A culturally responsive consultant with over 20 years of experience across education, justice and community sectors

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Luke Ballard is the founder and Director of The Neutral

Corner Consulting – an independent practice delivering

high-quality services in mediation, facilitation, conflict

resolution, strategic advisory, cultural capability,

leadership development and independent assessments

across government and community sectors.

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The name The Neutral Corner is drawn from the boxing

ring, where neutral corners are the two unassigned corners

that offer a space for an athlete to reset and re-centre.

This metaphor mirrors Luke’s professional approach to

conflict and complexity: providing a calm, impartial space

for people to reflect, regain balance and engage in safe,

constructive dialogue. The metaphor holds particular

meaning for Luke, who is also an accredited amateur

boxing coach, referee and judge with decades of

involvement in the sport – reinforcing his commitment to

fairness, discipline and balance in high-pressure

environments.

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Luke’s background spans education, social justice, community services, alternative dispute resolution, leadership and Aboriginal community engagement.

He brings a calm, fair and culturally responsive approach to every setting.

Luke holds a Bachelor of Education and is an AMDRAS Accredited Mediator, conflict coach, conciliator and facilitator. He works extensively across NSW with partners including the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, AccessEAP, Youth Justice NSW, Burraga Foundation, NSW Small Business Commission, NSW Victims Services, TAFE NSW, NSW Inspector of Custodial Services, Museums of History NSW and Homes NSW.

His work includes mediation, family group conferencing, complaint resolution and care assessments involving vulnerable children and families. He also serves as a court-appointed Witness Intermediary, supporting communication access for vulnerable witnesses in criminal proceedings. Through Burraga Foundation, Luke contributes to Aboriginal education, cultural capability and community engagement initiatives.

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Prior to founding The Neutral Corner Consulting, Luke held senior executive leadership roles within the NSW Department of Education, including Director of Aboriginal Education and Director of Educational Leadership – Connected Communities. His work in these roles focused on strategic reform, educational leadership and building genuine partnerships with communities.

 

Luke is known for his ability to engage across cultures and systems, promote culturally safe practice and navigate complex environments with clarity and integrity. He is trusted to build rapport, foster trust and help people navigate conflict and complexity with care. His consultancy spans strategic advisory, programme co-design, professional learning and dispute resolution across sectors. He is committed to procedural fairness, equity, and ensuring those most affected are heard and respected throughout every process.