23 February 2026
A new partnership in Tasmania is set to bring lifesaving prostate cancer awareness directly to worksites, training rooms and communities across the state, with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) joining forces with Master Builders Tasmania (MBTAS).
The collaboration will see trained community presenters share real-life experience, education, and early-detection messages with thousands of men working in the building and construction industry, a workforce where health often takes a back seat to the job at hand.
The agreement focuses on improving awareness, encouraging early testing and connecting men and their families with support services, helping to reduce the burden of prostate cancer in the Tasmanian community.
According to the latest data from the Tasmanian Cancer Registry, prostate cancer is projected to remain Tasmania’s most commonly diagnosed cancer, with cases expected to surge from 858 diagnoses in 2022 to a forecast 2,314 cases by 2032.
Under the partnership, PCFA will provide educational resources, promotional materials, and access to support services, while MBTAS will facilitate awareness sessions at events, training activities, and member gatherings.
A trained PCFA Life Force presenter will deliver prostate cancer awareness talks to members across Tasmania.
One of those presenters is Launceston local Peter Kelbassa, a trainer and assessor who was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2023. After undergoing hormone therapy and 37 rounds of radiation, Peter is now determined to ensure other men do not ignore the warning signs.
“I didn’t get tested early enough, and my cancer was already very aggressive by the time it was found. If sharing my story helps just one bloke go to the doctor sooner and get a PSA test, then it is worth it,” Mr Kelbassa said.
Through his work delivering safety and training courses across Tasmania, Mr Kelbassa regularly speaks with builders, apprentices and tradespeople about the health risks they face on and off the job. He says the partnership gives him a powerful platform to add prostate cancer awareness to those conversations.
“On worksites, we talk about safety all the time, about looking after your mates and going home in one piece,” he said.
“Your health is part of that. Prostate cancer can change your life in ways many men do not expect. The treatment, the side effects, and the emotional impact are huge. Getting tested early can make a massive difference.”
The building and construction sector is a largely male workforce, making it a critical audience for prostate cancer awareness. The partnership will also help reach families, apprentices, and younger workers, who can encourage fathers, brothers, and partners to talk to their doctor about their risk.
Master Builders Tasmania CEO Jenna Cairney said the partnership recognised the importance of taking health conversations into the construction sector.
“Our industry is made up largely of men, many of whom are focused on getting the job done and supporting their families, often ahead of their own health,” Ms Cairney said.
“By partnering with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, we can help bring vital awareness, education and support directly to our members across Tasmania. If we can encourage more men to have a conversation with their doctor and get tested earlier, that’s a powerful outcome for our industry and our community.”
CEO of PCFA, Anne Savage, commended the initiative.
“This partnership highlights the power of community-driven action to promote health and wellbeing.
“Together we can extend our reach beyond traditional health settings to improve early detection and survival, ensuring those we love know they have somewhere to turn for support.”
For more information and support, go to www.prostate.org.au or call 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
