11 Days in May

21st May to 31st May 2026

Do something challenging with your mates to support blue collar mental health.

The Difference You'll Make in 11 Days

In May, commit to a physical challenge for 11 days with your mates and help fund life‑changing mental health support for blue‑collar workers across Australia through TIACS.

TIACS provides free, professional mental health counselling to tradies, truckies, farmers, apprentices and their loved ones via phone and text, Australia wide.

Your fundraising has a direct and immediate impact:

Every $160 raised = one free counselling session for a blue‑collar worker who needs support.

That session could be the moment someone reaches out.
The moment they feel heard.
The moment things begin to turn around.

Every kilometre, rep, or ride helps back practical support that people can turn to when things get tough.

Ready to get involved? Scroll down to see how you can take on your own 11-day challenge.

Why 11 days?

On May 6, endurance athlete Aaron Young and former South African cricket captain Johan Botha will attempt to complete the full Heysen Trail— 1,100km from Parachilna to Cape Jervis in just 11 days.

The current Fastest Known Time is 12 days.
Their goal: Break it. Together.

They’re doing it in support of TIACS and to shine a spotlight on mental health in Australia.

As they grind through 1,100km, we’re asking you to grind through your own challenge, wherever you are.

Who is TIACS?

TIACS is the home of blue collar counselling for tradies, truckies, farmers, apprentices, blue collar workers and their loved ones.

TIACS removes the financial, social and physical barriers to accessing support and is available via text or call on

0488 846 988, Mon – Fri from 8am-10pm AEST.

The impact TIACS makes every day

TIACS is showing up when people need it most and the numbers tell a powerful story. Last year, more than 1,100 people connected for support, and TIACS counsellors delivered over 3,300 sessions to help them work through stress, anxiety, relationship pressures, grief and the everyday challenges both in the industry and in their lives outside of work.

Most people didn’t just reach out once. On average, they engaged in four sessions, building trust with the same counsellor who supported them through whatever they were facing. 84% of callers are reaching out for the first time, TIACS is helping people access support earlier, before things spiral. Apprentice engagement is also growing, now making up 10% of all clients thanks to targeted outreach and strong community relationships.

These are real results. Real people feeling lighter, clearer and more in control after a genuine conversation. When you take on this challenge and raise funds, you’re helping make sure TIACS can keep showing up for more people across Australia, offering free professional counselling when it matters most.

“I know it was just a one hour chat every 3-4 weeks. But you helped me through the most difficult period of my life. I remember thinking just make it another few days and talk to you about it so many times. Rather than breaking down or losing my cool and making this worse. Having those chats, learning those skills and becoming more emotionally mature has helped me so much.”

–Male, VIC, 30’s (Transport, Postal & Warehousing)

“When I had my challenging day and broke down in my workshop feeling hopeless and broken; I knew I couldn’t remain in that headspace and needed help. I’m so very grateful TIACS was there and answered my call.”

–Male, QLD, 40’s (Construction)

“I don’t think I expressed enough gratitude for how helpful you have through this time, I’m very thankful and grateful for the service provided! I gave a close friend of mine my favourite TradeMutt stubby holder to encourage him to reach out because he’s been doing it tough and he has recently reached out to you guys! So now I have to buy another stubby holder. Thanks again for everything!”

–Male, QLD, 20’s (Construction)

Why they chose TIACS

Before any of this came to life, Aaron and Johan had already decided they wanted their next big effort to support TIACS. Aaron had just wrapped up his Bibbulmun Track run and donated the $18,000 he’d raised, and the two of them were looking for a way to keep that momentum going.

When they later came into the TIACS office to meet Dan and the team, it just confirmed they were in the right place. They swapped stories, talked through what they were planning next, and got a real sense of the impact their support would help create. It was relaxed, genuine, and one of those moments where everyone walked away feeling fired up.

After spending time with the team and understanding what their effort could make possible, backing TIACS through that challenge just felt like the natural next step.

That visit is where the idea for 11 Days in May really clicked into place, the moment everything lined up and the challenge started to take shape.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Get Your Mates Involved

Reach out to your network and create a team within your workplace, sporting group, or mate circle.

Taking it on with a mate strengthens the experience and helps you support each other across the 11 days.

2. Choose Your Challenge

Pick a challenge you can commit to for 11 days. You can choose your own activity or select from one of these categories.

3. Create your Fundraising Page

Set up your page, share it with your community, and start raising funds for TIACS.

4. Show up for 11 Days

Complete your physical challenge for 11 days and support Aaron Young & Johan Botha as they chase a world record on the Heysen Trail.

MEET OUR AMBASSADORS

Johan and Aaron are taking on a massive 11‑day physical challenge to spark conversations, inspire others, and shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health support for blue‑collar workers.

Meet Aaron Young

Aaron Young is an ultra-endurance runner with enormous heart and an even bigger story.

In 2024, he ran the entire Bibbulmun Track, over 1,000km, breaking the Fastest Known Time and raising more than $18,000 for TIACS.

His journey helped thousands understand the power of vulnerability, resilience, and reaching out for help.

Watch Aaron's Documentary

Aaron’s documentary takes you inside his record‑breaking Bibbulmun Track run, 1,000 brutal kilometres of grit, isolation, and determination. It captures the raw reality of what it means to push your body and mind past their limits.

Every step, every blister, every long night was driven by a deep belief in supporting mental health and giving back. This film is more than a story about breaking an FKT it’s the spark that helped ignite 11 Days in May and the journey that continues to inspire people to show up for something bigger than themselves.

Meet Johan Botha

Johan Botha is a former South African international cricketer, elite off‑spinner, and proven leader who represented his country 123 times across formats.

Known for his tactical smarts and relentless competitiveness, he famously captained South Africa to a 4–1 ODI series win over Australia in 2009 — on Australian soil.

After a global career spanning the IPL, Big Bash, and international cricket, Johan now brings that same discipline and grit into the world of endurance challenges, teaming up with Aaron Young to take on the Heysen Trail FKT attempt.

Join 11 Days in May

Are you ready to take on your own 11 day challenge?

Check out who's in the lead!

Support your mates and get behind some healthy competition all for a great cause.

The Heysen Trail Record Attempt

In May, Aaron Young and Johan Botha will take on the full 1,100km Heysen Trail, pushing from Parachilna to Cape Jervis with one goal, to finish it in 11 days and break the current 12‑day Fastest Known Time.

It’s one of Australia’s toughest long‑distance routes, and they’ll face rugged climbs, remote bushland, and unpredictable terrain every single day.

This isn’t just a record attempt. It’s a test of endurance, resilience, and the belief that showing up, again and again, can change lives.

Follow the Journey

@aarondoesultra

@johanb22

@tiacs_

FAQ'S

Do I have to run?

No. Any physical challenge counts. Choose something tough that fits your ability.

What if I miss a day?

Just pick it back up, the point is to show up, not be perfect.

Can teams or workplaces join?

Yes! Combine distances, share kms, or set group goals.

Do I need to be in South Australia?

No. This challenge is global, do it anywhere.

How does fundraising work?

You create a TIACS fundraising page which is really simple and share it with your network.

SPONSORS

TIACS IS LOOKING FOR MORE EPIC HUMANS TO JOIN OUR TEAM!

We’re all about going ‘above and beyond’ for our clients and partners and passionate about
investing in our people and workplace culture.

We are building the most innovative social purpose counselling service in the country and are
looking for two exceptional Partnerships Specialist to join our team.

One role is specifically targeting the farming and agricultural industry.

TIACS was started by the co-founders of TradeMutt - Dan Allen and Edward Ross.

TradeMutt and TIACS are connected by their co-founders but serve complimentary but separate responses in
changing the mental health landscape, in Australia. TradeMutt prevention focus as a social impact workwear brand
is all about starting conversations. That's why every shirt says This Is A Conversation Starter across the back.

Because that's exactly what they're designed to do. TIACS is a not-for-profit social purpose early intervention
counselling service. We provide free, professional, confidential and accessible counselling both over the phone
and by text to tradies, truckies, farmers, blue-collar community and those who care about them.

PARTNERSHIP SPECIALIST

These roles exist to build meaningful partnerships that help TIACS connect with and support blue collar industries.
It’s about creating genuine engagement, activating shared-value initiatives, and making sure our partners feel seen,
heard, and valued. You’ll help shape how we show up - at events, in campaigns, and through everyday
interactions—bringing warmth, reliability, and purpose to everything we do. You’ll support the systems and
relationships that keep our Alliance strong, while contributing to a culture that’s collaborative, curious, and
grounded in impact and evidence.

Alliance & Stakeholder Engagement
Be the connector! Help drive the TIACS Alliance by coordinating partner engagement, managing logistics, and
showing up as a proud brand champion. Keep our CRM humming and support tailored engagement plans that build
real impact.

Partnership Development & Activation
Spot opportunities, spark ideas, and help our partnerships thrive. You’ll build strong networks, coordinate
meaningful touchpoints, and bring fresh thinking to how we collaborate with partners and supporters.

Contract & Investment Support
Keep our partnership agreements on track and support new investment opportunities. You’ll help manage
contracts, maintain accurate records, and contribute insights that shape our future strategy and evidence based
practice.

Team & Culture Contribution
Bring your whole self. We’re all about collaboration, innovation, and purpose. You’ll contribute to a positive,
inclusive culture, communicate with clarity, and stay curious about what’s next in partnerships - creating a
movement that is by industry for industry and focused on delivering industry-driven solutions to industry-specific
challenges.

 Full-Time position (Some evening and weekend work required).
 Above Award Wage and Excellent Salary Packaging Benefits
 Brisbane based
 Work from Home/Office model (minimum 2 days in office)

Before you apply, we encourage you to visit TIACS and TradeMutt websites and suss us out before pressing
send with your resume. You’ll get a sense of what we are looking for and if you’re A game is going to propel
our mission and vision.

If you think "Yep that is something I want to be a part of" then send your resume to admin@tiacs.org with a short cover letter (no more than 1 page) telling us why you would be a great addition to our team.