Webuild in Australia is proud to announce it has signed a three-year State Industry Partnership Agreement extension with MATES in Construction, a not-for-profit organisation established to reduce the high level of suicide amongst Australian construction workers.

Our industry partnership extends back to 2020, providing support to our people and broader communities through their integrated industry intervention program, which is recognised by the World Health Organisation as world’s best practice in suicide prevention.

Marco Assorati, Executive Director of Webuild in Australia, said: “This multi-year extension is part of our group’s ongoing commitment to ensure we are taking actionable steps to change the construction industry’s approach to mental health and suicide prevention.”

Liam Cubbage, Mates in Construction CEO said: “MATES WA’s mission of reducing the unacceptably high rates of suicide within the construction industry cannot have a real and meaningful impact without the support of industry organisations. Webuild in Australia have shown, through their leadership and commitment, that they are aligned with MATES in improving outcomes for not only their workforce but industry as a whole. MATES WA are proud to continue this longstanding partnership and thank Webuild in Australia for their ongoing commitment to our work.”   

Established in 2008, MATES is an industry-backed, research-based prevention and support organisation for the construction industry. Through community development programs on sites and in offices, and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 helpline, MATES has been affecting real change across the industry.

MATES has engaged close to 300,000 people with their General Awareness Training which aims to provide workers with practical guidance to assist those in need of support, and over 30,000 Connectors, who are trained to help keep someone safe in a crisis, while connecting them to professional help.

Industry research shows construction workers are eight times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work, and young people in the construction industry are more likely to take their lives than young people working in other industries.

Improving mental health and well-being outcomes in the industry is a collective responsibility. Together, Webuild in Australia and MATES have a shared commitment to support our people and our broader communities through the delivery of suicide prevention training. 

MATES serves the construction industry in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory, as well as the energy industry in Queensland and New South Wales, and the Mining industry nationally.

Through this three-year partnership, Webuild in Australia is a Western Australia, Tier 1 Industry Partner.

Find out more and support MATES in Construction by visiting their website here.

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