Our History
We’ve come a long way…
Established as a family business by plumber Allan Kennedy in 1976, Kennedys began as a small, family-run plumbing business with a strong history of servicing Melbourne and surrounds.
Year after year, through industry booms, economic busts and pandemics, we’ve adapted and thrived as an industry leader in Principal Contracting, commercial and industrial Plumbing and the Asbestos & Environmental service spaces.
We’ve achieved this solid growth by providing service you can count on, and delivering everything with integrity, always.
From the beginning…
At the age of 22, Allan Kennedy went out on his own as a sole trader, starting Kennedy Plumbing. Operating the business out of his parents’ property on Hannon street in Williamstown.
From an early age Shannon and Chris looked up to their father, taking up the tools in the backyard of the family home.
With the phasing out of Asbestos during the 1980s, the business saw an opportunity for growth. Launching asbestos removal services to compliment the already established plumbing division.
From the early days, our team has been built on family roots and camaraderie. We support each other and have always been willing to share a beer after a job well done.
As the business expanded, new facilities were required to facilitate the staff and equipment. Our team moved into the Southey street workshop, where our Williamstown Branch is located to this day.
Shannon spent many of this school holidays assisting the team on projects. With a handful of experience and a passion for the business, Shannon joined the team as Kennedys as an eager plumbing apprentice.
Our Geelong workshop commenced trading under Allan’s leadership. Geelong developed concurrently with the Williamstown workshop, resulting in an expansion of capabilities and resources.
Chris followed his brother’s footsteps joining the family business. His passion for the Asbestos division provided the business with exceptional growth over the coming years.
As the Asbestos division grew, as did our service offering. Now known as our Asbestos & Environmental division, the team was trained to offer mould removal, soil contaminant remediation and more.
After 42 years at the helm, Allan announced his decision to embrace retirement! With their well-established roles as Directors, Shannon and Chris were well-prepared to continue leading the business with confidence.
After making continual success throughout the west, Kennedys decided to expand into the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The Dandenong Branch was opened at 2A Kirkham road Dandenong South providing service to the region.
Throughout the years we’ve been known by a handful of names, including Kennedy Plumbing and Kennedy Asbestos. In 2022 we rebranded as Kennedys Group, providing a fresh and modern feel to the business, while highlighting that ‘Our Divisions are United’.
By integrating sustainability into our operations and striving for continuous improvement, we proudly achieved Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) accreditation. Building on our already longstanding dedication to rigorous Safety (ISO 45001) and Quality (ISO 9001) management systems.
With a continuous pipeline of projects coming in and more than 150 employees, a new corporate team was needed to manage our operations. Our corporate team runs out of Federal Mills in North Geelong.
Kennedys stepped into the role as Principal Contractor taking full ownership of our clients’ projects, opening the business to new and exciting opportunities. Using a one-stop-shop approach, we streamline the project management process, saving our clients time and resources.
…to Today.
From humble beginnings, we’ve developed into a recognised industry leader in Principal Contracting, commercial and industrial Plumbing and Asbestos & Environmental services.
See how we work…
Our Divisions
We’re a recognised leader in Commercial and Industrial Plumbing, and Asbestos & Environmental services.
Our People
Meet the leadership team who drive Kennedys Group to deliver the best, day in and day out.
Our Approach
How we ensure safety, protect the environment and sustain quality throughout the Group.