The release of the first-ever annual impact report from TIACS has highlighted the significant strides being made in breaking down mental health barriers across Australia’s transport industry—thanks in no small part to the leadership of Martins Stock Haulage and a conversation that started over a beer with TradeMutt.
In 2024, Martins Stock Haulage introduced a custom TradeMutt “Razzle Dazzle” print to its fleet. The truck, known as Muttley, has since clocked 275,000 kilometres on B-Double and Road Train routes, serving as a mobile billboard for TIACS, a free professional telehealth counselling service designed for blue-collar workers.
Driver Aaron, who pilots Muttley alongside his Blue Heeler Rocco, described the reality of life on the road:
“Life on the road can be incredibly lonely when you’re hundreds of miles from home, stuck with your thoughts. Having my dog with me helps, but I know not everyone has that. That’s why what TIACS is doing is so important—it takes away the barriers that stop people in our industry from getting help”.
Impact on the Transport Industry
The TIACS FY25 Annual Impact Report revealed:
- 19% of clients came from the Transport, Postal and Warehousing sector—second only to construction.
- 682 counselling sessions were delivered to transport workers, with men making up 76% of clients.
- Relationship concerns, anxiety/stress, and workplace challenges were the most common reasons for seeking help.
- 63% of all clients lived in regional or remote areas, highlighting the importance of mobile awareness campaigns.
TradeMutt’s distinctive designs are proving effective, with 17% of clients learning about TIACS through their prints, and others through family, friends, and workplace partners.
Inspiring Broader Industry Action
Martins’ leadership has inspired others to follow. Mack Trucks launched Barkley the Truck in 2025, wrapped in its own Mack x TradeMutt print, further strengthening the industry-wide push to normalise mental health conversations.
TIACS CEO Sue Jankovic praised the initiative:
“It takes real courage to open up, especially in an industry where the culture often tells you to ‘just get on with it.’ But every time someone reaches out, it chips away at the silence and barriers that have kept people from seeking support for too long”.
A Shared Responsibility
The road ahead remains challenging, but the momentum is clear. With initiatives like Martins’ Muttley, Mack’s Barkley, and the growing reach of TIACS, Australia’s transport community is proving it is ready to drive meaningful change.
