Sam Keast died by suicide at Exclusive Brethren-linked workplace Playground Centre, sister seeks answers

Sam Keast, a 27-year-old man who died by suicide in a factory in Melbourne in 2023, worked at Playground Centre Limited, a company linked to the Exclusive Brethren. His sister, Serena Keast, has called for answers, alleging that the workplace environment contributed to his decision to take his own life.

The last two calls Sam Keast made the day before his death were with his employer in New Zealand. The first was an attempt to call in sick, but he was told to complete another delivery. The second call, lasting 47 minutes, was with a manager, the contents of which remain undisclosed. Serena Keast told the Brisbane Times that Sam had searched for “work negligence” online during the call, which she described as “as good as a suicide note.”

Serena Keast submitted a statement to WorkSafe Victoria, highlighting that her brother believed Playground Centre would “do right by him.” She described him as a “glass half-full” individual who had always been optimistic. She suggested that the conversations he had with his manager on the day of his death were the final straw, as he realized he was being treated as “just another cog in the machine.”

In the weeks and days leading up to his death, Sam Keast had complained about long working hours and the stress he was under. When Serena pressed him to claim overtime or seek help from a union, he refused, fearing he would be sacked. This fear was rooted in the fact that Playground Centre’s senior management is affiliated with the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. Under New Zealand law, such businesses are exempt from certain workplace laws, including allowing union representatives into their premises.

Sam Keast, according to his father, Harley, was a quiet child who had grown into a creative young man. He was a fan of Dungeons and Dragons and organized groups to play Warhammer, importing and painting miniature figurines for players. Serena Keast told police in her statement to the coroner that Sam was “strongly influenced by the games he liked to play and Gothic culture.”

The case highlights the legal and cultural dynamics surrounding workplaces associated with the Exclusive Brethren, raising questions about the impact of such affiliations on employee rights and well-being.

Source: Read the original report