Staff aim high for mental health run

Kubale Constructions is committed to the mental health of its staff. But, over the next few weeks, in a competitive spirit, staff will be driving an effort to raise $100,000 for local mental health organisation Bettermentall.
The Kubale team of almost 40 staff has divided into four teams to run alongside Bettermentall's Jason Rantall of Trafalgar on September 13 in his effort to run 3249km over 100 days during his Have a Chat run.
The challenge is focussed on creating conversations surrounding mental health and letting those facing their own struggles know they are not alone.
It is a message that already is a strong part of the Kubale Constructions' culture.
Driven by his family's tragedy, Tim Kubale said his company supported a major fundraiser in the mental health space every year.
The Have a Chat theme of Jason's run resonated strongly with the message that Tim works to maintain with staff and the importance of open conversations.
Tim's son Corey was 20 when he died by suicide in 2018 - "it drives me every day and that's a positive...but we have to keep the conversations about mental health going," he said.
Mental health has become a priority within the Kubale Construction culture and Tim believes it has been "game changing."
Staff are provided with the opportunity to undertake mental health first aid training and Tim said it was important to provide a workplace where any staff member who was struggling with mental health felt supported.
"It has changed the culture within our business, it gets the conversations going and we have an open door policy to talk about it, whatever that might be.
"We want open conversations that we wouldn't have had before Corey died.
"Staff retention has improved and staff satisfaction surveys have improved," he said.
The Bettermentall Have a Chat run was embraced by staff from day one, with an eager competitive spirit amongst staff to reach the $100,000 goal.
"The teams contacted about 150 people and no-one has said no so hopefully we will get there," Tim said.
There is a lot of in-house competition amongst staff, vying for the support of suppliers and contractors to boost their fundraising dollars.
Staff will join Jason at Western Park from noon to 4pm, running laps in relay format to raise money for their teams and the Bettermentall fundraising effort.
Jason began his run last month. The number of kilometres - 3249 - is the number of Australians who died by suicide in 2022.
He came up with the idea after getting to know locals Steve and Tash Clarke, whose son Lucas died by suicide. His first day of running marked the two-year anniversary of Lucas' death.
Mental health is something that's always been close to Jason's heart. Having struggled with his personal battles and coming through them, he and his wife Kerry founded Bettermentall in the hope of helping others.
Like Tim, Jason knows the importance of encouraging conversations and being open about lived experiences.
"Bringing people together, breaking down stigmas, making it easier to talk about these things and showing people in the community that we're behind them."
To support the Kubale Constructions fundraising effort for Bettermentall, you can make a donation via the QR code printed here.
If this article raises concern support is available at Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.