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"THE pain of regret is far greater than the pain of hard work".
Tradies, you guys and girls, are the bricks and mortar of the community.
- Jeremy Forbes
That was the quote Hope, Assistance, Local Tradies co-founder Jeremy Forbes used to open the Save Your Bacon breakfast at Hume and Iser on Tuesday morning.
About 250 trades people attended the event which was designed to raise awareness of anxiety, depression and well-being in the tradie community.
"Mental health can be hard work in the workplace but the regret of when someone takes their life is really, really, really painful," Mr Forbes said.
"Today is not about what the tradies can do for the community - it's what the community can do for the tradies.
"Tradies, you guys and girls, are the bricks and mortar of the community.
"Without you the community would struggle to exist."
The breakfast started at 7am with volunteers serving coffee and egg and bacon rolls.
Free goodie bags with tools, stubbie holders and health and well-being information were also given to tradies along with a food hamper from Bendigo foodshare.
Mr Forbes said being a trades person could be a stressful job and it was important for people to realise they are never alone.
"I've been a tradie for 20 years and I've struggled with mental health," he said.
"I've struggled with finance, emotional and physical issues, working out in the weather, trying to balance the books, trying to pay taxes and do all the tough stuff.
"Take the time to talk to your work mate if you get the chance - ask him if he's okay, ask him if he's doing okay and take a good account of how you're travelling as well.
"Because being a tradie can be tough.
"It's not all earning great big bucks, there are a lot of other things and issues that go with it."
HALT was started about six months ago in response to the impact of recent suicides in the Mount Alexander Shire and has expanded into Bendigo.
If you or someone you know needs help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.