Michael Harper – Independent Chair Michael Harper took on the role of Independent Chair on the MATES in Construction SA Board in 2012 and has consistently held this position ever since. With a wealth of expertise in construction, manufacturing, and freight, Michael is celebrated for his results-driven, commercially focused leadership. He is adept at enhancing operational efficiencies and fostering collaborative business environments, significantly contributing to the growth of the organisation and the MATES SA team. With a robust senior management background in the construction industry, Michael is recognised for his collaborative management style and effective communication, essential for motivating employees and maximising performance. His proven leadership ensures that MATES in Construction SA remains strategically positioned to maximise profitability in order to make meaningful contributions to the community. Chris Bate – MBA SA Representative Chris Bate joined the MATES in Construction SA Board in 2012, representing the Master Builders Association SA. With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Chris has held leadership roles at tier 1 construction companies, guiding teams to successfully deliver complex projects on time and within budget. His expertise in strategic planning, team building, and effective communication has significantly contributed to the expansion of MATES SA into new markets. Chris is Built SA's Strategic Advisor after having led the South Australian business for over six years. In this capacity, he provides strategic guidance, nurtures high-level client relationships, and fosters business development opportunities whilst leveraging his extensive network in South Australia. Chris’s continued leadership and strategic insights are invaluable to both his professional role and his contributions to MATES in Construction SA. John Adley – CEPU Representative John Adley, an electrician by trade, serves as the member-elected Secretary of the South Australian Branch of the Communications Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU SA). Starting his career with an electrical apprenticeship in Adelaide’s elevator industry, John has worked in diverse roles across Australia and the UK. He became involved with CEPU as an organiser in 2007, later elected in 2011, and has been the Branch Secretary since 2015. CEPU SA advocates for 4,000 members, mainly electrical and plumbing tradespeople. John also holds positions as a Vice President of the South Australian Trades and Labour Council (SA Unions) and is a delegate to the CEPU National Council. His board memberships include PEER Training, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the Construction Industry Portable Long Service Leave Scheme, Electricity Industry Superannuation Scheme, and the SA Government Superannuation Federation, influencing key decisions across the trade sector. Rebecca Pickering – CCF SA Representative Rebecca is a strategic leader with over 27 years of experience in the commercial building and construction industry. Currently, she serves as the CEO of Civil Contractors Federation SA (CCF SA), the peak industry body for the civil construction sector in South Australia, and as the Executive Director of Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd, a group training organisation focused on employment and training for civil construction apprentices. Rebecca has consistently delivered solid results in both the private and not-for-profit sectors by empowering resources, refining processes, and developing robust systems. She holds an MBA specialising in strategy from the Australian Institute of Business and a Graduate Certificate in Compliance Management from the Governance Risk Compliance Institute. Rebecca is also a Certified Compliance Professional, a qualified Lead Internal Auditor, and a Microsoft Certified System Administrator. Her passion for continual improvement and adding value is evident in her contributions to the industry, where she is committed to driving positive change and fostering professional growth. Dave Kirner – CFMEU Representative Dave Kirner is the South Australian Assistant Secretary of the Construction Forestry Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Dave has represented workers across various sectors, advocating passionately for their rights and wellbeing. A strong supporter of mental health resources for workers, Dave has been dedicated to improving access to support services across the industry. Since joining the MATES in Construction SA Board in 2012 as the CFMEU representative, Dave has played a key role in supporting the organisation’s mission. His long-standing commitment to MATES SA reflects his belief in the importance of mental health advocacy and his dedication to ensuring that workers receive the resources and support they need. Simon Tyler – Research and Academic Representative Dr. Simon Tyler (B. Psych. Sci. (Hons), MS. Psychology) is a registered psychologist with a decade of experience in the construction industry, giving him unique insights into the mental health challenges faced by workers in male-dominated fields. His clinical work primarily focuses on men experiencing mental health and suicidal issues, particularly those impacted by their work environments. As a PhD candidate at the University of South Australia’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research Group, Simon’s research—supported by the Inaugural Allison Milner Memorial Fund Scholarship funded by MATES in Construction—investigates the role of masculinity in suicide within the construction industry. This work informs strategies to better educate and adapt suicide prevention programs. Simon is also part of Return-to-Work South Australia’s Mentally Healthy Workplaces team, developing strategies that promote safer and more productive workplaces. His combined expertise in psychology and construction significantly enhances his impact on mental health advocacy and workplace safety. Nicole Keller – Health Sector Representative Nicole Keller is Executive Manager Services at Uniting Care Wesley Bowden. She is a highly regarded leader and registered Occupational Therapist with a deep background in mental health and human services strategic policy, planning, and service delivery across New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Her experience spans government, non-government, and private sectors, demonstrating a robust track record of leadership and innovation to effectively influence system and service changes. Before joining UCWB, Nicole was the Executive Director of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Preventive Health SA where she was responsible for the suicide prevention policy and planning including supporting the development of the South Australian Suicide Prevention Plan 2023-24,the work of the SA Suicide Prevention Council and community driven Suicide Prevention Networks. She has also held numerous senior executive roles highlighting her ability to lead and innovate, including as the inaugural CEO of Australia’s first public service mutual, Kudos Services; Divisional Director, Mental Health at Northern Adelaide Local Health Network. She is a passionate advocate for participatory processes and partnering, consistently ensuring that those with lived experience are at the core of service development and decision-making. Michele Nardelli – Communications Specialist Michèle Nardeli is a seasoned Communications Specialist with over 35 years of experience in journalism, public relations, and strategic communications across both public and private sectors. Formerly the Associate Director at the University of South Australia, Michèle now channels her extensive media and communications expertise into her freelance career. She has a robust background as a News Manager in the higher education sector, where she honed skills in crisis management, journalism, and media relations. Michèle has been a valuable member of the MATES in Construction SA Board for seven years, bringing a broad knowledge of media and messaging to her role. Her commitment to the board is complemented by a strong dedication to supporting mental health education within the community, leveraging her communications acumen to enhance the reach and impact of mental health initiatives. Hon. Dean Brown AO – Honorary Patron Dean Brown, former Premier of South Australia from 1993 to 1996, is known for his significant contributions to the state’s economic and infrastructure development. With a tenure marked by major road projects and robust economic reforms, Dean has an extensive history of leadership across various portfolios. Post-politics, he continues to influence through his roles on several boards and advisory committees, advocating for strategic growth and community welfare. Since 2018, Dean has proudly served as the Honorary Patron of MATES in Construction SA, underscoring his deep commitment to mental health advocacy. His steadfast support for the MATES program has fostered significant connections and enhanced engagement across South Australia, amplifying the support the program gains. This, in turn, has broadened its impact, improving mental health resources and support within the construction community.