My Activity Tracking
0
kms
My target 1000 kms
Miles for Mates
This April I’m taking on the MATES Big Lap 2026 as part of the Ascent Training Solutions SOLE Mates team.
For the whole month I’ll be running, walking, riding, swimming—basically moving in any way that doesn’t require sitting at my desk—to help raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention in the construction and trade industries.
Like most people in our industry, I’ve seen how tough things can get behind the scenes. MATES does incredible work making sure people know they’re not alone and that there’s always someone to talk to.
So while there may be a bit of sweating, some sore legs, and possibly some questionable fitness levels involved, it’s all for a cause that really matters.
Every kilometre tracked and every dollar raised helps MATES continue their life-saving work supporting workers and their families across our industries.
If you can spare a few dollars, share some encouragement, or just cheer on the Ascent SOLE Mates, it would mean a lot. Let’s get moving and look out for our mates.
My Achievements
Fundraising page
Updated Profile Pic
Added a Blog Post
Received 5 Donations
Reached Goal
Increased Target
My Updates
Small Conversations, Big Impact
Wednesday 11th MarAround four years ago, I became involved with MATES in Construction, and what started as simply wanting to support a great initiative has grown into something incredibly important to me both personally and professionally.
Working in and around the construction and training industry, you quickly realise that behind the tough exteriors and the “she’ll be right” attitudes, many people are carrying far more than anyone can see. The work can be demanding, the environments can be high pressure, and sometimes people feel like they have to deal with everything on their own.
That’s why the work MATES does is so powerful.
Over the years, I’ve taken the opportunity to become a Connector and complete ASIST training, which allows me to better support people who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide. These programs aren’t about being a counsellor or having all the answers. They’re about knowing how to recognise when someone might be struggling, starting a conversation, and helping connect them with the right support.
What I’ve learned through this journey is that sometimes the most important thing you can do for someone is simply listen without judgement.
During this time, I’ve had several people confide in me when they were going through some of their lowest moments. Those conversations stay with you. They reinforce just how important it is that people feel safe enough to speak up and know that someone genuinely cares.
No one should feel like they have to face those battles alone.
One of the highlights of my journey with MATES was also having the opportunity to appear on the MATES podcast, which was an incredible experience. Being able to talk about the importance of mental health in our industry and the impact MATES is making across worksites was something I felt really grateful to be part of.
The reality is that suicide prevention isn’t about big heroic gestures. It’s about small, consistent actions, checking in on a mate, noticing when someone isn’t themselves, and reminding people that it’s okay to talk.
The construction industry is built on mateship. We look out for each other on site every day to make sure everyone goes home safely. MATES reminds us that mental health safety is just as important as physical safety.
That’s why I continue to support the work they do and why initiatives like the MATES Big Lap mean so much to me. Every conversation, every kilometre moved, and every bit of awareness helps break down the stigma and reminds people that support is always there.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my involvement with MATES, it’s that Checking in on someone might seem like a small thing, but it can make a life changing difference.
Share
