Multiple landmarks across the City of Perth will be lighting up red this December, in support of construction workers across Western Australia.

 After a tough and testing year for individuals and businesses in construction, industry-based suicide prevention charity MATES in Construction WA (MATES), are spreading awareness of support services available to construction workers and their families.

MATES in Construction WA has joined forces with the City of Perth as well as Main Roads, to raise awareness of the high rate of suicide within the construction industry and is an opportunity to thank Western Australians for supporting the MATES program for 10 years.

Workers in the construction industry are six times more likely to die by suicide than a workplace accident, representing around 200 workers who lose their lives to suicide every year (that’s one worker every second day). MATES are committed to improving mental health support for construction workers, based on a simple idea that ‘suicide is everyone’s business’.

MATES in Construction WA CEO, Liam Cubbage, recently addressed how this has been one of the WA construction industry’s most challenging years on record. “Now more than ever, the construction industry needs mental health and wellbeing support. Increasing costs of materials and product shortages combined with skills and staffing shortages have placed enormous pressure on workers and business owners in the industry, leading to widespread work-related stress and increased levels of mental health issues”.

Perth landmarks including the Matagarup Bridge, Yagan Square, The Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay Bridge and more, are lighting up red in solidarity and support for the individuals and businesses involved in the construction of these monumental Western Australian projects.

To celebrate and thank workers who have done their part to help make the industry suicide-safer, MATES are holding their Annual MATES in Construction WA Leadership Awards at The Westin Perth on Thursday 23^rdFebruary 2023. To nominate a mate within the construction industry who has done their part to better the mental health and encourage suicide prevention through their work, you can nominate them via the following link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MATESLEADERSHIPAWARDS

You can also send an email to wamedia@mates.org.au and request a nomination form or call MATES on 08 9463 6664. Details on how to nominate a mate are also available on the MATES in Construction WA social media pages.

Supporters of MATES are urging people to engage with organisations such as MATES in Construction WA, so we can all continue to take positive steps to prevent suicide and save the lives of at-risk workers.

You can contact MATES via the 24/7 free helpline on 1300 642 111.
To find out more about for information on how to donate to MATES please head to https://mates.org.au/construction/