MATES has unveiled a new range of branded hi-vis workwear designed to recognise and celebrate the vital role of trained volunteers who provide peer-based suicide prevention support across the construction, energy, mining and manufacturing industries.
Developed in partnership with TRu Workwear (TruBrands/Private Brands), the new MATES Workwear Range represents more than just functional safety gear, it is a visible symbol of leadership, connection, and care on worksites across Australia.
The new range includes:
- MATES General Awareness Shirt (red) – available to the public, symbolising support for MATES programs.
- MATES Connector Shirt (green) – exclusive for trained MATES Connector volunteers.
- MATES ASIST Shirt (blue)– exclusive for ASIST trained volunteers, issued as part of training completion.
Each lightweight, vented long-sleeve hi-vis shirt features reflective tape, durable construction, and distinct identifiers for each training level, reinforcing the MATES peer support network visible across worksites.
MATES CEO Jorgen Gullestrop said that MATES volunteers were the heartbeat of “what we do, they are the ones who notice when someone’s struggling and step forward to make a difference”.
“This workwear range recognises that courage. When someone puts on a MATES shirt, it’s more than a uniform, it is a signal that help, understanding, and hope are close by.”
Visibility, pride, and connection
The MATES workwear range strengthens brand presence and community awareness through wearable messaging, helping reinforce the importance of mental health visibility across the industry.
It also supports MATES’ ongoing objectives to:
- Recognise trained volunteers and their commitment to supporting peers.
- Strengthen volunteer engagement and retention.
- Promote awareness and pride in suicide prevention across the construction, mining, energy and manufacturing sectors.
The full range is now available through the MATES Online Shop at shop.mates.org.au.
All new ASIST-trained MATES volunteers will receive a complimentary ASIST shirt upon course completion.
Connector volunteers can purchase Connector shirts at heavily reduced rates using an exclusive discount code available via the MATES Volunteer App.
About MATES
MATES in Construction was established in 2008 in response to alarming suicide rates in the industry. It has delivered suicide prevention training to over 400,000 workers, supported by over 30,000 volunteer Connectors and ASIST workers forming peer-to-peer safety networks. MATES provides onsite training, field officers, case management, and a 24/7 helpline.