Latest News

RACING MATES HAS BEEN HONOURED BY WINNING THE LEADERSHIP IN WORKPLACE PSYCHOSOCIAL SAFETY AWARD AT THE 2026 MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS AWARDS

Racing Mates has capped off 10 years of trackside service by winning the Leadership in Workplace Psychosocial Safety Award at the 2026 WayAhead Mental Health Matters Awards.

The prestigious accolade serves as a major milestone for the peer-led initiative, celebrating a decade of protecting the psychological wellbeing of participants across the New South Wales Racing Industry.

Racing NSW's Leonie Ferreira & Phillip O'Brien accept the WayAhead award from Robert Migliore (left), representing category sponsor Actevate

The program addresses the distinct psychosocial pressures generated by early-morning trackwork, gruelling workloads, high-stakes competition and geographic isolation.

Reflecting on a decade of breaking down barriers, Racing NSW General Manager of Participant Welfare and program leader, Phillip O'Brien highlighted the immense impact of their grassroots approach, paying special tribute to the race clubs that drive the program forward.

“We are incredibly proud of how far Racing Mates has come over the last ten years,” O'Brien said.

“This achievement would not be possible without the incredible support of race clubs right across New South Wales.

“By generously hosting our events and wholeheartedly embracing the program, these clubs provide the vital local connection needed to reach our participants.

“This award belongs to them, to our dedicated network of counsellors and ambassadors, and to every participant who has shown that no matter how isolated your track is, you are never riding this track alone.”

Program Ambassador and legendary retired horse trainer, Pat Webster emphasised that the real victory lies in the everyday cultural shift across the stables.

“You don't need to be a psychologist to be a good mate,” Webster remarked. “Looking out for each other starts with simple, everyday conversations over a hot plate or at trackwork.

“Reaching out or putting your hand up is a sign of professional strength, not weakness, and seeing race clubs and the wider industry embrace that over the last decade has been the most rewarding part of this journey.”

The award shines a light directly on the origins of the program, which was originally launched in August 2016 as the brainchild of Steve McMahon. He conceptualised the initiative while serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Trainers Association (NSWTA).

McMahon, now CEO of Australian Turf Club, envisioned a grassroots support network that empowered industry participants to look out for one another while building a seamless bridge to professional mental health services.

Since that inception, the ambassador-led program has worked tirelessly to turn that initial vision into reality.

Day in and day out, its ambassadors have travelled across the state, working alongside local race clubs to host trackside barbecues, taking late-night phone calls and providing a familiar, trusted shoulder to lean on.

As Racing Mates enters its second decade, this major accolade confirms that the original concept has fundamentally changed the paddock for the better, cementing it as an essential pillar of safety and community for the NSW racing sector.

For further details or to access support services, visit – racingmates.com.au

NOTE: The Mental Health Matters Awards are an annual celebration that bring together diverse communities and leaders from across the mental health sector in NSW.

These awards highlight the incredible achievements of individuals, groups, organisations, and initiatives that are making a meaningful difference in mental health awareness, support, and advocacy.

Each year, the Awards provide a platform to showcase innovation, dedication, and community spirit – recognising those who go above and beyond to improve mental health outcomes across the state.