Empowering communities, preventing violence


What MATE is all about

Every single one of us plays a role in violence prevention—whether it’s something we’re exposed to directly or not. We want you to have the ability to recognise when a problematic situation is taking place and feel empowered to effectively interrupt the behaviour, providing it is safe for you to do so.

It is our aim to raise awareness around the ways in which abusive behaviour is embedded in our culture as well as the subtler issues that support a potentially harmful environment. Our programs challenge the root attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that normalise violence against women, inequality, racism, discrimination and bullying within our society. We recognise that in order to facilitate change, we need to open a dialogue about the dynamics and context of all forms of violence.

You may recognise that violence and discrimination don’t align with your values, but how often do you take a deep dive on the topic in an interactive environment? In our violence prevention programs, we create a safe space for people to share their opinions as well as any experiences they may have had with problematic behaviour to bring light to issues that are often left undiscussed.

Fostering effective leadership

Imagine a world where everyone thought of themselves as a leader. Where problematic behaviour wasn’t ignored because people felt too unsure about how to handle it. Effective leadership is what stands between us and a peaceful, safe society.

At MATE, we believe that change starts with the individual. Our violence prevention training is based on the idea that not only do we have an opportunity to do the important work around raising the bar on acceptable behaviour, we have a responsibility. It is the work we do at an individual level with our peers that has a ripple effect on the people within our sphere of influence and ultimately makes the difference. This is the philosophy that underpins our approach to violence and discrimination prevention. We help to develop effective leaders who have the tools to action change within our greater community.

'We care about your organisation and most importantly the people in it'


OUR TEAM

Shaan Ross-Smith

Director

Shaan Ross-Smith is a dedicated advocate for human kindness and fostering positive change, with a deep commitment to equality, inclusion, diversity, and violence prevention. Her career encompasses over fifteen years of experience within Queensland Corrective Services, where she held various managerial and director roles. Shaan’s journey transitioned in 2014 to focus on supporting victims/survivors at the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre as the Integrated Response Program Director. She is currently the Director of the MATE Bystander Program and the former Chair of the Board at DV Connect, Queensland’s largest phone line for individuals seeking refuge from domestic violence. Shaan is currently on the Queensland Parole Board and the Safety and Diversity Board at Music.  Shaan is a Psychologist, Mediator and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, underscoring her expertise and dedication to leading cultural change strategies and workshops across diverse sectors   

Kirsty Tschirpig

co-director

Kirsty Tschirpig is a passionate mediator, human rights advocate, and strategic leader with over twenty years of experience in preventing violence both within and outside the prison environment. Her work is underpinned by a strong commitment to human rights and a deep-seated belief in the power of strategic leadership and mediation to effect positive change. As a Myers-Briggs certified practitioner and a board director, Tschirpig contributes a profound understanding of personality dynamics and leadership to her roles. Kirsty’s qualifications span justice studies, youth work, Aboriginal and intercultural studies, and public sector management, equipping her with a diverse skill set that she leverages to advocate for and implement change .

Jacqui Grinzi

Business manager

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Jacqui excels in creating strategic partnerships, networking, project management, and boosting operational efficiencies across creative and community sectors. Her leadership has propelled corporate growth, regulatory adherence, social change, and key initiatives like QMusic’s Concert Care and the Safe Places – Venue Pilot Program.

On QMusic’s Management Committee, Jacqui spearheads Safety and Inclusion strategies, chairs the Safety and Diversity Advisory Group, and was a finalist for Board Director of the Year at the Third Sector Awards.

Committed to building meaningful connections, Jacqui is dedicated to fostering change, growth, and mutual advocacy, living by the ethos to #BeTheChange.

amy cook

special projects

AmyCook

Amy is a visionary leader with a passion for social justice and the power to mobilise others. With over 12 years in the domestic and family violence sector, she has made significant contributions across crisis intervention, counseling, and social impact projects. 

Amy, who has a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, is currently enhancing her expertise in Project Management. 

She co-produced “Why We Run,” a notable documentary about teens tackling domestic violence, recognised at the International Film Festival in The Hague. Amy’s commitment to ending inequality and promoting diverse definitions of success marks her as a dynamic force for social change.

Our Facilitators

Our team of 40+ facilitators are a diverse group of highly educated and passionate individuals, coming from various backgrounds including diversity, equity, inclusion, human services, human rights, advocacy, law, and mediation. They are spread across Australia, are multilingual, and share a common passion for social justice, aiming to make a positive difference in the world. 

Our team is deeply knowledgeable and committed to fostering understanding and change. They draw upon their personal experiences to lead active discussions on effective approaches to handle situations participants might encounter. Employing visual examples and clips from popular culture, our facilitators highlight the widespread issues of our times. Through their engaging and informative sessions, they aim to elucidate these complex issues as they exist today, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Our Visionaries

Testimonials