Local construction workers opened the conversation to check in on their mates while being treated to a barbecue breakfast helping to raise awareness for mental health on R U OK Day.
Organised by Hontondo Homes’ Amy and Nelson Plowman the event coincided with MATES in Construction’s Fly the Flag Day.
Amy thanked local businesses and organisations for their support including the Bargara Men’s Shed who cooked up a delicious breakfast for R U OK Day.
“It’s really encouraging to see so many people, not just the builders and tradies themselves but also apprentices, come along to enjoy a barbecue breakfast together,” she said.
“The barbecue breakfast allowed tradies a bit of time to connect and just have that chance to chat to each other.”
Col Richards Construction’s Col Richards said he encouraged his employees to start the conversation within the construction industry which would flow on to their families and the community.
Col said whether it was the wellbeing of his employees or the subcontractors, each individual was important and the R U OK Day helped them take a breather and know there was help available if they needed it.
“We just feel that this is an important event to be part of, especially with what is going on within the construction industry at the moment with everyone under so much pressure,” Col said.
“This is the first time we’ve been involved, and it definitely helps open the conversation.”
Custom Built Furnishers David Morrison agreed with Col and said R U OK Day was a chance to open up the conversation within the construction industry.
“Mates in Construction are here this morning and we’ve actually had a couple of our guys use them,” David said.
“It seems that now it’s more common for men to chat with each other for support, so it’s definitely a step in the right direction.”
Mates in Construction CEO John Brady said the barbecue breakfast was a fantastic opportunity for construction workers to get together.
“We have spoken with over 500 workers in the Bundaberg area and connected many of them with help,” John said.
Community Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said R U OK was an important reminder on the calendar to check in with one another.
“There are four things R U OK Day reminds us to think about, and these are: start the conversation. listen, encourage action and most importantly is to check back in,” Cr McPhee said.
“It’s an important cause that is near and dear to my heart as I lost my Dad to suicide four years ago.
“Every day in Australia six men lose their lives to suicide, and that’s unacceptable.
“Blokes aren’t great at talking and I hope events like this empower people to start the conversation and make it more normal.”
