Hello!

I’m ALISTER DUNCAN

Aspiration Advocate &
Achievement Strategist

Brisbane, Australia.

About me

In an ever-changing world, the future lies at the intersection between ambition and achievement. I am committed to building bridges between dreams and reality, fueled by a passion for empowerment, with empathy and understanding as the guiding forces behind every step forward I take.

Hello! I’m Alister, and I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by my corner of the web. My path has been anything but conventional, blending passions, education, and a deep commitment to community service into a career that’s as fulfilling as it is varied.

From the early days of earning a Diploma of Business while navigating the challenges of high school to embarking on a fascinating journey through Psychology & Business at university, I’ve always been driven by a desire to understand what makes us tick—both as individuals and within the tapestry of society. The upcoming chapter in my educational journey—a Master of Social Work—I hope will deepen my understanding of how to create impactful change.

Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to wear many hats: from providing compassionate disability support, crafting digital landscapes, to most recently offering a listening ear and helping hand. Each role has taught me the importance of listening, adapting, and innovating to meet diverse needs. My client-centred approach and engagement in reflective practice regimes along the way has honed my ability to see the bigger picture, guiding individuals and teams toward their own definitions of success.

Beyond the office, you’ll find me volunteering as a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) at the Brookside Shopping Centre, where I serve as the Signing Site Coordinator. This role has allowed me to connect with my community in North Brisbane, offering support and a smile where it’s needed most.

As I look toward the future, I’m eager to bring my unique blend of skills, experience, and passion to an organization that values creativity, integrity, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. I believe that the best work comes from collaboration, empathy, and a never-ending desire to learn and grow.

So, let’s start a conversation. I’m looking forward to exploring how we can create meaningful impact together.

Experience

Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor

Queensland Health – Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support

January 2024 – Present

  • I provide critical support through phone-based advice, brief interventions, rapid risk assessments, and occasionally detailed referral assessments. This is provided to individuals seeking support for alcohol and drug related concerns.
  • I am proficient in conducting screening assessments for substance use disorders and associated health risks, as well as for personal safety – including domestic violence, suicide/homocide, and child safety.
  • My role encompasses managing both impromptu support calls and structured interventions, including police or court-mandated programs and the ‘Your Call’ program, designed to assist individuals in developing coping strategies and setting goals to address substance use concerns.

Disability Support worker

Self employed

January 2022 – February 2024

  • I demonstrated proficiency in directly providing comprehensive client care and responding to complex needs, including behavioural support as well as teaching and facilitating non-verbal communication.
  • I demonstrated capability in managing business operations, encompassing marketing, accounting, and client/stakeholder relations, ensuring a holistic approach to client support and business success.
  • I demonstrated expertise in stakeholder communication with clients, families, and medical professionals, to enhance client quality of life.

Logistics contractor

Backyard Cinema Hire

December 2020 – January 2023

  • Skilled in customer service and event logistics, I efficiently managed enquiries and provided on-site event planning support for Backyard Cinema Hire customers.
  • I demonstrated expertise in resolving issues, supporting management, and organizing hire equipment and customer information for seamless event experiences.

Website designer developer

Self-employed

Project work – Intermittently between March 2019 to November 2022

Cafe/restauraunt team member

The Coffee Club Australia

August 2018 – October 2019 (1 year, 3 months)

VOLUNTEERING

Justice of the peace (qualified) & Signing site coordinator

Queensland Justices Association, and
Department of Justice and Attorney-General, Queensland.

04/2021 – Present

  • I regularly volunteer as a JP and assist in the coordination of the Community Signing Site hosted by Brookside Shopping Centre in Mitchelton, Queensland.
  • My role is both as a volunteer JP, and to coordinate and provide administrative and operational support to other volunteers.
  • While some tasks are simpler than others, generally I am required to have a high level of attention to detail and the ability to work independently to make considered judicial judgements. I work closely with colleagues to keep up professional development and problem solve when coming across unusual scenarios.
  • I am proud to say Brookside Shopping Centre is the busiest JP Signing Site on the Brisbane Noth Site, seeing on average ten to eleven thousand clients per year.

Green Impact Auditor

Queensland University of Technology, and
Deloitte

October 12, 2022 & November 11, 2022

  • I was given a unique insight into the opportunities for taking sustainable actions that exist and was able to explore the inner workings of the Green Impact Program from an auditor’s perspective on two occasions. Initially with my university, and later with Deloitte.
  • This involved auditing training, report preparation, analysing progress, and building relationships in an interview of the parties being audited.
  • I was among the first of student volunteers to be given the title of “Experienced Green Impact Auditor,” indicating our completion of additional training and one or more additional audits of large organisations outside of our university programs.

Click to view the Credly credential obtained as a Green Impact Auditor and to learn more about the experience.

I’ve gotten to work with some amazing people and organisations!

Education & SKills

TBC

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

I have been offered multiple places at different institutions, with varying start dates from July-October 2024, and into 2025. These offers are conditional on my completion of my double degree at QUT in June 2024.

Queensland University of Technology

Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) & Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

2020 – 06/2024

Get Set Education

Diploma of Business

2019

References

Al is a conscientious, organised and compassionate person. He always manages to achieve his goals even with high degrees of pressure or commitments. Al is self motivated and can work autonomously with no concern. Al's decisions are always well thought out and deliberate. Al has taken ownership and directed many projects that I have witnessed...his wealth of knowledge or the ability to research it leaves most looking to him for guidance

— Peter H on 07/12/2023

Alister is a very high performer. Alister actively listens to clients concerns without preconceived ideas of what they need. Alister tailors his approach to the specific needs of each client and consistently shows a high level of integrity in the decisions he makes. Alister readily takes account for his actions and decisions. He is open to back, willing to learn, and takes proactive steps to rectify any errors. Alister remains unflustered, is courteous and listens with empathy.

— Patricia C on 08/12/2023

Alister is always respectful to all walks of life. His communication skills are excellent, and he has no trouble expressing his views in a respectful manner. Alister's compassion for his clients is significant and I have seen them express this to him on many occassions. Alister is determined to unlock his clients full potential. Alister thrives in challenging situations, is able to think outside the box, and has a growth mindset. He will proactively research in order to continue his learning.

— Sally A on 07/12/2023

Let’s Work Together