My Story & Career.
I help people talk about hard stuff more easily.
From Olympic athletes to TEDx speakers, the Australian Government to Warner Bros — I've got to train over 15,000 people across organisations including NAB, ANZ, BHP, PwC, Telstra, J.P. Morgan, Grant Thornton, Boston Scientific, 100+ schools, and more.
My journey started young, witnessing my mum's mental health struggles. Years later, I was present for a dear friend's psychological distress that tragically led to her suicide. Their journey inspired me to walk away from an unfulfilling corporate career and pursue work I truly believe in.
Through Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), I teach people how to better understand mental health challenges, practice de-escalation skills, and navigate difficult conversations with clarity. Alongside MHFA, I design bespoke training to build capacity across leadership, psychosocial risk mitigation, conflict resolution, crisis response, boundary management and more — tailored exactly to what your team needs.
As a keynote speaker, MC and host, I've shared stages at major events inc. the Asia-Pacific Mental Health Congress, the Australia & New Zealand Mental Health Association’s AddictionZ Conference and Australia's National Loneliness Conference, with features on ABC Radio National and the Australian Financial Review. I also advise the National Mental Health Commission, Black Dog Institute, Suicide Prevention Australia and other industry leaders through consultation, committee work, and lived experience expertise.
My professional development includes Trauma Informed Training (Berry Street), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Resilience First Aid, Emotional CPR, Accidental Counsellor and Aboriginal Cultural Safety Training (VACCHO), alongside certifications in leadership, youth empowerment and lived experience storytelling.
I believe in bringing theory to life through interactive and conversational workshops. By sharing real-life experiences and unpacking practical scenarios, I help people develop skills they can use straight away. Blending serious topics with energy, humor and play, I aim to meet each group where they are with what they need.
Based in Australia, working worldwide, I give people confidence and competence to have the conversations that matter.
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"I was lucky to have Nicholas facilitate our training as Mental Health First Aiders, he was very supportive and respectful of all attendees, with constant check ins. Nicholas was happy to share his own personal story around mental health and immediately made everyone feel at ease with a heavy subject. I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone."
— Mark Pendrey (Sales Manager @ Thryv Australia)
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“Nic was an empathetic, knowledgeable and considerate instructor. He gently guided us and allowed for an honest, open discussion. I felt very validated and supported throughout the process, and walked away feeling much more confident about my own understanding of the different mental health crisis’. Brilliant course, highly recommend”
— Joslyn Csobonyei (Teacher @ Footscray Primary School)
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“Nicholas ran our mental health first aid workshop and what an eye opener! We appreciated his follow up during the preparation phase for the workshop - kept us on our toes! The workshop showed his professionalism in keeping a group of people constantly engaged and interested [and] his personality obviously fits the topic 100%! Looking forward to more training Nicholas!
— Gerhard Fehle (Operations Manager @ Clevertronics)
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"An engaging and passionate facilitator, Nic has a very personable and unique style that encourages open and meaningful conversations whilst learning how to navigate very important and crucial situations. From sharing his incredible knowledge and passion, and lived experience stories, Nic creates an environment that is safe, engaging and challenging in all the right ways. Thanks Nic!"
— Ella Kempton (Creative Services Manager at Mustard Creative)
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I highly recommend Nicholas for his compassionate and engaging approach during the MHFA course. His expertise and genuine concern created a supportive learning environment. Nicholas skilfully navigates complex topics, fostering understanding and empathy among participants. His commitment to mental health education is evident in his impactful teaching style.
— James Taylor (Team Leader, Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist @ Rehab Management)
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"I participated in the Mental Health First Aid course facilitated by Nic. Nic was professional, knowledgeable, but also relatable, and allowed all participants to share their lived experiences without judgment. Highly recommend attending Nic’s training, especially for anyone working in a field dealing in mental health, wellness or illness."
— Julie Stonham (Senior Clinic Specialist @ Boston Scientific)
Footage courtesy of Spark North East Link (World Day for Safety and Health at Work Keynote 2026)
Training & Certifications
✱ MHFA International - 10+ Accredited Courses
✱ The Johns Hopkins University - Psychological First Aid (12/25)
✱ LivingWorks - ASIST Suicide Training (06/25)
✱ Resilience First Aid Training (03/25)
✱ Accidental Counsellor Training (03/25)
✱ HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid (01/25)
✱ Tibetan Bön Dzogchen Meditation Course (11/24)
✱ The Man Cave - Working With Boys (10/23)
✱ Roses in the Ocean - Our Voice In Action (09/23)
✱ NSW Working With Children Check (09/23)
✱ Good Blokes Co - Leadership Training (05/23)
✱ VIC Working With Children Check (01/23)
✱ Tanck - GOV-101 Engagement (10/22)
✱ Berry Street - Trauma Informed Training (05/22)
✱ The Rites of Passage Institute - Leadership Training (12/21)
✱ genU - Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training (11/21)
✱ Calm - Suicide Safety Training (10/21)
✱ Raise Foundation - Youth Mentor Training (09/21)
✱ NSW Child Safe eLearning (08/21)
✱ VACCHO - Aboriginal Cultural Safety Training (06/21)
✱ baytr - Being Herd Safe Storytelling (05/20)
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My philosophy is to see the human BENEATH the illness, disorder or addiction and treat them how THEY want to be treated
WANT My support?
Need MHFA or bespoke training for a group? Want a keynote speaker? Something else?
Book my courses directly or enquire below and I will get back to you ASAP.
