Clear thinking, bold, inclusive, people-focussed leadership, effective tools, and processes are at the heart of my work.

Whether providing consulting and/or training services, presenting on topics as a Guest Speaker or serving as Director or Board Member, I provide a balanced, informed, and thoughtful perspective.

My attention is focussed on planned and skilled delivery, evidence-based practice and most importantly the opportunity to embrace new and exciting approaches in order to guide your organisation through the challenging and rewarding process of growth and change.

I am passionate about wellbeing and currently I am consulting with the Tropical Brain and Mind Foundation’s Mentally Healthy City Townsville.

About me

Cathy is a Faculty member of Glasser Australia.  I have almost four decades of experience in leading people, managing organisations, and managing projects; many of these as a Chief Executive Officer working from Palm Island to Mt Isa, based in Townsville.

Along this immensely rewarding journey I’ve completed a Masters in Metaphysical Science, Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching TAFE, Diplomas in Community Welfare, Frontline Management, Training and Assessment, Business Management, a Trade Certificate and become a certified Practicum Supervisor in William Glasser’s Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management.

I have extensive experience in operating a range of small businesses.  I have worked in the vocational education and training sector as a TAFE teacher, Project Manager – Implementation of Competency Based Training and Curriculum Designer.  I have also established and operated my own successful Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

During my work in the Community Managed Mental Health Sector, I have been involved in mentally wellbeing at the local, state, and national board levels.  I am currently a Director on the following Boards:

  • Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH)
  • Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA)
  • Carers Australia (CA) representing Carers Qld (CQ)
  • Townsville Multicultural Support Group

I also sit on the following Steering Committees:

  • Connecting End of Life Care (Palliative Care Qld)
  • The Brain Place – Centre of Research in Brain Health in the Topics.

As the former Federal Member for Herbert in the House of Representatives, my scope of work involved navigating social and economic policy, driving strategic direction and serving on various committees. This experience has afforded me invaluable expertise in governance, ethics, risk, change management and workplace culture.

My experience and passion for wellbeing and mental health in communities and workplaces led me to becoming a founding member of Parliamentary Friends of Suicide Prevention and co-chair of Parliamentary Friends of Mental Illness.

I’m often told by my clients that it is not just the professional runs on the board (although this helps enormously), but it is the fact that I’ve been there.  I have a lived experience of just where you are, both as an individual and a leader.

I have a husband, three children, five beautiful grandchildren and a large extended family, so I also have the lived experience of managing my workload and spending quality time with my family, which is indeed a challenge!

Cathy O’Toole Consultant – Cathy O’Toole Home (cathyotoole.com.au)