1940s & 1950s: Birth of a legacy
In the late 1940s, Alfred William Green and his son John worked as construction laborers on soldier settlement farms in Victoria. Recognising an opportunity, Alfred launched his own construction business around 1948, named AW Green and Sons, along with sons John and Gerald, and Lawrie joining in later years. This era witnessed the construction of more than 500 dairies for the Soldier Settlement Commission, spanning various regions across Victoria. The family expanded their repertoire by building private dairies as well over this time. Alfred Green passed away on 22 November 1960, aged 60 years.
1960s: Hard work and good fortune
Alfred’s sons, John and Lawrie, assumed greater responsibilities in the late 1950s and early 1960s, which saw them leading dairy construction projects across the state. In 1964, Lawrie and Thelma branched out on their own, forming LH&TO Green, winning a contract to construct 10 dairies in the Heytesbury Settlement. This marked the establishment of a new, consistent team within the business. In 1968, the business was challenged by a drop off in work from the drought, yet it persevered through creative thinking and persistence. When the drought broke and work picked up again, Lawrie worked with the Rural Finance Corporation to help design the first herringbone dairy.
1970s: Branching out
The 1970s witnessed GreenCon’s expansion into civil projects, with Civil Engineer Ross Wilson joining the team to lead this transition. The company secured contracts for kerb and channel work, civil engineering, and bridges, embracing more complex undertakings. Noteworthy projects included the construction of numerous bridges and large-scale structures like the Camperdown Saleyards. The mid-70s also marked the end of the Soldier’s Settlement dairies, the business constructing over 400 in the Heytesbury settlement alone.
1980s: Diversification
The 1980s brought about further diversification through the acquisition of J W Blake and Son, a rural store in 1981. The next generation officially joined the business, with James taking on the role of construction engineer. This era saw the construction of major freestall barns, bridges, civil works, and other agricultural and industrial projects. The business underwent a significant transformation, expanding its capabilities and expertise.
1990s: A new era
The 1990s marked a shift in leadership, with James assuming the role of Managing Director. GreenCon continued its journey, focusing on larger projects in agriculture, civil engineering, and industrial ventures. The company’s adaptability and expertise ensured its sustained growth and success. Some significant projects included the Bonlac Beverage Plant in Cobden and a number of 50-bail rotary dairies in South West Victoria and South East South Australia.
2000s: Growth and expansion
The 2000s saw GreenCon’s involvement in mining projects due to the emergence of gas companies in South West Victoria. The company embraced larger and more diverse projects, emphasising concrete and construction expertise. The decade also brought a name change to “GreenCon,” capturing the essence of their work. They tackled projects spanning from dairy facilities and feedpads, commercial buildings to gas plant infrastructure works.
2010s: Continuing success
Throughout the 2010s, GreenCon’s commitment to excellence persisted. They undertook a diverse range of projects, including rotary and robotic dairy facilities, gas plant work, and civil projects. The company’s reputation for quality work and innovation remained steadfast. Notable achievements include constructing automated feed pads, robotic dairies, and industrial facilities.
2020s: Continuing the Legacy
Entering the current decade, GreenCon continues its legacy of excellence. The company undertakes complex projects across various sectors, demonstrating its adaptability and commitment to innovation. With a rich history spanning over 70 years, GreenCon remains a reliable partner for construction and concrete needs, honouring its roots while looking toward a future filled with new opportunities.
AW Green and Sons constructed over 400 dairies in the Murray Valley Soldiers Settlement, spanning from South Numurkah to North Strathmerton, Cobram, and Nathalia.
Built 44 dairies in the vicinity of Horsham and Murtoa.
Constructed 15 dairies near Warrnambool in Grassmere (Injemira Estate).
Constricted 6 dairies in South Gippsland at Nyora and Mirboo North.
Erected 36 dairies in Yanakie near Wilsons Promontory, South Gippsland.
Pioneered the construction of the first 25 dairies in the Heytesbury Settlement, Simpson.
Expanded the footprint by building private dairies across Gippsland, Wangaratta, Benalla, and other regions.
Built the first herringbone dairies, with the inaugural one built in Merrigum near Kyabram.
Successfully completed 15 dairies at Warrowrie Estate, Colac.
Lawrie and Thelma Green set up LH & TO Green after winning a contract to build 10 new dairies in the Heytesbury settlement. The team expanded to five members.
Constructed the remaining 400+ dairies for the Heytesbury settlement projects.
Constructed 6 sheds in Yanakie.
Successfully built 12 private dairies in western Victoria.
Amid a drought year, experienced reduced workforce from eight to three.
Constructed the first Herringbone dairy in the Heytesbury Settlement.
Constructed 200+ dairies across Rochester and Heytesbury districts.
Transitioned away from making their own masonry blocks for dairies.
Diversified into various projects, including work at the Cobden Butter Factory and the creation of their first concrete pool construction. Constructed Reedy Creek Bridge near Lorne. The company’s first kerb construction project on the Princes Highway, Warrnambool (adjacent to Guyetts Funerals’ Eastern Park), for the Country Roads Board. The CRB was Victoria’s central road authority from 1913 to 1983, responsible for constructing and maintaining the state’s main roads.
Continued to undertake dairy and bridge projects, encompassing the construction of Boggaley Creek, Mosquito Creek and Whiskey Creek Bridges. Commenced new developments at Camperdown Saleyards and Camperdown Abattoirs.
Completed the construction of Rugmans Bridge and Mosquito Creek Bridge.
Expanded operations by acquiring J W Blake and Son rural store, along with completing Gelibrand River and Carlise River Bridges.
Secured a civil contract for kerb and channel work with Warrnambool Council. Additionally, built the Walhala Bridge.
Welcomed James Green as Construction Engineer.
Successfully completed the construction of Blacks Bridge in Carlisle.
Constructed Lavers Hill Road shed and won two No drainage contracts on the Euroa Hume Highway development. Constructed an underground tunnel on Powell dairy farms, the second in Australia.
James Green assumed the role of Managing Director.
LH&TO Green PL formed.
Marked a pivotal year by building three 50-bail rotary dairies in South Australia within 17 weeks.
Sold the Business in Victoria Street Cobden.
Officially became LH & TO Green as a company. Sold the rural store to Cobden Power Equipment.
Undertook the construction of the Birregurra Creek Bridge for Vic Roads.
Accomplished the construction of the Bonlac Beverage Plant in Cobden.
Built a 116-bail Rotary dairy in Port MacDonnell, South Australia. Constructed a Spray Dryer Base in Koroit, 700m3 concrete in one pour.
Welcomed Wayne Gibson as Business Manager. Construction of Coolahans Bridge for Moyne Shire.
Successfully completed the construction of a 1,000 cow freestall barn. Sold the rural store and ventured further into civil projects.
Completed foundation work for the Iona TXU gas plant’s compression enhancement project and executed concrete work in Port Campbell.
Organized a US GreenCon Feedpad barn tour across the mid-west and California.
Constructed a 300 cow freestall barn (without shed).
GreenCon Australia PL
Marked an expansion era with various projects, including Apostle Whey Cheese factory, Allendale Dairy in South Australia, and more.
Moved into their present headquarters and workshop at 1 Station Street, Cobden. Constructed a 50 Rotary Dairy and feed pad at Injemira Estate for the Ryan Family (50 years after our first diary construction on the Estate. ) Completed notable projects like the 500-cow feedpad and dairy facilities and calving pad for Carrilla Dairies, Tintinara.
Successfully constructed a 50-bail rotary dairy for the Metheven family, the family’s third dairy build by the Green family.
Achieved the completion of a 50-bail rotary dairy for Bruce Holloway.
Constructed a 600-cow automated feedpad for Bruce Knowles in Tyrendarra, VIC.
Executed the construction of a 60-bail rotary dairy for Neil Throchmorton in Binginwarry, VIC.
Completed the construction of a 60-bail rotary dairy and feedpad for Kevin Moloney in Terang, along with a 50-bail rotary dairy for Ace Dairies in Fish Creek, VIC.
Successfully constructed robotic milking dairy for the University of Melbourne at Dookie VIC, and a 50-bail rotary dairy for Will Kampschoer in Simpson, VIC.
Executed the construction of a Rotary robotic dairy for the University of Sydney in Camden, NSW. Completed civil projects including the Killarney Transfer station and 206 Public Transport Victoria bus stops in the Warrnambool district.
Constructed Max Vella’s concrete and glass house in Cape Otway, as well as a four-robot dairy for Phil and Symone Vines in Simpson, VIC.
Commissioned by RMS NSW for the design and construction of a 60 Rotary Dairy for the Tate family at Albion Park.
Constructed an 18 double up, rapid-release dairy at Windy Vale, Myponga, SA, and a 500-cow robot barn for the Dee family in Macorna North, VIC. Commenced construction of the Cobden Health Gymnasium. Constructed a barn for the Vines family.
Majority of the Greencon team worked for two days after the South West Victorian fires with Blazeaid.
Began the Camperdown Compost Facility full redevelopment, continued roadwork, and completed projects for energy companies. Supported Bolden constructions with the redevelopment of Warrnambool RSL. Constructed a 10 Robot Dairy and barn at Simpson. Commenced construction of an eight-robot Cow barn for the Dee Family in Macorna North.
Undertook industrial jobs for mining companies, completed dairies for the Cunnington family at Princetown and Crothers family at Wangoom, and participated in the upgrade of the skate park in Cobden. Commenced construction of a housed 10,000 milking goat facility in Bookaar. Commenced bluestone redevelopment of Bank Street in Port Fairy.
Commenced a 60-bail rotary dairy for AAGMI’s Cooriemungle Dairies. Commenced planning and construction work for Shenpen (Tibetan Buddhist retreat) at Princetown. Commenced construction of our new workshop in Warrnambool. Commenced design and construction of McColls state of the art truck wash/tanker hygiene facility at Dennington. Full reconstruction of the Cobden netball facility – the Ellen Darcy Courts.
Constructed an 80-bail rotary dairy for the Pearson family in Burrungle, South Australia, and a 60-bail rotary dairy for the Renyard family in Timboon. Constructed a Calving and calf facility for the Greenwood family in Learmonth and similar for the Holloway family in Mepunga.
Commenced construction of a six-robot facility in Rochester for the Gibson Family. Completed a 50-bail rotary dairy in Nullawarre for the Bryce family.
Completed an 80-bail rotary dairy for the Robertson’s in Simpson.
(GreenCon’s “Projects 2024” folder carries sub-folders of 87 different projects… what are they?).
(GreenCon’s “Projects 2025” folder carries sub-folders of 95 different projects, as of June 2025… what are they?)
