For families, experiencing the loss of a loved one while navigating multiple systems can be overwhelming and confusing, particularly during a time of grief.

Similarly, a serious workplace injury or illness can make it difficult for workers and their families to understand what processes are involved and what supports are available to them.

There are a range of support services, networks, and systems available to South Australian workers and their families to help them navigate these challenging times.

Family and Contact Liaison Service

The Family and Contact Liaison Service is an internal SafeWork SA service that supports families and workers following serious workplace incidents.

The service is provided by qualified social workers who:

  • Explain what SafeWork SA does and what to expect during an investigation or court process
  • Provide regular updates as the matter progresses
  • Offer practical and emotional support in a respectful, trauma-informed way
  • Help people find and connect with other support services, where needed

The service is offered by referral and is available to:

  • Families who have lost a loved one due to a workplace incident, and
  • Workers who have been seriously injured at work.

To find out more, call SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255 and ask to speak to our Family and Contact Liaison Service.

Additional Support Options

In addition to the Family and Contact Liaison Service, there are a range of other support services, networks, and systems available to South Australian workers and their families, which may also be helpful.

Voice of Industrial Death (VOID)

Voice of Industrial Death (VOID) is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes awareness of industrial deaths and advocates for families, co-workers, and others affected by workplace fatalities.

The service provides:

  • advocacy, awareness, and support for people affected by workplace death
  • advocacy for improved work health and safety
  • an annual International Workers’ Memorial Day service held on 28 April.

Email: help@voidsa.org
Postal address: PO Box 681 Williamstown SA 5351

Equal Opportunity Legal Advice Service

The Equal Opportunity Legal Advice Service provides free legal advice on equal opportunity law, including discrimination, harassment, and victimisation, including in the workplace.

The service can help by:

  • Providing legal advice and information
  • Assisting with drafting documents and statements
  • Helping people prepare for conciliation and Tribunal hearings

The service is delivered by final-year law students, supervised by qualified legal practitioners.

The service supports people to manage their own matters and, where needed, can refer clients to other organisations for more complex matters or matters outside South Australia.

Website: https://law.adelaide.edu.au/free-legal-clinics/equal-opportunity-legal-advice-service
Email: eolas@adelaide.edu.au

MATES in Construction

MATES in Construction is a charity that supports mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry.

The service works with workers, employers, and volunteers to recognise when someone may be struggling and to connect them with help. MATES focuses on practical, early support from people who understand the pressures of the industry.

MATES provides a range of services, including:

  • A 24/7 confidential helpline
  • Mental health training and awareness programs
  • On-site support and workplace accreditation
  • Ongoing case management and support planning

The MATES Helpline is available 24 hours a day for construction workers and their families. Calls are answered by qualified psychologists and counsellors who understand the industry. If further support is needed, a MATES Case Manager can follow up during business hours.

Website: https://construction.mates.org.au
24/7 Helpline: 1300 642 111
General enquiries: (08) 8373 0122
Email: saenquiries@mates.org.au

Asbestos Victims Association (SA)

The Asbestos Victims Association of South Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that provides free support to people affected by asbestos or silica-related disease, as well as their families and carers.

The service offers:

  • Information about asbestos and silica-related diseases
  • Support and advocacy for individuals and families
  • Help to navigate treatment and care through a Care Coordinator
  • Opportunities to connect with others through social groups or one-to-one support

Support is available across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia, including in person, by phone, or by visit where needed.

Website: https://avasa.asn.au/

Adelaide office:
Phone: (08) 8212 6008
Mobile: 0455 120 588
Email: admin@avasa.asn.au

Whyalla office:
Phone: (08) 8645 0555
Email: avawhyalla@outlook.com

Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia (ADSSA)

The Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia provides free support to people affected by asbestos-related disease and their families.

The service offers:

  • Access to qualified social workers for grief and loss support
  • Hospital and home visits
  • Referrals to other support and bereavement services
  • Information, education, and help to access legal advice

ADSSA also provides regular information updates through newsletters.

Website: https://www.adssa.org.au/about/
Phone: (08) 8241 7297

Miners’ Promise

Miners’ Promise supports families in the mining, energy, and resources sectors during times of crisis, bereavement, and recovery.

The service provides confidential, long-term, and personalised support, including:

  • Trauma-informed care and grief counselling
  • Practical guidance, advocacy, and coordination of support
  • Financial assistance, where eligible

Miners’ Promise is an independent and Australia-wide service that operates with compassion, respect, and without judgement.

Website: https://www.minerspromise.org.au/
Phone: 1300 124 014
Email: info@minerspromise.org.au