The business has extended an open invitation to Highlands tradies to a breakfast on Thursday morning, September 10 at its Mittagong Trade Centre in Cavendish Street.

While the tradies' breakfast has become a common event through the business on a Friday, this week's breakfast is set down for the Thursday to tie in with national RUOK Day.

Organisers said the aim was to raise awareness and a huge flag over Mittagong which will fly 30-plus metres in the air for RUOK Day.

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This National day is dedicated to inspiring, empowering and reminding everyone to check in and connect with people around them by asking the simple question "Are you OK?"

A Gubbins Mitre 10 spokesperson said that now, more than ever, in a year that "has thrown us challenges like we've never experienced, it's the perfect time to ask family and friends "Are you OK?"

"Our aim is to bring people together, raise awareness and breakdown the stigma that it's not tough to talk about or seek help for mental health," the spokesperson said.

"Workers in trades are 70 per cent more likely to commit suicide than behind-the-desk workers.

"That means every second day an Australian tradesman takes his own life.

"With 25.1 per cent of tradies having experienced mental illness over the last 12 months, compared to 18 per cent for all Australia men, they're six times more likely to die from suicide than workplace accidents.

"Despite these shocking statistics, mental health isn't something tradies talk about at smoko or after knocking off.

"The management and staff at Gubbins Pulbrook Mitre 10 urge our Highland Tradies to reach out for support if they're struggling with life's challenges and check in on their mates and colleagues to make sure they're OK. It's particularly important now, with unemployment rates on the rise and economic uncertainty during Covid."

Gubbins Pulbrook Mitre 10 has partnered with other local businesses for the event, who are also passionate to raise awareness, including Adam Hayes from Hayes Cranes who will be flying the Are You OK Day Flag over Mittagong, and Benny from Benny's Custom Works who will be bringing his racing wheels and mechanical expertise along on the day.

The key message is that "we need to support one another and remove the stigma associated with mental health issues.

It's OK to admit you're not OK. It's the first step to getting back on track.

Bacon and Egg Rolls, coffee, giveaways and a raffle to raise funds for the Are You OK Charity will all form part of what is sure to be a great way to start your day this Thursday.

The Gubbins Pulbrook Mitre 10 team look forward to welcoming all tradies to the Covid-safe event. Social distancing must be adhered to. Elbow shakes will replace handshakes on the day.

The event will be held at Gubbins Pulbrook Mitre 10 Trade Centre, 10 Cavendish St, Mittagong, from 6.30am - 8.30am.

There are several organisations dedicated to helping all Australians and tradesmen with mental health. If you, or someone you know, needs help, visit:

Every cent raised for Are You OK Day at the breakfast event or via the Are You OK collection boxes on counters in our four stores will be matched by Gubbins Pulbrook Mitre 10.

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