Former AFL star Jarrad Waite takes on construction role

Jarrad Waite (Supplied)

After retiring from a 244-game AFL career, Jarrad Waite has transitioned to the construction industry, joining the team working on Stage 1 of the Mickleham Road Upgrade in Greenvale.

The ex-Carlton and North Melbourne player is now contributing to building extra lanes and improving intersections to make travel safer and more reliable for northern Melbourne residents.

Jarrad Waite said, “I’m pleased to be part of the diverse team delivering Stage 1 of the Mickleham Road Upgrade, which will make big improvements to safety and traffic congestion for road users in Melbourne’s north.”

“I encourage anyone thinking about starting or making a career change into road construction to consider the opportunities available to them, especially with employers like Major Road Projects Victoria and its construction partners.”

During his AFL career, Mr Waite played 244 games across 16 years at footy’s highest level.

He won an AFL Rising Star nomination and earned a place in Victoria’s representative side.

Now, Mr Waite balances working at the constructions, raising young kids and coaching the Benalla Saints in the Goulburn Valley Football League.

He encourages anyone thinking about construction as a career path to follow their dream, citing the opportunities available and the camaraderie he enjoys with his workmates.

The Major Road Projects Victoria is one of the Big Build’s vital road projects.

The projects aim to add new lanes to Mickleham Road between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard, replace the Somerton and Mickleham Roads roundabout with a traffic light intersection, introduce priority bus lanes, and enhance pedestrian and cyclist connectivity.

The Major Road Projects Victoria partnered with BMD Group, where Mr Waite works, on these upgrades.

Planning for Stage 2 of the upgrade is currently underway.

Details at: bigbuild.vic.gov.au/roads.