MATES in Construction Australia CEO Chris Lockwood meeting with John Adley, CEPU SA Secretary, Hon Mark Butler MP, Australian Minister for Health and Aged Care, Alan Surridge, MATES in Construction SA CEO, and Marilyn Sheffield MATES in Construction SA Field Officer.

Building workers across Australia will be taking time out this week to check in with each other’s mental health and fly the flag for suicide prevention with MATES “Fly the Flag” events around Australia.

The construction industry has the highest rate of suicide of any industry in the country. To raise awareness, foster solidarity and provide crucial support for workers who may be experiencing mental health challenges, over 100,000 construction workers will take part in Fly the Flag on 13 September and 14 September at over 900 worksites nationally.

“We hope Fly the Flag meetings around Australia this week will encourage workplace conversations about mental health.  We have a problem with mental health and suicide in our industry and we need to talk about it,” MATES NSW chief executive Brad Parker says.

“Our society perceives blue-collar workers as strong and steadfast, but the reality is sometimes different from the perception.  Everyone has a responsibility to check in with their workmates from time to time and as an industry, we need to do better in addressing poor mental health, loneliness and the type of anxiety that if swept under the carpet, can be debilitating.”

Fly the Flag is a symbolic event that invites construction sites, offices and workplaces across the nation to unite and display the MATES flag prominently. The event serves as a powerful visual reminder of the industry’s commitment to supporting its workforce and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

During Fly the Flag events this week, organisations are encouraged to engage their workers in various activities focused on mental health and well-being. These activities may include toolbox talks, workshops, awareness sessions, and distributing resources that promote mental wellness. MATES provides a comprehensive toolkit bag that includes a flag to fly, posters and stickers.

MATES is an industry-led non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting better mental health and suicide prevention within the construction industry and other blue-collar sectors.