MATES in Construction scholarship winners announced

Mohsin Ali and Shanika Vidana Gamage have been awarded the 2024 MATES Allison Milner Memorial PhD scholarship.

The Allison Milner Memorial PhD Scholarship was established by MATES in Construction to honour the legacy of Associate Professor Allison Milner. The scholarship supports PhD candidates in research that addresses suicide prevention initiatives in male-dominated, blue collar industries within Australia.

Trans-Tasman collaboration

Ali, from the Auckland University of Technology, is the first New Zealander to receive the distinguished scholarship. His achievement underscores the trans-Tasman dedication to confronting mental health challenges among construction workers.

He says he is eager to advance his research, and believes the scholarship is an excellent opportunity to make a significant contribution to the field.

Gamage, from the University of South Australia, aims to address the current gap in literature regarding drivers of mental distress for female construction workers. Her study will investigate both work-related and non-work-related factors, exploring how industry stakeholders can support mental health.

Helping out your MATES

MATES in Construction NZ Research, Innovation, and Evaluation Manager Dr Lauren Donnan says both Ali and Gamage are addressing critical issues in the construction industry with their unique research directions.

“Their work will provide invaluable insights for the industry and MATES,” she says.

MATES in Construction was established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers.

The organisations says it is unique because it takes an industry-led approach to an industry problem. MATES provides suicide prevention through community development and training programs on sites and supports workers in need through case management and a 24/7 helpline.