Career Timeline

I’ve had the pleasure of working in conflict management since 1995 across numerous government agencies and community organisations in Cairns and throughout Queensland, including the Department of Justice, Relationships Australia, the Human Rights Commission, the Energy and Water Ombudsman, and the Residential Tenancies Authority.

With over 30 years of experience, I’ve supported individuals, families, and professionals to find constructive ways through emotionally complex disputes — whether over parenting arrangements, property and financial division, workplace conflict, or community disputes. I bring calmness, clarity, and a deep understanding of interpersonal dynamics into every session.

I am a Nationally Accredited Mediator with the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) and an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner through the College of Law. My practice is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and always guided by fairness and respect.

My work spans:

  • Family Dispute Resolution – including parenting plans and child-focused mediation.

  • Property and Financial Settlements – helping clients divide assets with equity and understanding.

  • Community, Workplace, and Civil Mediation – resolving workplace conflict, family and generational conflict and neighbourhood issues.

I’ve also coached and accredited trainee mediators and facilitated training in negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution.

Clients regularly comment on how I help create a safe space for open dialogue, even when tensions are high. My goal is always to help people feel heard and supported as they find a way forward.

Over 30 Years in Conflict Resolution

2022 – Present
Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution Practice – College of Law, Brisbane

  • Ongoing mediation work as an FDR Practitioner with a focus on parenting plans and property disputes.

2018 – Present
Child Protection Conferences – Queensland Department of Justice

  • Court-ordered solo convenor of child protection mediations.

1995 – Present
Mediator with Dispute Resolution Centre, Cairns

  • Delivered over 1000 mediation sessions with an 80%+ agreement rate.

  • Services include Family Dispute Resolution, civil matters and workplace facilitation.

  • Coached new mediators and supported conflict resolution training.

2009 – 2013
Regional Manager – Energy and Water Ombudsman, Cairns

  • Led a dispute resolution team.

  • Managed complaints, stakeholder engagement, and operations.

2006 – 2009
Conciliator – Anti-Discrimination Commission, Cairns

  • Facilitated sensitive conciliation conferences.

  • Delivered training and managed confidential, culturally sensitive disputes.

2002 – 2006
Trainer, Mediator – Mediation Works!, Brisbane

  • Coached mediators and delivered conflict management training modules.

1999 – 2006
Senior Conciliator – Residential Tenancies Authority, Brisbane

  • Conducted tenancy mediations.

  • Mentored and trained conciliators.

2000 – 2002
Family Mediator – Relationships Australia, Gold Coast

  • Established new mediation division.

  • Facilitated parenting and spousal mediations.

  • Drafted legal agreements for court.

Testimonials

“I have worked with Tula as a co-mediator with the Queensland's Department of Justice for over 25 years on a multitude of diverse and complex meditations associated with property settlements, workplaces, commercial and neighbourhood disputes.Tula is an extremely skilled, capable and competent mediator who adapts her mediation techniques and approaches to best respond to the interests and needs of all the parties involved in the mediation process.”

— John OHalloran Nationally Accredited Mediator

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Tula for over 15 years, and I can confidently say she is one of the most capable and insightful mediators I’ve known. We have co-mediated on many occasions, and I’ve consistently seen her bring a calm, steady presence to even the most complex and emotionally charged disputes. She is empathetic, always validating each party’s concerns while maintaining a strong focus on the process. Her ability to guide parties through conflict with clarity and quiet leadership is exceptional. Tula is a true professional who brings integrity, skill, and compassion to every mediation.’’

— Yuliya Brandt AMDRAS accredited mediator

“I have had the learned opportunity to co-mediate with Tula for over 4 years. Tula’s experience and skills are enviable. Tula clearly understands the benefit of the mediation process and manages all aspects with confidence. Tula’s patience and unbiased understanding of both parties' needs are impressive. Tula encourages parties to think about a range of solutions to resolve issues and is very skilled in keeping the parties engaged and focused.’’

— Kirby Doak

Tula is an exceptional mediator. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Tula as a co-mediator for the past seven years and have observed firsthand, Tula’s ability to work with parties to enable them to reach creative solutions to their problems. I wholeheartedly endorse Tula as mediator and commend her dedication to conflict resolution and collaborative practice.‘’

— Michael Keogh Nationally Accredited Mediator