Gippsland.
The company has also focused on strengthening workplace diversity, with the formation of the Women of Whelans (WOW) group helping lift female workforce participation from 19 per cent to 23 per cent over the past year.
“As we look ahead, Whelans remains focused on building better, safer roads and contributing to the communities where we live and work,” Mr Brennan said.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey over the past 50 years. The dedication of our people and the support of our clients and communities have made it possible.”
