Alarming figures show that across Australia a construction worker is lost to suicide every second day.
This is one reason two local trade companies are on a mission to fundraise more than $30,000 towards “critical” suicide prevention work within the construction and mining industries.
Next month, DYFA Group and Pacific Blue Developments will compete in the Goggins Challenge to raise money for the charity MATES in Construction.
Established in 2008, the charity helps to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers through community development programs on sites.
The charity further supports workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line.
In 2021, the DYFA Group raised more than $20,000 to assist MATES in Construction by participating in the annual Goggins Challenge. This year they are aiming to raise much more.
Started by American ultramarathon runner David Goggins, the Goggins Challenge is test of physical fitness, mental strength and personal will. It involves running four miles (6.4km) every four hours for 48 hours.
Many people use the challenge as an opportunity to fundraise for a charity or cause close to their heart.
A report submitted to MATES in Construction by the University of Melbourne in 2022 showed that over the 2001-19 period, the overall age-standardised suicide rate for male construction workers was 26.1 per 100,000 in Australia.
DYFA Group managing director and Goggins Challenge participant Dylan Fahey said choosing MATES in Construction as its charity was an easy one because the work it does was critical in trying to lower suicide statistics.
Having been in the construction industry for more than 20 years, he explained why supporting the charity was so important to him.
“I feel that the part we can play is bigger than within our team,” he said.
“If we can help to provide training that might help to save one life then it’s worth it – and it is us giving back to the construction industry as well.”
He said the charity was about training co-workers and people within the industry to be able pick up the signs of suicide when their co-workers are showing them.
“The training gives people the skills and tools to be able to start those conversations with someone who might be struggling, which is one of the most challenging things to do,” he said.
“If we can support each other more as a community, be it in the construction or mining industries, people can feel like they are not isolated and on their own and that can help save lives.
“Suicide has such a big effect not just on the person but on their wider communities. Having these skills can have a broader reach than just the person’s the work community too.”
Mr Fahey said the reason behind the high suicide rates in the construction industry was mostly due to the workers having a “highly stressful environment”.
“People go from a high-level of stress in their workplaces and then take that home,” he said.
“Then combine that with other stressors at home. The work can also be extreme.”
While DYFA have already raised more than $27,000 out of their $30,000 GoFundMe goal, Mr Fahey said they wanted to try and raise as much as possible before the event kicked-off in a few weeks.
“The response from the community and support that we are getting is amazing,” he said.
“We really appreciate any further donations.
“The more awareness and the more money we raise, the more training the charity can do. Thank you to all of our supporters.”
What began as a health initiative for the DYFA team soon became an opportunity to fundraise for an event that was close to their industry, their business and their hearts.
“Training began more than six months ago and is going well,” Mr Fahey said.
“The challenge is a good chance to connect with work teammates and boosts moral within the team.”
The DYFA Goggins Challenge is held on Friday, March 3, starting at the Twin Waters Resort at noon. The team will then run down to Mudjimba for an 8am finish on Sunday, March 5.
“If anyone wants to come and run along with us or cheer us on, everyone is welcome,” Mr Fahey said.
- Mates in Construction: 1300 642 111, mates.org.au
- Lifeline: 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 635, beyondblue.org.au
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