Sporting Kate Victoria designed Vitamin Sea shirts each Friday is starting conversations around mental health for the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) Building and Engineering Maintenance Services (BEMS) team.
This is a close-knit group of tradespeople who take enormous pride in keeping our hospitals operational while supporting staff and patients who rely on them every day.
The TradeMutt Funky Shirt Friday initiative resonated with the team because it promotes something they genuinely value – mateship, looking after each other, and having conversations that matter.
Acting Director Infrastructure and Assets Ben Pollock said the team thought the Vitamin Sea shirts designed by Bundaberg creative Kate Victoria was a perfect opportunity to promote mental health.
“Purchasing these shirts meant we were supporting a local creative while also bringing a little colour and personality into the workplace,” he said.
“We also thought the nautical theme seemed particularly fitting for a team that has weathered a few storms together which has included responding to significant flood events.”
Ben agreed that something as straightforward as wearing a colourful shirt can brighten someone's day, start a conversation and remind people that there's more to the person behind the uniform.
“Within our team the shirts have brought a bit of fun and individuality to the workplace while also reinforcing a sense of belonging and team spirit,” he said.
“Outside the team, the bright designs naturally attract attention and create opportunities for conversations with staff and the wider hospital community.”
Ben explained that in traditionally male-dominated trade environments, there can sometimes be a tendency to simply get on with the job rather than talk about how you’re feeling.
“Mental health shouldn’t be something we only talk about when someone is struggling. It should be part of our everyday conversations,” Ben said.
“For us, Funky Shirt Friday is a simple reminder that looking after our people is every bit as important as looking after our hospital infrastructure.”
Ben added he is proud of the BEMS team who are often working behind-the-scenes but whose contribution is fundamental to keeping our hospitals safe, functional and ready to care for our communities.