Traditional land owners welcome WorkSafe to Geelong

The ceremonies were presided over by fourth generation Wadawurrung Woman and Traditional Land Owner Naomi Surtees, who officially welcomed WorkSafe to Geelong with a heartfelt ceremony.

More than 100 WorkSafe staff attended the event outside the building at 1 Malop St, accompanied by Minister for Finance Robin Scott, member for Geelong Christine Couzens, WorkSafe Chairman Paul Barker and Chief Executive Clare Amies.

WorkSafe will officially open its new head office in early July.

Around 750 WorkSafe staff and contractors will work in the building, including many staff who are presently working from other locations in Geelong.

Already the 14-storey building is the first in Australia to achieve WELL Precertification for its core and shell, and for WorkSafe's planned interior fit out.

Minister Scott said the ceremony marked an important milestone in the transformation of Geelong into a centre of insurance excellence.

“This world-class building will help WorkSafe in its mission to improve the health, safety and well-being of every Victorian worker,” Minister Scott said.

Ms Amies thanked the Traditional Owners.

“As we reach the final stages of our relocation project, we are more excited than ever about what we can achieve for workplace health and safety in Victoria from our new base,” Ms Amies said.

“This warm and open gesture reinforces my belief that WorkSafe will thrive in Geelong.”