AEP Consultants Pty Ltd

🧠 Be the person who knows how to help!
Mental health challenges are common — and knowing how to respond can make a real difference.
Geographe MHFA is proud to offer the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course to the South West region. Our first course will be delivered by an experienced Master Instructor, providing high‑quality, practical training.
The Mental Health First Aid course equips participants with the skills to:
🔵Recognise the signs of mental health concerns.
🔵Start supportive, respectful conversations.
🔵Guide someone toward appropriate professional help.
✅ Practical, evidence‑based strategies
✅ Supportive, non‑judgemental approach
✅ Ideal for workplaces, leaders & the wider community
📅 Dates: 29–30 April
📍 Location: Community Resource Centre, 21 Cammilleri St, Busselton
🎓 Training: Nationally recognised
👉 Limited places available — enrol today
Book Now: https://mhfa.my.site.com/MHFA/s/direct-course-link?course=ll5zvk&exp=false

Strengthening Resilience in the Resources Sector – AFAC 2025

Last week I was privileged to present High Adversity Resilience Training (HART) at the Resources Rescue Theatre during the AFAC powered by INTERSCHUTZ Conference & Exhibition.

I introduced the HART and Adaptable Mines programs—strength-based initiatives equipping WA mining personnel with the tools to handle the psychological demands of crises. My key message: the power of a strengths-based approach to mental health and resilience.

It was great to share the stage with:
✨ Chris Brennan (.performance.concepts, former SASR) – on transforming volunteer motivation into mission-ready capability.
✨ Daniel Goss – who invited me to speak and did an amazing job pulling the session together.
✨ Dr Ivor Roberts (LGIRS) – on the MARS Program and “stories that save lives.”

A huge thanks to the MARS Program for funding that allows to deliver HART and Adaptable Mines free of charge to WA mining personnel. With their support, we’ve already delivered two courses at the training facility—with more to come.

Adaptable Mines – Forging the Future of Mining

The Adaptable Mines Program is a one-day, high-impact workshop designed specifically for new starters, apprentices, and young workers entering the mining industry.

Build the mindset and skills to stay safe, connected, and resilient from day one.

I’m incredibly passionate about introducing this course. Anyone who has attended my programs knows how important it is to me to provide this training.

I strongly believe in supporting our young adults as they navigate an increasingly complex world, and in sharing our experiences to give them the tools they need to succeed.

✅ One-day workshop
✅ RFA Awareness Pack, notebook + pen included
✅ Pre/post resilience assessments
✅ Delivered at ERGT Jandakot or on-site

Proudly supported by the MARS Program and delivered by AEP Consultants.

Free to the Western Australian mining industries under the MARS Program — reach out to see if your organisation is eligible.

Limited spots — DM to secure your place.

Work–Life Integration in Action

I feel very fortunate to have been able to work alongside my wonderful wife, during a recent HART course.

Even though it seems logical that work and life should be kept in balance — 8 hours for work, 8 for rest, and 8 for sleep — in reality, it’s not that simple.

Moving towards our three basic psychological needs is what really makes the difference:

* Control & orientation – focusing on what you have control of and knowing the direction you’re heading.

* Connection – building high-quality relationships with the people around you.

* Pleasure & avoidance of pain – it’s always great to do the things you enjoy and fewer things you dislike. But it’s equally important to notice whether you’re driven by the pleasure of the work itself or simply by the avoidance of the pain — for example, no work means no money, and then the bills don’t get paid.

When these needs are met, long hours don’t feel like a burden — they feel worthwhile. You could work 20 hours a week in a role that drains you, or 60 hours in a role that energises you, because the difference comes down to whether those needs are fulfilled.

For me, getting the chance now and again to work alongside Madi on something as meaningful as this resilience training is a real privilege. It’s the perfect example of work–life integration: purpose, connection, and enjoyment all in the same space.

⚒️High Adversity Resilience Training (HART) – Strengthening WA Mining from the Inside Out

In high-risk industries like mining, mental resilience isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.

Driven’s HART Certification is an advanced resilience, peer-reviewed, accredited 2-day program by Su***de Prevention Australia, designed to build specialised resilience skills in workers exposed to extreme stress. This powerful, in-person workshop provides practical tools for professionals in high-adversity environments like mining.

What’s Included:
✅ 2-day workshop
✅ Up to 15 participants per session
✅ HART Manual & Pen
✅ RFA Awareness Pack
✅ Pre- and post-resilience assessments
✅ 12-month access to the Driven Resilience App
✅ 3-Year HART Certification

📍 Location: ERGT Facility, Jandakot, WA

🙏 A big thank you to the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program, an initiative of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) the Mental Health Commission, the Equal Opportunity Commission and the Department of Communities, for funding these vital initiatives.

To register or find out more, reply to this email or get in touch directly.

Adaptable Mines – Forging the Future of Mining

A FREE one-day workshop for 18–30-year-olds working in Western Australia’s mining sector. Build the mindset and skills to stay safe, connected, and resilient from day one.

I’m incredibly passionate about introducing this course. Anyone who has attended my programs knows how important it is to me to provide this training.

I strongly believe in supporting our young adults as they navigate an increasingly complex world, and in sharing our experiences to give them the tools they need to succeed.

✅ One-day workshop
✅ Up to 15 participants
✅ RFA Awareness Pack, notebook + pen included
✅ Pre/post resilience assessments
✅ Delivered at ERGT Jandakot or on-site
✅ Friday 8 August

Proudly supported by the MARS Program and delivered by AEP Consultants.

Led by:
- Jess Wilson, experienced FIFO/corporate health professional

- Andrew Palacios, Director of AEP Consultants and HART instructor with military and mining experience.

Limited spots — DM to secure your place.

Supporting Critical Teams: June Highlights

It was a great month delivering the High Adversity Resilience Training (HART) to ERGT staff, Royal Flying Doctor Service members, and Rio Tinto Emergency Services teams, helping them develop skills to thrive under pressure and protect their wellbeing. It’s rewarding to support these critical teams in their commitment to their communities.

We were also invited to speak at the Think Mental Health Round with the Waroona Country Football Club, part of a statewide initiative promoting mental health conversations in regional WA. Sharing lived experience and professional support information with local football communities was a real highlight.

A diverse group including medical specialists, learning and development, people and culture, safety teams, and emergency services personnel took part in these programs, enriching the experience and building collective capacity for resilience.

A special shout-out to Jesse McNeily for his outstanding efforts in instructing and leading the HART delivery this month — his professionalism, passion, and commitment to building resilience made a huge impact.

Driving Culture Change in WA Mining: Fully Funded Resilience Programs Now Available

We’re pleased to announce that, with funding from the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program, AEP Consultants is now taking bookings for two fully funded training programs available to the Western Australian mining industry:

1. HART Certification (High Adversity Resilience Training)
2. Adaptable Mines Program (for young workers aged 18–30)

These programs are designed to support mentally healthy, safe, and high-performing workplaces by addressing psychosocial hazards, strengthening resilience, and fostering inclusive cultures.

They also assist organisations in meeting their compliance obligations under:
* ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
* WA WHS Regulations – Particularly in managing psychosocial risks
* ISO 45003:2021 – Psychological Health and Safety at Work

HART Certification
Accredited by Su***de Prevention Australia and based on the validated PR6 Resilience Model, HART is a two-day training tailored for high-stress roles in mining. Participants develop 13 specialised resilience skills and receive:
* 3-year renewable certification
* Pre- and post-training Personal Resilience Insights Report
* HART Manual
* 6-month access to the Driven Resilience App

Adaptable Mines Program
A one-day training designed for workers aged 18–30, including apprentices and new entrants. Built on the PR6 Model, this course promotes resilience, inclusion, and early intervention in psychosocial risk.

If you’re interested in reserving a place or discussing how we can deliver the training at your site, feel free to get in touch.

Let’s continue building safer, stronger, and more resilient workplaces across the mining sector.