Alistair Swale

Purpose-driven and recovery-oriented professional with both lived and frontline experience supporting individuals facing complex mental health and substance use challenges. My own journey through recovery has shaped not only my resilience, but my deep commitment to walking alongside others as they navigate theirs. I understand firsthand the courage it takes to confront change, rebuild identity, and pursue stability — and I bring that authenticity, empathy, and belief in long-term recovery into every client interaction.

Combining lived insight with professional training, I am skilled in case management, structured goal-setting, and developing individualised support plans that empower clients to reclaim autonomy and rebuild meaningful lives. I thrive in high-pressure environments that demand emotional intelligence, clear communication, and collaborative engagement with multidisciplinary teams. Holding a Certificate IV in Mental Health, I am driven by a genuine passion to create safe, accountable, and transformative spaces where clients feel heard, supported, and capable of sustainable change.

Treatment Facilitator at Mudgee Private Rehab (2024-06 – 2025-08)

• Developed and implemented individualised care plans for men on bail presenting with substance use disorders and complex mental health challenges, ensuring structured, goal-oriented rehabilitation pathways.
• Delivered alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselling and facilitated structured group programs focused on relapse prevention, behavioural change, and personal accountability.
• Designed and implemented a structured music therapy program to enhance emotional regulation, engagement, and therapeutic participation, providing clients with a constructive creative outlet to support recovery outcomes.
• Chaperoned clients during overnight and weekend stays in accommodation facilities, including supervising men awaiting sentence reviews and those on approved personal leave, ensuring compliance with court-imposed conditions and organisational policies.
• Administered and monitored prescribed medications in accordance with clinical directives, and conducted drug and alcohol testing for clients returning from leave to maintain program integrity and risk management standards.
• Maintained comprehensive case notes and shift handover documentation to support continuity of care, management reporting, and legal compliance requirements.
• Supported clients in developing daily living skills, social integration strategies, and achievable goal-setting frameworks to promote long-term reintegration.
• Liaised with legal representatives, corrective services, healthcare providers, and family members to coordinate holistic and compliant support plans.
• Managed high-risk and high-pressure situations autonomously while maintaining professional boundaries and a safe, structured therapeutic environment.

Chef at Dyers Steak Stable (2025-08 – Present)

Chef at Various Venues (Our Chow, Lawson Park Hotel, A La Greque, Zucchini Brothers) (2009 – 2024)

• Delivered exceptional customer experiences in high-pressure hospitality settings.
• Trained and led teams, fostering collaboration and consistent service standards.
• Developed planning and organisational skills to coordinate multiple service components simultaneously.

Customer Service Representative at Telstra Corporation (2014-04 – 2017-04)

• Assisted clients with problem-solving and provided accurate guidance in high-volume service environments.
• Delivered personalised solutions and coaching to new team members, supporting consistent service delivery.

Travel Consultant – Domestic & International at Ultimate Travel & Como Travel (1997 – 2000)

• Provided personalised advice and support for clients planning domestic and international travel.
• Developed organisational and problem-solving skills managing multiple client bookings and complex itineraries.

Paraplanner / Financial Services Representative at Templeton Financial Services (2003-03 – 2009-02)

• Prepared detailed plans and documentation for clients, demonstrating attention to detail and client care.
• Supported clients in navigating complex financial decisions, building strong relationships based on trust and guidance.

Director at AJS Music Services (2019-04 – Present)

• Managed client communications and provided personalised support for lessons and projects.
• Developed strong organisational and interpersonal skills, maintaining client satisfaction and engagement.

Certificate IV in Mental Health – Australian College of Community Services & Care (2024)

Diploma in Financial Planning – Tribeca Sydney (2006)

Diploma in Travel: Travel Consultancy – Jetset Travel Training College (1997)

Certificate in Commercial Cookery – William Angliss Institute of TAFE (2011)

High School Diploma – Macleod College (1996)