MATES South Australia

Our Impact

Workers Trained

MATES in Construction SA is making a real difference — delivering lifesaving training to thousands of workers across South Australia. From GAT to Connector, ASIST, and Respond, we’re supporting worksites and offices across the state to build safer, stronger, and more connected teams.


Our training helps workers look out for each other and know how to get help when it’s needed most — creating a culture of care, trust, and mental wellbeing right across South Australia’s construction industry.

47,691

MATES Inducted

4,346

Connectors Trained

1,056

ASIST Trained

1,858

Cases Managed

It's Tough to Talk

The construction industry continues to face some of the highest rates of suicide in Australia — but together, we can change that.

When we understand the warning signs, reach out, and connect our mates to mental health support, we help build a stronger, safer industry across South Australia.

It’s not always easy — sometimes, it’s tough to talk.

In this video series, workers from across South Australia’s construction industry share real stories of courage, connection, and support — reminding us that starting the conversation can save a life.

SA Events

SA

Respond Adelaide Friday 6 November 2026

Unley

5 November 2026

MATES Respond The MATES Respond Program is a 3 hour training course created upon the request of MATES volunteers to provide a best practice framework in suppor...

SA

Connector Adelaide Thursday 12 November 2026

Unley

11 November 2026

Would you know how to help a mate get the support they need?MATES Connector Training equips participants with the practical skills and confidence to recognise ...

SA

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Adelaide December 2026

Adelaide

1 December 2026

Would you know what to do if someone told you they were thinking about suicide?ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a globally recognised, e...

SA

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Nuriootpa December 2026

Nuriootpa

15 December 2026

Would you know what to do if someone told you they were thinking about suicide?ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a globally recognised, e...

SA Partners

SA News

Events

SA

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.

News

SA

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.

News

SA

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.