Our Partners

Historically BERT was about the member, in the main, the males in the industry. Building workers work hard, they work long hours and suffer stress and as a result unfortunately we see self-harm and suicides and this impacts on their loved ones.

Our Industry is about people and the culture of our industry is one of helping your mates. This is why the MATES formula is so effective in educating and raising awareness of suicide, it uses the natural ability we all must be a mate to a fellow worker and arms them with powerful knowledge to connect to help.

If we as an organisation can contribute towards building the necessary skills within industry and at home to help individuals identify the signs, we’re helping save lives and that’s the most important part.

The BERT fund continues to fund MATES and has chosen to be an industry partner to continue the support of the excellent work they are achieving.

The collaboration will see a range of branded personal protective equipment, workwear and packaging that will carry MATES, ‘Stronger Together’ messaging and their 24/7 helpline number. The messaging will be included on packaging, branded cartons, a range of cut resistant gloves, TRu Workwear and Bool FR Workwear branded shirts and retail swing tags.

TRu Workwear Director – Tony Urquhart said finding out about the high rates of suicide in the industry, seeded the idea to partner with MATES in Construction.

“We were shocked when we heard the workers in the industries we supply were being impacted by high rates of suicide and mental stress” he said.

“Supporting this charity fell within our company’s core values and therefore the partnership with MATES was essential to us. The mental safety of workers is just as important as their physical safety.

“We see this partnership as a real opportunity to support the industries who wear our gear, by reminding them to dig a little deeper and check in with a workmate or to call the MATES 24/7 helpline on 1300 642 111, if the conversation feels too big and get professional support. That’s why we’ve placed the helpline number on the inside collar of our workwear. It’s discreet, but convenient for anyone seeking help or to those connecting a mate to support,” Tony said.

MATES in Construction National CEO Chris Lockwood said he welcomed the partnership with Private Brands and TRu Brands.

“We can’t wait for this campaign to reach the workers we support through the MATES program and perhaps some sites who might need us but haven’t connected with us yet."