Thousands of construction workers and their families enjoyed the construction unions’ Picnic Day in on Monday December 7.

The annual event drew huge crowds to venues as diverse as Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, the Blue Mountains attractions, and Jambaroo in Sydney; Bonython Park in Adelaide and Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne.

Workers also enjoyed a paid day off with the families at Portland, Traralgon, Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton in regional Victoria.

Rides, face painting, jumping castles, BBQ lunches, free drinks and ice-creams and races were the order of the day.

‘The construction unions’ Picnic Day is an important tradition in the industry, giving workers who put in long hours, six days a week, time to spend with their families and their mates,’ said CFMEU Construction National Secretary Dave Noonan.

‘It’s a chance to catch up with friends you may not have worked with for a while and to take time with the kids and enjoy their excitement in participating in all the free activities.

‘We have families of three and four generations who have worked in this industry all turning up together to enjoy this day.

‘Giving workers a paid day off to spend with their families is good for the industry, as a way for employers and the community to acknowledge the contribution these workers make to our society and the importance of them having time with their families,’ Dave Noonan said.

See comments from members and families participating in the events above.

For more photos, go to Photo Galleries.