This year’s MATES SA’s Annual Fundraising Lunch held at the iconic Adelaide Oval was a fantastic afternoon and saw the biggest turnout yet. Around 370 people joined together to show their support of the MATES program and to celebrate the amazing work that’s being done by volunteers across our industries to support each other, raise awareness, and reduce suicide.

The Hon. Chris Picton opened the event and spoke about support for mental health and wellbeing in the state. The Minister recognised the work being done by MATES in Construction and the role everyone needs to play in preventing suicide and keeping each other safe and supported.

The keynote speaker this year was shark attack survivor and fellow construction worker Chris Blowes. Chris candidly told the story of surviving a shark attack, which saw him lose his leg, and his subsequent recovery which saw him surf and work again. His amazing story spoke highly of the role his mates played in supporting him on his journey – how they helped save his life on the day and remained a strong support for him in the following years.

The event was supported by Silver Event Sponsors Construction Industry Training Centre (CITC), Peer, CFMEU, Mister Doors, and Adelaide Fire doors and Adelaide Fire Protection and Coatings. Once again, this year’s Major Event Sponsor was Cbus: Australia’s largest super fund for the building, construction, and allied industries. Cbus has proudly supported MATES SA’s Annual fundraising Lunch for the past eight years.

As the major fundraiser for MATES SA each year, this event helps raise the funds that help deliver the MATES in Construction program across the construction and allied industries. Thanks to the support of the event sponsors and the generosity of so many individuals and companies on the day, the event raised just over $43,000.

Overall, it was a fantastic event that brought people together, raised funds to support the MATES program, and celebrated the ongoing work of so many amazing people in our industries.