Our Story
Andrew and Jo began their formal training journey as colleagues at Australasian College of Health and Safety at Wellington Point, Queensland. We are grateful for the opportunities, mentoring and support that we received during those years, and have built on those strong foundations with our own philosophy, vision and personalities.
Our passion for quality training outcomes, and the building of positive relationships within the safety community has driven us forward with energy and a desire to build our own organisation with like-minded individuals, and to create a positive learning environment.
We look forward to establishing Simpatico Safety as the provider of choice for new clients, and continuing to build and maintain strong relationships with our existing valued clients.
Our Vision
We believe that safety in a workplace is greatly dependent upon inclusive consultation within an organisation leading to informed decision-making. Acknowledgement of expertise at all levels leads to a better understanding of the things that can harm us, and how to effectively manage risk.
Our vision is to provide outstanding safety programs that help shape today’s WHS professionals. We aim to empower organisations and their people through holistic training strategies that lead to collaborative, inclusive safety culture.
We endeavour to assist trainees in developing the skills and knowledge that they need to work safely, and to make a difference in their workplace.
The student journey begins at the point of first enquiry, through the learning process, issuing of the qualification, and continuing forward.
We value post-course relationships, and we are committed to continuing dialogue and support.
Meet the Team
The Simpatico Safety team understands the complexities of managing work health and safety, and the difficulties involved in coordinating training activities. We acknowledge the value of real-world experience, and the importance of maintaining work/lifestyle balance. Jo and Andrew draw on their experience to ensure a meaningful, relevant and personal learning experience for trainees.
Joanne Cole
Director & RTO Manager
Joanne possesses sound knowledge of the VET sector, her particular strength lies in RTO management. Her experience includes the development and maintenance of the quality, business, and training management systems in two medium sized RTOs. Jo has been heavily involved in the development, implementation, and improvement of training and assessment systems and content, from the working draft stage, incorporation into existing RTO structures, to the coordination of validation activities.
Jo’s breadth of knowledge, attention to detail, and collaborative approach contributes to her success as a compliance specialist.
Time spent in the service industry has helped shape Jo’s approach to client liaison and student-centric outcomes.
Jo is also the go-to person for Return-to-Work training and advice.
Outside the training world, Jo can be found charging downhill on mountain bikes, and getting back to nature.
Andrew Smith B App Sc (Med Sc)
Director & Training Manager
Andrew has extensive experience in the safety industry, having worked for several large companies (including major hazard facilities) in key operational safety roles. During this time he has liaised with the State Government’s safety regulator, whilst functioning as the Major Hazard Facility (MHF) Safety Case Project Lead for a major pesticide manufacturing facility. Andrew has worked within many industries, including: major manufacturing (pesticide, petrochemical, fertiliser); laboratories (biochemical, environmental – chief chemist); construction; and his own small businesses. This breadth of experience places Andrew well for contextualising safety concepts for clients, and delivering practical and effective services.
Andrew conducted Master of Arts (Research) in Safety Science at Griffith University. This research is concerned with Safety Practitioner training – organisational expectations, competency, capability and traction in practice. He is keenly motivated to further his understanding, and to better deliver high quality, meaningful training.
Andrew balances his professional life with his passion for music – building his own guitars and amplifiers, and belting it out with a couple of local bands, or he’s exploring the backroads on his motorcycle.
Erin Dixon
First Aid Trainer and Social Media content creator
Erin brings her own brand of energy, freshness and humour to our team.
Erin’s time spent in the hospitality industry is evident in her personable manner and her capacity to engage with class members and other clients. A warm buzz and moments of laughter regularly drifts down the hall from the 1st Aid training room! Erin manifests an inherent respect for others and possesses a strong sense of social justice and equity.
Erin is an inspired artist and has created her own community of curious characters for an upcoming graphic novel.
…and Erin likes to picture-bomb our whiteboards!
Tanya Box
Training coordinator and compliance
Tanya brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked for many years within Qld Department of Health and in the private sector. Tanya brings a warm and welcoming face to Simpatico Safety. Her attention to detail and keen focus on client support equips her well to help ensure that we are delivering quality services to our trainees. For many of our Department of Education trainees, Tanya will be coordinating your enrolments and conducting your Teams onboarding sessions.
Tanya loves to read and is a killer cook! Tanya enjoys socialising with friends and family, and hanging out with her lovely pooch, Bibi.
Next Steps…
Contact us to arrange a booking, request a quote, or to request further information on our courses and other services.