For the building and construction sector—where long hours, tough working conditions and job pressures are part of daily life—access to mental health support is critical. 

One service breaking down barriers to support is TIACS – This Is A Conversation Starter. 

Who are TIACS? 

TIACS is a not-for-profit counselling service that provides free, confidential support by text and phone for tradies, truckies, rural, and blue-collar workers, as well as their families. TIACS was established to make help-seeking simple, approachable, and stigma-free. 

Why their work matters 

For many in construction, traditional mental health services can feel hard to access. Costs, waiting lists, and the stigma of “not being tough enough” can all stop workers from reaching out. TIACS removes those barriers by offering an immediate and friendly way to start a conversation with a qualified counsellor—no paperwork, no referral, no judgment. 

How TIACS can help 

TIACS provides: 

• Free counselling with qualified professionals (no time limits, no cost).
• Text and phone support to suit busy schedules and remote worksites.
• Practical tools and strategies to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or tough personal situations.
• Support for families—because challenges at work often affect home life too. 

Workers simply call or text, and they’ll be connected to someone who listens and understands. 

Real impact 

Since its launch, TIACS has supported thousands of blue-collar workers across Australia, with many saying it was the first time they felt comfortable reaching out. By meeting people where they are—on their phones, during a break, or after a long shift—TIACS has helped reduce stigma and start lifesaving conversations. 

Getting involved 

Share TIACS details with your teams and on worksites. 
Encourage staff and families to save the number in their phones. 
Use Mental Health Week as a reminder to check in with yourself and your mates. 

During Mental Health Week—and every week 

Mental health is not a one-week focus. TIACS is available year-round, making it easier for workers and their families to get support whenever it’s needed. 

Who are MATES in Construction? 

MATES in Construction is a not-for-profit organisation established to reduce the high rates of suicide and mental health issues in the building and construction industry. Through tailored programs and on-the-ground support, MATES works directly with workers, employers, and industry partners to break down stigma, start conversations, and connect people to help. 

Why their work matters 

Construction workers face unique challenges—long hours, physical demands, project pressures, and a culture that often discourages speaking up. Tragically, construction workers in Australia are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than the general population. MATES tackles this head-on with programs designed by the industry, for the industry. 

How MATES can help 

MATES provides a range of services and supports: 

• General Awareness Training (GAT): Short, site-based sessions that equip workers to recognise when a mate might be struggling.
• Connector training: Equips volunteer workers to act as go-to contacts who can provide immediate support and connect colleagues with professional help.
• ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training): Specialist training for supervisors and leaders to step in during critical moments.
• 24/7 helpline (1300 642 111): Immediate, confidential support for workers and their families.
• Case management and field officers: MATES staff visit worksites to provide ongoing advice, support, and referral to professional services. 

Real impact, real stories 

MATES has already supported thousands of workers across Queensland. Success stories include site connectors who have stepped in to support colleagues in crisis, and workplaces where cultural change has made it easier to talk openly about stress, anxiety, and depression. These grassroots connections have saved lives. 

Getting involved 

Worksites, businesses, and individuals can: 

• Host a General Awareness Training session.
• Encourage staff to train as Connectors.
• Display MATES materials on site.
• Share the 24/7 support number with colleagues and families. 

During Mental Health Week—and beyond 

MATES in Construction reminds us that mental health is not a one-week conversation. By embedding these supports into our worksites year-round, we can make sure every worker has a mate looking out for them.

Whether you’re a licensed plumber, fire protection specialist, drainer, or work in air-conditioning and mechanical services, staying informed about industry developments and regulatory changes is crucial.

STC actively collaborates with key industry regulators like the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and local councils to ensure the voice of service trades professionals is heard. Through these partnerships, STC provides direct access to important updates on compliance, licensing, and emerging best practices.

By engaging with STC, trades people have the opportunity to:

Gain insights from respected industry leaders and regulatory experts

Participate in meaningful dialogue that shapes the future of the sector

Network and build connections with peers and stakeholders across the industry

STC’s commitment to open communication and advocacy makes it a trusted hub for anyone working within service trades, fostering an environment where collaboration and continuous learning thrive.

These free sessions are tailored to support builders, subcontractors, developers, and advisors by unpacking key regulatory requirements and offering practical guidance on licensing, financial obligations, and FSC WHS accreditation. 

Why attend?

• Learn directly from QBCC and FSC experts
• Understand licensing and financial requirements
• Discover how to gain FSC WHS accreditation
• Explore opportunities in federally funded and state construction projects

Whether you're navigating the complexities of compliance or looking to position your business for federally funded projects, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

As Queensland’s building regulator, the QBCC is deeply committed to community education and industry engagement. The QBCC’s Executive Director of Regional Services, Mick Allen, will be a featured guest speaker at the Brisbane session, bringing expert insights into licensing classes, financial requirements, and the support services available to industry professionals.

This collaboration with Ai Group reflects the QBCC’s ongoing commitment to working alongside peak bodies and empowering industry stakeholders with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

On the third and final day of the event (Sunday 21 September at 1.30pm) the QBCC’s experienced team will present a must-attend session designed to guide home owners through the building and renovation process from start to finish. The session will cover essential topics including:

• how to find a licensed contractor in your local area
• ways to check a contractors’ previous work
• navigating contracts and deposits
• managing variations
• resolving disputes and more.

You’ll also hear about helpful new resources like the Home Owner Hub and the rollout of digital licences for QBCC licensed contractors—both designed to improve your building or renovation experience and make it easier for home owners to engage with the QBCC.

Where to find us

Throughout the three-day event, the QBCC’s team will be available at booth L 08 to answer your questions, offer practical insights, and help you make confident, informed decisions—whether you’re just starting out or already mid-project.

Don’t miss your chance to connect with industry experts—visit the QBCC at the Brisbane Home Show this September.

In the meantime, visit the QBCC’s Home Owner Hub for guidance through every stage of your building and renovating journey. 

This alert provides guidance from the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) and Timber Queensland on what constitutes acceptable practice.

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Why this matters

• Oversized holes reduce the structural integrity of buildings.
• Proactive inspections have identified repeated instances across Queensland.
• Following EWPAA guidance will help maintain compliance.

Acceptable penetrations in ply bracing panels

According to the EWPAA:

• A neat hole (not overcut) up to 100 mm x 100 mm may be cut within 100 mm of vertical and top edges, and 200 mm of the bottom edge of the panel.
• Multiple 100 mm x 100 mm holes are allowable within this envelope, but centres must be at least 600 mm apart.
• One hole up to 400 mm x 400 mm is acceptable if located between studs, framed with nogging, and fixed as required for top and bottom plates.

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Helpful links

• QBCC Standards and Tolerance Guide
• HIA article: Using AS 1684 for timber framing
• Wood Solutions: AS 1684 - Code Compliance Overview

Further information

• For more assistance, contact QBCC here
   

Disclaimer: The information in this building alert is for educational purposes only. Although the QBCC endeavours to provide accurate and current information, it does not guarantee that the information communicated in this building alert will continue to be accurate and current in the future. The QBCC is not liable for any claims arising from incorrect or out-of-date information or any decisions or actions made based on the information contained in this building alert. The information conveyed in this building alert does not constitute legal or other specialist advice and should not be relied upon as such.

As the QBCC continues to expand its digital capabilities, it is more important than ever to keep your online accounts secure.

Whether you are logging into your myQBCC account, checking email or managing your business apps, your password is often the only thing standing between you and a cybercriminal.

Why passphrases matter

A passphrase is a longer, more secure version of a password. Think of it like upgrading from a screen door to a steel one. Good passphrases are:

• at least 14 characters long
• made of four or more unrelated words
• unique to each account.

Avoid names, phrases or anything that could be guessed. The more random, the better.

Add extra protection with MFA

Wherever possible, turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). It means even if someone guesses your passphrase, they cannot get in without a second step. Like a code sent to your phone.

Use a password manager

Keeping track of different passphrases does not have to be hard. Password managers help you generate, store and fill in passwords automatically.

A few minutes of effort = long-term protection.

Passwords should be treated like tools of the trade—essential to protect. Protect it like your job depends on it…because it does.

Quick links

For guidance from trusted sources, visit:

• Cyber.gov.au—Create strong passphrases
• Cyber.gov.au—Use a password manager
• Cyber.gov.au—Set up MFA
• Qld.gov.au—Cyber safety tips