VIC State Update 2026
A look at what's been happening across Victoria
It’s been a busy few months across Victoria, with a broad pipeline of projects moving through construction, fit-out and opening across major town centres, neighbourhood developments and ongoing programs for clients including Coles, Woolworths, Fabcot, Aldi and a range of specialty retail partners.
Projects Gaining Momentum
-Coles Warragul is now open and trading, a strong outcome for the project team and the local community it was built to serve.
-HomeCo Diggers Rest continues to take shape with Coles confirmed as anchor tenant
-Fountain Gate Super Centre, fit-out works are progressing across multiple tenancies including Rebel, Planet Fitness and Grill’d.
-East Sunbury Village is moving into its next stage, with Woolworths fit-out works commencing this month.
-Bendigo Homemaker Centre, the recent Officeworks handover marks the beginning of early activation across the centre.
Safety Across Every Site
Safety isn’t a box we tick at the start of a project, it shapes how we plan, sequence and run every site.
Our recent “Teaming Up for Safety Leadership” sessions, held across NSW, QLD and VIC, brought together project teams and subcontractor partners to align expectations and strengthen shared accountability. When everyone on a site is genuinely invested, not just briefed, it changes how the job runs. That’s the culture these sessions are designed to reinforce.
Small Works Delivering Consistency
The Victorian Small Works team maintains a strong pipeline across Coles, Woolworths/Fabcot, Aldi and Sephora, alongside ongoing high-end retail and refurbishment programs.
A recent delivery at Coles Daylesford achieved a 100% result on external safety audit, a reflection of the discipline the team brings to every job, regardless of scale. The team also continues to deliver complex works within live retail environments, including UNIQLO and ongoing capital upgrades, where careful coordination and minimal disruption aren’t optional, they’re the brief.
Industry Engagement and Connection
Mainbrace again sponsored the PCA Retail Summit, where Chief Information Officer Angus Greenwood joined a panel discussion on market conditions and delivery trends from a builder’s perspective. Supporting the retail sector and being part of the discussions that move it forward is something we genuinely care about.
Recognising Our People
We recently celebrated our 37th Annual Awards Dinner. Always a great night, and a chance to recognise the people who make Mainbrace what it is.
Alongside peer-nominated recognition, the evening marked significant milestones in tenure, including three team members reaching 10 years with the business.
Ten years with the same business. That depth of knowledge shows up on projects in the quality of decisions made, and the judgement behind them.
Looking Ahead
As the financial year draws to a close, the pipeline across VIC is in good shape. The focus remains where it always is, delivering consistently, coordinating well, and finishing every project the way it was promised.