Mates In Construction

What Mates In Construction does

Mates In Construction (MATES) is an Australian-registered, industry-owned not-for-profit charity delivering evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health programs to blue-collar workforces. Founded in 2008 in Queensland following documented elevated suicide rates in the construction industry, MATES operates industry-specific programs across construction, mining, energy, and manufacturing, with regional operating entities in Queensland/Northern Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia, plus an established New Zealand subsidiary (2019) and a North America pilot (2024-2025). Its core offering centers on a layered training-and-support model: General Awareness Talks (GAT) for all on-site workers (45-minute introduction), Connector Training (half-day peer-support training), and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST, two-day crisis intervention workshop), supplemented by a 24/7 helpline (1300 642 111) staffed by qualified psychologists and counselors, ongoing case management, critical incident and postvention support, and a Site Accreditation program requiring 80% GAT, 5% Connector, and ASIST coverage thresholds.

Underpinning delivery is a network of regional Field Officers who conduct on-site engagement, supported by digital platforms including the MATES Hub (FIFO/DIDO companion app), the MATES Volunteer Toolbox App, MATES Online resource library, and a Suicide Safe Plan Tool — these tools are positioned as resource and template platforms rather than AI-driven products. At scale, MATES reports 391,520+ workers inducted, 38,611+ Connectors trained, 5,384+ ASIST-trained workers, and 18,297+ cases managed. The organization receives formal research backing through partnerships with Griffith University and Deakin University, and was endorsed by the World Health Organization in 2021 as a global example of best practice in workplace suicide prevention.

Revenue is generated primarily through tiered industry partnership fees (small sites ~$7,500-$15,000 in Year 1; mid-sized $15,000-$40,000; large/national customized), supplemented by tax-deductible donations via Donorbox, fundraising events (Big Lap, Fly the Flag, Kokoda Challenge), and branded merchandise sales. Founding industry partners include BERT, BIRST, and ReddiFund, with enterprise partners spanning BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, BHP Olympic Dam, MMG Dugald River, Glencore's Ulan Surface Operations, Dyno Nobel Curragh, Agnico Eagle Fosterville, Ravenswood Gold, Evolution Mining Northparkes, Malabar Resources, and Jellinbah Mining, among others. MATES support services remain free to workers and their families, with costs recovered from partner companies.

Name

Mates In Construction

Legal name

MATES in Construction (Aust) Limited

Website

https://mates.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

MATES is an Australian not-for-profit delivering industry-led, evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health programs (training, 24/7 helpline, case management) to construction, mining, energy, and manufacturing workforces across Australia, New Zealand, and a North America pilot.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workplace Mental Health Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Suicide Prevention, Self-Harm Prevention & Threat Assessment Programs (EDAKAMAI)

Keywords

• Suicide prevention programs
• Workplace mental health
• Peer support training
• Industry mental health services
• Employee assistance programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Brisbane

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Industry Partnership Fees: Partner companies pay tiered fees for MATES program delivery, training, and support. Small companies (up to ~300 employees): approx. $7,500-$15,000 in Year 1. Mid-sized (300-1,000 employees): typically $15,000-$40,000 in Year 1. Large/National (1,000+ employees): fully customized pricing.
2. Donations: Public donations accepted through the website using Donorbox platform. Donations are tax-deductible and support suicide prevention training and mental health support programs.
3. Fundraising Events: Hosted events including Big Lap, Fly the Flag, Kokoda Challenge, Fight Nights, BBQs, golf days, trivia nights, and corporate boxing events raise funds for MATES operations.
4. Merchandise Sales: Online shop selling branded merchandise (workwear, PPE with MATES messaging) where proceeds support suicide prevention programs.
5. Site Accreditation: Sites can become MATES Accredited by meeting training thresholds (80% GAT, 5% Connectors, ASIST access), with the accreditation process supporting revenue generation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

MATES is an industry-led, evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health organization that delivers on-site training (General Awareness Talks, Connector Training, ASIST), a 24/7 helpline, case management, site accreditation, and peer support networks across the construction, mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors in Australia, New Zealand, and a North America pilot.

Product overview

MATES In Construction operates a comprehensive suite of industry-specific suicide prevention and mental health programs across Construction, Mining, Energy, and Manufacturing sectors in Australia, with expansion to New Zealand and a North America pilot. The portfolio centers on the MATES Program, which combines on-site training (General Awareness Talks, Connector Training, ASIST, and Respond Training), the 24/7 Helpline (1300 642 111), and Case Management services. Supporting this core structure are digital platforms including the MATES FIFO/DIDO Hub (fifo.mates.org.au), the MATES Volunteer Toolbox App, and MATES Online. The organization also provides Site Accreditation for partner workplaces, operates a research program with PhD scholarships, and hosts annual events like Fly the Flag and MATES Big Lap. The programs are delivered through Field Officers stationed across regional offices (QLD/NT, NSW, SA, WA) who conduct on-site training, toolbox talks, and support Connectors and ASIST volunteers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MATES Volunteer Toolbox App: A mobile application providing volunteers with training guides, support tools, safe plan templates, access to local services, upcoming events, and training certificates
• MATES Hub (FIFO Hub)

Products and services

• MATES in Construction Industry-led, evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health program delivering on-site support, training, and a help-offering culture across the construction sector.
• MATES in Mining Mental health and suicide prevention program for the mining industry, focusing on the unique challenges of remote and shift-based work by building peer support networks across sites.
• MATES in Energy Mental health and suicide prevention program focused on improving mental health and reducing suicide rates within the energy sector.
• MATES in Manufacturing Mental health and suicide prevention program focused on improving mental health and preventing suicide within the manufacturing sector.
• MATES in Construction NZ New Zealand-based industry-specific mental health and suicide prevention program delivered through on-site training, peer support, case management, and a 24/7 support line.
• MATES North America Pilot Pilot initiative exploring how the proven MATES in Construction model can be adapted to support workplace mental health and suicide prevention in North America.
• General Awareness Talks (GAT) 45-minute introductory training session introducing workers to mental health awareness and suicide prevention basics, delivered to at least 80% of on-site workers.
• Connector Training Half-day training course teaching participants to recognize signs of mental distress and guide colleagues toward appropriate support and resources.
• ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Two-day interactive workshop in suicide first-aid teaching participants how to recognise when someone may be thinking about suicide and respond to keep them safe.
• MATES Respond Training Training added to the MATES Program in 2024, enhancing the suite of mental health support training options available.
• Site Accreditation Program Structured certification process recognizing workplaces committed to improving mental health and preventing suicide through a tiered approach combining mental health awareness, gatekeeper training, and access to specialized intervention.
• MATES 24/7 Helpline Confidential 24/7 support helpline (1300 642 111) for workers and their families, answered by qualified psychologists, counsellors and social workers who understand the industry.
• Case Management Qualified case managers (psychologists and social workers) who work directly with people experiencing distress to develop individually-tailored support plans.
• Critical Incidents Support On-site support after critical incidents to help workers and recharge local networks of Connectors and ASIST workers.
• Postvention Support Support offered after a worker or their family member has died by suicide, addressing complex emotions and ensuring appropriate support during healing.
• MATES Volunteer Toolbox App Digital resource app for volunteers providing training guides, support tools, safe plan templates, access to local services, upcoming events, and training certificates. Available on Apple App Store and Google Play.

Quantifiable outcome

• 391,520+ workers inducted across all MATES programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered founding, core, brand and industry.

• BERT (Building Employees Redundancy Trust)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008BERT was the Queensland Foundation Partner when MATES in Construction was established in 2008, providing initial support for the organization.
• BIRST (Building Industry Redundancy Scheme Trust)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008BIRST was the South Australian Founding Partner supporting MATES expansion to South Australia.
• ReddiFundfoundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008ReddiFund was the Founding Partner in Western Australia supporting MATES establishment and expansion to WA.
• Mining & Energy Union (MEU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMEU protects workers' safety, rights, wages, and conditions. They actively support mining communities through sponsorships and community events, and campaign for political change on issues affecting members.
• TruBrands/Force 360brandGTM or Marketing PartnerAustralian workwear and PPE brands Force360 and TRu Workwear partnered with MATES to include mental health messaging and 24/7 helpline number on packaging, branded cartons, gloves, workwear shirts and retail tags.
• Reece GroupbrandGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner raising awareness and support for mental health and suicide prevention in the workplace through co-branded products and national campaigns.
• Ravenswood GoldindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerQueensland's largest gold mine partnered with MATES in Mining. Site has achieved MATES accreditation with maximum participation in training programs.
• Evolution Mining NorthparkesindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCopper-gold mine in NSW partnered with MATES for workplace mental health support.
• Dixon Quarry GroupindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily-owned quarry company partnered with MATES for mental health support.
• BHP Mitsubishi AllianceindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerBMA is the largest exporter of steelmaking coal in the world with 10,000+ employees, partnered with MATES.
• Agnico Eagle (Fosterville)industryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFosterville Gold Mine in Victoria partnered with MATES and achieved accreditation in 2024.
• BHP Olympic DamindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor mining operation in South Australia partnered with MATES for workplace mental health support.
• Agile Mining ServicesindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth Australia's largest open cut mining contractor partnered with MATES.
• Malabar ResourcesindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHunter Valley resources company with 95% site-based employees living locally partnered with MATES.
• QuarricoindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner for MATES in Mining program.
• Ulan Surface Operations (Glencore)industryStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of NSW's longest running coal mining operations partnered with MATES.
• MMG Dugald RiverindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop 10 zinc operation globally with 20+ year mine life partnered with MATES.
• Dyno Nobel CurraghindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmploying around 4,000 people with Zero Harm philosophy, partnered with MATES.
• Jellinbah MiningindustryStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpen cut coal mine in operation since 1989, MATES in Mining partner with strong health and safety focus.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Strengths4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mates_sa
• YouTubevimeo.com/user108967942
• Facebookfacebook.com/matesinconstruction
• LinkedInfacebook.com/matesinconstruction
• Instagraminstagram.com/matesinconstruction
• TikToktiktok.com/@mates_in_construction?lang=en

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mates In Construction