Talisman

Meet the people behind

Talisman

At Talisman, we leverage deep industry expertise to understand the unique challenges faced by the resource sector. We blend insights from an operator and service provider perspective, enabling us to deliver an end-to-end service at all levels of the resource industry.

Our passion is to change narratives by implementing actionable solutions that reflect your commitment to your people, environment, community, and shareholders. We deliver value not out of obligation, but with the conviction that it fosters sustainable success. With Talisman, envision your organisation as the benchmark of corporate citizenship, embracing the opportunity to redefine the industry standard.

Grant Polwarth

Partner

Grant holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering (Honours) and a Graduate Diploma in Mine Ventilation. He has held senior leadership roles throughout the mining industry, including Managing Director of Lake Coal, and co-founded Fitzroy Australia Resources in 2016 as CEO and Managing Director. In his leadership roles, he’s successfully fostered a culture of accountability, teamwork and respect. His ability to drive simplicity in complex project environments and confidence to challenge the status quo ensures clients achieve outcomes aligned with cultural improvement, stronger financial results and greater utilisation of equipment.

Richard Livingstone-Blevins

Director

Richard holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining), a First Class Mine Manager Certificate and a Graduate Diploma in Mine Ventilation. He has held senior statutory competencies across Queensland and New South Wales in various underground coal mining operations. Richard also co-founded Fitzroy Australia Resources where he held various senior leadership and executive roles such as General Manager, COO and CEO. With over 17 years’ experience, Richard has played an instrumental role in delivering industry-leading results throughout several world-class mining organisations.

Nathan Sharpe

Director

With over 10 years’ experience in the mining industry, Nathan combines his passion for people leadership, operational experience and sporting accolades to drive and develop high performing teams. With over 100 matches played for the Australian Wallabies, 20 as Captain, Nathan played for over 15 years at the elite Australian level in rugby union. In 2010, Nathan transitioned out of sport and into the mining industry where he established SES Labour Solutions. Nathan brings unique capabilities in designing and delivering exceptional leadership and coaching development programs, which result in improved performance and long-standing relationships for clients.

Carl O’Hehir

Director

A mining professional with over 22 years’ experience leading teams and delivering large-scale open-cut mining projects. Carl has worked within various senior management positions for both owner-operators and contractors. His holistic understanding of the open-cut mining business lifecycle supports a delivery of safe, efficient, productive and commercially successful results for clients. As Chief Operating Officer for Macmahon, Carl led teams with a focus on continuous improvement across end-to-end mining service capabilities to achieve sustainable growth and optimised financial returns.

Nathan Forsyth

Director

Nathan is an experienced mining finance executive with a background in technical, operational and corporate finance roles. He started his mining career as an operator at Gympie Eldorado Gold Mine in 2003 and has held mining engineering roles at BHP Billiton’s Dendrobium and West Cliff underground coal mines. Nathan spent 10 years with RFC Ambrian, a specialist mining corporate finance advisory business, leading corporate finance assignments for a wide range of international mining clients and institutional investors

Tom Keating

Chief Financial Officer

Tom has over 15 years’ experience in accounting, financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, and treasury within the mining industry. He was formerly the Financial Controller & Company Secretary of Fitzroy Australia Resources which operated multiple projects in the Bowen Basin. Tom possesses an extensive range of financial, commercial, and operational management capabilities, and has had experience in leading mergers and acquisitions and debt/equity raising activities. He has held multiple senior management roles across Fitzroy Australia Resources and Anglo American and has been a part of both greenfield operations and brownfield expansions. Tom holds a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA (honours) from the University of Queensland. He is also a member of CPA Australia.
Talisman Technical Logo (blue)

Mining Advisory

Justin Joubert

CEO of Talisman Technical

Justin is a mining executive with over 15 years’ experience leading operational and corporate teams. He has worked across all stages of the mining life cycle, including mine approvals, greenfield operations, brownfield expansions and mine closure. Justin has held senior management and executive roles at AngloAmerican and Fitzroy Australia Resources, which have included the development and implementation of business-wide strategies as they relate to safety, compliance, risk management, ESG (Environment, Social, Governance), business improvement, corporate governance and mine site approvals. Justin holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, Master in Business Administration (MBA), and Graduate Diploma of Mining Engineering (Mine Management).

Matthew Payne

Head of Advisory

Matthew is an experienced Mining Engineer, having worked across the coal sector in an international capacity over his career. Matthew brings a unique experience base having worked for operators in Technical Manager positions, as well as having worked as a Consultant for a number of years. As a result, Matt has the unique ability to pull together studies, as well as manage the operating technical aspects associated with a mine. Matthew has also worked internationally as an Operations Manager for a private coal company, as well as having worked as the Head of Mining Risk for a Global insurance underwriter.

Dave Thomas

Principal Mining Engineer

Dave Thomas is a Mining Engineer with over 35 years of underground operational and consulting experience. Dave has conducted numerous studies for coal companies and financial institutions in Australia and the USA, including conceptual to final feasibility studies, life of mine business plans, due diligence investigation for both buyers and sellers, Independent Engineer for ASX listings, and design and management of exploration projects. Dave has also conducted several vent simulation studies for Australian producers and participated in several geotechnical studies

Clinton Barnes

Project Manager

Clinton has extensive experience in managing all facets of construction, mine operations, care and maintenance and mine rehabilitation. As a qualified Site Senior Executive, he’s successfully managed mining operations for companies such as BMA, Anglo American and Yancoal. He has a reputation for overseeing large mining operations and ensuring teams are functioning efficiently and in line with safety, HSE and production compliance. Most recently, he was SSE/Operations Manager for South32’s Eagle Downs site where he was responsible for maintaining statutory compliance during the study and transition phase of the project. Prior to this, from 2017 – 2019, he was responsible for major shutdowns across seven BMA mine sites, managing major rebuilds on 28 draglines and 17 electric rope shovels.

Mat Maxwell

Engineering Lead

Mathew has over 30 years experience in the mining industry, having worked across both underground and open cut coal in several leadership positions. Mathew brings the unique skillset of having been very hands-on, bringing an intricate knowledge of all mining equipment, as well as having worked in engineering leadership roles that have encompassed large scale procurement for longwall and open cut operations, engineering and maintenance management and feasibility studies.

Brad Hammond

Project Director

Brad is a mining professional with 20 years of experience, holding an N4 Engineering Studies certificate, a Professional Certificate in Operations, and expertise in open cut and underground across various minerals, including Thermal Coal, Anthracite, Gold and Manganese operations. Building his experience from the coal face to the boardroom, he has managed operations and projects spanning feasibility, design, procurement, construction, and business transformation. As the former COO of Menar Mining Group, he oversaw safety, operational and cost performance, marketing, and logistics, and led key acquisitions. An industry leader passionate about teamwork, safety, and productivity, Brad can excel in various leadership roles across all aspects of a mining business.

Harry Surendran

Principal Mining Engineer

Harry, a Principal Mining Engineer with RPEQ and FAusIMM(CP) affiliations, holds a Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering, an MBA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Exploration, and a Graduate Diploma in Mine Ventilation. With over 28 years of local and international mining engineering experience, he excels in mine planning and scheduling, critical path analysis, and financial modeling, while effectively managing project teams. As a former Inspector of Mines, Harry drove health and safety improvements in the Queensland mining sector. In senior roles, he managed planning functions at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal and held positions at Anglo American, Peabody and Coal India Limited and led teams of engineers and planners. Harry brings valuable expertise and dedication to the mining sector.

Andrew Monaghan

Principal Mining Engineer

Andrew has nearly 30 years of experience in Queensland and New South Wales coal mines, holding degrees in Mining and Mechanical Engineering, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment, and statutory qualifications. He has served in various senior management operational, technical, and corporate roles, including Open Cut Mining Engineer at Oaky Creek, managing Thiess’ contract at North Goonyella and its transition to Peabody, and Cook Colliery Expansion Manager, where he led the concept study and transformation of a bord and pillar mine into a modern longwall operation.

Francois Mienie

Principal Mining Engineer

Francois is a mining engineer with over 34 years’ experience in mining and mine operations management including in statutory roles in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Francois has a proven ability to successfully analyse an organisation’s critical business requirements, identify deficiencies and potential opportunities, and develop innovative and cost-effective safe solutions for enhancing competitiveness, increasing revenue, and improving customer service offering. He holds a BSc Mining Engineering, University of Pretoria and Site Senior Executive qualifications.

Charlie Stokes

Principal Mining Engineer

Charlie joins the team from Ulan where he was Technical Services Manager, providing technical, business and operational support for the ongoing success of Ulan Underground Mine. Prior to this he was Ulan’s Ventilation Officer responsible for implementing safe, productive and business risk improvement initiatives, including dust free seal construction and improved walk on – walk off longwall move ventilation arrangements mitigating spontaneous combustion risk. With a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mining Engineering degree and completion of Statutory Coal Mine Ventilation Officers Course.

Robert Murdoch

Principal Mining Engineer

Since completing a Bachelor of Mining Engineering at University of Queensland in 2012 and a Graduate Diploma in Mine Ventilation through UNSW in 2014, Robert has over 10 years’ experience working in operational, technical and business improvement roles throughout the Queensland mining industry. He first began his mining career at Oaky Creek Mine as an underground operator and then moved to Anglo American’s Grosvenor Mine where he worked as a Mining Engineer for 4 years. His experience provides him with the knowledge to support any mining operation as they strive to improve equipment utilisation, planning efficiency and cost reductions.

Grant McVey

Senior Mining Engineer

Grant began his mining career in 2010 as a drilling offsider, working across multiple greenfield and brownfield exploration projects across Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. In 2012, Grant completed a Bachelor of Mining and Geotechnical Engineering (Honours) through University Queensland. As a graduate, he worked in operational roles across several AngloAmerican underground operations before obtaining his Queensland Deputy’s Certificate of Competency. Before joining the Talisman team, Grant spent several years in operational and statutory leadership roles, including as an ERZ Controller, and relief Mining Senior Official.

Joshua Stephens

Senior Mining Engineer

Joshua joined Talisman from Redpath Australia where he was a Mining Estimator for 2 years. Prior to this, he was a Mining Engineer in the technical services team at Carborough Downs for Fitzroy Australia Resources and ABM Contractors. Joshua first began his underground coal mining career at Cook Colliery near Blackwater in 2014, gaining operational experience in development and longwall operations, belt installations and maintenance and mine planning. He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) and Graduate Diploma of Mine Ventilation.

Dave Stefani

Senior Mine Planner

Dave has a wealth of experience in mine planning, scheduling, and software systems and brings extensive expertise to our team. He has a successful track record in short to medium term scheduling and budget forecasting, as well as experience in site process analysis and software system support. Previously, Dave was a Production Scheduler at Glencore’s Ulan West Underground operations and a Mine Planner at Bulga Underground. He supports our clients by providing support for their mine planning and scheduling needs.

Julian Hoskin

Senior Associate

Julian has degrees in Mining Engineering, Geomechanics and Business Administration. He is a business leader with over 30 years’ experience in project delivery, operations management and provision of technical support. He spent the first half of his career in operational and technical roles in both underground and surface mines. He then moved into project development with responsibility for the exploration, permitting, evaluation and delivery of mining projects, before joining Bechtel where he gained significant project management experience. As an industry veteran, he wants to help others by sharing his experience in delivering advisory solutions and project management.

David Taft

Geoscience Specialist

David Taft has worked as a Senior Geoscience Professional for over 15 years in both the consulting and coal and hard rock mining sectors in Australia. David has undertaken and managed exploration and investigation campaigns for brown and greenfield sites. He has also undertaken investigations of hydrogeological and hydrological systems both conceptually and numerically to provide practical and pragmatic input into concept and detailed designs for new open and underground mines and mine closure. He has significant experience in gas drainage activities, including managing surface to in seam drilling activities, gas well operation and maintenance and pilot drainage activities. David brings a rigorous safety mindset and strong knowledge of Queensland coal mining and petroleum and gas safety legislation developed during his years working in the coal mining industry. He holds a BSc. in Earth Science and graduate qualifications in Hydrogeology and Petroleum Geology.

Ian Livingstone-Blevins

Senior Associate

Ian is a mining industry veteran and stalwart, with a 40-year career spanning both Africa and Australia. Throughout his career, he has held leadership and executive positions in several major mining companies and managed numerous greenfield and brownfield projects, both underground and opencut. He is an effective leader who has developed a reputation for achieving excellence in high performance teams, cultural transformations and innovative technology.

Karl Barnsdale

Production Manager

Karl Barndale is an Operations Manager with over 20 years of experience in Underground (UG) Coal. Throughout his extensive career, he progressed from an operator to managerial roles, showcasing expertise across a broad spectrum of operational positions. Karl has been instrumental in notable project works such as the TBM drifts at Grosvenor, establishing the first coal at Grosvenor for both Development and Longwall, and managing Bord and Pillar operations focused on performance. Furthermore, his endeavors also encompass Road Header and drift drivages in New Zealand and from Carborough to CS.

Wynand Grobler

Principal Mining Engineer

Wynand Frederick Grobler, a Geotechnical Engineer with over a decade of experience, graduated from the University of Pretoria with a BEng in Mining Engineering followed by an Honours degree in Management of Technology. He also achieved a Rock Engineering qualification from the Chamber of Mines in 2019. Beginning his career with Anglo American, he climbed the ranks from Production Faceboss to Acting Rock Engineer from 2012 to 2019. Since 2019, Grobler has been a Geotechnical Engineer at Open House Management Solutions Pty Ltd, leading intricate projects such as shaft designs, stability analyses, and mine re-establishments. Fluent in English and Afrikaans, he is adept at various modelling software and is affiliated with esteemed professional associations, including SANIRE, SAIMM, and SACMA.

Dennis Wilkes

Principal Project Controls

Dennis Wilkes is an experienced Project Controls Manager with 25+ years of experience across mining and mineral processing industries in Asia and Australia. He started his career as a Civil Engineer, progressing into various project controls roles in several coal related projects including underground mines, CHPP’s, and coal export terminals. His competencies include scheduling, budgeting, cost estimation, risk, and change management. Dennis has a significant track record in both consulting services and on site with Contractors, participating in feasibility studies, detailed design, and implementation phases. He holds a master’s degree in project management from the Queensland University of Technology.

Nicholas Mead

Senior Mining Engineer

Nicholas Mead is a dedicated mining professional with a strong background in mining engineering, driven by a passion for optimising mining operations and ensuring safety and compliance. With a diverse range of experiences across various roles in the mining industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table. His extensive experience includes roles at Cowal Gold Operations, Evolution Mining, and Moranbah North Mine, Anglo American, where he excelled in mine planning and production forecasting. Nicholas thrives on challenges and is always keen to find innovative solutions to complex problems in the mining industry. With a strong foundation in mine planning, production forecasting, and technical services, he is committed to contributing his expertise to the success of future projects and the continued advancement of the mining sector.

Lulu Milfull

Undergraduate Mining Engineer

Lulu Milfull is a student at the University of Queensland studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Science. She plans to specialize in Civil Engineering, with a major in Mining and Earth Science. Lulu is deeply committed to integrating her academic knowledge into real-world applications through being involved in various unique projects within Talisman. She aspires to further her career in the mining industry through Talisman, driven by her passion for innovation and sustainable mining practices.

Todd Jackson

Senior Mining Engineer

Todd Jackson is a mining engineer with several years experience in the industry. Todd Started out at Ulan after completing his bachelors degree in mining engineering and has worked at multiple underground operations since then including Wambo, Carborough Downs and Ironbark. Through his time in the industry he has held multiple positions in the technical services team including Senior Mining Engineer and Ventilation Officer. Throughout this time he has also completed his Graduate Diploma Of Mine Ventilation.

Environment, Social & Governance

Ivan Budd

Head of ESG Advisory

Ivan brings deep functional expertise across safety and ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) in large, complex organisations. He has 20 years’ experience in the resources and aerospace sector where he has held senior, business wide roles in some of the world’s leading organisations. Ivan has experience across the management systems cycle to drive development, implementation, governance, and continual improvement of business processes across the ESG portfolio. Ivan has a proven track record in delivering excellence in safety and sustainability performance and assurance through his collaborative and risk focused approach. Ivan holds Bachelor qualifications in health and safety and Masters in sustainability studies.

David Edwards

Environmental Field Advisor

A highly skilled Ecologist and Environmental Coordinator, this mining professional brings an impressive array of expertise to the table. With a strong focus on adaptability and communication, he has proven his ability to navigate diverse and large-scale projects across multiple sites. This includes, but is not limited to, the Blackwater Coal Mine, Saraji Coal Mine, Peak Downs Coal Mine, Bauxite Hills Mine, Energy Connect, and various wind farms and gas lines.

Isobel Standfast

Environmental Specialist

Isobel is a highly qualified professional with a diverse set of skills and experience in environmental management, business management, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies. Her experience in the mining sector, particularly in underground coal mines, spans across all stages of the mining life cycle, including operations, care and maintenance, rehabilitation, and closure. In addition to her mining sector experience, Isobel has also gained a professional certificate in ESG and Social Responsibility and has worked with several companies to develop ESG strategies and roadmaps across a range of industries.

Elmien Ballot

Lead Environmental Auditor

Elmien is an environmental and auditing professional with more than 25 years’ experience as a manager, superintendent, and lead auditor. She has worked across Australia and South Africa in the resources sector for companies such as Wesfarmers, De Beers, Foskor, and Coronado in commodities ranging from coal to diamonds. Throughout her career, she has been involved in third-party, internal and supplier audits of ISO management systems, operations, and regulatory compliance. Elmien’s Master of Environmental Management specialised in sustainability, while the research for her Master of Anthropology identified critical factors in the development of children’s environmental awareness.

Jamie McCorkell

General Manager Sustainability

Jamie is an Environment and Sustainability leader with over 20 years of experience across various sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Env) Hons from Griffith University, a Master of Engineering (Groundwater Management) from the University of Technology Sydney, a Graduate Diploma of Business Management from the Australian Institute of Management, and various other certifications. Jamie has gained extensive leadership and change management experience in defence, water utilities, and the resource value chain from pit to port. Jamie has deep knowledge of business processes design, auditing, improvement and management. Management system experience includes the design, implementation and governance of HSE policy, frameworks, management and monitoring systems against external and internal standards with health, safety environment and security dimensions.

Steph Byrom

General Manager Decarbonisation

Steph is an experienced decarbonisation and policy specialist with proven abilities in providing strategic and technical expertise. She is currently the General Manager of Decarbonisation at Talisman, focusing on strategic and technical solutions for mining industry. Steph is pursuing a PhD in climate and energy policy, wherein she is developing a comprehensive roadmap for achieving a reliable net-zero future in the Australian National Electricity Market. Throughout her professional journey, she has consistently focused on developing decarbonisation projects, providing advice on climate and energy policy, and setting corporate decarbonisation strategy. She has worked for KPMG, Rio Tinto, Gamma Energy Technology and Palaris.

Safety & Compliance

Dermot Tomelty

Health Safety and Compliance Manager​

Dermot is an experienced and qualified Health, Safety and Compliance professional with a career spanning over 16 years across the resources industry. With a proven track record in driving safety and compliance in line with industry best practice. Dermot has a background in WHSE, Statutory compliance and operations. With a demonstrated capability in all areas of Health, Safety and Risk. Dermot has held positions with several tier one mining operations including Rio Tinto and Anglo American.

Micala Johnson

Safety & Health Specialist

Micala has over 15 years’ experience as a Safety, Health and Environment leader across Australia and internationally. Throughout her career, she has developed strong relationships with a diverse group of companies ranging from small businesses to large government departments and has worked across a wide range of industries; predominantly mining, engineering and construction. Micala has expertise in Safety Management Systems, Auditing, Incident Investigation, Training, Risk Management and Project Management, and a strong passion for Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), strategic planning and creating intuitive and effective Safety, Health and Environment management systems.

Claire Di Corleto

Health & Safety Specialist

Claire has been working in the fields of Occupational Hygiene and Health and Safety for 10 years, predominantly in the mining and resources sector. Claire has developed health risk assessment programs ranging from basic approaches for frontline workers through to health risk registers based around health and hygiene matrices. She has conducted audits of health and safety systems for major mining and resource companies against Regulatory Standards and codes. In addition to this, she has implemented and maintained hygiene data management systems including health and safety reporting analysis and the preparation of subsequent annual reports.

Peter Stigwood

Safety and Compliance Specialist

Peter Stigwood is an accomplished HSE specialist with 13 years of experience in health, safety, risk management, and contractor management within the resources sector, including coal and metalliferous environments. His roles have included strategic oversight and management of safety, health, compliance, and contractor management functions at various mining operations. His varied positions, such as Health, Safety, and Risk Manager, provide specialist safety and compliance coverage across multiple mines. Peter is adept at operational risk management, implementing critical control systems, and promoting a culture that values health and safety beyond mere compliance. His qualifications include a Diploma of Paramedical Science and a Diploma of Work Health and Safety, among others.

Anthony Mouzouris

Health and Safety Superintendent

With over 12 years’ experience supporting operational sites across the resources sector in Leadership roles, Anthony has proven experience in providing Health, Safety and Risk Management consulting services to various clients. Anthony’s experience includes Critical Risks Management, Incident Investigations, Auditing, Safety Management System Reviews and Contractor Management. Anthony has held positions with several tier one mining operations including BHP, Anglo American, Coronado Global Resources and OZ Minerals.

Bec Murton

Health and Safety Specialist

A Safety Specialist with 16 years of experience in the mining industry, Bec has built an extensive career from the frontline to strategic positions. With a Bachelor’s degree in both Occupational Health And Safety and Nursing from Central Queensland University and CQ University respectively, her academic background adds depth to her professional expertise. During her tenure at Anglo American Steelmaking Coal, she progressed from a Safety Coordinator to a Health and Safety Superintendent and, finally, a Safety Specialist. Bec has exhibited prowess in leading large teams, managing substantial health, safety, and hygiene budgets, and developing strategic plans aligning with larger business objectives. Her capability extends to conducting comprehensive safety audits, designing safety initiatives, and coordinating health services.

Luke Chapman

Health and safety Specialist

Luke Chapman is an accomplished Executive HSEQ leader, specializing in health, safety, environment, and quality management. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, governance, and risk management. Key achievements include implementing HSE Plans, managing high-risk environments, and executing enterprise-wide HSE culture transitions. Chapman’s expertise extends to fleet management safety, workers’ compensation systems, and risk management in various sectors. His work history spans significant roles at Team Global Express, Toll Group, Bolton Clarke, and Cleanaway Waste Management, where he led safety operations and developed safety and wellbeing strategies.

Will Elliss

Safety and Contractor Management Specialist

Drawing on experience from Physiotherapy, Business Management, Finance Management, and Occupational Hygiene. Will specialise in roles within Occupational Healthcare, resource sector Health & Safety and Healthcare Management. With a wealth of knowledge in the mining industry covering companies such as Anglo American and Rio Tinto Will brings with him an in-depth knowledge in safety and Contractor Management.
Talisman - Digital Logo (blue)

Chris Wilkinson

ProdMate CEO

With over 46 years’ international mining experience in underground and open cut mining methods, Chris brings expertise in production, technical and management-based roles to the Talisman Technical team. In 1988, he founded Mining Consulting Services (MCS) and developed the business into an internationally renowned technical advisory company. He also pioneered the development of ProdMate® Integrated Digital Production Management system, to assist mining companies transform production optimisation through the application of process-based production improvements. Chris holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering (Hons) and a Master in Engineering (Process).

John Tuimaleali’ifano

Head of Product Development

John holds a Bachelor of Arts (Computer Science and Management) from University of the South Pacific, Fiji. John joined MCS as a Senior Systems Analyst in 2010. As the Head of Product Development, he is responsible for leading the technology team in the development, implementation and refinement of mining production software tool, ProdMate®. With over 25 years’ experience in designing, building, modifying and enhancing IT systems, John is the IT leader who works with clients to provide value propositions to solve problems. He’s passionate about creating high-quality software products that exceed customer demands, lead to reduced production costs and drive higher investment returns and value for the business.

Hugh Breslin

Senior Software Engineer

Hugh holds a Degree in Mathematics (Hons) from University of Liverpool, UK, and has developed IT systems across supply chain, finance, mining, telecommunications, health, and banking sectors. At MCS, he has contributed extensively to the design, development and rollout of the ProdMate® software system, including transforming it to a cloud-based development system to better support clients’ needs. Hugh’s skills allow him to translate a client’s IT software requirements into reality. He has a relaxed and confident approach to solving problems which supports his commitment to accuracy and delivery of high-quality outcomes.

Simone Eid

Operational Support Manager

Simone’s role at Talisman Technical ensures she is a pivotal team member who remains extremely resourceful and committed to driving a team culture of participation, improvement, reward and opportunity. Simone’s previous experience in the development and construction industry was focused on contracts and operational management. She has helped coordinate the sales and operations of multi-million-dollar projects from feasibility through to completion. She has a Diploma in Business Management and a Bachelor of Laws.
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Bo Hanson

Director - Talisman People

With over 20 years’ experience working in sport and business, Bo has drawn on his own athletic career, comprising of four Olympics and three medals, in his work with sports-people from over 40 different sports across the globe. 

Grant Polwarth

Partner

Grant holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering (Honours) and a Graduate Diploma in Mine Ventilation. He has held senior leadership roles throughout the mining industry, including Managing Director of Lake Coal, and co-founded Fitzroy Australia Resources in 2016 as CEO and Managing Director. In his leadership roles, he’s successfully fostered a culture of accountability, teamwork and respect. His ability to drive simplicity in complex project environments and confidence to challenge the status quo ensures clients achieve outcomes aligned with cultural improvement, stronger financial results and greater utilisation of equipment.

Rebekah Box

Program Director

With a Bachelors Degree in Journalism majoring in design from QUT, Rebekah is here to ensure the program materials provided are truly unique to you and are a physical example of your Match Winning Qualities being brought to life.

Nathan Sharpe

Director

With over 10 years’ experience in the mining industry, Nathan combines his passion for people leadership, operational experience and sporting accolades to drive and develop high performing teams. With over 100 matches played for the Australian Wallabies, 20 as Captain, Nathan played for over 15 years at the elite Australian level in rugby union. In 2010, Nathan transitioned out of sport and into the mining industry where he established SES Labour Solutions. Nathan brings unique capabilities in designing and delivering exceptional leadership and coaching development programs, which result in improved performance and long-standing relationships for clients.

Carl O’Hehir

Director

A mining professional with over 22 years’ experience leading teams and delivering large-scale open-cut mining projects. Carl has worked within various senior management positions for both owner-operators and contractors. His holistic understanding of the open-cut mining business lifecycle supports a delivery of safe, efficient, productive and commercially successful results for clients. As Chief Operating Officer for Macmahon, Carl led teams with a focus on continuous improvement across end-to-end mining service capabilities to achieve sustainable growth and optimised financial returns.

Operational Support

Steve Kuzma

Commercial Manager

Steve is an accomplished executive with a wealth of experience in finance and divisional management. With over 20 years’ experience, he has developed a deep understanding of the logistics and health care industries and is passionate about working closely with senior leaders to identify and execute strategies for business growth and improvement. As a Chartered Accountant and holder of Bachelor of Commerce degree, Steve has a background in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling, and a proven track record of success in managing complex financial operations. Overall, Steve is a highly skilled and experienced executive who brings a unique blend of financial acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership to his work.

Simone Eid

Operational Support Manager

Simone’s role at Talisman Technical ensures she is a pivotal team member who remains extremely resourceful and committed to driving a team culture of participation, improvement, reward and opportunity. Simone’s previous experience in the development and construction industry was focused on contracts and operational management. She has helped coordinate the sales and operations of multi-million-dollar projects from feasibility through to completion. She has a Diploma in Business Management and a Bachelor of Laws.

Nick Ward

Digital Marketing and Content Manager

As Digital Marketing and Content Manager, Nicholas leads the marketing vision for Talisman, developing new strategies to create solutions for clients and generating meaningful content to support current portfolios of work. He’s responsible for cultivating Talisman’s brand awareness, creating quality ESG content and combining latest market data and trends with innovative solutions to improve efficiency and productivity for our clients. Nicholas graduated with a Bachelor Business from University Queensland and Master of Business (Marketing) from Queensland University Technology.