Construction Culture Needs to Change—Men React to Real Stories—International Women’s Day 2025
“It’s been an honour to build a culture where we protect our own, but I’m taken back, and I’m unsettled with the truth women on our sites have bravely shared.
The trepidation of our women as they tackle their professions saddens me.
I want our industry to be better. I want us to be better. No more empty approaches.”
—Joe Grasso, Founder & Managing Director, Figurehead Group
T/W: These are real stories from women in construction, including at Figurehead. Stories of harassment, exclusion, bias, and unsafe situations. Some may be confronting, but they need to be heard. We share them not to dwell on the past, but to push for change.
🦺
#melbourneconstruction #constructionmelbourne #figurehead #marchforward #internationalwomensday #iwd2025 #genderequality #discrimination #melbournewomen #womeninconstruction #womenintrades #maleallies #maleallyship #womensday #iwd #internationalwomensday2025 #womentradies #maledominatedindustry #femalestories
Construction is not only about what rises at the end; long before completion, sites shape daily life.
Our onsite teams think beyond the structure itself to the community around it. Considerate and proactive neighbor communication, thoughtful visual presentation of sites, clear and safe pedestrian pathways and the active management of noise and dust all make sure impact is minimised, not merely through reactive compliance. These are the quieter decisions that shape community perception long before project handover and ultimately define how a project is remembered within the community.
1. Clifton Hill Primary School - 2023
2. Everlane - 2024
3. Park Lane - 2021
4. Piccolo - 2019
#BuildingBetter #MelbourneConstruction #FigureheadConstruction #CommunityImpact #PeopleFirst
Lately at Bradmill: an update from the heritage-inspired community emerging in Yarraville.
Stage 2 is tracking well for September completion, with major structural works now complete and the townhomes really starting to take shape. The façade is being realised, with the external cladding and brickwork wrapping up, and windows being installed.
The design nods to the area’s industrial past, once the site of a textile factory, with sculptural black metal cladding contrasted against warm red brick, while interiors take on a clean, modern finish.
@bradmillyarraville
#FigureheadConstruction #BradmillYarraville #MelbourneConstruction #ProgressUpdate
Groundworks are in full swing at Maleela Rise.
Excavation is underway as the team shapes the site and establishes the foundations for what’s to come. With tight boundaries and mature trees surrounding the build, this stage is all about careful coordination and precise machinery work.
These early works set the tone for the delivery of 31 large-format residences developed by @chaptergroup and designed by @cerastribley Stribley, with interiors by @studiotate and landscape by @jackmerlolandscapedesign
#MaleelaRise #ProgressUpdate #Groundworks #Balwyn #MelbourneConstruction
Sustainability isn’t an afterthought; it’s embedded in how we think, build and operate. 🌱
From exploring alternative materials to implementing on-site waste sorting, investing in staff training, and partnering with specialist waste providers, we’re constantly working to reduce our environmental impact.
Since 2021, we’ve been a Climate Active certified carbon neutral organisation as part of our long-term, multi-faceted commitment to protecting the environment.
Because building better means building responsibly.
#earthday #sustainableconstruction #sustainability #melbourneconstruction #carbonneutral
Wembley Hill is finding its form.
Across the site, 59 luxury townhomes are being brought to life in this leafy Box Hill community. From emerging facades to considered interior details, we’re excited to share a glimpse of the project as it takes shape.
We are more than halfway through the Stage 2 construction program; a milestone that reflects months of precision sequencing and a shared vision with our valued clients @goldenagegroup
Building more than just homes; we’re framing a future. 🏠
#figureheadconstruction #wembleyhill #melbourneproperty #constructionmilestone #architectureanddesign
Happy International Women’s Day. 👷🏻♀️🛠️
We were lucky enough to have the incredible Ash from @fearless.future.coaching join us at our HQ to speak with our team about the current landscape for women in construction across Australia and Victoria.
It sparked an important conversation about how we, as a team, can continue to support, back and champion the amazing women at Figurehead.
The session led to some fantastic ideas and initiatives that we’ll be implementing to ensure everyone in our business — both women and men — feel safe, supported and backed.
Because meaningful change starts with conversation, action and accountability.
Construction of Central Park Residences is flying along with scaffold coming down to reveal the striking, clean lines of the facade.
Inside, the Figurehead team progress further into the detail with joinery beginning on the lower apartments.
It’s a masterclass in precision—where efficiency meets uncompromised quality 📐
#CentralParkResidences #FigureheadConstruction #Roulston #MelbourneProperty #BuildingExcellence
It’s been an incredible journey watching Marcus Chernov grow with us over the past decade. We’re thrilled to see him step into the role of Construction Manager over the last 6-months.
Through every role he’s played at Figurehead, he’s proven that true leadership isn’t just about managing sites—it’s about people.
Expert project delivery, decisive action, and a level of authentic positivity that keeps the whole team motivated.
Beyond the technical, it’s Marcus’s genuine relationships he builds with our clients that set him apart. He doesn’t just deliver projects; he builds trust.
Please join us in congratulating Marcus on this well-deserved milestone! 👏
#FigureheadConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #Construction Management #TeamAppreciation #Promotion BuildingExcellence CareerGrowth
Coming together with our clients, Chapter Group, and the wider project team to mark the start of an exciting journey.
It was a pleasure to celebrate with everyone involved in bringing this project together, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to deliver it. With contracts signed and the team aligned, we’re looking forward to heading to site and getting started. 🏗️✨
#maleelarise
@chaptergroup@semz.au@cerastribley
#sustainabledevelopmentconsultants
@studiotate@planningandpropertypartners
#ddeg
#renzotoninandassociates
@measure.engineering@igs_services@floreancigsmith@jackmerlolandscapedesign
Andy has been with Figurehead for 12 years and is one of the most respected operators in the business.
Straight-talking and pragmatic, he combines his structural steel background with a no-fuss approach to quality. Projects such as Everlane, CV Windsor, and The Moorings reflect the high standard he has brought to site leadership. 🏗️👷🏼♂️
Recently promoted from Site Manager to Project Manager, Andy now brings the same expertise and dedication to overseeing projects from start to finish, and we look forward to seeing him excel in his new role. 💫
Kase Jong joins Figurehead.
General Manager, Specialist Townhomes Division.
A leader in medium-density delivery, Kase brings clarity to complex builds and a long-term view on how townhomes can shape better streets, better neighbourhoods, and better cities.
Welcome to the team.
