Tradies rush to snag $59 tool at Bunnings as demand soars
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A simple grey hoodie might not seem like much at first glance, but this one carries more than just warmth—it carries a message.
With every purchase, Aussies are not just getting cosy, they’re helping fund mental health support for tradies doing it tough.
And with stock selling out in days, it’s clear this unexpected fashion hit is striking a real chord.
So, what’s all the fuss about? These hoodies aren’t just warm and stylish (with a vibrant lining and a handy joey pocket, no less)—they also make a real difference.
Bunnings has teamed up with TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter), a not-for-profit organisation offering free counselling to blue-collar workers, to create these limited-edition pullovers.
Every cent of profit from the hoodie sales goes directly to TIACS, helping fund vital mental health support for tradies, truckies, and farmers across Australia.
This is the second year Bunnings and TIACS have joined forces to shine a light on mental health in the trades, but it’s the first time they’ve released a hoodie.
Last year’s campaign, which featured work shirts and water bottles, raised over $600,000 for the cause.
With nearly 80 per cent of this year’s hoodies snapped up within days of launch, it looks like they’re on track to smash that record.
Tradies are the backbone of our country—building our homes, fixing our roads, and keeping the wheels of industry turning.
But behind the tough exterior, many are doing it tough themselves.
The culture in the trades can sometimes make it hard to speak up about mental health struggles, with old-school attitudes still lingering about 'toughing it out' or 'not showing weakness'.
TIACS was founded in 2020 after co-founder Dan Allen lost a close mate to suicide.
Since then, the organisation has helped thousands of workers, including apprentices, who often feel isolated or under pressure.
According to TIACS’ 2025 Impact Report, more than 10% of their clients are apprentices—young people just starting out who often face long hours, financial stress, and the pressure to fit in.
One apprentice shared that he’d always thought asking for help was a sign of weakness, but after regular sessions with a TIACS counsellor, he finally felt heard and learned how to cope.
It’s stories like these that show just how important it is to break the silence and start conversations about mental health.
It’s not just about hoodies and hotlines. The mental health crisis in the trades is real and growing.
A recent survey by Beyond Blue and Steel Blue found that more than half of tradies interviewed were struggling mentally, with many reluctant to seek help.
The skills shortage and cost-of-living pressures are forcing thousands of apprentices to take second jobs, adding to the stress.
Carpenter Bardie Somerville has spoken out about the 'normalised' culture of heavy drinking, gambling, and drugs in the industry, which can trap workers in a cycle that’s hard to break.
She’s one of many who’ve bravely shared their stories to encourage others to seek support.
If you want to show your support—and score a snazzy hoodie in the process, head to your local Bunnings. But be quick: these hoodies are only available while stocks last, and some stores have already sold out.
Not only will you be getting a quality piece of winter gear, but you’ll also be helping fund life-changing mental health support for those who need it most.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember you’re not alone. You can text or call TIACS on 0488 846 988 (8 am–10 pm, Monday to Friday), or reach out to Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).
Credit: TikTok
Have you managed to snag one of these hoodies? Do you have a story about mental health in the trades, or tips for supporting mates who might be doing it tough? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Read more: Bunnings boasts about its price-beating guarantee but for 9,000 products there is a catch
With every purchase, Aussies are not just getting cosy, they’re helping fund mental health support for tradies doing it tough.
And with stock selling out in days, it’s clear this unexpected fashion hit is striking a real chord.
So, what’s all the fuss about? These hoodies aren’t just warm and stylish (with a vibrant lining and a handy joey pocket, no less)—they also make a real difference.
Bunnings has teamed up with TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter), a not-for-profit organisation offering free counselling to blue-collar workers, to create these limited-edition pullovers.
Every cent of profit from the hoodie sales goes directly to TIACS, helping fund vital mental health support for tradies, truckies, and farmers across Australia.
Bunnings’ new limited-edition $59 Trade hoodies, created in partnership with mental health charity TIACS, have proven extremely popular, with nearly 80% sold within days of release. Credit: Instagram and Bunnings
This is the second year Bunnings and TIACS have joined forces to shine a light on mental health in the trades, but it’s the first time they’ve released a hoodie.
Last year’s campaign, which featured work shirts and water bottles, raised over $600,000 for the cause.
With nearly 80 per cent of this year’s hoodies snapped up within days of launch, it looks like they’re on track to smash that record.
Tradies are the backbone of our country—building our homes, fixing our roads, and keeping the wheels of industry turning.
But behind the tough exterior, many are doing it tough themselves.
The culture in the trades can sometimes make it hard to speak up about mental health struggles, with old-school attitudes still lingering about 'toughing it out' or 'not showing weakness'.
TIACS was founded in 2020 after co-founder Dan Allen lost a close mate to suicide.
Since then, the organisation has helped thousands of workers, including apprentices, who often feel isolated or under pressure.
According to TIACS’ 2025 Impact Report, more than 10% of their clients are apprentices—young people just starting out who often face long hours, financial stress, and the pressure to fit in.
One apprentice shared that he’d always thought asking for help was a sign of weakness, but after regular sessions with a TIACS counsellor, he finally felt heard and learned how to cope.
It’s stories like these that show just how important it is to break the silence and start conversations about mental health.
It’s not just about hoodies and hotlines. The mental health crisis in the trades is real and growing.
A recent survey by Beyond Blue and Steel Blue found that more than half of tradies interviewed were struggling mentally, with many reluctant to seek help.
The skills shortage and cost-of-living pressures are forcing thousands of apprentices to take second jobs, adding to the stress.
Carpenter Bardie Somerville has spoken out about the 'normalised' culture of heavy drinking, gambling, and drugs in the industry, which can trap workers in a cycle that’s hard to break.
She’s one of many who’ve bravely shared their stories to encourage others to seek support.
If you want to show your support—and score a snazzy hoodie in the process, head to your local Bunnings. But be quick: these hoodies are only available while stocks last, and some stores have already sold out.
Not only will you be getting a quality piece of winter gear, but you’ll also be helping fund life-changing mental health support for those who need it most.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember you’re not alone. You can text or call TIACS on 0488 846 988 (8 am–10 pm, Monday to Friday), or reach out to Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).
Credit: TikTok
Read more: Bunnings boasts about its price-beating guarantee but for 9,000 products there is a catch
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