In an effort to address the prevalent mental health challenges within the construction industry, a special event was convened on November 2nd in Sydney, Australia. This gathering, hosted at the Museum of Contemporary Art against the stunning backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, marked the formal launch of the “Get Construction Talking” initiative in Australia—a collaborative effort between The B1M and Procore.
The global initiative, previously introduced in London and Chicago, seeks to shed light on the construction sector’s heightened struggles with mental health, tackling the associated stigma, and generating meaningful conversations. The aim is to engage millions in dialogue while concurrently supporting charities dedicated to mental health, with a fundraising goal of $1 million.
Over a hundred construction leaders and professionals convened for the event, where Liam Marsh, Chief Revenue Officer at The B1M, and a senior director of industry transformation at Procore, Sasha Reed, extended welcoming remarks. The evening progressed into a comprehensive 90-minute panel discussion and live audience Q&A, led by key figures from The B1M and featuring insights from industry luminaries such as Alison Mirams, Executive Chair at Roberts Co, Chris Lockwood, CEO of MATES in Construction, and John Briggs, CEO of Intract—an indigenous construction company.
The discussion delved into the nuanced causes contributing to the construction industry’s mental health crisis, exploring potential strategies for mitigation. The event was supported by MATES in Construction, a prominent mental health charity in Australia and New Zealand, offering resources and information to guide individuals and organizations towards support avenues.
As part of the initiative’s Australian launch, attendees had the opportunity to participate in General Awareness Training (GAT) sessions, showcasing the impactful efforts of MATES teams in addressing mental health concerns. Recognizing the complexity of the issue, the initiative emphasizes the power of conversation in promoting awareness, normalizing discussions, and encouraging individuals to identify signs of distress in their colleagues.
The “Get Construction Talking” initiative, founded on the principle of collective grassroots action, leverages the expansive influence of The B1M and Procore to elevate the discourse on mental health, providing practical insights for those seeking to contribute positively to the cause. By fostering a culture of openness and support, the initiative endeavors to effect meaningful change within the construction industry.
