In this episode of The Family Compass, mediator and barrister Michele Brooks joined hosts Michelle and Zach to share her wisdom, stories, and hard-earned insights from decades in family law and why mediation can be such a powerful alternative to the courtroom.

Michele didn’t grow up surrounded by lawyers. In fact, law wasn’t even on her radar at first. But through self-discovery, a fierce curiosity, and a deep desire to help people, she found her way into the profession. After almost 30 years in family law, Michele realised that her true calling lay in mediation, a space where she could help families work through disputes with dignity, care, and control, rather than leaving everything to be decided by the court.

As Michele explained, mediation gives people something court rarely does, a say in their own outcome. It’s not just about avoiding the stress, expense, and time of litigation. It’s about creating an environment where people feel heard and understood.

She spoke about the emotional strain that court can place on families, and how mediation offers a gentler path. It’s a place where conflict can be untangled in a controlled, respectful way, and where solutions tend to last because they’ve been built by the people who live with them.

Preparation, Michele says, is everything. From making sure the day’s logistics are clear, to gathering all the right documents, to holding separate intake conversations. It’s about giving everyone the best possible chance of a constructive discussion. She approaches each mediation with the goal of really getting to know the people involved, their stories, and the emotions beneath the surface.

One of the things that stood out in this conversation was Michele’s ability to hold space for both the legal and the human side of mediation. She doesn’t just focus on settlements, she creates space for personal healing, too. Through personal stories and real-life examples, she showed how tailored agreements can transform once-heated disputes into conversations that feel collaborative rather than combative.

Michele’s passion isn’t limited to the families she helps today, she’s equally invested in the mediators of tomorrow. She mentors emerging professionals, passing on not just techniques, but the empathy and care that define her work. For her, it’s about ensuring the next generation is just as equipped to create meaningful change in people’s lives.

By the end of the episode, it’s clear that Michele Brooks doesn’t just practise mediation, she lives it. Her empathy, meticulous preparation, and commitment to constructive outcomes shine through in every word. Whether you’re a legal professional, a future mediator, or someone navigating family challenges yourself, her insights are a reminder that there’s always a better way forward, one built on understanding, respect, and lasting peace.

The Family Compass is recorded, edited and produced by Michelle and Zach Oates. dedicated to sharing information and promoting access to justice. We explore the lived experiences of our guests to guide you through the complexities of family relationships.

Be inspired by those who have walked similar paths: divorced parents finding new ways forward, blended families creating new bonds, single parents achieving their goals, and professionals offering their insights.

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In this episode of Family Compass, we sit down with Tony O'Dwyer, a seasoned expert in family therapy and mediation, who shares the intricacies of navigating the legal and emotional landscape of family separation. Tony's wealth of experience stems from decades spent helping families through one of life's most challenging transitions.

Growing up on his family farm, Tony's path to becoming a family therapist and mediator was far from linear. After a serious health challenge at 21, Tony's career pivoted towards supporting others in crisis. Originally working in oncology support at Peter MacCallum and Box Hill Hospitals, Tony transitioned to family law, applying his experience with end-of-life care to help clients navigate relationship breakdowns and find pathways forward.

Tony provides a profound look at the family law system, discussing the difference between therapeutic and non-therapeutic roles. As a former Reg 7 report writer, he talks about gathering critical information to assist courts in making informed decisions about children's wellbeing during separations. He emphasises that, while these reports are not therapeutic, they can inadvertently offer insights that help families reconsider their paths.

Tony also champions mediation as a powerful tool for conflict resolution outside of court. Since 2004, he's been aiding families through this process, promoting dialogue over discord.

A key aspect of Tony's work is addressing the emotional upheaval families experience during separations. From shock and financial fears to anger and revenge, Tony highlights the critical role practitioners play in providing a steadying influence. He shares his unique ability to detach from daily emotional burdens, a skill he attributes to his early professional experiences.

Throughout his career, Tony has witnessed significant evolutions in the family law landscape. However, he notes areas needing improvement, particularly in cases of parental alienation – situations where one parent effectively turns a child against the other. He advocates for specialized teams to handle these nuanced cases, akin to protocols for handling allegations of child abuse.

For separating parents eager to prioritize their children, Tony advises finding a support network that offers both empathy and honest guidance. The turmoil of separation may last years, but having a trusted advisor can make this journey more manageable.

Through Tony's stories and insights, we gain a better understanding of the family law system's potential to support families, acknowledging both its strengths and shortcomings. Tony's dedication to family wellbeing continues to provide hope and guidance to countless families navigating these challenging waters. Whether through mediation, family reports, or therapy, Tony O'Dwyer's commitment to helping others shines through every aspect of his work.

The Family Compass is recorded, edited and produced by Michelle and Zach Oates. dedicated to sharing information and promoting access to justice. We explore the lived experiences of our guests to guide you through the complexities of family relationships.

Be inspired by those who have walked similar paths: divorced parents finding new ways forward, blended families creating new bonds, single parents achieving their goals, and professionals offering their insights.

To keep up to date, head over to one of our social channels and give us a follow.
To join us on Facebook, click here.
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With a childhood that crossed three continents, Gavin Hawcroft knows a thing or two about the challenges of change, isolation and family dynamics.

In this podcast, Gavin sits down with us to talk about his life and his transition from engineer to social worker, driven by his realisation that his passion lay in working with people, helping them to build hope and create better futures for themselves and their families.

For almost twenty years, Gavin has worked with families, children and young people using an attachment-based, trauma-informed child and family therapy approach within government and private services. In his role as a Family and Child Practitioner at Mildura’s Home On A Hill, Gavin’s primary focus is now on early childhood development and parenting.

In an in-depth conversation, Gavin shares his insights on the impact of stress and trauma on brain development and the importance of creating a safe and positive environment for children. He talks about stress management for parents and carers, the impact of intergenerational trauma and the unique challenges faced by families going through separation and litigation in the family court setting.

While Gavin’s work has shown him the level of hardship some people confront as a ‘normal’ part of their lives, he believes that with the right support, all families can thrive.

This is a thought-provoking discussion with a man who loves nothing more than interesting conversations about the intersectionality of history, global politics, religion and psychology. So, join us as we delve into the question, what is the difference that can make the difference?

The Family Compass is recorded, edited and produced by Michelle and Zach Oates. dedicated to sharing information and promoting access to justice. We explore the lived experiences of our guests to guide you through the complexities of family relationships.

Be inspired by those who have walked similar paths: divorced parents finding new ways forward, blended families creating new bonds, single parents achieving their goals, and professionals offering their insights.

To keep up to date, head over to one of our social channels and give us a follow.
To join us on Facebook, click here.
If Instagram is more your style, click here.
For LinkedIn, click here.