Welcome Back Founding CEO Jørgen Gullestrup
MATES in Construction is proud to announce the appointment of Jørgen Gullestrup as Chief Executive Officer of MATES Australia, effective 15 May 2025 — marking a return to the organisation he founded in 2008.
Jørgen brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to the role. A licensed plumber by trade, he began working in construction at age 15 and later served as a union delegate, official, and Secretary of the Plumbers Union for nearly seven years. Jørgen identifies as having lived experience of suicide, which continues to shape his authentic and compassionate leadership in this space.
He holds a Masters degree in Suicidology and is currently a PhD candidate exploring help-offering among men in suicide prevention. His research seeks to uncover the “magic sauce” behind the MATES program — the core ingredients that make it so effective.
For the past three and a half years, Jørgen has been the CEO of the Queensland Mental Health Lived Experience Peak, advocating for the collective voice of people with lived experience of mental illness. He also serves on the Queensland Mental Health and Drugs Council and co-chairs the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Special Interest Group.
Jørgen is also a LivingWorks ASIST and safeTALK trainer, and remains a passionate advocate for community-based responses to suicide.
“Coming back to MATES feels like coming home,” Jørgen said. “The mission we set out on in 2008 is more important than ever. I’m honoured to lead this organisation once again, working alongside our partners, volunteers, and workers to keep our mates safe.”
MATES is a proudly bi-partisan initiative — supported across political lines and backed by industry, government, employers and unions alike. Its evidence-based approach and boots-on-the-ground delivery continue to make a measurable impact in preventing suicide in high-risk industries.
MATES Executive Director, Michael Harper said: “Jørgen’s vision shaped the DNA of MATES. His return brings both heart and strength, and we are excited for the future of the program under his leadership.”
Jørgen officially commences in the role on 15 May 2025.
