The Tribes Staff
Abe Bland
Founder & Director
His previous community service roles included:-
Carer Support Officer – Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre – Gold Coast
Young Carers Program – Commonwealth Carelink and Respite Centre – Gold Coast
Mental Health Respite Program – Commonwealth Carelink and Respite Centre – Gold Coast
Project Director – Balunjali Pty Ltd Indigenous Tourism and Community service programs
Other Qualifications:
Completing Bachelor of Business Administration (Psychology)
Cert II in Governance
Cert III in Infantry Operations
Cert III in Leadership
Mental Health First Aid Course
Awarded the ASM (Australian Service Medal) and ADM (Australian Defence Medal) for overseas operational service
Abe also has extensive experience in the Australian Defence Force as a Rifleman in the Army Reserve. He has been a member of 41RNSWR for over 14 years and has deployed on two Peacekeeping operations as part of RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands).
Natalie Johnson
Office Manager
Her youngest son, Cooper, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when he was 9 and the experience of being his mother has had a profound impact on her family and the way they face the world and tackle the challenges involved.
Joining Tribes in 2019, Natalie has previously worked as a business analyst and software consultant in the finance and insurance industries. After spending a number of years raising her four children she balanced her responsibilities as a mother with working in finance, in various roles and, as a project manager in the arts and NFP sectors.
In her spare time, Natalie enjoys a range of activities from scuba diving to ballroom dancing and more recently has discovered a passion for pottery. She also loves to read and spend time at the beach.
I strongly believe that maintaining a sense of wonder about the world enables us to connect with our authentic selves, fostering a harmony with others and our planet. This mindset allows us to create opportunities for everyone, demonstrate integrity in all our actions and courageously tackle even the most daunting of challenges.
Vikki Bateman
Operations & Wellbeing Coordinator
Originally hailing from Liverpool, UK, Vikki and her partner Joe pursued their dream of travelling to Australia. They both fell in love with the country and in August 2018 applied for permanent residency and settled on the Gold Coast.
Joining Tribes in late 2018 Vikki embraced the positive work culture and wholeheartedly shares the organisation’s values. In October 2021, she and Joe experienced the joy of welcoming their son, Magnus into the world. Vikki gracefully balances her work and family responsibilities, finding fulfilment in managing both roles.
Vikki’s passions lie in outdoor activities and an active lifestyle including jet skiing, 4WD-ing, hiking and exploring nature’s wonders. She also cherishes relaxation at the movies and indulges her inner geek with challenging jigsaw puzzles.
I am passionate about the Tribes’ core value Harmony as I believe it promotes a positive and peaceful environment which enables a sense of inclusion that helps to build healthy, fulfilling and productive relationships and allows everyone to work together as one to achieve common goals.
Jamie Sherry
Finance/HR Officer
Outside work, Jamie embraces the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of the Gold Coast. On the weekends, she immerses herself in activities with her family, such as swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, scootering, playing football and embarking on new adventures! Last year Jamie discovered Muay Thai and now aspires to step into the ring and partake in her inaugural fight later this year.
Setting goals and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone allows you to grow and it becomes a source of motivation. It instils a sense of confidence by knowing you can tackle obstacles and sets up a more positive mindset for future challenges.
Chelsea Plumb
Mentoring Coordination Manager
In 2020, after relocating to the Gold Coast from Melbourne, Chelsea joined Tribes as an Eco-mentor, after resonating strongly with the philosophy and governing values of Tribes. Her exceptional performance and natural leadership skills quickly led her to a full-time role in the Mentoring Coordination team, then moving to Team Leader in 2021.
Chelsea’s optimistic outlook on life and belief in the strength gained from adversity stem from her experience of temporary blindness as a teenager. Though classified as legally blind from the ages of 12 to 15, her eyesight regenerated enough to be able to wear glasses but more importantly, it left her with some amazing life lessons!
Outside of work, Chelsea indulges in various hobbies and interests. She enjoys learning Spanish and constantly seeks new challenges through activities like aerial silks, hoop, dancing, bouldering, and hiking.
I deeply resonate with the Tribes core value of Challenge because I have personally experienced the transformative power of overcoming adversity. I understand first hand, through my own personal experience, how facing challenges can lead to immense personal growth and learning. My own journey has inspired me to embrace challenges with resilience and determination, and I am passionate about helping others navigate their own challenges to unlock their full potential.
BJ Miller
Groups & Projects Manager
After relocating to Australia in 2011, BJ spent time in Wollongong and then Melbourne before settling on the Gold Coast in 2021 and joining Tribes as the Groups Coordinator.
An ardent outdoorsman, BJ finds joy in thrilling activities such as hiking, surfing and spearfishing. He is refining his skills as a free diver and is eager to complete his scuba diving open water certification. Recently, BJ completed a half-marathon and is about to complete his first full marathon!
With over 15 years of experience in outdoor education and sports recreation, BJ has transformed his passion into a fulfilling career. Guiding young individuals to step out of their comfort zones and embrace nature’s wonders is his driving force as he strives to create transformative experiences with lasting impact.
Holding a special place in his heart, I believe that the inherent ability to overcome obstacles and the sense of achievement that accompanies this is life-changing, which is why I resonate with the core value of Challenge.
Ryan McNicoll
Mentoring Coordinator
Originally from the UK, Ryan has studied social care and has supported adults with disabilities. This experience equipped him with a deep understanding of the importance of individualised support and fostering personal growth.
Prior to joining Tribes, Ryan had a successful career in the hospitality industry as a National Operations Manager for a restaurant group. During this time he oversaw operations for 15 restaurants across 4 states. Seeking a new challenge he settled on the Gold Coast, where he opened one of the largest and most successful ventures in the area. Ryan loves keeping active and fit and he has been involved in a myriad of sporting activities such as soccer, swimming, rugby league, hockey, badminton, tennis and bowling. He is also an avid snowboarder and skier, having spent a couple of seasons in the French ski resort Val D’lsere.
Outside of work Ryan leads an active and adventurous lifestyle. He embarks on exciting adventures, exploring the Gold Coast on his Harley motorcycle. In addition, he finds joy in small home renovation projects, putting his practical skills to use. Ryan’s love for the outdoors extends to bushwalking and walks along the beach with his wife, Kate and their two beloved Border Collies, Scout & Happy.
Integrity has the paramount importance to me and my role at Tribes. It establishes trust, ethical conduct and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality, all of which are crucial for fostering positive and effective participant and carer relationships.
Lee Mcsween
Mentoring Coordinator
Joining Tribes in 2022, Lee hails from the employment sector where he assisted young people in preparing for their chosen careers, giving Lee a strong foundation in guiding and supporting others. His decade-long overseas adventures, primarily in India, has provided him with valuable insights and a rich cultural experience. During this time, he had a brief but exciting stint in Bollywood. These diverse experiences have shaped Lee’s perspective and given him the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
In his spare time you will find Lee at the gym, reading and writing or playing any sport that will have him. He is also the proud parent of a very needy cat!
I believe that Harmony holds a great significance in my life, whether it is finding harmony in nature or promoting harmonious interactions in our daily lives.
Brittany Yalden
Groups Coordinator
After growing up in Sydney, Britt moved to the Gold Coast in 2015 where she worked as a Marine Animal Behaviour Specialist in the tourism industry, where she facilitated conversation programs.
With a keen interest in environmental psychology, Britt is enthusiastic about being a part of the Tribes Ecotherapy initiative and is committed to positive change.
Outside of work and passionate about reducing her ecological footprint and actively maintains a worm farm while minimising her use of plastics. She also loves to spend time with her family, including her beloved Cocker Spaniel, Sebe!
My passion for honesty runs deep within me, perhaps ingrained during my upbringing. I strongly believe in the importance of aligning my actions with my values as it helps me to avoid the uncomfortable feelings of cognitive dissonance. By embracing integrity, I contribute to the well-being of my mind, ensuring a sense of harmony and authenticity in my thoughts and behaviours.
Christian Chester
Programs Coordinator
Before joining Tribes, Christian has embarked on exhilarating journeys across the globe, using rafting as a means of both work and exploration. Returning to New Zealand, Christian transitioned into managing tourism businesses, showcasing a strong commitment to the industry.
During his downtime, Christian engages in a variety of activities from hiking to sailing and is always seeking new thrills. Recently, he has developed an undeniable passion for freediving and finds tranquillity in walks along the beach.
Christian shares his home in northern NSW with his partner, Amy, and their beloved canine companion, Mojo.
I feel by challenging participants to step outside their comfort zones they are afforded the opportunity to expand their perspectives and explore the depths of their own capabilities.
Our Eco-Mentors
What sets us apart is our diverse team of instructions who bring a wealth of expertise from various backgrounds. We have military trained instructors, teachers, fitness enthusiasts, outdoor adventure workers, disability support workers and health professionals, including those with cultural and indigenous heritage.
This eclectic blend of skills and perspectives allows us to deliver programs that are both unique and impactful.