About Us
We realise there are a number of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) which deliver and assess similar training courses and qualification to us. We believe there are a few reasons which sets us apart from the others:
- We customise our courses – we take into account the types of learners on the course and we customise group scenarios and exercises to their work context (at no additional cost).
- We do all aspects of the training delivery, assessment, enrolment and issue of certification – no third parties and organisations involved.
- We have a clear learning pathway of courses in emergency management from Level 1, to Level 2 to Advanced Diploma.
- We deliver and assess throughout every state and territory in Australia, and will deliver internationally if requested.
- Our trainers and assessors still work in the field – this means relevant and current industry experience, skills and knowledge applied in your learning.
- We ensure fraud protection of our certification. Our certificate documentation are printed on thermos chromatic (heat sensitive) ink as well as made from unique security paper which prevents the fraudulent reproduction or copying of RTO testamurs and certificates.
- FutureWest Institute is an owner-operator organisation, which means you deal direct with the owners providing an intimate, specialised and efficient service.
- We are experienced in managing an RTO, including its compliance with relevant Standards and legislation, having previously owned and operated Emergency and Incident Management Services (EIMS) for seven years.

James Thomson
MBA, MTrainDev, CertIVTAE, AdvDip of Public Safety (EM)
Director Training and Development
James has over 23 years experience in the policing, training, higher education, security and risk management fields. Formerly a founding Director of Emergency and Incident Management Services (EIMS), James ensures all of our nationally recognised training courses are customised, flexible and engaging for learners. James has overall responsibility for development of all courses and qualifications, and provides post course assessments for learners.
MBA, MTrainDev, CertIVTAE, AdvDip of Public Safety (EM)
Director Training and Development
James has over 23 years experience in the policing, training, higher education, security and risk management fields. Formerly a founding Director of Emergency and Incident Management Services (EIMS), James ensures all of our nationally recognised training courses are customised, flexible and engaging for learners. James has overall responsibility for development of all courses and qualifications, and provides post course assessments for learners.

Ming Thomson
BA (Hons), MPsych, MAPS, AdvDipBus, DipPM, CertIVTAE, Registered Psychologist
Director
Ming has over 18 years experience working for a range of private organisations, governments and not-for-profit industries, including the oil and gas field, mining, health, tertiary, vocational education and training, and disability sectors. She manages the business development of FutureWest Institute and coordinates courses and training staff, developing training proposals and quotes, and meeting RTO compliance obligations. Ming is a Registered Psychologist and also manages FutureWest Health and research activities under FutureWest's Research Project services. She is a volunteer at the Australian Red Cross (Emergency Services).
BA (Hons), MPsych, MAPS, AdvDipBus, DipPM, CertIVTAE, Registered Psychologist
Director
Ming has over 18 years experience working for a range of private organisations, governments and not-for-profit industries, including the oil and gas field, mining, health, tertiary, vocational education and training, and disability sectors. She manages the business development of FutureWest Institute and coordinates courses and training staff, developing training proposals and quotes, and meeting RTO compliance obligations. Ming is a Registered Psychologist and also manages FutureWest Health and research activities under FutureWest's Research Project services. She is a volunteer at the Australian Red Cross (Emergency Services).

Mandy Walker
BSc, MBA, CertIVTAE, AdvDip of Public Safety (EM)
Senior Trainer
Mandy has over 18 years experience working in the oil and gas, marine, biosecurity and environmental science fields. She specialises in training delivery, developing oil spill preparedness and response plans, and provides consultancy services in emergency management. Mandy is one of our primary trainers for the Level 1 and Level 2 Incident Management courses and is available to deliver and assess training throughout Australia.
BSc, MBA, CertIVTAE, AdvDip of Public Safety (EM)
Senior Trainer
Mandy has over 18 years experience working in the oil and gas, marine, biosecurity and environmental science fields. She specialises in training delivery, developing oil spill preparedness and response plans, and provides consultancy services in emergency management. Mandy is one of our primary trainers for the Level 1 and Level 2 Incident Management courses and is available to deliver and assess training throughout Australia.

Derek 'Barney' Hutchison
CertIVTAE, AdvDip of Public Safety (EM), Adv Dip of Public Safety (Police Search and Rescue - Management)
Senior Trainer
Derek has over 26 years experience working in emergency services, transport and maritime industries. He has extensive experience in emergency management training, search and rescue, oil pollution response and development of emergency and contingency plans. Derek is one of our primary trainers for the Level 1 and Level 2 Incident Management courses and is available to deliver and assess training throughout Australia.
CertIVTAE, AdvDip of Public Safety (EM), Adv Dip of Public Safety (Police Search and Rescue - Management)
Senior Trainer
Derek has over 26 years experience working in emergency services, transport and maritime industries. He has extensive experience in emergency management training, search and rescue, oil pollution response and development of emergency and contingency plans. Derek is one of our primary trainers for the Level 1 and Level 2 Incident Management courses and is available to deliver and assess training throughout Australia.