8.6 Australians take their lives every day.
An estimated 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt every year.
1 in 6 Australians have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours in their lifetime.
1 in 2 Australians have experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime.
R U OK? 2025
These figures remind us that mental health deserves our attention—it affects us all, directly or indirectly.
The year's R U OK? Day theme is R U OK? ANY DAY. At Newpol, we care deeply about our people every single day. That’s why this day holds such meaning for us. It is more than a date in the calendar—it is a reminder to pause, check in, and start a conversation with the people in our lives. A simple question could make the difference between someone struggling alone and someone finding the support they need.
This year, every Newpol project hosted a site BBQ and toolbox session for our staff and subcontracting teams, to acknowledge the significance of the day. Our team's message was informative, meaningful, and delivered with respect. Some even shared their own experiences of mental health—courageous moments that reminded us how important it is to keep the conversation alive.
At Newpol, we have made an ongoing commitment to care for our people. We know that struggles—big or small—matter and we want our team, and anyone that attends a Newpol site, to know that they are always seen, heard, and supported. Whatever you may be going through, our message is simple: we are here.
Our commitment to mental health has shaped our workplace policies. In 2023–2024, we proudly introduced our Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy, designed to reflect the needs of our people, and ensure they feel safe, supported, and empowered.
When mental health is prioritised, workplaces experience greater productivity, stronger workforce participation, and improved social inclusion. More importantly, this leave entitlement gives our staff the time they need to prioritise their mental health.
Whilst we are extremely proud of this policy and its inclusions, its effectiveness was dependent on our workforce’s support of its implementation, to ensure eligible employees felt empowered to utilise it. It is essential to recognise how the attitudes and values of leadership will trickle through an organisation. From the rollout, and the years prior, our team saw our two directors voicing their genuine endorsement of this policy. Our prioritisation of a respectful and empathetic culture has allowed such a policy to be successful.
This is just one initiative we have implemented to reduce the stigma around mental health and encourage open and ongoing conversations.
We understand the unique pressures of working in our industry, irrespective of ones role. It is often physically demanding and carried out in high-risk environments. This can take a toll not only on the body, but also on the mind.
Construction has long been marked by higher rates of physical injury and health challenges, and often, by stereotypes that make it harder for people to ask for help. We are determined to break down those barriers.
We provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer confidential, employer-funded support for a wide range of personal and work-related issues, including mental health, financial stress, relationship difficulties, and substance misuse. For our teams, in the office and onsite, these services include tailored options like 24/7 support and counselling designed specifically for people working in our industry.
We believe supporting mental health is not just about providing resources—it’s about nurturing a safe culture. Our focus is to eliminate stigma, prevent marginalisation, and provide flexibility to ensure everyone can fully participate at work—and in a way that works for them.
One of our core company values is People (First), which honors the well-being, needs, and development of individuals above all else. We are committed to growth and to nurturing an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and connected—because we are stronger together.
R U OK? Day is our annual reminder that checking in can change a life. However, this message does not stop there—it’s a daily practice.
So, ask the question. Listen without judgement. Encourage action. Check in again. These are simple, yet powerful steps. As our team reminded us during the toolbox talks, sometimes the best thing you can do is just to start the conversation.
The people in your world will not always tell you if something is troubling them, so it’s important that you ask, R U OK? as part of your everyday relationships with friends, family, teammates and colleagues. Be alert to those around you and have a conversation if you identify signs of distress or difficulty.
To learn more, visit www.ruok.org.au
