The Master Builders Associations in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales have paid tribute to Metricon founder and CEO Mario Biasin.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr Biasin, who died unexpectedly on May 16, aged 71, will be held at Flemington Racecourse tomorrow (June 2).

Since its establishment in 1976, Mr Biasin grew the Metricon business into one of Australia's most prominent home builders with an enviable reputation for quality and excellence.  Metricon has confirmed that they are committed to continuing business as usual during this sad time.

Master Builders Victoria (MBV) CEO Rebecca Casson said Mr Biasin was a good friend of MBV and a powerful advocate for Victoria's building and construction industry.

"During the pandemic, Mario and Metricon were lead supporters in MBV's COVID-19 advocacy campaigns to ensure the Victorian building and construction industry remained safe and open for business, safeguarding hundreds of thousands of jobs," she said.

"If it weren't for Metricon's efforts, led by Mario, our industry would have been in a much worse position than it is today. Mario was a formidable business leader, a mentor to many, and a very kind and generous man. He will be sorely missed."

Master Builders Queensland CEO Paul Bidwell also paid tribute to Mr Biasin.

"Mr Biasin jointly founded Metricon alongside the late George Kline in 1976, growing the business to employ around 2500 people across Australia's eastern seaboard with around 4000 homes currently under construction," he said.

"Our thoughts are with his family and the entire Metricon team at this difficult time."

Master Builders South Australia CEO Will Frogley said Mr Biasin would leave a gaping hole in the nation's building and construction industry.

"Mario was much respected and admired, and his loss is being felt by everyone in South Australia's building and construction sector," Mr Frogley said.

"Mario leaves a giant void in our industry, and he will be greatly missed."

Master Builders NSW CEO Brian Seidler praised Mr Biasin's zest for life and Aussie battler spirit. After arriving in Australia as a child migrant in the 1950s, he helped propel the Metricon business into a nationwide building giant hand in hand with his friend George Kline.

"However, Mr Biasin's passions went well beyond Metricon. He was also a generous benefactor to people in need," Mr Seidler said.

"Mario never forgot his humble beginnings and would always provide a helping hand to those less fortunate than himself."

It is understood that Mr Biasin's sudden death was linked to mental health issues, leading the four Master Builders Associations to urge Australia's building and construction industry participants to seek mental health support if needed.

Ms Casson urged everyone in the building and construction industry to prioritise their mental health.

"From speaking directly with our members, we know that everyone in our industry is feeling the pressure, and it is evident that these pressures are taking a toll on the mental health of many in our sector," Ms Casson said.

Mr Bidwell said the confronting facts about the building and construction industry's mental health issues were alarming and often preventable. 

"We know that an Australian builder or construction worker takes their own life every two days, so we urge all tradespeople to prioritise their physical and mental health," Mr Bidwell said.

"It's about looking out for one another and asking a work colleague how they're going."

Mr Frogley said mental health was a shared responsibility with everyone playing a part in the building and construction industry.

"We urge everyone in the building and construction industry to remember that if they need help, crisis support can be found at Lifeline: (13 11 14 and lifeline.org.au), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467 and suicidecallbackservice.org.au), beyondblue (1300 22 4636 and beyondblue.org.au) or Mates in Construction (1300 642 111 and mates.org.au)," he said.

"If you are experiencing a crisis and need immediate mental health support, industry workers can call Incolink's 24/7 counselling line on 1300 000 129."

Mr Seidler, who is chairperson of Mates in Construction, said those involved in the building and construction industry should always remember that they are never alone.

"Please reach out, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it," Mr Seidler said.

Mr Biasin's memorial service will also be live-streamed from 1.30 pm tomorrow at https://play.streamshark.io/r/e/crrdyzidi/mario-biasins-memorial-service-d9ccel