Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds launches landmark research initiative with SuperFriend

Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (Healthy Heads) is proud to announce the launch of a three-year, industry-wide research initiative in collaboration with leading workplace mental health not-for-profit SuperFriend.

This ground-breaking project, supported by GT Insurance, will provide critical data insights into the mental health and wellbeing of people working across Australia’s transport, warehousing, and logistics industries. At the heart of the initiative is SuperFriend’s Thriving Workplace Index, a survey tool that will deliver robust data, year-on-year benchmarking, and actionable insights.

The program will offer a valuable look into the state of workplace mental health across the supply chain workforce, while also assessing the effectiveness of Healthy Heads’ existing programs and resources. These insights will inform strategic planning and long-term impact measurement, strengthening our Foundation’s evidence-based approach.

Melissa Weller, Director of Industry Relations and Program Management at Healthy Heads, believes the research marks a pivotal moment for the sector. 

“Since 2020, Healthy Heads has developed practical, accessible resources and programs to support mental health in our industry. Now is the time to understand the real impact we’re having and to take the next step in driving measurable change.” 

This research will provide a deeper understanding of the current state of the industry, highlighting key challenges, pressures, and effective supports, enabling Healthy Heads to make more informed, targeted decisions around best-practice mental health initiatives and resources. 

The research will follow a three-year cycle, with the first survey scheduled to open in February 2026. Industry stakeholders will be actively engaged to encourage broad participation, ensuring a rich and representative data set. The first full report will be delivered in November 2026 and shared with the industry in early 2027. 

The report will also feature the inaugural Transport Wellbeing Index, strategic insights from SuperFriend, and forward-looking recommendations for Healthy Heads initiatives. 

Dr Natalie Flatt Ph.D, Chief Mental Health Advisor at SuperFriend, views the positive shift in industry attitudes toward mental health as the perfect opportunity to introduce this project. 

“The growing readiness for conversation shows that stigma reduction initiatives are working. Now is the time to build on that momentum – to focus on what will be truly impactful in supporting this industry’s people and creating workplaces where mental health and wellbeing can genuinely thrive.” 

Meanwhile, GT Insurance has publicly expressed its commitment to the initiative in a company statement, emphasising how the project aligns with its broader strategic goals. 

“GT Insurance are excited to lend their support to this important research project which will benefit the people we insure. This project fits perfectly with the GT vision of being ‘all in’ to protect people’s livelihoods and our involvement will play an important part in our marketing strategy for 2026.”

The research project was officially launched at the 2025 Healthy Heads Industry Forum in Melbourne on 22 October. This annual event brings together industry stakeholders to collaborate on current challenges in psychological health and safety, explore sector trends through a facilitated Think Tank, and shape Healthy Heads’ strategic direction. This research marks a new chapter for mental health in the sector. Through strong industry engagement and strategic analysis, Healthy Heads and SuperFriend, with support from GT Insurance, are paving the way for more informed decisions, targeted support, and lasting change, keeping workforce wellbeing a priority now and into the future.

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