As we head into the busiest period of the year, safety matters more than ever. In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll is joined by George Markelis, Amy O’Neill, and Michael Roberts to talk about what makes the end of year so challenging on site — and what we can all do to stay focused.
The team explores the pressures that come with the end of the year: tighter programs, fatigue, changing plans, inclement weather and the distractions that naturally come with the festive season. They share what we’re seeing across the industry right now, why some incidents hit harder at this time of year, and how the external environment, including live traffic and community impacts, adds another layer of complexity for our teams.
You’ll hear practical, straight-to-the-point advice on how leaders and crews can support each other, the importance of speaking up, and the small actions that make the biggest difference. From planning and risk awareness to being present on site and backing each other in, it’s all about keeping the basics front of mind.
This conversation is all about finishing the year safely, staying connected, and looking out for our mates, so everyone gets home for the break ahead.
Daniel Carroll sits down with former submariner and social procurement advocate Joe Piasecki, alongside Symal Group Defence Manager Rhys Hannan, for a timely and grounded conversation ahead of Remembrance Day. Together they unpack what the day truly means, why veterans need recognition all year round and not just on 11 November, and how Symal is building stronger pathways to support contemporary veterans in the workplace.
From Joe’s candid journey from Navy life to social procurement, to Rhys’ insight into Australia’s evolving Defence infrastructure landscape, this episode explores service, sacrifice, family impact and the power of meaningful employment. It’s an honest, thoughtful discussion that invites listeners to pause, reflect and consider the people whose experiences have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.
In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll sits down with Sarah Tozer, General Manager VIC/TAS/SA Building at John Holland, to talk about leadership, resilience, and the emotional reality of working in one of Australia’s toughest industries.
From her early years as one of the few women on site to leading some of the country’s most complex infrastructure projects, Sarah shares an honest look at what it takes to build a career — and a life — in construction. She reflects on burnout, boundaries, and how learning to “press pause” became one of her most important leadership lessons.
Sarah and Daniel dig into the emotional rhythm of major projects — from the excitement of the final stretch to the exhaustion and despair that often hit before the finish line. Sarah explains why acknowledging those emotions, naming them, and talking about them openly can transform how teams work together and support one another.
The conversation also explores how small moments of connection — shared lunches, morning toolbox chats, a site barbecue — can make a big difference in managing stress and building culture. Sarah shares practical ways leaders can embed rest, recovery, and empathy into project life, and why sometimes the best thing a manager can say is, “Take a break — we’ve got you.”
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Resources:
If this conversation brings up anything for you or someoneyou know, support is available.
MATES in Construction — 1300 642 111
Lifeline — 13 11 14
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
📖 Sarah’s book recommendation: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll sits down with Joe Williams — former NRL player, champion boxer and founder of The Enemy Within — for an honest and powerful conversation about mental health, resilience and the journey to self-discovery.
From growing up as a young footy prodigy in Wagga to navigating the pressures of professional sport, Joe shares the lessons learned from his highs and lows — and how he found purpose beyond the game. After surviving his own mental health battles and a suicide attempt in 2012, Joe turned his pain into purpose, creating The Enemy Within to help others do the same.
In this candid discussion, Joe opens up about the importance of facing discomfort, the healing power of connection, and how small “one percenters” — like moving your body, eating well, and surrounding yourself with good people — can make a life-changing difference.
It’s a reminder that strength isn’t just about what we build on site or on the field — it’s about how we look after ourselves and each other.
If this conversation raises any concerns for you, or if you need support, please reach out to:
Lifeline — 13 11 14
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll sits down with Ed Ross, co-founder of TradeMutt and TIACS, to talk about mateship, mental health, and how two tradies from rural Queensland are reshaping the way our industry connects.
From growing up in outback Queensland to launching a movement that’s helping thousands of workers open up about mental health, Ed shares the journey behind TradeMutt — the bold, conversation-starting workwear brand that’s turning shirts into life-saving tools.
What began as a tribute to a mate lost too soon has become a national movement, funding free counselling through TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter). Together, they’ve created a powerful loop — where every shirt sold helps another tradie, truckie or farmer get the help they need.
Ed and Daniel dig into everything from the importance of mateship and connection, to breaking the “blokes don’t talk” myth, to practical ways leaders and teams can build a culture where checking in is just part of the job.
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Resources and links
If today’s conversation brought something up for you or someone you know, support is available:
TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) — Free, confidential counselling for tradies, truckies, farmers and their loved ones. Call or text 0488 846 988 (Mon–Fri, 8am–10pm AEST).
TradeMutt — trademutt.com
Watch Dan Allen’s TED Talk — “Changing the face of mental health, one work shirt at a time.”
Need to talk now?
📖 Ed's book recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear
In this episode of Constructive Talk, host Daniel Carroll sits down with Erik Locke, CEO of Incolink, to explore one of the toughest conversations in our industry — mental health.
Construction is an industry built on strength, endurance and teamwork — but behind the hard hats, many workers are struggling in silence. With suicide rates nearly twice the national male average, it’s time to talk openly about what’s really going on.
Erik shares how Incolink is leading change through programs like Blue Hats, Drop the Act, and onsite counselling — all designed to break stigma, build peer support and save lives. From practical mental health advice to cultural change on site, this conversation goes beyond awareness — it’s about action.
Tune in to hear why mental health matters as much as physical safety, and how each of us can play a role in supporting our mates.
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Resources and links
If today’s conversation brought something up for you or someone you know, there’s support available:
Need to talk now?
You can also learn more about 'Feeling Good' by David Burns here 👉 Feeling Good | The website of David D. Burns, MD You owe it to yourself to Feel Good!