LeavePlus Loop Edition 1 2026

Worker Newsletter: Edition 1 2026

Construction industry newsletter keeping LeavePlus members up to date. Discover the latest developments and news from your portable long service leave scheme.

Worker Member Newsletter: Edition 1 2026

50 Years of Long Service Leave

This year, LeavePlus turns 50

Since 1976, we’ve been making sure construction workers across Victoria get the long service leave they’ve earned.

That’s five decades of payments processed, entitlements protected, and workers supported through every stage of their careers.

From our early days as CoINVEST to LeavePlus today, we’re here to support the vitality of Victoria’s construction industry.

As we mark this milestone throughout 2026, we want to acknowledge what it really represents — 50 years of skilled men and women building Victoria with a scheme built to look after them in return.

Here’s to the next 50.

RECOVERING MISSING SERVICE

If your service or part of your service from your current employer doesn’t appear in your service record in the LeavePlus portal, speak with your employer first. In most cases, it’s a simple mistake and can be fixed quickly.

If you’re missing service from a previous employer, you can lodge a Missing Service query through the LeavePlus portal.

We will look into it and make sure your service record is correct. Service may be missing from your LeavePlus record for other reasons, too:

+ Working in a role that is not covered by LeavePlus.

+ Working in a construction role outside of Victoria.

+ Left the construction industry.

+ Unreported change in employment. circumstances (e.g. starting your own company / medical incapacity / WorkCover claim).

If you have been working in construction outside of Victoria or have not been able to work due to medical reasons, you can apply for an ‘approved break in service’ to keep your LeavePlus profile from lapsing.

Learn more at our ‘Managing your service’ webpage.

TIMING YOUR EOFY CLAIM

The end of financial year is just around the corner. What does this mean for claims? Timing is important.

If you want leave before 30 June: Submit as early as possible. It’s a busy period in June, so we will do our best to process your claim before EOFY.

If you want payment in the new financial year: Submit after 1 July. This guarantees your claim will be processed in the new financial year.

BEFORE YOU CLAIM

Check if you’re eligible: You need at least 7 years of continuous service in the construction industry to claim long service leave. Check if you’re eligible in the LeavePlus portal.

Have key documents ready: Make sure you’re ready to claim by having your recent payslips, bank account details, and your tax file number at the ready.

ID verification: Ensure your member record with us matches the name as shown on your ID documents (including middle name). Log in to the secure LeavePlus portal to check that your details are ready for ID verification.

LIFT AND ESCALATOR COVERAGE

Lift and escalator repair and maintenance covered by LeavePlus from 1 July 2026.

From 1 July 2026, all lift and escalator repair and maintenance work will be covered by the construction industry portable long service leave scheme.

This change, approved by the Victorian Government, aligns maintenance and repair work with installation and refurbishment work, which has been covered since 1978.

What does this mean for you?

Workers who carry out maintenance and repairs (not just installation work) can accrue portable long service leave across multiple employers in the construction industry.

APPRENTICESHIPS ARE COVERED TOO

Finished your apprenticeship? You’re more than halfway to long service leave!

Most trade apprenticeships run for around four years. Every single one of those years counts toward your long service leave benefit, so by the time you complete your apprenticeship, you’re already well on your way.

If you’re not sure whether all your apprenticeship service has been reported our Service Investigations team can check and recover what’s missing.

“One simple conversation led to the recovery of four years of service from a carpentry apprenticeship the worker had finished three years earlier. As a result, he hit his 7-year long service entitlement and was told he now has 9.1 weeks of long service leave ready for him to use whenever he needs it.” – LeavePlus Service Investigations team

INTERSTATE SERVICE

The construction industry relies on mobility. Workers move employers, projects and often move outside of Victoria for work. Every state and territory has a portable long service leave scheme for the construction industry.

LeavePlus has relationships with all of them, so when you’ve built up entitlements across multiple states, you don’t have to chase them down separately.

How claiming interstate service works:

Submit your claim where you last worked: Lodge with the scheme in the state or territory where you completed your last 55 days of service.

Tick the states you’ve worked in: On your claim form, check the relevant boxes and add your registration numbers for each state if you have them.

LeavePlus handles the rest: We confirm entitlements with interstate schemes, pay your full claim, and seek reimbursement for the interstate portions ourselves.

Top tips for interstate service:

+ Keep your registration details for each scheme handy. You’ll need them when it’s time to make a claim.

+ Log in to each scheme’s account so you know your balance in each state. Unlike super, you can’t roll it all into one.

+ Let your scheme know when you move interstate, so your record stays up to date.

Each scheme has slightly different rules, including the rate of pay that applies to your claim. If you have questions about service in another state, contact that scheme directly.

Move your body with purpose

Before you jump into the heavy lifting, take a moment to wake up your body. A few slow neck rolls, shoulder circles, or gentle leg stretches can help loosen tight muscles and reduce the risk of strain.

It doesn’t need to be a full workout—just enough to get the blood flowing and switch your body into “work mode.”

Those tiny tune‑ups at the start of the day can help keep you feeling stronger and safer on site.

Notice the signs your body sends

Construction work is tough, and your body often speaks before your mind catches up. Feeling unusually tired? Tightness creeping into your back? Trouble focusing?

These small signals matter. Paying attention early can help you prevent bigger issues -whether that’s taking a short break, adjusting how you’re lifting, or having a quick chat with someone if something’s weighing on you.

Listening to your body is part of working smart, not just working hard.

Find one moment to slow down

With deadlines, noise, and constant movement, site life can feel full‑throttle. That’s why choosing one moment in your day to pause – even 30 seconds – can reset your energy.

Step into a quiet corner, take a slow breath, unclench your shoulders, and let your mind catch up.

It’s a simple habit that helps you stay calmer, clearer, and more grounded through the busiest days.

Bellarine Peninsula - Railways & Coastal Adventures

The Bellarine Peninsula provides a relaxed autumn getaway with beach towns, excellent dining, and unique attractions.

One standout experience is the Bellarine Railway - a heritage steam‑train ride from Queenscliff.

Visitors can combine the experience with coastal walks, art galleries, farm gates or a leisurely lunch in one of the peninsula’s seaside communities.

With scenic views and family‑friendly activities, the Bellarine offers a charming alternative to traditional autumn hotspots.

Ferry Across The Bay - Scenic Cruise

A scenic journey on the ferry between Sorrento and Queenscliff offers a unique way to spend part of an autumn getaway.

The 40‑minute cruise features indoor lounges, outdoor decks, coastal views and the chance to spot dolphins or seals.

It’s a relaxing, low‑effort activity that pairs beautifully with coastal day trips on either side of the bay.

Kids enjoy the onboard play areas, while adults can sip a drink and take in dramatic ocean vistas. The ferry transforms simple travel into an autumn adventure.

The Surf Coast - Classic Autumn Stay

Victoria’s Surf Coast—stretching from Torquay through Jan Juc to Lorne—is an ideal autumn escape for those craving ocean air, relaxed seaside towns and great food.

Known for its creative coastal communities and iconic surf culture, the region offers scenic walks, boutique shops, beachfront cafés and world‑class waves along the Great Ocean Road.

Whether you're catching the sunrise at Bells Beach, browsing local markets or enjoying leisurely cliff‑top trails, the Surf Coast delivers a refreshing, easygoing getaway perfect for families, couples or solo travellers.

Bright Autumn Days - Alpine Region

No list of Victorian autumn escapes would be complete without mentioning the stunning alpine town of Bright.

The jewel of Victoria's High Country, Bright really does live up to its name at this time of year, transforming its green canopy into a vibrant sea of red, orange, and golden leaves.

Capitalising on the explosion of colour, Bright holds a 10-day Autumn Festival each year in celebration of the wonderful auburn colours and autumnal produce of the valleys of Victoria’s Alpine High Country.

The highlight of the season is the Gala Weekend - rounding off the festival with a market, music in the streets and a grand parade.

Macedon Ranges - Short Autumn Escape

Just an hour from Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges is a popular autumnal destination known for its historic villages, cool‑climate wineries and scenic bushwalks including the famous Hanging Rock Reserve.

Visitors can explore boutique cellar doors, local markets and peaceful country trails. The region’s mix of nature, food and laid‑back charm makes it ideal for a relaxing autumn escape.

With spa towns nearby and easy drives between attractions, it’s a great choice for travellers wanting a quick yet rejuvenating break without the crowds of traditional autumn‑leaf hotspots.

Mornington Peninsula - Spas and Chocolates

The Mornington Peninsula is a versatile autumn destination offering coastal walks, thermal hot springs, farmgate produce, vineyards and artisan experiences.

It’s also home to the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, where visitors can indulge in chocolate tastings and sweet holiday treats.

Families can explore cute seaside villages, while adults enjoy wine tours or scenic dining. With its mix of coastal relaxation and gourmet food, the Peninsula offers a balanced and breezy autumn weekend getaway.

CoINVEST Limited as Trustee for the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Fund (trading as LeavePlus) ABN: 35 078 004 985.

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LeavePlus acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Worker Newsletter: Edition 1 2026

Worker Member Newsletter: Edition 1 2026

50 Years of Long Service Leave

This year, LeavePlus turns 50

Checked your service lately?