Who We Are
We are a bespoke risk and resilience consultancy, established by Managing Director, John Gawne, in 2018.
Trusted by organisations operating in high-risk, high-consequence environments, Resilient Services helps build real-world crisis, emergency, and business continuity capability.
We work with government agencies, critical infrastructure providers, and ASX-listed organisations where the ability to respond effectively is essential — not optional.
What We Do
Most consulting firms deliver plans.
We focus on capability.
We design, implement, and continuously improve the systems, processes, and behaviours required for organisations to respond effectively when disruption occurs.
That means embedding practical frameworks, preparing teams to act under pressure, and validating performance through real-world scenarios — so when disruption happens, your organisation responds with confidence.
Company History
John Gawne, Resilient Services’ Managing Director, formed Resilient Services in February 2018. Before its inception, John worked in the utility, energy, and construction industries for 28 years. Since 2010, he has worked extensively in the Emergency Management sector and has developed a reputation as a respected and trustworthy industry professional. Similarly, over that journey, John worked in senior management positions in the private sector and spent time in government roles.
John became aware of a fundamental need for independent and versatile experts who understand businesses’ entire risk and resilience needs while providing personalised and tailored solutions. Likewise, he recognised a need for professionals with the knowledge and emergency management experience from a corporate and operational perspective. All these factors inspired John to start Resilient Services, and he hasn’t looked back since.
To date, Resilient Services have provided risk, resilience, and emergency management solutions to ASX Top 100 companies, government regulators and agencies within the construction, energy, oil and gas industries. Of late, the company has expanded into the agribusiness and manufacturing industries and added government grants, accredited RTO training, and risk management plans, including strategic risk, to its suite of professional services.
Meet the team
Resilient Services prides itself on having a diverse range of experts who bring with them a wide range of experiences.
John Gawne
Managing Director & Founder
John Gawne is the Managing Director and founder of Resilient Services. John founded Resilient Services in 2018 after holding senior management positions in critical infrastructure and service provider organisations. After completing an after-action review for the Victorian Premier in 2018 into prolonged electricity outages, John expanded the business into other agencies and areas of government (both Federally and other States), the energy, ports and water sectors and other providers of critical infrastructure.
His aim was to build a company that delivered for its staff and clients in a BS free environment. John is passionate about delivering a high standard of risk and resilience services and maintaining a brilliant workplace culture.
In his spare time John enjoys barbequing, following AFL, hanging out with his family, playing golf, travelling and hitting the gym. John holds a Master’s degree in Business and a post graduate qualification in Emergency and Disaster Management.
Breanna Chapman
Director of Operations
Breanna Chapman, Head of Operations, Risk, and Resilience, is Resilient Services’ project manager and client liaison. Brea enjoys time with her family, along with activities such as hiking, kayaking, and the occasional foray into karaoke.
Brea is one of our senior associates and has been instrumental in developing and delivering emergency and crisis management suites, exercises, after action reviews and business continuity projects for ASX Top 100 companies and government regulators and agencies.
Brea holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Organisational Resilience from the University of Tasmania, where she developed advanced capabilities in building, maintaining, and leading resilient organisations through disruption. She is also formally trained in the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AIIMS), and has completed studies in National Resilience at Macquarie University and the Crisis Management for Critical Thinkers program at the University of Sydney.
Emma Somlai
Administration Officer
Emma Somlai, Administration Officer, Emma was born and bred in the Latrobe Valley region of Victoria, she likes to spend her time with family and friends, keeping active and is a self-confessed shopaholic. Emma comes to us with years of experience in Administration and has worked across multiple industries including employment services and Allied Health, she also holds a qualification in Business Administration.
Emma looks forward to further developing her knowledge in the risk management industry.
Natalya Ward
Emergency Management Compliance Specialist
Samantha Harris
Acting Head of Commercial
Samantha Harris, Brand Manager is responsible for developing the Resilient Services marketing strategy and coordinating all marketing campaigns with sales activities to align with the values and objectives of the business. Sammy has completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Human Resource Management at La Trobe University.
Currently in the thick of mum life with a young family Sammy thrives off the busyness and challenges it brings and allows her to utilise her organisational skills not only within the business but also in her day-to-day life. With a recent yearning for adventure after an unforgettable experience visiting the Limestone Coast of South Australia, Sammy is looking forward to discovering more of Australia with her family in the coming years.
What our clients are saying
“It was thoroughly enjoyable to work with the team at Resilient Services. Clearly, this team is enthusiastic, enjoys what they do, and is proud of what they produce.”
Head of Corporate Risk.
Oil and Gas Producer
“What stood out about Resilient was their practical approach. Meeting the team impressed me with their focus on practical solutions rather than theoretical consultant-driven approaches.”
Geelong Port.
General Manager for Health, Safety, Environment, & Quality
“Business continuity plan is comprehensive and flawless.”
Top 4 Australian
Accounting Firm 2021
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