MATES Executive

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 MATES in Construction WA CEO - Liam possesses a Bachelor of Psychology with post graduate studies in Health Service Management: Policy, Ethics and Law as well as Executive Management and Leadership. With over 17 years’ experience in the not for profit and community services sector Liam has held operational, leadership and governance roles in suicide prevention and postvention, family support services, youth services, post prison release services, counselling and, drug and alcohol support programs. Having delivered programs across metropolitan and regional Western Australia, including remote First Nations Communities throughout the Pilbara, Liam has attained a strong and diverse understanding of the breadth of challenges faced by WA communities. Liam has been an integral member of the MATES WA team for the past 10 years and in his current role aims to ensure that the psychosocial wellbeing of individuals and families in the WA construction sector remain a key priority for government and industry stakeholders. Liam is passionate about fostering bipartisan and holistic approaches to suicide prevention while ensuring quality and meaningful interventions are available to those in need. 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. Trent Bazley MATES in Mining, Energy and Manufacturing GM – Trent Bazley has been part of the MATES family for over five years, most recently as Operations Manager for MATES QLD & NT, where he’s led a team of 14 Field Officers and Case Managers. Before stepping into that role, he served as both a Case Manager and Senior Case Manager, demonstrating a deep commitment to the people we support and the values we stand for. Trent is a qualified social worker, holding a Bachelor of Social Work, and has worked in various leadership and management roles in the field since 2012. His broad experience across frontline support, team leadership and strategic delivery makes him exceptionally well placed to lead our work across the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors.