EVENTS Converge 2025
Big builds and bold ideas If you missed the Major Projects Stage at Converge Expo 2025, Inside Construction has you covered.
(Image: Wellness in Infrastructure)
Grant Fuller, co-founder and non-executive director of Wellness in Infrastructure: “Employee mental health and wellbeing are directly linked to productivity, influencing absenteeism, presenteeism, decisionmaking and errors.”
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Excitement filled the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in September as the inaugural Converge Expo 2025 brought together construction innovators and professionals from across Australia. While the event delivered inspiration at every turn, it was the Major Projects Stage that stole the spotlight. Showcasing the people and projects shaping the built environment, the stage provided a platform for industry trailblazers and project leaders to share lessons from the nation’s most ambitious builds and the key themes influencing the sector. After witnessing the energy and engagement of attendees across both days, we knew we had to bring the Major Projects Stage to life in Inside Construction for those who couldn’t be there. The case for wellness in infrastructure The infrastructure construction industry is the backbone of Australia’s growth, yet behind the cranes and concrete lies a crisis that cannot be ignored: poor mental health and wellbeing. Grant Fuller of Wellness in Infrastructure (WII) prepared a presentation for the Major Projects Stage addressing this issue directly. The session drew on research led by Professor Luke Downey of Swinburne University, revealing alarming statistics: 85 per cent of industry professionals report moderate to high stress, nearly half meet burnout criteria, and rates of depression and anxiety exceed population norms by more than 60 per cent. Each year, 190 Australians in construction take their own lives – a worker lost every second day to suicide. Workers are eight times more likely to die from suicide than from a workplace accident. These figures are not just numbers; they represent lives cut short, families overwhelmed and an industry under strain. WII was founded in 2018 to confront this crisis head-on. What began as a volunteer-led initiative has grown into a registered not-forprofit and Health Promotion Charity, governed by an independent board of industry leaders. Its mission is to unite the infrastructure industry in creating healthier, safer and more sustainable workplaces where employees can thrive.
INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2026
The organisation’s approach is evidencebased and industry-driven. By measuring and acting on validated mental health data, advocating for structural change, and embedding psychological safety into workplace culture, WII is reshaping the way the industry thinks about wellbeing. The organisation recognises that improving mental health is not only a moral imperative but also a driver of productivity, organisational citizenship and talent retention – critical factors for the industry’s long-term viability. Since its inception, WII has achieved major milestones. Early industry surveys and engagement workshops exposed the root causes of poor mental health and laid the groundwork for change. The Integrated Approach to Wellness Program, piloted on the Mordialloc Freeway project, demonstrated the power of preventative strategies and has since been adopted across multiple projects. The Mentoring Program, launched in 2022, has connected passionate mentors and mentees to foster resilience and leadership. In 2023, WII conducted a landmark followup survey with over 1,400 responses, confirming that while some progress has been made, the industry remains at high risk. Recent years have seen WII expand its reach and impact. The organisation has hired staff, launched a national volunteer network, built a strong digital presence and hosted major events, including the inaugural Wellness in Infrastructure Awards in 2025. Looking ahead, WII is developing a Psychosocial Audit Tool (PAT) to help construction organisations identify and manage risks, while continuing to grow programs, partnerships and national influence. The presentation underscored the urgent need for wellness in infrastructure. The industry cannot afford to accept the status quo when lives are at stake. By working collaboratively with companies, government and associations, WII is challenging harmful behaviours and offering a blueprint for healthier, more resilient workplaces. With continued support, this movement can transform the culture of construction, ensuring that the people building the future can do so in environments that protect their health and wellbeing.