Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Open C Class Drivers License
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Ricky Mead

Oakey

Summary

Dedicated professional with a strong work ethic and passion for challenges. Utilizes qualifications, experience, skills, and knowledge to fullest potential. Goal-oriented and committed to excellence, approaches tasks with enthusiasm and pride. Known for positive attitude, adaptability, and willingness to tackle any task. Versatile team player eager to learn and grow.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Owner/Senior Lead Consultant

Ricky Mead Consulting
01.2018 - Current
  • Used my skills, qualifications, knowledge and experience to expand my consultancy business from just barely turning offer any profit and transforming it into a 6 figure, highly successful and respected consultancy business.
  • Developed operational strategies to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Managed daily business operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and efficiency.
  • Oversaw significant growth across a number of highly sort after government contracts.
  • Implemented marketing initiatives that increased brand visibility and attracted new customers.
  • Established vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to reduce costs and improve product offerings.
  • Analyzed financial reports, making informed decisions to drive profitability and growth.
  • Led community engagement efforts, building strong local partnerships to enhance business reputation.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
  • Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decisionmaking.
  • Fostered strong relationships with clients to boost retention rates, conducting regular feedback sessions.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Trained staff in best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.

Director

ACCESS - Australian Citizens Concerned about South Sudan
01.2010 - Current
  • As a co-founder and director of ACCESS I perform a variety of duties including:
  • - Designing, developing, implementing and evaluating a variety of projects across war torn areas of Southern Sudan, Sudan and Uganda
  • - Assist in the reunification of Australian Sudanese, Unaccompanied Minors and Child Soldiers with their families and/or kinship care or community support
  • - Set up and assist in the management of the only mobile school and educational centre in Southern Sudan with 800+ students running out of the village of Wernyol
  • - Assisted in the development of the Wernyol Medical and Birthing centre
  • - Taught traditional midwifes, medical staff and community representatives emergency childbirth, mental health and basic 1st aid training in January, February and March 2012
  • - Assisted in the development of the specialised midwifery training in Juba University
  • - Liaise with senior government officials from Southern Sudan, Sudan and Norway
  • - Set up and delivered a ‘train the trainer’ program for a team of senior educators that in turn go and teach other teachers how to train using western teaching and training methods
  • - Advocated for the rights of children and young people with rebel leaders in Southern Sudan
  • - Liaise with Australian and Sudanese higher education providers and government officials around the funding of humanitarian and educational projects in Southern Sudan

Owner/Operator/Cleaner

LBD Services
01.2001 - Current
  • I established and had direct control of the initial management of the business. Part of my duties included book keeping and accounting, ordering, handling and storage of chemicals and supplies, pricing and quoting of cleaning and maintenance contracts and the proper disposal of infectious and clinical waste. I worked in a variety of areas relating to commercial, industrial and domestic cleaning as well as general handyman and maintenance duties. The company has now diversified into mail and courier services, crime scene cleaning and employs 5 people.

Lead Teacher for Youth Work, RPL and the Certificate IV Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Residential and Out of Home Care Specialisation)

TAFE QLD
01.2010 - 12.2019
  • As a Lead Teacher at the Southern QLD Institute of TAFE (SQIT) I perform a variety of duties including but are not limited to:
  • - Develop training and educational resources relating to a variety of subjects (i.e. Child Protection, Youth Work, Family Intervention, Case Management, WHS, HACC, etc…)
  • - Teach a diverse range of students with differing backgrounds and experience
  • - Develop and deliver training in Indigenous mentoring and career counselling.
  • - Design and deliver specialist teaching across (and into) Community Services, Children Services, Health, Multicultural studies and Primary Indigenous Healthcare.
  • - Assist in the Australian English Migrant Program (AMEP) and with ESL teaching of the youth program for newly arrived refugee/migrant young people and their families
  • - OHS representative for Community Services, Health, Children Services and AMEP
  • - Assist in general administration and management of new and/or enrolled students
  • - Advocate for students rights while staying within set TAFE frameworks and legislation
  • - Clustered and registered an variety of dual and triple Community Services diplomas
  • Facilitated peer-to-peer learning opportunities within the classroom environment increasing collaboration among students and deepening understanding of material.
  • Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and inform instructional adjustments.
  • Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
  • Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
  • Incorporated culturally responsive teaching practices into curriculum design and delivery models promoting inclusivity within the educational setting.
  • Used data-driven decision-making processes to analyze student performance trends and adjust instructional practices accordingly, leading to improved outcomes.
  • Implemented assessment tools that monitored student progress throughout the year, allowing for targeted interventions when needed to close achievement gaps.
  • Worked one-on-one with students and student teachers to increase overall classroom success.
  • Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
  • Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
  • Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
  • Improved students' analytical skills by introducing state-of-the-art computer program technologies.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.

Teacher, Senior Youth Worker and Trainer

Department of Communities, Youth Justice Service Centre
01.2010 - 01.2013
  • As a casual Senior Youth Worker and Trainer for the Toowoomba Youth Justice Service Centre I:
  • - Case manage and develop strong support and referral networks for my clients.
  • - Supervise, train and induct new employees and support conflict resolution, mediation and advocacy between young people, the QLD police service, Child Safety and other entities.
  • - Develop professional rapport with the young people, parents, staff and support networks.
  • - Develop, supervise and facilitate group activities for young offenders.
  • - Design and implement specific programs that target any offending behaviours of young people in the community. Including taking offenders on Community Service orders
  • - Assisted in the coordination and development of complex individualised plans.
  • - Report to government officials, management and departmental database reporting systems
  • - Work to strict legal, ethical and professional standards and role model that to others.
  • - Assist in the transfer and return of juvenile offenders back into society from detention.
  • - Assisting young offenders while they were attending court, waiting for trial and/or transferring into and out of detention.
  • Facilitated youth engagement programs to promote positive social interactions and personal development.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding and participation.
  • Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse learning needs and styles.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to implement curriculum improvements and share best practices.
  • Utilized educational technology tools to facilitate interactive learning experiences.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.

Trainer, Team Leader and Senior Youth Worker

Lifestyle Konnections
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • As the team leader and Senior residential youth worker of 5 residential youth houses I:
  • - Develop care, case and transition plans for children and young people in the residential facilities and ensuring staff are up to date, resourced and are able to facilitate them
  • - Supervise and assist in the reporting of a variety of court appointed mandates for the young people in my care. This involved extensive case management and advocacy
  • - Recruit, train and lead a team of youth workers and other staff
  • - Develop professional rapport and networks with the young people, department representatives, staff, community and key stakeholders
  • - Develop, supervise and facilitate recreational, therapeutic and educational activities for highly vulnerable young people.
  • - Manage financial reporting, residential budgets and the management of funds linked to young people and their specific orders and plans.
  • - Assisted staff in making appointments in line with the young people’s individual plans
  • - Organisational, time and WHS management responsibilities
  • - Document and report to the senior management and board members
  • - Appraise staff performance and manage rosters, resourcing and appropriate staffing
  • - Advocate for the young people in my care and assist in reunification of children and young people with their families or into kinship care.
  • - Manage the staffing roster, WHS, complaints and auditing of the residential houses
  • - Work extensively with highly aggressive and/or sexual offenders

Programs Coordinator/Business Relations Manager

YWCA Downs & South West QLD
01.2007 - 01.2009
  • Part of my role as the Programs Coordinator/Business Relations Manager is to:
  • - Develop, supervise and facilitate appropriate group activities
  • - Advocating for client needs and manage a large number of case files mainly refugee and migrant files. I successfully placed the highest number of ESL students in the state.
  • - Design and implement management and performance policies and procedures that were coherent with government legislation and frameworks while still promoting the organisations ethos and values.
  • - Manage financial reporting and program budgets
  • - Assist clients transition out of supported living into independent living arrangements
  • - Supervise, train and manage staff (volunteer and paid program staff)
  • - Support conflict resolution and mediation between clients, staff and the public.
  • - Organise and conduct regular interviews with clients, staff and key stakeholders
  • - Work in an ethical and legal framework to achieve set outcomes.
  • - Assist with general administration, case management, filing and the regular reviews of YWCA’s programs and its clients.
  • - Develop professional rapport/boundaries with clients, parents, staff and support networks.
  • - Regularly visit and liaise with department and government officials and produced reports of the YWCA’s progress and outcomes.
  • - Research, design and present an array of different presentations on different topics.
  • - Organisational and time management responsibilities
  • - Maintain extensive case files to update Government departments and databases and assisted in the development of Yability disability empowerment pilot program.
  • - Manage and regularly review the each individual program’s goals and outcomes.
  • - Research, develop then implement funding submissions for the YWCA.
  • - Assist in the delivery and development of training materials and resources
  • - Assisted in the coordination of programs for up to 16 women in a supported living facility.

Career & Transition (C&T) Officer and Youth Support Coordinator (YSC)

DISCO (Downs Industry Schools Co-Op)
01.2005 - 01.2007
  • My role was situated across different programs within DISCO. As a C&T officer I:
  • - Provided group assistance with career development, life couching, resilience building and life skills activities and case managed a large number of clients.
  • - Promoted, facilitated and evaluated career and transition programmes and services, information sessions for parents and developed, identified then distributed appropriate resources for students; parent’s and school staff to support career and transition activities.
  • - In my role as a C&T officer I researched, designed then present an array of different presentations on different topics and was a guest speaker at a large number of seminars, VET Network days, school and community functions and alike.
  • - Organising Work Experience, SWL (Structured Workplace Learning) and SAT’s (School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships) for my clients on a regular basis.
  • The second part of my position at DISCO was as an YSC (Youth Support Coordinator). This role encouraged me to use a large array of different and diverse skills and knowledge and blended itself well to my previous work at the Flexischool. All of the duties, activities and responsibilities mentioned in my Flexischool role also transfer to my YSC role. The YSC role required me to have the ability to work/think quickly, efficiently and autonomously, be outcome focused and work to strict legal and ethical guidelines whilst still being a team player. Being an YSC required me to keep to a stringent code of conduct, confidentiality and achieve a high level of set outcomes. I also had to undertake a considerable amount of specific training and professional development and constantly reflect and review my practice to keep up with current research and initiatives. As a YSC I was instrumental in successfully researching and developing a number of submissions for funding for support programs that directly assisted my clients.

Casual Residential Youth Worker

Lifeline Darling downs (RAPT) and Toowoomba Youth Service
01.2001 - 01.2007
  • On call residential youth worker for children and young people in a variety of residential and out of home care facilities. Most of the young people were on court appointed mandates from Child Safety and/or Youth Justice. I assisted in the development of mentoring support program for the indigenous residents and other staff. Completed general residential youth worker duties and maintained an extensive electronic database and case note system. I regularly assisted the children and young people to make and attend medical, Child Safety and family contact appointments while managing a large case load.

Flexible Learning Services Manager

Toowoomba Flexischool
01.1999 - 01.2006
  • Part of my role as the FLS (Flexible Learning Services) Manager was to:
  • - Assist with general administration, case management, filing and the regular reviews of Flexible Learning Service program and its clients.
  • - Develop, supervise and facilitate specifically targeted group activities
  • - Advocating for client needs and assisted students in supported housing
  • - Design and implement behaviour management policies that were coherent with government legislation/policy while still promoting the school ethos and values.
  • - Support conflict resolution and mediation between parents, students and staff sometimes in very complex and difficult situations
  • - Organise and conduct regular induction, transition, performance and mediation interviews with FLS clients, parents, staff and government representatives.
  • - Work in an ethical and legal framework to achieve set outcomes.
  • - Develop professional rapport and promote the Flexible Learning Services to clients, parents, staff, support networks and key stakeholders
  • - Develop strong support networks for both the FLS clients/staff and the Flexischool students and staff. Achieved the highest successful outcome rate in the state for my students.
  • - Strong organisational and time management responsibilities
  • - Maintain extensive case files to update the FLS and Government databases.
  • - Regular reporting to government officials, ETRF and local youth and community groups about the progress of the Flexible Learning Services within the region.
  • - Manage, lead and review the roles and performance of the FLS officer and administration officer to make sure they were working to the best of their abilities and achieving the FLS program’s goals and outcomes.
  • - Regularly visit and liaise with Youth Justice, the Corrective Services and QLD Police to support the FLS clients with court appointed orders.

Meat Processor, Butcher, Cleaner, Laboratory Technician, First Aid/OHS Officer and Trainer

Australian Meat Holdings and Oakey Abattoirs
01.1994 - 01.1999
  • Because of my time with AMH I was trained and worked in all facets of meat production and butchery including the boning, slicing, and slaughtering of bovine animals and the loading and dispatching of meat products. I assisted management with leading-hand duties and the training of new employees. I was in charge of nightshift quality assurance and direct control of the onsite disease/contamination laboratory and butcher shop. I worked as the nightshift boning room first-aid officer for 6 years on top of my other duties and coordinated the nightshift workers relief fund while also being the union representative for 3 years. I worked overtime whenever possible as a relief cleaner and/or on double shifts at other meatworks and butcher shops. Over the years I assisted in the training and support of 100’s of new employees (most indigenous, new to the industry, skilled visa and/or refugee and migrant) this seen a major growth and diversification in the workforce and ultimately gave opportunity to other work initiatives in the meat industry (i.e. work support and mentoring programs and international job advertising and promotion)

Education

Bachelor of Education (General Education Studies) - Education, Special Education, Behavior Management

University of Southern Queensland
Toowoomba, QLD
05-2009

Masters of Education - Educational Leadership And Management

Central Queensland University
Queensland
01-2014

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Youthwork, Child Protection, Career Guidance, CALD

TAFE Queensland
QLD
06-2009

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Child, Youth And Family Intervention

TAFE QLD
QLD
11-2013

Post-Graduate Certificate - Training And Assessment

Australian College of Training And Employment
Loganholme, QLD
02-2010

Post-Graduate Certificate - Occupational Health And Safety

Australian College of Training And Employment
Loganholme, QLD
02-2010

Post-Degree Certificate - Training, Assessment And Education

Academy of Career Training
Toowoomba, QLD
05-2012

Certificate - Volunteer Community Adult Literacy Tutoring

Caboolture Community Learning Centre
Caboolture, QLD
08-2012

Certificate II - Meat Processing And Butchering

Australia Meat Holdings Pty Ltd
Dinmore, QLD
11-1998

Skills

  • Excellent Communication, Organization, Time and Case management skills
  • Extensive knowledge and skills in Workplace Health and Safety
  • Small business operations and management
  • Project, Operations and Business management
  • Business and Strategic planning
  • Staff and Resource management
  • Business launch and development
  • Consultancy within a wide range of subject areas
  • Partnership development and expansion
  • Skills, knowledge and experience in crisis management
  • Proficient with friendly Customer Service, Marketing and Sales
  • Excellent computer and technology skills/knowledge: MS Office Suite, Internet and Email
  • Human Resource, Conflict Resolution and Leadership skills
  • Ability to work in a legal and ethical framework and to strict timelines
  • Capable in supporting young people to address their circumstances/issues
  • Extensive skills, knowledge and experience in working with young people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and from disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Ability to plan and conduct group activities based around set outcomes and/or topics
  • Able to set and maintain professional boundaries
  • Proficient in correct case management of vulnerable and/or disengaged youth
  • Able to work productively both independently and as part of a team
  • Experience, skills and knowledge in dealing effectively with a diverse range of people in unusual and/or difficult situations
  • Able to work hard and self-manage a number of jobs at the same time
  • Able to manage staff, volunteers and/or resources in a community services setting
  • Extensive knowledge and skills in relation to Mental Health issues, abuse, the Corrective Services and Justice system/s and protocol
  • Construction and Mechanical power and hand tool operation skills and knowledge
  • Able

Accomplishments

    University of Southern Queensland Alumni of the Year 2013

Affiliations

  • Career Counselling Australia
  • BJMA Martial Arts Australia
  • Australian Teacher's Union
  • Shooters Union Australia

Certification

Senior First Aid

Current International Police Check Certificate

Working with people with Disability Card

Working with Children Card

Construction Safety Card

Open C Class Drivers License

Clean driving record with multiple defensive driving training courses completed.

Interests

Travel and time with my family and friends

International Relations and Political science

Martial Arts and Fitness

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Fishing, Camping, Hunting and Homesteading

House construction and restoration

Car Restoration


Timeline

Owner/Senior Lead Consultant

Ricky Mead Consulting
01.2018 - Current

Lead Teacher for Youth Work, RPL and the Certificate IV Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Residential and Out of Home Care Specialisation)

TAFE QLD
01.2010 - 12.2019

Director

ACCESS - Australian Citizens Concerned about South Sudan
01.2010 - Current

Teacher, Senior Youth Worker and Trainer

Department of Communities, Youth Justice Service Centre
01.2010 - 01.2013

Trainer, Team Leader and Senior Youth Worker

Lifestyle Konnections
01.2008 - 01.2010

Programs Coordinator/Business Relations Manager

YWCA Downs & South West QLD
01.2007 - 01.2009

Career & Transition (C&T) Officer and Youth Support Coordinator (YSC)

DISCO (Downs Industry Schools Co-Op)
01.2005 - 01.2007

Owner/Operator/Cleaner

LBD Services
01.2001 - Current

Casual Residential Youth Worker

Lifeline Darling downs (RAPT) and Toowoomba Youth Service
01.2001 - 01.2007

Flexible Learning Services Manager

Toowoomba Flexischool
01.1999 - 01.2006

Meat Processor, Butcher, Cleaner, Laboratory Technician, First Aid/OHS Officer and Trainer

Australian Meat Holdings and Oakey Abattoirs
01.1994 - 01.1999

Bachelor of Education (General Education Studies) - Education, Special Education, Behavior Management

University of Southern Queensland

Masters of Education - Educational Leadership And Management

Central Queensland University

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Youthwork, Child Protection, Career Guidance, CALD

TAFE Queensland

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Child, Youth And Family Intervention

TAFE QLD

Post-Graduate Certificate - Training And Assessment

Australian College of Training And Employment

Post-Graduate Certificate - Occupational Health And Safety

Australian College of Training And Employment

Post-Degree Certificate - Training, Assessment And Education

Academy of Career Training

Certificate - Volunteer Community Adult Literacy Tutoring

Caboolture Community Learning Centre

Certificate II - Meat Processing And Butchering

Australia Meat Holdings Pty Ltd

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