MATES SA 2026 Annual Lunch
More Than 560 People United for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention at the 2026 MATES SA Annual Lunch
More than 560 leaders, workers, industry partners and supporters gathered at Adelaide Oval on Friday, 15 May for the 2026 MATES in Construction SA Annual Lunch making it one of the largest gatherings yet in support of mental health and suicide prevention across South Australia's construction and allied industries.
The event was a powerful reminder of what can happen when an industry chooses to look out for its own.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees heard firsthand how MATES is helping turn conversations around mental health into practical action on worksites across the state. From General Awareness Training through to Connector and ASIST programs, MATES continues to equip workers with the confidence to recognise when someone is struggling, start meaningful conversations and connect people to support before a crisis occurs.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Suicide Prevention
The event welcomed Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Hon. Mark Butler MP, along with South Australia's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Hon. Joe Szakacs MP.
During the lunch, Minister Szakacs announced the South Australian Government's ongoing commitment to MATES in Construction SA, with more than $340,000 in funding over the next four years to continue delivering vital mental health and suicide prevention initiatives across the construction industry.
The announcement reinforced the importance of MATES' work, with construction workers remaining significantly more likely to die by suicide than from a workplace accident.
Powerful Stories That Inspired Action
Attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Brooke McIntosh, whose remarkable journey running 14,200 kilometres around Australia to raise awareness for mental health left a lasting impact across the room.
Brooke's honesty, vulnerability and message of courage challenged attendees to continue breaking down stigma, supporting one another and recognising that one conversation really can change — or even save — a life.
The program also featured powerful stories from MATES ambassadors, operational staff and industry representatives, highlighting the real impact the program is having every day across South Australian worksites.
An Industry Backing Its People
The generosity shown throughout the day was extraordinary, with significant funds raised through donations, the live auction and raffle.
A special thank you goes to Michael Harper, who generously donated his time as auctioneer, along with the many businesses and individuals who contributed incredible live auction and raffle prizes. Your generosity directly supports the continuation of MATES' life-saving work across South Australia.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
Events like this are only possible because of the ongoing commitment of our industry partners.
Major Event Sponsor
- Cbus Super
A long-standing supporter of MATES in Construction SA and our Annual Lunch since 2016, Cbus Super continues to invest in the mental health and wellbeing of workers across the construction industry. Their partnership helps ensure MATES can continue delivering life-saving suicide prevention training, support and connection to those who need it most.
Platinum Sponsors
- BIRST
- Incolink
- CFMEU SA
Gold Sponsors
- ReturnToWorkSA
- Progressive Vending
Silver Sponsors
- Consolidated Power Projects
- Alexander Symonds
- Fleurieu Cranes
- SA Portable Long Service Leave – Construction Industry
- CEPU Specialist Contractors Association
- Vertigo SA
- Symal
Bronze Sponsors
- RMD Australia
- Hansen Yuncken
We sincerely thank every sponsor for standing alongside MATES and helping create safer, healthier and more connected workplaces across our industry.
Thank You
Finally, thank you to every attendee, sponsor, volunteer, donor, speaker and supporter who made this year's Annual Lunch such a success.
Every ticket purchased, every raffle entered, every auction bid placed and every conversation started helps ensure MATES can continue delivering training, early intervention and support to workers and families across South Australia.
Because real change happens when an industry chooses to look out for its own.
Together, we're continuing to build safer workplaces — one conversation, one site and one mate at a time.
