News & Media

MATES SA 2026 Annual Lunch

More than 560 industry leaders, workers and supporters came together at the 2026 MATES SA Annual Lunch to champion mental health and suicide prevention, raising vital funds and reinforcing the power of connection across South Australia's construction industry.

NT tradies at mental breaking point and in need of trained mates

Construction workers in the Northern Territory are battling some of the worst rates of psychological distress and suicidal ideation in the country, but new peer-reviewed research has found that a Queensland-born program is turning the tide.

Martin Medal Nominations

Recognition of individuals who go above and beyond to break the stigma around mental health, look out for their peers, and embody mates helping mates on site.

2026 National Suicide Prevention Australia Conference

Insights from the National Suicide Prevention Australia Conference (27–30 April), highlighting the role of workplaces, connection and early intervention in mental health and suicide prevention and how MATES in Construction SA is supporting industry change.

2024 MATES Program Report

Program Report demonstrating findings from training surveys and a national online survey of MATES Volunteers and GAT-trained workers.

Fly the Flag Week 2025: South Australia Stands Together for Mental Health in Construction

During Fly the Flag Week 2025, more than 111,000 workers across 915 sites proudly flew the MATES flag, turning construction red, white and black in a powerful show of unity for mental health and suicide prevention across Australia. In South Australia, worksites from Adelaide to regional communities joined the movement, raising the MATES flag high as part of a national initiative that shines a light on the importance of mental health support, connection and care in the construction industry.

SA Celebrating Our Industry Partners: A Night of Connection and Gratitude

The construction industry is built on teamwork and at MATES in Construction SA, we know that same spirit of connection extends beyond worksites and offices. Our annual Partner Appreciation Event, proudly hosted by Brickworks, was a chance to come together and thank the organisations, leaders, and individuals who help us build safer, stronger, and more connected workplaces across South Australia.

SA leads rollout of Blueprint for better mental health in construction.

MATES South Australia is proud to lead the implementation of the Blueprint for Better Mental Health & Suicide Prevention — a national, industry-endorsed program designed to help construction companies create psychologically safe, supportive, and resilient workplaces.

MATES SA 2025 Annual Fundraising Lunch

This year's MATES SA Annual Fundraising Lunch, held at the iconic Adelaide Oval on Friday, 2 May 2025, was our biggest yet — drawing over 480 attendees and showcasing the strength of our community's commitment to mental health and suicide prevention.