MATES Executive

Chris Lockwood National CEO - Chris has served as a director of Permanent Care and Adoptive Families (Inc.) since 2010, serving as Chair from 2012 to 2018, and as Secretary currently. Chris took on the role of CEO MATES in Construction (Aust.) in 2017, delivering the management and strategic direction for the company nationally. Prior to leading MATES, Chris worked for Cbus for 10 years managing strategic relationships with industry partner organisations (Unions, Employer Associations and other industry stakeholders) across the construction industry nationally. As well as managing the development and implementation of the fund’s member health strategy and initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of suicide in the construction and allied industries. Chris has a BA (Psychology), BSc. and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Nick Thompson Queensland, Northern Territory CEO -Nick Thompson joined MATES in 2019, working with the building and construction industry to operationalise the Blueprint for Better Mental Health & Suicide Prevention in the Building & Construction Industry. With Post Graduate Qualifications in Social Work, Men’s Behavior Change and Mental Health: Trauma & Recovery, Nick brings over 15 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector both in leadership and direct practice roles. From working with First Nation’s Communities in the Northern Territory, to Managing Domestic & Family Violence Programs for Relationship Australia Queensland, Nick brings significant leadership experience from his time as the Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Family Legal Service, Southern Queensland. The son of an electrician, Nick is passionate about making sure that workers voice, and the evidenced knowledge of Blue-Collar Workers and their experience of workplace mental health, is a strong part of MATES program logic. Liam Cubbage Western Australia CEO - Liam possesses a tertiary background in Psychology with Post Graduate studies in Health Service Management. Combined with over 12 years’ experience in the not for profit and community services sector, Liam has held leadership roles in suicide prevention and postvention, family support services, drug and alcohol support and community development. Liam has been an integral member of the MATES WA team for the past 6 years and has provided the construction industry Postvention Support, Case Management and has now taken the role of CEO MATES in Construction WA. Karyn Dale South Australia CEO - Karyn joined MATES SA in 2018, bringing over 20 years of experience in the South Australian construction industry. She initially served as the Marketing and Business Development Manager for six years before being promoted to the CEO role. Karyn's diverse background includes senior management and consulting positions, where she honed her skills in leadership, strategic planning, project management, and team development. She holds a Bachelor of Management (Marketing) and a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration. Additionally, Karyn is a Fellow and Certified Practicing Marketer with the Australian Marketing Institute, underscoring her professional expertise and commitment to excellence in marketing. Brad Parker New South Wales CEO - Brad Parker is the current CEO of MATES in Construction NSW, a position he has held since October 2017. Brad is a former director of several construction industry boards and committees both National & State working cooperatively with industry associations and government. These were mainly in the areas of work health & safety as well as vocational education & training related matters. Brad was previously the National Assistant Secretary of the CFMEU Construction & General Division and was a CFMEU National Executive Member.