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Chris Lockwood steps down from MATES in Construction

After seven years of dedicated service, Chris Lockwood has stepped down as CEO of Mates in Construction.

MATES, a member of the Australian Men’s Health Forum, is a workplace suicide prevention program launched in 2008 to address the alarmingly high suicide rates in the construction, mining, and energy sectors.

During Chris’s tenure, the organisation experienced remarkable growth and transformation. He elevated the profile of MATES nationwide, with funding tripling under his leadership. This financial boost enabled the expansion of vital programs into the mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

Volunteer and staff numbers also tripled, and in 2019, MATES launched in New Zealand, with a team of 30 now delivering life-saving initiatives.

Chris’s contributions have set new benchmarks for workplace suicide prevention, leaving a lasting legacy of hope and impact.

In 2021, MATES was recognised the World Health Organisation as a best-practice for workplace suicide prevention.

“Chris’s vision, dedication, and advocacy have solidified MATES as a leader in suicide prevention,” MATES said.

Prior to leading MATES, Chris worked for Cbus for 10 years managing strategic relationships with industry partner organisations (Unions, Employer Associations and other industry stakeholders) across the construction industry nationally. As well as managing the development and implementation of the fund’s member health strategy and initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of suicide in the construction and allied industries.

A replacement for Chris is underway. For further enquiries contact: [email protected]

 

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