Bringing Western Australia’s most experienced safety professionals to your high-risk site when you need them most.
Our team of safety experts are committed to empowering people and organisations, with the skills and confidence to work safely and respond effectively in high-risk environments.
We’re lucky to have attracted the best people in the field, and have cultivated a workplace we all love returning to every Monday. Our team bring knowledge, enthusiasm, and humour to every site they visit, making safety fun and engaging.
Where people actually like work (yes, really)
Sunday scaries? Not at Riklan. We’ve created a fun, supportive environment where we genuinely enjoy coming to work every day. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true!
As safety trainers, we’ve built a workplace where we look out for each other. We feel comfortable speaking up if something doesn’t feel right, and we celebrate those who raise safety concerns rather than just pushing ahead. We genuinely care about how everyone is doing – and that extends on site.
Students who train with us experience our culture firsthand and learn how to foster similar environments in their own workplaces. Because at Riklan, we believe that the best safety cultures are ones where people genuinely enjoy being part of the team while keeping each other safe.
Meet the Team
Michael’s mining career began in 1990 at KCGM, where he spent eight years underground at Mt Charlotte. Somewhere between dodging rocks and running cables, he discovered his calling in emergency response as a dedicated member of the mine rescue team. Fast forward a few years, and Michael decided it was time to put his passion into action by founding Riklan Emergency Management Services. As Owner and Director, he’s turned Riklan into a powerhouse of emergency management and occupational health and safety training. His goal? To make Riklan the Southern Hemisphere’s gold standard for safety education. (Why stop at Kalgoorlie when you can conquer a whole hemisphere?) Michael is incredibly proud of Riklan’s success, built on the loyalty of its clients and the dedication of its amazing team. Whether you need top-notch training or a good yarn about the underground days, Michael is ready to help. He’s proof that from the darkest mines, the brightest ideas can shine.
Kurt’s underground mining journey began in 1989, and by 1993 he was hooked on mine rescue—because nothing says job satisfaction like saving the day under 300 metres of rock. In 2001, he swapped the hard hat for a whiteboard, transitioning to training emergency response personnel across mining and industrial sectors. He joined Riklan in 2002 as a Training Consultant, and he’s been putting out metaphorical fires (and teaching people how to handle real ones) ever since. With a Cert IV in Training and Assessment, plus a stack of emergency response qualifications (think Cert III in Mine Emergency Response & Rescue, Cert III in Public Safety, Aviation Firefighting, Chlorine Gas Handling and so much more), Kurt is a walking, talking emergency response manual. His technical expertise is unmatched, and his passion for training excellence makes him the ideal Perth Operations Manager. If you’re looking for someone who knows emergency response inside out and refuses to take “no” for an answer, Kurt’s your man—just don’t try telling him something can’t be done
Ali joined Riklan in October 2013, bringing her expertise in finance, business management, HR, and recruitment to the table. Since then, she’s been the driving force behind the scenes, making sure everything at Riklan runs as smoothly as a well-oiled machine. In 2014, Ali launched our Sentry division, and the rest, as they say, is history. As General Manager, she’s at the helm, overseeing operations and ensuring every detail is spot-on, but let’s be honest, she wouldn’t be able to do it without her amazing admin team who keep everything organised and support her every step of the way. Together, they make magic happen. And in case you didn’t know, Ali is also the life partner of Michael Nollas, Riklan’s Owner/Director. So, they’re not only partners in business, but in life—an unbeatable team both at work and at home.
Tony joined Riklan in 2017 and quickly became our go-to guy for all things emergency response. With a knack for staying cool under pressure (seriously, the man could host a tea party in a cyclone), he’s built a reputation for handling high-stakes situations with ease. As a training consultant, Tony’s proactive style hasn’t just earned him respect—it’s also turned him into a walking Swiss Army knife of skills. From emergency response to equipment operation, he’s mastered it all, proving there’s nothing he can’t handle (except maybe a quiet day). His qualifications? Let’s just say if certificates were medals, Tony would need a bigger jacket. He’s got Cert IV in Training & Assessment, Cert III in Mine Emergency Response & Rescue, Cert III in Public Safety (Firefighting & Emergency Operations), Cert IV in Work Health & Safety, Cert IV in Leadership & Management, and Occupational First Aid. If it involves saving the day, Tony’s your guy.
Meet Tom Chalmers, our Underground Emergency Response Training Consultant and Riklan’s very own Braveheart of the mines! With a thick Scottish accent that makes every sentence sound like a battle cry for freedom, Tom brings years of underground emergency expertise and unshakable determination to the team. He’s tackled more emergencies than William Wallace faced battles, and he’s just as fearless. Whether it’s firefighting, rescues, or turning chaos into calm, Tom approaches every challenge with the spirit of a warrior and the precision of a seasoned pro. Under Tom’s guidance, you’ll be ready to face any emergency—and if you’re lucky, you might even leave his training with some Scottish war cries to match your new skills. Freedom! (Or, in this case, safety!)
Matt joined Riklan in June 2021, bringing a wealth of knowledge from previous roles as a Health & Safety Coordinator and Trainer Assessor in the fire protection industry. He holds qualifications in Mine Rescue, Workplace Safety, Cert IV in OHS, and Cert II in Fire Protection, making him the go-to guy for all things safety. But when he’s not saving the day, Matt’s busy being the office comedian—because who says safety can’t be fun? Outside of work, Matt stays sharp by volunteering with DFES and SES, proving that when it comes to passion for the industry, he’s always ‘on call’—and probably cracking a joke while he’s at it!
Meet Shawn Loffler, our Underground Emergency Response Training Consultant, who joined the Riklan team in July 2024. Before coming on board, Shawn has spent years perfecting his mine-site emergency response skills, including a notable stint at the legendary Argyle Diamond Mine (yes, the one with the pink diamonds). When it comes to handling crises, Shawn’s the calm in the storm. Whether it’s battling fires, leading rescues, or keeping everything running smoothly when things take a turn, he’s the guy you want in your corner. With Shawn in charge, you’re not just learning emergency response—you’re mastering it with a steady hand and a grin, because why not make training as enjoyable as it is practical?
Wayne joined Riklan in 2014 and is our Kalgoorlie-based Workplace Safety Training Consultant — and yes, he’s also the reigning champion of Dad jokes. With a background in Emergency Response, including a stint as an Emergency Response Coordinator, Wayne’s seen his fair share of dramatic moments and knows exactly how to keep things safe (and maybe crack a pun or two along the way). His passion for safety is only matched by his love for delivering training courses — you’ll learn a lot, and you might leave with a few dad jokes stuck in your head. Wayne’s qualifications include a Diploma in Training & Assessment, Occupational First Aid, various Emergency Response and Workplace Safety disciplines, and he’s also an Authorised Drug & Alcohol Tester and WorkSafe Assessor. But don’t worry, the only thing he’ll be testing is how well you can handle his jokes.
Kevin Thomas is Riklan’s walking encyclopaedia of mining and workplace safety. With nearly 40 years of experience under his belt, Kevin’s journey has seen him tackle everything from wrench-wielding as a Heavy Duty Fitter to enforcing the rules as a Mines Inspector (yes, he’s that guy who checks everything twice). Not one to sit still, in the past Kevin has also been a Labour Hire and Site Supervisor, where he kept teams in line (and out of trouble), and an Apprentice Advisor, guiding the next generation with his trademark mix of patience, precision, and a quick wit. Soft-spoken and humble, Kevin has a way of turning even the most complex safety concepts into simple, relatable lessons—usually with a clever quip thrown in for good measure. He’s the trainer who can turn a safety session into an engaging experience, ensuring you leave both well-informed and thoroughly entertained. Fun Fact: Kevin’s calm demeanour is matched only by his knack for turning technical jargon into something you might actually understand—and enjoy.
They say good things come in small packages and Kristy is testament to that statement! Kristy joined us in September 2019 in the Finance role and brings with her a high level of organisation, motivation and a wicked sense of humour! Possibly THE most pampered person in our office, Kristy’s desk is full of trinkets because we all know who to please when it comes to the most important day of the week – PAY DAY.
Tayla first joined Riklan in 2018 before thinking, “Hey, Sydney sounds nice!” so she resigned and made the move in 2020. But after two years of COVID isolation, she realised something important—she missed us more than she thought and returned to the West. Fast forward another two years, and the travel bug bit again—this time, it took her to Darwin. But don’t worry, she couldn’t possibly leave Riklan for good, so she’s still working remotely, keeping the wheels turning from afar. Now, Tayla is our Administration and Quality Systems Coordinator, making sure everything runs smoothly from wherever she is. And who knows, you could be looking at the future Riklan Darwin Branch Manager! Tay is pretty much our office all-rounder, knowing the ins and outs of Riklan almost as well as our Director. If you want top-notch customer service, Tayla is the gal you need—she’s got it covered!
Dee joined Riklan in August 2023, bringing with her an impressive compliance streak dating back to 2008. She kicked off her career at Curtin University in Kalgoorlie before trading red dirt for city life in Perth in 2011. Her passion for RTO compliance runs so deep, it might as well have its own ABN. Dee’s on a mission to ensure our training not only meets, but practically hugs the Australian Skills Quality Authority’s standards, proving that rules really can be fun (for her, at least).
Meet the friendly face of our Perth training centre—Cate! In 1998, Cate braved the treacherous waters of the Bass Strait (okay, maybe she just took a flight) to swap Tasmania for Kalgoorlie, where she raised her family. Eventually, she traded red dust for city lights and built a solid career in the education sector. When the chance to join Riklan popped up, Cate didn’t just take it—she practically planted a flag on the Perth Admin role. With her love for life-long learning and knack for organising everything in sight, she’s here to make sure no one misses a beat (or a form).
Ella joined Riklan straight out of Year 12 in 2023, diving into the workforce with the enthusiasm of someone who hasn’t yet discovered the magic of caffeine. She started in reception but quickly levelled up to labour hire, proving she’s not just good with people—she’s great at getting them hired too. When she’s not at work, Ella’s either smashing it at the gym or running rings around her opponents on the netball court. Back in the office, she’s known for her trademark candle always burning at the front desk, adding a touch of spa-day vibes to the daily grind. Though the youngest in the team, Ella has somehow earned the title of “office granny” with her love of cosy routines and a nice cuppa tea.
Amy is the friendly face and voice which welcomes you to Riklan. With a background as a process technician on a mine site, she brings a strong work ethic and attention to detail to her role in reception. Her organisational skills and warm personality ensure a smooth front desk experience for clients and staff alike. When she’s not keeping things at the front desk running smoothly, Amy enjoys curling up with a good book, spending time with her beloved cats, and filling her space with the comforting glow of candles.
Join the team
Think you got what it takes to teach others safety and emergency response? We’d love to hear from you! We’re always looking for our next safety star (and someone friendly we can chat to at the pub).
Send your CV and a cover letter to our friendly team and we’ll get back to you!
