I am a retired chef, seasoned construction worker, academic, PhD candidate, and Estimating Manager, all while proudly being a husband and father to four amazing children. With 17 years of hands-on experience in Australia's Building and Construction Industry, I've witnessed the profound effects that industry and personal stressors have on workers' mental health.Currently, I serve as the Estimating Manager at GFG Projects, where I lead a team responsible for developing and driving estimating standards and performance to align with our strategic objectives. My role involves providing costed estimates for all project budgets, ensuring internal and external feasibility, and managing cost planning processes to deliver accurate and competitive outcomes. I am deeply involved in every stage of the tendering process, from initial cost planning to post-tender management, while also fostering positive relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.As a PhD candidate, I am dedicated to advancing our understanding of the relationship between mental health and the construction industry. My research focuses on the devastating impact of suicide within this sector, where the suicide rate is 46% higher than the general Australian population—a statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing this critical issue. The loss of life to suicide not only devastates families and communities but can also bring a workplace to a standstill, affecting productivity and morale.Driven by these experiences and the pressing need for change, I am currently pursuing a thesis titled: “The Impact of Suicide on the Australian Building and Construction Industry.” My research aims to shed light on the far-reaching consequences of suicide in this sector and to contribute to the development of effective prevention strategies.I am currently partnered with MATES in Construction NSW and The Australian Institute of Building to advance this important work.Interested in participating in my research project or simply want to know more?Feel free to reach out via email:Principal Researcher (CQUni): m.bowles@cqumail.comMATES in Construction NSW: nswadmin@mates.org.auThe Australian Institute of Building: ed@aib.org.au