TradeMutt starts conversations at Gold Coast Airport Expansion

Our team on the Gold Coast Airport (GCA) Expansion project has seen first- hand the impact of TradeMutt – This Is A Conversation Starter – shirts onsite.

Scott Gilbert, EHS Coordinator and Paul Southon, Senior Services Engineer were sporting their ‘Funky Friday’ attire while preparing for the installation of the project’s long-awaited aerobridges – a key piece in the construction of the new terminal expansion - when they met with transport supplier, Craig Membrey.

Craig, obviously a little perplexed by the ‘disco camo’ on the backs of Paul and Scott asked about the shirts and the conversation was started.

TradeMutt is a social impact workwear brand that is raising awareness around mental health through conversations. First introduced to Lendlease sites by Queensland's Andrew Clark, their brightly coloured, crazy patterned, high-vis workwear has been adopted by several team members in our Building business who wear the shirts to work on Fridays. This new tradition has already started making a big impact, and this particular Friday was no different.

A recount from Scott below:

"Paul Southon I first met Craig Membrey a few months ago on a Friday while we were both wearing our TradeMutt shirts. Craig asked us about the shirts (conversation starter), and he shared his story about his son, Rowan, who he had lost to suicide 10 years ago. As you can imagine it was a moving story.

I asked if he would be willing to share his story onsite as it would have an impact on the guys and raise awareness.

Fast forward, and he planned a toolbox talk for us. As the sun was rising (early start due to the oversized delivery of the aerobridges) he presented the team involved (Rate Australia, Membreys Transport, Freo Cranes, and Lendlease) with TradeMutt shirts embroidered with his son details, in memory of Rowan Membrey and Beyond Blue.

He then shared his story about Rowan, and his own struggles with mental health. It was a moving experience as some of the Membrey employees present that morning were Rowan’s mates.

He finished with saying that we will save a life by sharing Rowan’s story; it's ok to ask for help and he wished his son had.

This was by far the most moving experience I have been involved with on a construction site."

After the event, Craig sent a letter of thanks to the Gold Coast team.