About MARS Program

Bringing industry, government and experts together to create safer, healthier and more respectful workplaces

Hero asset

Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety are the three pillars of the MARS Program, which the Western Australian Government established in December 2021 to address the serious mental health, workplace culture and safety issues identified in the WA mining industry.

The MARS Program is an interagency collaboration that involves the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS), the Mental Health Commission, the Equal Opportunity Commission and the Department of Communities.

LGIRS leads the implementation and coordination of the MARS Program, which the Mine Safety Inspection Levy funds. The program partners provide subject matter expertise and support in their respective fields of mental health, equal opportunity and community services.

A range of stakeholders, including government agencies, mining companies and industry associations, support the MARS Program. Regular stakeholder engagement is a key part of the program’s governance structure, ensuring its initiatives remain responsive to the evolving needs of the WA mining industry’s workforce.

The MARS Program connects the WA mining industry with initiatives, resources, training, events and news that strengthen mentally healthy, safe and respectful workplaces.

  • Vision

    Safe and respectful WA mining workplaces that support the wellbeing of all workers.

    Mission

    To drive transformative cultural change throughout the WA mining industry by enhancing the mental health, safety, and wellbeing of its workforce.

    Purpose

    To develop and maintain a collaborative, coordinated interagency program that brings together industry, government, researchers, and service providers to continually improve mental health, safety, and wellbeing in the WA mining industry’s workforce by:

    • creating workplaces that support mental health and wellbeing
    • building a culture of safety and respect
    • preparing for workplace safety in future mining.

  • Mental Awareness

    Supporting mental health and wellbeing through positive workplace practices and psychosocial risk management

  • Respect

    Building safe, respectful, inclusive, and gender-equitable workplaces that promote positive culture and wellbeing

  • Safety

    Strengthening future mining safety through training, innovation, and emerging risk management

Understanding the situation

Research and evaluation form the foundation of the MARS Program, guiding initiatives that support mental health, wellbeing, culture, respect, and safety in the mining industry.

The Landmark Study provided key insights into workers’ experiences and informed ongoing workplace improvement initiatives
Learn more

Delivered in partnerships

The MARS Program is a collaborative initiative delivered by four organisations to improve health, safety, wellbeing, and workplace culture across the industry