Our People

Our people are central to everything we do. Many of our workforce have been with the business for decades, bringing deep technical expertise, operational knowledge and strong regional connections to every project.

This experience underpins consistent project delivery, enabling Whelans Group to operate effectively across complex infrastructure environments throughout Victoria.

Our Executive Team

  • An older man with a bald head and light facial hair smiling, wearing a dark collared shirt, standing against a plain beige wall.

    Charlie Whelan

    Managing Director

    Charlie established Whelans in 1975 and has led its evolution into a vertically integrated civil infrastructure contractor operating across major state transport programs.

    As Managing Director, Charlie provides strategic oversight of the company, focusing on long-term growth, stakeholder relationships and alignment with government and industry partners. His leadership has guided the expansion of Whelans’ transport delivery capability, integrated quarry and haulage operations, and embedded regional presence within Victoria’s infrastructure sector.

  • Lynne Whelan

    Lynne Whelan has been integral to the business since its establishment in 1975 and continues to play a key role in maintaining the culture, values and long-term stability of Whelans Group. Her ongoing involvement supports leadership continuity, staff wellbeing and a strong connection between the business, its workforce and the communities it serves.

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    Leigh Brennan

    Chief Executive Officer

    Leigh brings over 25 years’ experience in road and civil infrastructure delivery across regional Victoria. With a background in pavement construction and large-scale road programs, he has led complex operational environments within live transport corridors.

    As CEO, Leigh is responsible for overall business performance, operational strategy and program delivery. He leads the executive team and ensures disciplined execution across major transport packages, network contracts and collaborative delivery models.

  • Headshot of a middle-aged man with short gray hair, smiling, wearing a dark button-up shirt, against a plain beige background.

    Tim Whelan

    Chief Operations Officer

    Tim is a civil engineer with over 20 years’ industry experience and has led the delivery of Whelans’ major transport projects across earthworks, pavement, drainage and geotechnical remediation.

    As COO, Tim oversees project delivery operations, engineering governance and safety systems across the Group. He is responsible for major project performance, technical oversight and strengthening the Group’s engineering capability within state transport programs.

  • A man with short brown hair and a beard, wearing a dark blue collared shirt, smiling at the camera against a plain beige background.

    Chris Riley

    Director of Commercial and Strategy

    Chris is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in commercial management, strategic financial oversight and risk governance across infrastructure and professional services environments.

    He leads commercial strategy across major projects, ensuring structured cost management, risk allocation and contractual performance. Chris provides group-level commercial oversight and supports disciplined decision-making across transport and development programs.

  • A woman with dark brown hair, wearing a navy blue polo shirt with a logo, smiling slightly, against a beige background.

    Bec Cox

    Chief Financial Officer

    Bec joined Whelans Group in 2011 and leads the financial and corporate services function.

    As CFO, she oversees financial governance, reporting integrity and funding strategy across the Group. Bec ensures disciplined financial management across major infrastructure projects and provides executive oversight of cost control, compliance and risk management frameworks.

Our Workforce

Whelans Group’s workforce combines long-term experience with technical capability, supporting consistent delivery across complex infrastructure projects. Many of our employees have built long careers with the business, contributing to a stable, reliable and highly skilled team that can mobilise quickly and perform effectively across regional and metropolitan Victoria.

Fun


We believe that great work starts with a positive mindset. By creating an environment where enjoyment and creativity flourish, we encourage fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Whether it’s celebrating milestones, sharing a laugh during team meetings, or hosting events that bring us together, we make sure work feels rewarding and energizing.

Our Values

Our values guide how we operate, make decisions and deliver for our clients, partners and communities.

Honesty


Integrity is non-negotiable. We are committed to being truthful and sincere in every interaction—whether with clients, partners, or colleagues. This means clear communication, owning our mistakes, and always striving to do what’s right. Honesty builds trust, and trust is the foundation of lasting relationships.

Family


We treat each other with respect and care, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued. Collaboration and mutual support are at the heart of our success. We celebrate diversity, nurture talent, and build strong connections—because when we work together like family, we achieve more.

Trust


Reliability is key to everything we do. Our clients and partners count on us to deliver, and we take that responsibility seriously. By consistently meeting expectations and standing by our commitments, we earn confidence and build relationships that last.

Transparency


Openness drives progress. We share knowledge freely and encourage collaboration across teams, ensuring everyone has the information they need to succeed. From project updates to strategic decisions, we believe in clarity and accountability. Transparency empowers our people and strengthens our partnerships.

Women of Whelans

Whelans Group is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace across all areas of the business.

The Women of Whelans (WOW) initiative supports and connects women across operations, office functions and leadership roles—encouraging participation, development and contribution across the organisation.

Through initiatives WOW contributes to meaningful outcomes both within the business and the broader community.

Group of six women smiling with arm around each other, wearing teal and blue clothing, standing against a white background with a pink WOW logo in the top right corner.

Community

Whelans Group is proud to support the communities in which we live and work, particularly across East Gippsland. Our long-standing involvement with local organisations reflects a commitment to community wellbeing, participation and regional development. We support a range of community initiatives, including:

  • Bairnsdale Bullets Basketball

  • Bairnsdale Football Netball Club

  • East Gippsland United Football Club

  • Meerlieu Cricket Club

  • Mallacoota Judo

  • Mallacoota Pre School

  • East Gippsland Farm Dog Group

  • Surf Life Saving Lakes Entrance

  • Gippsland Waratahs DA

  • Bairnsdale Christmas Parade