Mental Health, Measured: The Stories Behind the Stats

Private and immersive leadership retreats took participants out of their usual environments and into nature, where transformation happens away from devices, distractions, and PowerPoint slides. Designed to build self-leadership, emotional intelligence, and sustainable performance, the retreats combined experiential training in stress management, burnout prevention, conflict resolution, and boundary-setting with reflective sessions on authenticity, vulnerability, and role modelling wellbeing.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training was delivered across all levels of the organisation, including managers, health and safety personnel, field workers, wellbeing officers, and frontline staff. The initiative aimed to build mental health literacy, establish a peer-support network, and foster a culture of psychological safety.

Key elements included the creation of an organisation-wide network of trained Mental Health First Aiders and a significant increase in participants’ ability to recognise symptoms of mental ill-health, respond effectively in a crisis, and navigate appropriate referral pathways.

A Whole-of-Site Approach to Mental Health at Fortescue’s Kanji (Solomon Hub)

A comprehensive mental health and wellbeing initiative was rolled out across the Kanji Hub to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of care. Through leadership training, team based education, and a campaign led strategy, including the launch of a “Wellbeing Challenge”, the program reached all levels of the workforce. Over 30 presentations were delivered, with over 80% of employees reporting increased awareness and a 20% increase in engagement in teams where wellbeing was actively supported. The initiative highlights the power of leadership led, site wide action in creating lasting cultural change.

A structured, evidence-based coaching program designed to build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and stress management skills while preventing burnout in Mel’s high-pressure leadership role. Coaching focused on practical strategies for boundary setting, effective communication, and conflict resolution, with resilience training embedded throughout. The program supported Mel to lead with greater clarity, strengthen team relationships, and prioritise wellbeing, contributing to a more psychologically safe and high-performing workplace.

During BHP’s largest shutdown at Whaleback, 48 mental health workshops reached over 500 staff and contractors. This targeted, sitewide initiative boosted mental health literacy, reduced stigma, and equipped teams with practical tools to recognise distress, start conversations, and access support with confidence.