About the Mediator Training Academy

Introduction to Mediation Courses

Through a range of Mediation Courses, the professional staff at Mediator Training Academy offer you the opportunity to obtain the mediation process.

You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to qualify as a Nationally Accredited Mediator and/or a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
This is in accordance with the Australian Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS). It also serves as a way of obtaining the Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution.

These qualifications allow service under the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008.

Our Academy is associated with and endorsed by the Australian Mediation Association, which has a membership of 2700 professionals throughout Australia. Mediator Training Academy boasts an Academic Advisory Board of mediation teaching professionals, which are among the most qualified in Australia.

This ensures that the Academy has the ability to provide ongoing support to participants in our mediation courses through our continuing professional development.

Course Offerings

The Mediator Training Academy offers a variety of mediation courses ranging from beginner levels to advanced programs for seasoned mediators. We tailor our courses to meet the needs of our clients.

The training combines ADR theory with practice. As with all our courses, the participants will have ample opportunity to practice the skills learned with simulations and role-plays.

Our mediation courses are ‘hands-on’ and interactive. We believe that all participants require an understanding in the theoretical aspects of mediation training and negotiation as well as the practical application of the mediation process and skills.

Mediation Explained

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Mediation (or Alternative Dispute resolution – ADR) is a process by which a neutral third party called a mediator helps people in conflict negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement.

A mediator facilitates the communication, promotes understanding, assists the parties to identify their needs and interests. He or she also uses creative problem solving techniques to enable the parties to reach their own agreement.

Unlike court or arbitration, no one imposes a solution on a party. If all of the parties do not agree to the result, the dispute remains unresolved.

Mediation gives parties a far greater level of control over the way their dispute or difference is dealt with and over the outcome. If negotiations have so far failed, mediation provides an alternative to pursuing litigation or other more formal processes.

The scope for solutions is almost always greater than the remedies available in courts and tribunals, or even in prolonged negotiation.

What are the advantages to Mediation?

Affordable – The costs associated with ADR are considerably less than litigation.
Efficient – The mediation process can usually settle a dispute within a few sessions. Most mediations conclude or settle within thirty days from initiating the process.
Effective – This method of dispute resolution statistically settles over 85% of initiated disputes. It’s reassuring to know there’s an end in sight.
Informal - The process of Mediation is flexible and informal. It is not necessary to have an attorney represent you during the mediation process. However, some individuals feel more comfortable with attorney representation. It’s totally up to each individual case.
Empowering – Disputing parties are directly engaged in the negotiation of their settlement. Parties also enhance the likelihood of continuing their relationships by utilizing mediation.
Confidential – Information disclosed during mediation may not be divulged as evidence in any trial or judicial proceeding.

Academic Advisory Board

Mediator Training Academy engages an Academic Advisory Board, who possess a collection of experience in both training and practical areas, unparalleled in the mediation training community.

Our experienced board are actively involved in all areas of learner development from course writing to delivery, practical assistance, and ongoing professional support.

Faculty Members

Callum Campbell

B.Com University of Queensland; LLB University of Queensland; Graduate Diploma Law (Dispute Management Law) University of Queensland, Certificate IV Training & Assessment. Callum was recently named the “Leading Preventive Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution Expert of the Year, Australia”, by the 2018 Leading Adviser Awards.

Callum has been at the forefront of mediation in Australian jurisdictions and further afield internationally through his role as CEO of the Australian Mediation Association (AMA). He promotes this form of ADR training internationally and assists others in developing professionally.

Linda Kochanski (AM)

Linda has a legal background and worked in the areas of Criminal and Family Law predominantly before moving to dispute resolution. In 2018, she was awarded two major honours: Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (‘FDRP’) of the Year and Alternative Dispute Resolution (‘ADR’) Academic of the Year.

Linda has been a practising mediator since 1993 and continues to train on mediation and negotiation courses.

Jason Gautreaux

CEO: International College of Education for Sustainability (provider code: 22487) , College of Education Services, I.C.E.S., C.E.S. Jason has over 25 years of involvement in tertiary education, having created successful online dispute resolution training programs in partnership with the AMA.

Tom Stodulka (AM)

LLB, Grad Dip Strategic Studies and Grad Cert Mediation. Tom has mediated over 3000 disputes throughout Australia and is recognized for his contributions to mediation practices.

Rachael Hempling

BA LLB (University of New England) and currently undertaking a Master of Laws (Dispute Resolution) at Bond University. Rachael is a barrister and mediator specializing in family mediation, advocating for resolving disputes out of court.

Mieke Brandon (AM)

Mieke Brandon, BA (University of Canberra), MSc(App) (University of Western Sydney) is a registered family dispute resolution practitioner. With over 30 years of experience, she has published extensively and presented at various international conferences.

FAQs

How do I become an accredited mediator?

The requirements for accreditation via training are set out at section 2 of the Approval Standards and include:

Complete a training course of a minimum of 38 hours.
Undertake an assessment.
Apply to an RAP for accreditation.

Our online mediation programs meet the Approval standards.