Episode 3: Mental Health in Construction with MATES in Construction | Beyond the Bandage

Content Warning: This episode discusses mental health, suicide prevention and personal lived experiences. Please take care while watching and reach out for support if needed.

In this episode of Beyond the Bandage, ABC First Aid goes beyond physical first aid and into the real conversations that can help save lives.

We’re joined by Justin from MATES in Construction, a suicide prevention charity supporting workers across the construction industry and their families. Justin shares his personal journey, his passion for mental health advocacy, and the simple but powerful message behind MATES: notice when someone is struggling, have the conversation, and help connect them to support.

This episode explores the pressures of the construction industry, why mental health needs to be treated with the same seriousness as physical safety, and how checking in on a mate can make a life-changing difference.

From personal stories to practical advice, Justin reminds us that you don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to care enough to turn up, listen, and help someone take the next step.

If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust or connect with a professional support service.

Please like, share and subscribe to support future episodes of Beyond the Bandage.

00:00 Welcome to Beyond the Bandage
00:00 Introducing Justin from MATES in Construction
00:00 What MATES in Construction does
00:00 Why construction needs mental health support
00:00 Justin’s personal story and connection to the industry
00:00 The power of authenticity and real conversations
00:00 Why mental health is part of workplace safety
00:00 How to notice when a mate is struggling
00:00 You do not need to fix them, you just need to listen
00:00 Support pathways and case-by-case help
00:00 Young workers, suicide risk and industry awareness
00:00 Why checking in once is not always enough
00:00 The importance of trust, consistency and showing up
00:00 How MATES is making a difference across industries
00:00 The role of schools and the next generation
00:00 Listening as one of the most powerful tools
00:00 Justin shares his poem and his “why”
00:00 Who looks after Justin?
00:00 Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

Key Talking Points
MATES in Construction is built around suicide prevention and supporting workers across the construction industry.
The episode connects first aid with mental health, showing that helping someone goes beyond physical injuries.
Justin shares how a boss consistently checking in on him helped open the door to getting support.
The conversation highlights that people do not need to have all the answers to help someone. Listening, noticing changes and showing care can be enough to start.
Mental health is discussed as part of workplace safety, especially in a high-pressure industry like construction.
Justin’s poem becomes one of the most powerful moments of the episode, capturing the heart behind his work and the importance of helping a mate.
YouTube Tags

ABC First Aid, Beyond the Bandage, MATES in Construction, mental health in construction, suicide prevention, construction industry mental health, first aid podcast, workplace safety, psychosocial hazards, checking in on mates, men’s mental health, construction workers, mental health awareness, first aid training, Australian construction industry, support your mates, workplace wellbeing, mental health conversations, suicide prevention Australia

Hashtags

#BeyondTheBandage #ABCFirstAid #MATESInConstruction #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #ConstructionIndustry #WorkplaceSafety #MensMentalHealth #FirstAidTraining #SupportYourMates

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:00

Hi everyone and welcome to Beyond the Bandage, the podcast where we go beyond the textbook and into the real stories, real people, and real impact behind first aid. Because today we're not just talking about training, we're talking about purpose. We're talking about impact and we're talking about what happens when the skills we teach truly come full circle.

SPEAKER_02 0:25

Today we're joined by Justin Gaines from Mates in Construction. Justin is passionate and an advocate about mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. Justin, for those that are not familiar with Mates in Construction, can you tell us a little bit about you and obviously your organization?

SPEAKER_00 0:46

Yeah, awesome, Dee. Look, Mates in Construction, we're a suicide prevention charity. So we are a gift from the industry to the industry. I'm just a dodgy plumber from Logan. But one of the things that we do is we we go onto construction sites. We've got a 1-300 number for anyone in our industry and their families to be able to reach out when they're struggling or doing it tough. And our heart and our mission is to empower the industry to do what it's been doing for eons, which is looking out for its mates. Noticing if someone's struggling, not only physically but uh mentally with their well-being and and supporting that person, being up to navigate a struggling person to the help that's available. So that that that's our mission, just getting out there, having these conversations and um empowering people to notice when their mates, when their friends, when their family members are struggling. So yeah, it's a pretty cool gig.

SPEAKER_02 1:40

How do you promote that in your construction sites? Like there's just so many construction sites. How do you reach so many different people?

SPEAKER_00 1:48

Yeah, 100%. Look, we we just go low-hanging fruit. We just walk on where we're where we're wanted and um we do layers of training. Um, we'll we'll we'll support people if there's been an incident on site or there's been a loss. Um so supporting through grief and loss is always a challenge. Um but basically, yeah, we we we just keep turning up. Last week I was in Adelaide going on construction sites, having having conversations with people a week week before that in town. So, you know, so we we we we fairly travel around. Um, there's a fair few construction sites out there, but the secret source isn't us going about, it's about empowering the industry. So that's our mission. The secret source of the volunteers on every single job site, you know, willing to have the conversation.

SPEAKER_03 2:31

Yeah, awesome. And you seem, and we can hear you're very passionate about this industry, and uh very clearly you you enjoy having conversations, and we're only a couple of moments in, and I can tell already this is gonna be a great chat. Uh Justin, what drew you to the industry in the first place?

SPEAKER_00 2:49

Yeah, look, as I said, I'm uh I am a plumber, so I've been in the industry um for over 36 years. Um, hailed from New Zealand, but uh came to Australia as a 17-year-old and um yeah, landed in the industry and um yeah, definitely uh love the industry, love the banter. Um, you know, plumbers are probably the the top notch above everyone else. Of course. Of course. Uh we're all jealous of the Sparkies, but that's another story for you. So so I've been in the industry for a while, and and I guess the work that I do, um, you you see people go, you know, go through stuff, go through some challenges. And and and I've been through my own challenges. I've had um I've had breakdowns and um having diagnosis of a mental illness, so I've got bipolar type two. Um, and so navigated that most of my life, and um to be able to acknowledge that not everyone who goes sideways has a mental illness. Sometimes circumstances jump up and bite people. And so um I I just love the fact that our industry is full of people like me who, you know, just bruised and battered, but um passionate about uh building stuff, uh, but even more passionate about looking out for our mates.

SPEAKER_03 4:00

Yeah, that's fantastic. And do you find, um, Justin, through those conversations that you're able to connect with other people, or they're of course able to connect with you quite well, given that you've had you know those experiences yourself?

SPEAKER_00 4:14

Yeah, look, I I I think in in my opinion, um authenticity is what uh drives our industry. Um so if you can be fairdenc, if you can be real with who you are and the challenges you've you've faced and maybe overcome, then that that that empowers other people to be authentic and transparent with their own journeys. And I think that's that's what keeps people on this plan is the ability to um to own the stuff they're going through and um to not feel judgment uh from from other people and and and that might make them more likely to accept help when it's offered.

SPEAKER_03 4:53

Absolutely. I think I think that's the thing. People are often frightened to speak up or frightened to have those conversations or be vulnerable because they're afraid of judge, you know, judgment, right? Because, you know, and I think having someone that you know is able to connect with them um can often help. And I think as well, even just being able to connect with people like yourself, like you're an easy-gone bloke. Um, you're obviously, you know, before we jumped in today, like we had a conversation, of course, and um straight away it you can just tell that you're this that person that you can really um have a conversation with, relate to and and feel at ease. So um good on you. After five minutes.

SPEAKER_02 5:38

Um Justin, the construction industry is known as a rough and tough sort of industry. How does and it's twice as likely for more suicide inter uh impact to happen to like the workers than the general public. What do you think is unique about that?

SPEAKER_00 5:57

Yeah, look, I I think is it it is a tough industry. Like there's a lot of uh pressures, you know. We talk about psychosocial um hazards in the in the workplace and um the amount of upward pressure and downward pressure on people in our industry to meet job targets and budgets and things like that. And it's uh and it's a hard yaka industry, you know. It's um you you you gotta put a um bit of effort into what you do. And so, yes, it's a challenge, um, but that's where we see um people rise. And and and you know, if you see someone struggling with a physical load, our our heart and our mission, our industry is we'll go and help that person, won't we? You know, you see someone struggling at the shops or whatever, we're we're jumping in to help that person. And so all we're doing is saying, hey, those are the skills that we we've got in this tough industry, and understanding that any one of us could go sideways because of finances, relationships, or whatever, you know, beyond the the the complexities of our industry. But knowing that mates can help you with a physical load, we're just simply um turning that over to you know what, any one of us could be holding a a mental or a circumstantial or an emotional load. And so let's do what we've always done and help a mate out. And that's that's the the simple message we bring.

SPEAKER_02 7:17

So, how do you help your construction workers recognize, like for them to recognise the other workers need help?

SPEAKER_00 7:24

Yeah, look, I think it's just a simple case of noticing. You know, we we work beside people every day. You guys work beside people every day. You know when they're on. Yeah, and you know when they're on. When they're on, they're having an office. And so you just call them out on that stuff. You know, I'm a Bronco supporter, so people have been calling me out on how well they're traveling this year. You know, it's like it's what we do. It's it's part of our nature. It's the beauty of, you know, Australian um nature is that yeah, yeah, yeah, we'll call each other out on stuff every day of the week. So all we're saying is, hey, no different here. Just start to notice you some changes, you know, it could be in what they're saying or what they're doing, or maybe understanding what that they're going through some stuff and just calling them out on that stuff.

SPEAKER_02 8:07

The simple are you okay check-ins. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 8:09

And and and and as an industry, we fix stuff, right? Yeah. Uh but that's not our role here as a mate. It's about empowering our mates to have that conversation and go, man, I'm just a dodgy plumber from Logan. Let's hook you up with someone who might be able to help you better than I can. And um so having those tools, it's all about the confidence to have that conversation, you know. Um, that that conversation starter or are you okay? All of those sort of things are brilliant in starting that conversation and then being able to navigate that person to help is the key.

SPEAKER_02 8:38

Who are your um organizations that you turn your workers to, like Beyond Blue, uh Lifeline, you know, those sort of people?

SPEAKER_00 8:47

Absolutely. Look, we we've got um so many um supports out there. And um and the what we have, we we've got a whole group of we've got um five case managers all around um Queensland and Northern Territory. And so though those people are loaded up with those services, you know. Some of it's uh Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers, Hotline, um uh we we've got um counseling services, you know, your TACs, all those sort of things. So uh what our case managers are really good at is being able to have that initial conversation, then link them up with what someone needs. What they need, you know, and it's different for everyone, isn't it?

SPEAKER_02 9:22

Case by case, right? Yeah, absolutely.

SPEAKER_03 9:24

Do you have lots of you know, collaborate with lots of different organizations, of course, because there's many different things that people need help with for sure. Do you notice at all is like generally, is it, you know, in terms of age, is it, you know, are you finding it um generally the older population or younger, or is it everyone? Is it an edge thing?

SPEAKER_00 9:46

Yeah, look, I and I think when we talk about um suicide, it is the highest killer of um of men under the age of 45 in Australia. And so we know that that's an issue. We know our young people really struggle. Under the age of 25, a young person in our industry is ten times more likely to take their own life than they are to die from a workplace accident or incident. And yet we know that our older people and community um who've been disconnected from from the industry and from their family, um, they're at a high risk as well. And so um understanding that every one of those populations, like you said, could be going through something that that that that's um taking them down really dark roads, then then that's our commitment, our mission is to notice and to have those conversations.

SPEAKER_03 10:33

And see that. Isn't that incredible, you know, because when it comes to workplace health and safety, um everyone knows that you go on a construction site, there's checklists, there's hard hats, there's there's barriers, there's scaffolding, obviously. But you know, there's all of these safety mechanisms and prevention mechanisms in place.

SPEAKER_01 10:51

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 10:51

And what you've just said is is incredible the fact that um uh ten times more likely to to die from suicide than than in the actual construction industry in terms of injuries. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 11:05

Well, we we put out all our time and effort, and so we should, into focusing on people's um physical safety and physical health and well-being. And that and that's important.

SPEAKER_03 11:14

Yeah, and we don't want that to change. Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 11:15

Every sort of person every person deserves to go home safely at the end of the day and um and and be with the ones they care about most. And and um, and so we're all we're saying is hey, let's put let's be intentional with how we have these conversations, how we support people who who aren't just struggling with a a physical um challenge or a physical hazard, but they could be struggling um with a psychological or psychosocial hazard.

SPEAKER_03 11:42

And they're bottling it up.

SPEAKER_00 11:43

Absolutely, absolutely.

SPEAKER_03 11:44

And do you find that I think, you know, I guess for example, um beyond the bandage is looking up beyond what's visible, right? Yeah. Um do you find that there are people that do bottle it up and it can be a bit tricky to encourage them to actually have those conversations? And I guess how do you tackle that? Like if you were to give advice to anybody, of course, our listeners, um, what would you say to them if you notice it? Yeah, you can see it. The person may not be open to talking about it. How do you encourage to open that door and have that conversation?

SPEAKER_00 12:18

Yeah, look, I I was so so fortunate to have a boss um back in 2012 who who noticed me struggling. Um kept kept taking me out for coffee, kept checking in, and and I was the typical bloke then I was like, oh yeah, no, I'm all right, yeah, nah, yeah, nah. Um but deep down it was like, oh, flip, someone does give a rip. Yeah. And so that was that was, you know, it was about seven or eight uh of those coffee meetings before I actually said, nah, mate, I am struggling. I don't know what to do. And um he said, Oh, neither do I. Um he said, I'm worried about you, and and and that led me to actually getting some help. Um so that those very conversations. So I say, if you are worried about someone, let them know you noticed. They might not be ready right now, but what you're doing is you're building up that trust to be able to have that conversation, that deeper conversation when they're ready to have it. And so we in life we've got two options, right? Do something or do nothing. So doing something always has to trump doing nothing. That's what that's what he did, and that's what I encourage other people to do. And I hear a lot of parents saying, Oh, they just won't talk and things like that when their kids are struggling. And it's like, well, just keep turning up. I always remember my mum and dad, they go, son, we didn't know what to do, we just kept trusting and we just kept loving you. That's all we could do. And and I think as a parent, as a boss, as a mate, you just gotta let them know that that you've noticed. And and that that could be just the little seed of hope that it takes to keep them on the planet so that they can get that help that they can pay well and truly.

SPEAKER_02 13:50

Yeah, I think sometimes when someone's struggling, it's hard to talk at that moment. And then building that trust is going to open the door, like you said, when they're ready and you know, they've maybe accepted it more so in their head that they that they need help as well.

SPEAKER_01 14:07

Yeah, absolutely.

SPEAKER_03 14:08

This people's asking the question as well if if they are okay or if they want to talk about it, if not in that moment. Maybe they just need processing time. Absolutely. Because maybe they've just realized someone actually cares and maybe there is an opportunity to have a conversation. So ultimately what I take from that is don't give up, keep keep trying, subtly trying and showing up. Um that's really great advice.

SPEAKER_00 14:32

Yeah, it and it's simple, like this plumber can do it, anyone can do it, you know. Like um and and and and you just you don't have to fix someone, you just have to care. Just have to care enough to turn up and show a bit of kindness. Old school stuff.

SPEAKER_02 14:46

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely. Have you noticed a change in the mental health in like section in the construction uh world over the last few years?

SPEAKER_00 14:56

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Look, I've I've been with mates just over nine and a bit years and um It's a good wicket. Yeah, yeah, still here, so yeah, still standing, still passionate. Um and and it's really cool. We've seen um the numbers were astronomical as you you alluded to earlier, um, but we've seen a reduction in in um those suicide numbers in our industry. So much so in 2021 the World Health Organization listed mates in construction as the world's best practice in industry-based suicide prevention. So when you got the WHO recognizing that what we're doing in our industry is making a difference, and we start um we've expanded into other industries like the energy industry, the mining industry, and um uh we started mates in New Zealand. We've even just started a pilot in North America. So mates in North America's um kicking off this year, which has been pretty cool.

SPEAKER_01 15:48

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 15:49

But uh ultimately it's just drawing on the strengths of our industry to to say, hey, um by noticing, by checking in, by supporting someone to get them to help, we're seeing those numbers drop. We've still got a long way to go. It's still a tough industry. Um that's why I'm still passionate. We've still got to have these conversations.

SPEAKER_02 16:08

What do you think needs to happen in the future as well to support better support more about that?

SPEAKER_00 16:14

Yeah, I I think it's just just keep reminding people we've got so you know, we've got young people entering into an industry that have learnt some tools and stuff like that. We've got older people in that industry that have also learnt some things in their time. So there's a culture um clash, so to speak, but it's about bringing those cultures together and saying, hey, we are all all in this together and we can have these conversations and we get people to help when they need it most. So yes, keep marching on.

SPEAKER_02 16:43

Yeah. And you're saying before we started uh that you're branching out into schools and stuff like that. Um do you think uh reaching out to the younger generation is going to put them into the right track in future pathways?

SPEAKER_00 16:58

Yeah, look, I I I think so. And and and the the school stuff is more my personal uh how when I tip my take my hard hat off, sort of things. But I look at my two girls. So um I've got a a 21-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old daughter, and um they they've navigated my bipolar, they've navigated my um uh you know stays in in psychiatric facilities and and watching them as they respond to their friends who are struggling or doing it tough. It it makes me proud that they've they listen when I'm on the phone with someone in crisis, they watch what I do, and they'll now they're doing it in school. Now they are you know taking friends to the counsellor um in school because they're having thoughts of um uh like harming themselves or end ending their own life. And so and so that gives me a lot of peace for the the generations coming forward, knowing that hey, they're actually okay with having these conversations because they're they're learning and hearing about it in the in the wider community. And so my my hope in my head says that hey, we're heading in the right direction.

SPEAKER_02 18:02

Awesome.

SPEAKER_00 18:03

Empowering our young people.

SPEAKER_02 18:04

Absolutely, 100%.

SPEAKER_03 18:06

You'd be very proud. I would have no date.

SPEAKER_00 18:08

Oh, absolutely. And it's like, yeah, you know, and they call me out, you know, they have permission. There's been times where they go, Dad, um, let's go for a walk. And I go, okay, yeah, yeah. Go to the shop, buy some, you know, some junk food or whatever. And they go to the same. So what's been going on, Dad? I've noticed. Like, whoa, come on now.

SPEAKER_02 18:26

Um in the car where you can't escape. Yeah, yeah, absolutely, absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 18:30

And so to me, that that's success. You know, I'm not the greatest dad on the planet by any stretch, but if my kids have learnt those things, then then I'm a happy dad. That's good.

SPEAKER_03 18:40

So that's all we can ask for. Tell us this, Sand. So obviously, you said you've been doing this for over nine years now. I would say you've met and had many, many, many conversations with many people. Is there a story that would stand out for you where you can say, you know, in the role that you've done with mates and construction, you've been able to see that immediate impact or that impact, even if it is over a period of time?

SPEAKER_00 19:07

Yeah, look, uh there's so so many incredible human beings. And and and it's like, yeah, I've I've done lots of talking, as you can tell, I don't mind having any other, but um but the hardest. It's good.

SPEAKER_03 19:18

We love having that chat with you too.

SPEAKER_00 19:20

Sorry. Um look, but but I mean for me it the the biggest thing I've I've learned um uh uh is listening to the to the people and it's been so many accounts that um that I have had the privilege of being able to say, hey, someone's still on the planet because I took that time to listen.

SPEAKER_02 19:41

Yeah, that's pretty special.

SPEAKER_00 19:42

Um and and to me, yes, speaking and asking, those are all very important things, but the probably the hardest thing we have, um the reason we've got two b two ears and one mouth is is that need to listen to someone. Because often someone who's struggling um with the ruminations that are going on through their their their head is um they they they don't feel seen or heard. And so for me I've heard so many stories and that listening has seen people uh still to be here on the planet, still to be with their loved ones, still to be doing a job that they um that they love. And so probably no one's story, and that that probably doesn't help for the sec section or um segment, but I think it's certainly understanding that people are still here today because uh I chose to listen.

SPEAKER_02 20:29

You had a major impact on them, so everyone is an important story to you.

SPEAKER_00 20:33

Absolutely, absolutely. And um I would I'm going through a few guys' um in my heads, but uh ultimately they're still you know, they're still here and they're actually passionate and now they're doing their thing. So this is about a celebration of those volunteers that just keep stepping up despite what they've been through.

SPEAKER_03 20:50

Because you've been able to help them, they recognise that they're able to help other people. Absolutely. Which is which is incredible because then you're I guess spreading spreading that message, spreading the love.

SPEAKER_00 21:00

Um negative ripple effect when when there's been an incident or something's happened and it does spreads far and wide, but the the positive effect, the positive ripple effect of of of people um sharing their journey to help other people is cool.

SPEAKER_03 21:20

Absolutely. It's um it is a similar in in terms of the first aid industry. It's there's been a few things you've said that really resonates. Um, you know, for example, doing something is better than nothing. Yeah. You know, you you've just said that thing. Um and ultimately ha having a go um as well is is um is such a big thing in our industry as well, because um, you know, we're able to assist people to uh save lives, which means that they can go home, go home to their family, right? Absolutely, you know, so it's another person on on the earth that, you know, if someone didn't intervene, that may be a very different story. So, you know, it is incredible. And within first aid courses. As there is currently, and it is increasing over time, that emphasis on mental health. It really is within our industry as well, because in in many cases, people are dealing with circumstances that they ordinarily wouldn't have to deal with in terms of, again, saving lives, right? So it can be a challenge having to deal with that. And then they also need people to talk to, too. So it's um having the awareness uh across the country, across the world, um is just going to keep getting better, I have no doubt. And as you say, spreading the positivity, having the conversations, making sure that people are aware of it, right? Because we don't need to bottle things up like we used to do. You know, as we talked about earlier um back in the day, you just keep quiet and don't say anything. Um, but that that definitely doesn't help people. So um absolutely. You mentioned earlier uh about a poem um before we jumped on um the podcast. Can you can you fill us in on what that is?

SPEAKER_00 23:01

Yeah, look, uh and I think um, you know, Dr. A B C danger, you've got to look after yourself before you can help someone else. Um for me, poetry has been that looking after myself. Um and so um uh can I share this this one poem with you? It pretty much breaks down what we do at Mates. Yeah. Um in the space of one minute and 48 seconds. So that's a good thing. Um this is my why as well, and the reason why um I have to look after myself. Um people often ask me. Some people even stare and ask me, What's the deal, my bro? Why is it that you care? Well, I tell them plain and simple because it's all I've got to give. I'm doing this for my mate who's struggling with life to live. I'm doing this for the champion whose relationship's gone bust. I'm doing this for the legend whose bread's run out of crust. You see, we all from time to time fall down when life gets tough. We stomp our feet and smash our fists and say, enough's enough. But that's a time to notice, time to activate and take a stand. That's the time to shine. Lift your mate up by the hand. Ten seconds of courage is all it takes to help your brother out. To say you've noticed changes, mate, what's that all about? Then listen with understanding. Ain't no room for judgment here next. Encourage action, share that load, show you care. For I know too well that darkness, I've trod that rocky path. I've lost too many mates and kin. I know the aftermath. So that is why I care, my friend, that is why I could talk. To keep my mate upon this rock, I'll do my best to walk a walk. I don't have a lot to offer, no real smarts to make a mark. But I got two flamin' flop ears and one large marshmallow heart. To you who've been impacted, to those with tear-stained eyes, a virtual hug I send you away. Please know the sun will rise. So to you, my mate, my friend, my pal, here's a challenge just for you. Do what you can with your two hands. It may just help for you. And that sort of stuff, just the simple message behind what we do. And it's a simple message that we've been doing for eons. Every culture on this planet has the ability to tell stories and in order to help or support those generations coming through, and that's all that was.

SPEAKER_03 25:22

It's really pouts a lot. Wow. Uh that's about all the time. Sorry about that. But I think you've I don't know if you can notice, but you definitely got us there. That's incredible. Like that give me goosebumps. Yeah, I could feel it here. Um unbelievable. Like you can even just you can just hear behind the words um that you've again you've had so many experiences that um has brought you to to write that poem, and it's absolutely amazing. Um, thank you so much for sharing that. It is um it's powerful, it's emotional, but again, I'm drawn from the the years of experience um that you have. And um, I have to say thank you as well for everything you do in the industry. Um hopefully you hear that that uh often. Um, but you know, the world needs more people like you, Justin. And um we're really grateful for for you today.

SPEAKER_00 26:14

Thank you. And watch me deflect. I I you know, I I I simply facilitate, you know, like you for the real heroes are the volunteers in our industry. Those are the real heroes, the ones that turn up daily to listen to this um message and to be empowered to to look after their mates, their friends and their family members. So I'm gonna deflect that right back onto the lads and ladies of our industry uh who do this stuff um day in, day out.

SPEAKER_02 26:40

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 26:41

You're a very, very humble guy, that's for sure.

SPEAKER_02 26:43

And passionate. Like we can tell that that poem, it just comes from the heart. So when Justin needs help, who looks after Justin?

SPEAKER_00 26:53

Yeah, yeah. Um look over the years I've learned some strategies. Um uh my family is my number one. So I got I got buckets. Um, so my my physical bucket, I I love a good night's sleep. Um you know, uh, and and I love going for walks in the bush. So that connection to land and sea is really important for me. Um and family is is supremely important, and um what I do is important to my well-being as well, that sense of purpose.

SPEAKER_01 27:23

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 27:24

Um when we talk about people who are struggling often it's that loss of purpose or that loss of hope that we that we identify. So for me, all of those things, family, um, looking after my physical body, looking after my um my purpose and what I do, um, fuels me and gives me enough um uh fuel to be able to keep myself well and help other people.

SPEAKER_02 27:47

So that's the key. We appreciate you.

SPEAKER_00 27:49

Thank you. It's all good. No, I appreciate you and appreciate you having this conversation. You know, this is um this is just uh we're talking about bandages, you know. We're talking about helping people, and that's what you guys are doing. Yeah, I want to encourage and empower you guys to to keep having these conversations. Thank you.

SPEAKER_03 28:06

Yeah, appreciate it so much. Justin, thank you so much for your time today. You're a great bloke. We've had a really good conversation, and we can't wait for uh again to spread your word, to spread what you've said um and get that awareness out there even more. So thank you so much for everything you do in the industry and thanks for your time. Please, guys. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you for joining us in today's episode of Beyond the Bandage. We really hope you enjoyed the session. Please like, share, and subscribe so you can be part of future episodes and get notifications whenever they are aired. We really would appreciate your support. Thank you so much.