The manufacturing industry has long been identified as a sector in urgent need of mental health support. Workers in manufacturing face significantly higher risks of suicide and mental health challenges compared to the national average, often driven by factors such as high-pressure environments, physical demands, job insecurity, and stigma around seeking help.
Addressing these issues requires targeted, industry-specific approaches – making partnerships like the one between The Tyree Group and MATES in Manufacturing critical to driving lasting change across the sector.
Tyree and MATES in Manufacturing officially launched their partnership to deliver mental health and suicide prevention initiatives in manufacturing at a special event on the 20th of October 2025.
Held at Tyree’s Braemar site, the event brought together key industry and political leaders in a strong show of support for worker wellbeing. It marks the beginning of a company-wide rollout designed to equip Tyree workers with practical tools to recognise warning signs, provide peer support, and connect colleagues to professional help.
Among attendees at the official launch event were Federal Member for Whitlam, Carol Berry MP, State Member for Wollondilly, Judy Hannan MP, Jørgen Gullestrup, CEO of MATES Australia, Steven Smith, Tyree Group HSEQ Group Manager, Tyree Group Michael Stack General Manager and Technical Lead, Casey Evans, Tyree Group Marketing Manager and Scott Mackenzie, MATES Field Officer.
MATES Australia CEO Jørgen Gullestrup welcomed the partnership’s progress:
“Seeing this program delivered onsite, with strong support from leadership and local representatives, demonstrates what industry change looks like in action. Together, we’re building a network and culture of care, where workers look out for each other and no one is left to struggle alone.”
MATES Australia CEO Jørgen Gullestrup
Through partnership with Tyree, the MATES in Manufacturing Program is bringing a comprehensive framework of training, support, and connection to the manufacturing workplace. Workers are empowered to recognise when colleagues may be struggling, while specially trained Connector and ASIST volunteers are equipped to provide immediate support and link mates to professional help. A 24/7 helpline ensures access to qualified counsellors and psychologists at any time, and ongoing case management connects workers to practical assistance tailored to their needs.
Backed by research and guided by the MATES National Board, the program continually evolves to remain the most effective mental health and suicide prevention model for Australian industry. Grounded in values of proactivity, support, commitment, and respect, MATES with Tyree is creating workplaces where mental health is prioritised, help is always available, and every worker can thrive.
Steven Smith, HSEQ Manager of The Tyree Group, said:
“At Tyree, our people are the heart of our business. Partnering with MATES in Manufacturing gives us the tools and support to ensure our teams feel safe, connected, and supported – both at work and in life. This partnership aligns perfectly with our values and our 80-year tradition of giving back to the community.”
Steven Smith, HSEQ Manager of The Tyree Group
This partnership marks a major milestone for mental health in Australian manufacturing. Embedding the MATES model across its operations, Tyree is setting a new benchmark for industry – driving a cultural shift where worker wellbeing is prioritised, stigma is challenged, and manufacturing workplaces nationwide can become safer and more connected environments.
To learn more about Mates in Manufacturing visit https://manufacturing.mates.org.au/ or https://www.tyree.com.au/ and https://tyreecable.com.au/ to read about exciting projects happening across The Tyree Group.
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