CIRT SuppoRT GuaRanTeed

WA

T 08 9463 6664

Street address 106 Caledonian Avenue Maylands WA 6051

NSW

T 02 9566 4200 F 02 9660 5583

Street address Lvl 1 52 Parramatta Road Forest Lodge NSW 2037

SA

T 08 8373 0122 F 08 8373 1929

Street address 58A Greenhill Rd Wayville SA 5034

NATIONAL

T 07 3833 1140 F 07 3832 8269

postal address PO Box 1001 Spring Hill QLD 4004

QLD

T 07 3833 1140 F 07 3832 8269

Street address Lvl 1 35 Astor Terrace Spring Hill QLD 4004

Editor: david Scholes Communications Manager dscholes@matesinconstruction.org.au

matesinconstruction.org.au

Emergency Contact information

FundRaISInG ... SuppoRTInG youR MaTeS!!!”The MATES in Construction program is provided at no cost to either workers or construction companies. But it does cost money to deliver our training and support services to construction workers in Australia.

In fact it costs around $4m each year to deliver our suicide prevention programs on site and support our mates who are doing it tough.

That’s works out to $60 each year for every worker and you can help by making a donation or fundraising at your worksite.

To find out how, visit the MATES in Construction website and click on DONATE/FUNDRAISE.

MATES in Construction gratefully acknowledges the funding provided by the Federal Government.8

www.matesinconstruction.org.au – DONATE / FUNDRAISE

Redundancy trusts have played a key role in starting and supporting MATES in Construction and the Contracting Industry Redundancy Trust (CIRT) are keen supporters of the program.

Used primarily by workers in the electrical contracting industry, employers pay an amount on behalf of every employee into the fund as part of the union agreement. When a worker is made redundant, they can then make a claim from the fund.

Robert Heskett, a former Commonwealth Bank employee, has spent more than fourteen years with CIRT and today manages a redundancy fund that has grown to be worth more than $60 million since CIRT was started in 1991.

Robert says that as well as providing redundancy benefits to members the Trust also looks out for its members. CIRT has made a strong financial commitment to support MATES with funding for three years. “We see huge value in the MATES program. The guys tell us it’s a positive program and if it prevents one suicide then it’s worth it” he says.

CIRT funding is used to support a MATES Field Officer in Gladstone. The Gladstone region has

boomed in recent years thanks to the GLNG projects and with lots of FIFO workers in and around town, many of them are doing it tough away from family and friends.

“It’s a program that has its value in identifying people in danger” says Robert. For CIRT that means it’s program that is worth investing in because their members see the benefits. As Robert explains “It keeps them safe on site and away from site”.

And CIRT will be continuing to back the MATES program into the future “I don’t see CIRT changing its commitment in the future” says Robert “Sadly it’s just one of those things that’s got to be there”.

MaTeS WInMATES in Construction recently picked up a LiFE Award from Suicide Prevention Australia for its pioneering work. The award for Community Engagement was collected by MATES Western Australia CEO Godfrey Baronie at the 2014 National Suicide Prevention Conference in Perth.

The annual LiFE Awards recognise excellence in suicide prevention

and this is the first time MATES in Construction has won a LiFE Award for its work nationally.

MATES in Construction CEO Jorgen Gullestrup said the LiFE award meant a great deal to everyone participating in the program.

• MakingADifferencep.2

• StateNewsSAp.3

• StateNewsNSWp.4

• StateNewsWAp.5

• StateNewsQLDp.6

• InterstateMATESHelpOutp.7

• CIRTSupportGuaranteedp.8

Working to prevent suicide in the Australian construction industry

Winter ‘14

MATES in Construction On-Site

In THe WeST“I guess you could say we are the quiet achiever. Our staff are getting the word out in the construction industry but an award like this reminds us that not only are other people noticing what we do: they are seeing that we do it very well,” he said.

“MATES in Construction’s community engagement model really demonstrates that suicide is everyone’s business,” Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Sue Murray said. “In a traditionally macho workplace culture, the ‘mates helping mates’ approach is inclusive, safe and encourages help seeking.”

“It enables workers to confidently recognise signs that they or their colleagues may be doing it tough, and that everyone in the industry must play their part.”

This year’s conference was attended by nearly four hundred delegates, including staff from MATES in Construction’s four state offices, who attended sessions covering every aspect of prevention, intervention and post-vention. Attending conferences such as the National Suicide Prevention Conference keeps staff up to date with the latest research and practice that they can apply to their on-site training and case management.

MaTeS WIn In THe WeST cont.

Touched by the suicides of workmates and a close family friend in recent years, Anna-Maree Spence decided to become a CONNECTOR in the MATES suicide prevention program.

“If I can save one person and all that family grief and help along the way, I think why not,” she said.

After helping several workmates who were doing it tough on site, she did her ASSIST training in July 2013 and has since helped a few people who were thinking about suicide.

“I helped one young guy, a really sweet bloke, who was having thoughts of suicide, and now he’s doing really well and we catch up for a chat regularly,” she said. “You can really see the difference in him now. He’s like a

different person and that’s really great to see.”

Anna-Maree works at the QGC Upstream Compression project in Queensland’s Surat Basin where the Thiess safety team have the MATES program up and running.

“They advertise training dates really well everywhere on site and if people are on R&R, they make sure to run it again and cover everyone,” Anna-Maree said. “It’s a great credit to them that they’re really running with it. It creates a culture of mates looking after each other,” she said.

On site, Thiess include her contact details in the daily pre-start which covers the entire project and use posters provided by MATES with a photograph of Anna-Maree and her phone number so that anyone who wants help knows how to make contact.

And helping people is what Anna-Maree loves. “I thoroughly enjoyed the MATES training and I’m really happy I did it. I use it outside work and it just makes me much more aware. I’d highly recommend it to anyone,” she says.

MakInG a dIFFeRenCe

2

CoMe and joIn uS FoR THe

MaTeS In ConSTRuCTIonInauGuRal FundRaISeR BReakFaST8 September 20147:30AM – 9:00AM

There’s no better way to start your day than by joining MATES in Construction’s South Australian team for their very first fundraising breakfast. Set amongst the spectacular Veale Gardens at the Adelaide Pavilions in the heart of the city, you’ll enjoy a fantastic breakfast, guest speakers, early morning

entertainment and you’ll be raising funds to help MATES look after our South Australian mates.

It will sell out so don’t miss out! Head to the MATES website for more details or call the office on 08 8373 0122 to buy tickets.

Meet a MaTe – Matt ColeI found out about MATES in Construction in Adelaide fourteen months ago. Now I’ve finally got a job with the organisation and I wear the logo with great pride.

I’m Matt Cole and I’ve just been appointed as a Field Officer with MATES in Construction. I’ve been an Electrician for the last twenty five years and I’ve worked on numerous construction and mining jobs around Australia particularly in the north-west. I have taken on Safety Rep and Workers’ Rep roles on sites where I have worked because I have a real passion for the wellbeing of my mates.

Through these roles I realised there was a need to address the mental health and wellbeing of all in the industry. To be honest I could not go to another wake or drink for a lost mate and sit there and do nothing so I took a year off work and travelled with my family, the whole time wondering what can be done?

I returned to Adelaide and have spent the last three years studying Mental Health so that I can give back to the industry that has given me so much. I funded myself to attend the ‘Inaugural Construction Industry Conference on Mental Health’

and was overwhelmed to see so many like-minded people that want to make a difference. At the conference I met Michelle Caston, MATES in Construction (South Australia) CEO and as they say: the rest is history.

I am very excited to be part of MATES in Construction and I look forward to sitting with my mates and saying that I am doing something. This is not just a job but an opportunity to be a positive part of an industry that I am passionate about.

By BOB CLIFFORD

Back in April I was going out to see Built Environs to deliver some MATES newsletters and to have a general catch up.

Little did I know that the team at the Australian Submarine Corporation, led by George Moore and Greg Colls,were planning a huge BBQ with proceeds from a gold coin contribution going to MATES. Imagine my surprise when I realised what

was going on! What a great initiative and truly outstanding generosity. They are actually the first construction company we deal with to put on a money raising BBQ for MATES! The money raised was gratefully accepted. George and Greg addressed the large contingent of workers in the canteen. They talked about their ongoing support for the program and its message of mates talking to each other on site and by using the skills learnt at the General Awareness Training keeping each other safe and getting appropriate help when needed.

Built Environs have been really strong and active supporters of the MATES program. We look forward to their continuing support in promoting the MATES program on all their sites. As for me and the South Australian team it’s a big and heartfelt THANK YOU to all at Built Environs.

BBQ SuRpRISe

Save the date!

3

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR:

“I could not go to another wake or drink for a lost mate and sit there and do nothing”

a MaTeS MIleSTone!

West Keira at Wollongong has become the

first regional site in New South Wales to achieve MATES accreditation.

MATES delivered seven General Awareness Training (GAT) sessions to more than 250 construction workers on the Hansen Yuncken site. There are now twelve CONNECTORS and an ASSIST worker on site to help anyone who’s doing it tough.

Daniel Spirit-Jones, a Project Manager with Hansen Yuncken in the central-west region, says the training has had a really positive impact. “After doing the GAT, I talk and treat workers differently. And now that I am a CONNECTOR and ASSIST trained, it has influenced me as a person in the way I interact with others both at work and in my personal life”.

4

When it’s finished the completed Northern Road upgrade to the north of Penrith city centre will have a big impact on the lives of Cranebrook residents.

The five million dollar federally funded project will reduce travel times and improve safety when it opens in 2015 and contractors Lend Lease are hoping that the site’s recent accreditation by MATES in Construction will make an equally big impact on the mental health and wellbeing of workers on site.

Early in May, the Northern Road Upgrade site became the third site in New South Wales to gain accreditation as MATES in Construction NSW Peter McClelland and his team continue to take MATES training to more and more sites. Since starting up eighteen months ago, they have delivered General Awareness Training to more than 9,000 workers.

According to Site Superintendent Dean Rogers “We have around fifty workers on site at any one time so as a site we are very supportive of the MATES program and we’ve seen how well it works”.

On Sydney’s North Shore, Sydney Adventist Hospital is nearing the end of a major redevelopment. The new 500 bed hospital will care for more than 200,000 patients and construction company Buildcorp have shown they care by enthusiastically embracing the MATES program.

Driven by Senior Project Manager Steve Taunton and Site Manager Brett Yallop, more than 80% of the staff have taken MATES training. The site achieved MATES accreditation on 9 May and there are now 18 CONNECTORS and an ASSIST worker on site.

Workers from the site will also star in an upcoming ABC TV documentary ‘Felicity Goes Mad’ in October as part of Mental Health Week.

Senior Project Manager Steve Taunton says the program has made a difference. “Having MATES on site is a big help to a lot of those guys and their workmates. They’ve been great to have around and good people to work with”.

BuIldCoRp BaCkInG MaTeS

new Road Stopping Suicide

From being on the ropes to landing a knockout punch, MATES in Construction have helped a mate get back on his feet and rediscover a forgotten talent.

After a recent GAT on the Northerly Construction site in Subiaco WA, one of the guys on the site who ticked the box for a follow up call from a Field Officer was Anthony.

Over a coffee he told me his tale. A year ago things were going great. Fast forward twelve months and frustrated by the struggle to get consistent work: he was feeling the effects.

Anthony told me that some days he found it really hard to get motivated and even harder to get out of bed. His doctor suggested anti–depression medication but Anthony was looking for another solution.

He loved spending time with his family but struggled to find any time for himself. A keen boxer back in Ireland, these days his boxing was limited to a punch bag but he had thought of joining a boxing gym near his home.

After asking how MATES could help him work through his current challenges, a follow up call a few weeks later found him training in the gym. His fellow boxers were so impressed they suggested a professional fight. Anthony agreed and stepped up his training ready to step into the ring.

On fight night there were plenty of punters keen to see Anthony take on a Thai boxer. Before a crowd of more than a thousand he didn’t disappoint, finishing the job in just under two minutes with the referee stopping the fight.

After the fight I learnt he fought as an amateur in Ireland with 53 wins from 57 fights. His latest fight had even got some coverage back in Ireland.

Thanks to MATES Anthony’s got through a few challenges outside the ring and with the support of his mates at the gym and a few sponsors on board he’s looking forward to his next fight.

Competition was fierce at the Geraldton Bowling Club as twenty four teams in fancy dress took to the greens and raised more than $1,500 for MATES in Construction and Mid-West Men’s Health.

Organised by Master Builders Association Geraldton Northwest Branch, Regional Manager Di Gilleland said she hoped

the event raised awareness about suicide prevention in the community. “We hope others will take more time and care to observe and protect their fellow workers”.

Devpro Design & Construct’s team Men in Black took out the best bowler’s prize and Geraldton Building Services & Cabinet’s team Dancing

Queens took out the best dressed prize.

MATES WA CEO Godfrey Baronie says that working together is good for the industry in WA. “It’s important that organisations like MBA and MATES work closely to reduce suicide in the industry. Their assistance helps us do the work we do”.

anTHony’S FIGHTInG BaCk

Master Builders Bowling for MaTeS

5

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR:

By SHannon BaRneS

IT’S THe RoadTek RoadSHoWDelivering transport infrastructure is what RoadTek do best and together with parent organisation Department of Transport and Main Roads they are proud supporters of MATES in Construction. MATES recently took part in a roadshow at RoadTek’s Nerang depot. With nearly 300 workers having received General Awareness Training and 30 CONNECTORS on site, the depot is an accredited MATES Site.

MATES Field Officer Phil Hortz joined RoadTek staff who heard from General Manager Bill Landsbury and Peter McCarthy Acting Executive Director (South) who outlined the future opportunities for RoadTek in the coming year. Then

guest speaker Jed Mullen shared his story of his battle to rebuild his life after suffering a serious injury at work.

After hearing from Phil about MATES’ work and a reminder about the 1300 number a number of workers took the opportunity to discuss both general issues and some specific personal issues.

According to Phil regular site visits such as these are really important because they remind workers that MATES are on site and that there is always someone to talk to if they need help.

MATES continues to deliver training that makes worksites safer, more productive and demonstrates a real commitment to workplace safety and the mental health and wellbeing of all workers.

Interstate Mates Help outWith MATES in Construction Queensland staff busy training around the state, a request for General Awareness Training out in the Surat Basin stretched resources to breaking point. The solution was to invite MATES South Australian Case Manager Liz Rodda to join the team for a week out in Western Queensland.

Flying north from Adelaide to Queensland’s Surat Basin gave her an insight into the life of FIFO workers from her state. “What does a 3 and 1 really mean for these guys? There are quite a few of them from here who work up in Queensland so I got an understanding of what it’s like for them”.

Meeting up with MATES Queensland Field Officer Phil Hortz they headed west to the gas fields around Chinchilla for four days of full on training. “We did nine GATs over the four days” said Liz. Throw in an extra two days of travelling and a very different training environment and it was a tough gig. “Yeah it’s very different training outdoors, in big open areas, with lots of guys. My voice had just gone by the end of it” said Liz.

Although it was a new environment the issues remained very much the same.

“Relationships. Providing for your family but not being there and being a part of your family. These are their issues,” says Liz. She also saw that remote living also brings with it its own stresses. “It’s little bit like Groundhog Day” says Liz. “Every day everything is the same. It gets tiring very quickly. We were lucky as we were fairly close to town most of the time but for guys an hour or more away who can’t get out it does have an impact on their mental health”.

Thanks To The co-operaTIon of MaTes sTaff In TWo sTaTes and an InvITaTIon froM TheIss, around 600 Workers receIved TraInIng In hoW To look afTer TheIr MaTes. ThroW In 175 guys Who volunTeered To be connecTors and lIz’s fIrsT TrIp To The suraT basIn Was a greaT success.

6

SUPPORTED By:

Training Time for Tradie TrekkersA beautiful Queensland winter’s day greeted Kokoda trekkers and their mates who were up early for their first hit out. A Sunday morning bushwalk in Brisbane’s western suburbs only a hint of what lies ahead in the mountainous jungle of Papua New Guinea later this year.

Inspired by the ANZAC spirit of mates helping mates, the very first Construction Skills Queensland ‘Kokoda Trek for Tradies’ takes place along the famous trail later this year to raise funds for MATES.

Supported by CSQ and Cribhut and Aurora Adventures, around forty tradies will trek through the jungle aiming to raise funds for suicide prevention within the construction industry.

Accompanied by their families and supporters, Sunday’s walk for trekkers marked the start of a gruelling twelve week training program before they head to Port Moresby in September.

After a safety briefing by trek organisers Aurora Adventures walkers headed towards the summit of Mount Coot-tha. The early part of the walk was relatively easy and proved popular with everyone. Those who chose not to turn back at the halfway point got a hint of what lies ahead for the trekkers with steep slopes proving a challenge for those with a little bit of fitness work to do.

Heading downhill, trekkers had every incentive to make it back quickly with the BBQ smoke drifting up through the eucalyptus trees. The boys from the CFMEU were doing a great job with the sausages sizzling and long-time supporters BUSSQ had plenty of cold drinks on hand to refresh thirsty trekkers.

It was a great start to the ‘Trek for Tradies’ with family, friends and supporters coming together to get those who have

signed up for the challenge motivated, not that any of them needed it judging by the smiles all around.

But for the trekkers the hard work really started on the mountain with twelve weeks of gruelling training for everyone who’s taken up the challenge. The Trek is looking to raise $100,000 to support MATES’ work so trekkers have their own fundraising events to run as well.

It’s not too late to join them. There are still places available on the trek although you’ll have to be quick if you want to tick off this ‘bucket list’ item.

For more information visit www.matesinconstruction.com.au/Kokoda-trail-trek or call Aurora Adventures on 1300 158 468.

7