The MATES Big Lap event aims to raise money for supporting mental health and suicide prevention
MATES has announced the return of the MATES Big Lap for April 2026, inviting Australians to get active, connect with others and support suicide prevention across the construction, mining, energy and manufacturing industries.
Now in its fourth year, the national movement encourages participants to walk, run, ride, wheel or move however they can because conversations about mental health happen more naturally when people are side-by-side rather than face-to-face.
Taking place across April, the initiative brings together workers, workplaces, families and communities to strengthen connections and raise funds for life-saving support services delivered by MATES.
MATES Australia CEO Jørgen Gullestrup says the event works because it creates the right environment for people to talk.
“People (especially men) don’t sit down across a table and decide to talk about how they’re feeling. But walk beside each other, work beside each other or ride beside each other and the conversation changes. The MATES Big Lap is about creating those movements and moments. Every metre or kilometre is not just exercise, it’s an opportunity to check in with a mate, and that can save a life.”
Physical activity also plays a powerful role in mental health and suicide prevention. Research consistently shows regular movement helps reduce stress, improve mood and increase social connection, all protective factors against suicide and mental ill-health. Even short bursts of activity can have measurable mental health benefits.
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news in the earthmoving industry
- Never miss a great deal and subscribe to our monthly magazine
- Download a free copy of our latest digital magazine to catch up on the biggest news and developments in the earthmoving industry
For industries where workers often struggle to open up, movement removes barriers and creates safer spaces for conversations that might not otherwise happen. Walking together, riding together or simply getting outside often lowers the guard and makes it easier to talk.
Since launching, the MATES Big Lap has rapidly grown into a national participation event supporting workplace mental health across the country.
The 2026 event builds on previous years with a stronger focus on accessibility and engagement. The registration fee has been reduced to $10 to remove barriers to entry and make participation easier for individuals and worksites.
A new official 2026 Big Lap merchandise range is now available through the MATES merch store.
Participants will again be able to track their activity through the MATES Big Lap app, helping individuals and teams stay engaged throughout April. Nationally, the event aims to bring together more than 1,200 participants and collectively cover 75,000 kilometres which is the equivalent of nine Big Laps around Australia. The number nine is significant as it reflects the number of people lost to suicide each day.
Funds raised go directly back into suicide prevention training, case management and support services delivered by MATES.
Register now at matesbiglap.org.au
Support is available:
MATES Helpline – 1300 642 111 (24/7)