— Meet your senior play specialists
Your Local Contacts
Connect direct with your local expert who specialisee in crafting memorable events tailored to your needs. With an impressive turnaround time of just two hours for proposals, planning your next team-building activity has never been easier.
Dwain Richardson
Workshops/ SA/ TAS
Leadership and the practice of “Positive Team Cultures” are prevalent through all aspects of Dwain’s life. An avid baseballer for over 40 years, and now the president of his childhood club Dwain “Practices what he Preaches” when leading any team.
With a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Movement and more than 30 years of experience in the delivery of team building, corporate health and culture programs, Dwain has a distinct passion and understanding on the importance of team culture in the workplace. When not working, Dwain loves spending time and telling dad jokes with his children Will and Charli and wife Anita.
Dwain@corporatechallenge.com.au
+61 418 591 921
Together Everyone Achieves More
Hugh Sykes
NSW/ ACT
Say hello to Hugh, the driving force behind our NSW/ACT operations, with 15 years of creating memorable moments. Beyond his professional expertise, Hugh is a dedicated sports lover and a proud father to Archer and Ava. He firmly believes that the right attitude can make all the difference. With a Bachelor of Health Science, including studies in Marketing and Management, and a background in sports coaching, Hugh brings a unique mix to the table. His outgoing personality and strong communication skills make him not just an effective manager but someone who genuinely makes events fun and engaging. Known for creating positive team cultures and never settling for less, Hugh’s approach ensures every event stands out for its excellence and enjoyment.
Hugh@corporatechallenge.com.au
+61 430 738 324
Together Everyone Achieves More
Matthew Harter
VIC
Meet Matt, the Victorian Licensee for Corporate Challenge Events. With over 15 years of experience in high-level facilitation, he is a master at transforming group dynamics into high-performing teams. Beyond his professional expertise, Matt lives in Carrum with his fiancée, Rochelle, their dog, Hugh, and their cat, Trevor. He is deeply passionate about being a meaningful chapter in the career stories of the people and teams he works with. He firmly believes that the most impactful leadership starts with authentic connection. As a Certified Coach, Matt brings a sophisticated toolkit to every event. His background is a unique blend of high-stakes environments, spanning everything from the rigors of Big 4 Consulting to the fast-paced agility of startups and large-scale enterprises. Known for his ability to bridge the gap between corporate strategy and human connection, Matt’s approach ensures that every team building experience is not just a fun day out, but a pivotal moment of growth and lasting excellence.
Matthew@corporatechallenge.com.au
+61 427 535 466
Together Everyone Achieves More
Michael Oliver
QLD
Meet Michael, our dynamic Queensland and Northern Territory state manager and the mastermind behind turning team building into an adventure! With a toolkit crafted from 20 years as an Aircraft Technician, 12 years in the Australian Army, and a profound passion for coaching, Michael knows a thing or two about the mechanics of teamwork.
His events are legendary for transforming routine team dynamics into epic quests for collaboration, using the power of play to break down walls, build bridges, and inject a spirit of joy into every challenge. His approachable nature and ability to make teamwork enjoyable have made him an invaluable asset in promoting positive, lasting changes in team culture.
michaeloliver@corporatechallenge.com.au
+61 437 838 455
Together Everyone Achieves More
Shane Rakich
WA
Shane is an engaging facilitator who thrives on being able to connect with his clients and peers. Shanes passion is helping organisations create an environment that promotes growth, high performance and a clear vision for positive team culture. Along with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and qualifications in training, assessment and sport’s coaching, Shane has 10 years experience leading and managing teams in the corporate and fitness industry.
Outside of the office Shane always wants to be the best version of himself and enjoys reading and researching holistic health or practising daily mediation. Shanes pride and joy are his wife Elisa and three children Mikayla, Mackenzie and Mason.
shane@corporatechallenge.com.au
+61 401 924 004
Together Everyone Achieves More
Todd Statham
NZ
Todd started as the NZ manager in 2016 and brought with him 23 years of experience in the Airforce specialising in a training role, facilitating and managing courses. Todd believes that a company’s people are their greatest asset and he is driven by this passion to deliver remarkable team building and culture programs all across New Zealand. At home Todd is a family man with two testing teenagers and wife Sue of 18 years. He is currently writing a book on his extensive life experience so his children will know what crazy, fun, challenging and dangerous things their father has done. Todd lives by the belief of practising Integrity or to put it simply “Doing the right thing” and has adopted the “FISH Philosophy” which he practices daily.
+64 278 599 499
Together Everyone Achieves More
A Taste of the Play Hub
Free Tools to Put Play Into Practice
Discover your play personality
Unlock a fresh way to understand how people play. Backed by the National Institute for Play (NIFP), this free activity reveals one of eight unique play personalities and comes with a practical guide to help you interpret results, spark conversations, and show how diverse play styles fuel connection, collaboration, and stronger team culture. Perfect for your team in the lead up to thier event.
The Connection Deck
The Connection Deck is a simple yet powerful way to spark meaningful conversations. Use it in team meetings to break down barriers, spark creativity, and strengthen bonds. Each card offers a fresh prompt to start dialogue, build trust, and create playful moments that leave a lasting impact on culture. It’s an easy, ready-to-go tool for any team looking to connect.
The Play Pack
Got 5 minutes and a team to energise? The Play Pack is your free, off-the-shelf toolkit; six clever activities designed to spark creativity, boost connection, and ignite culture with minimal setup or props. Use them as warm-ups, midday pick-me-ups, or ways to bring culture to life in tea meetings. These activities are perfect for team leaders, facilitators, or culture champions on the move.
The power of adult play
You’ve probably watched children at play, their faces lit up with joy, and thought, “Ah, to be young again.” But here’s a secret: you don’t have to be a child to tap into the magic of play!
In fact, we’re here to reveal how play isn’t just beneficial for children, but also holds immense value for us adults, especially in a professional setting.
The ROI of Play
Play isn’t just about fun, it delivers measurable impact. This piece unpacks how play translates into stronger teams, deeper connections, and better performance. By exploring the real return on play, you’ll gain fresh perspective and powerful proof points that help you see why play belongs at the heart of every experience you’re part of.
Insights from the NIFP Report
Want proof that play isn’t just “nice to have”? The NIFP’s Power of Play report breaks it down: what play really means, why it matters for adults, and how it transforms culture. We’ve unpacked the highlights so you can see exactly why play should be at the centre of every workplace strategy. Dive in today.
Join our Online Community
Discover FREE resources to Play your way to team success
- Regular Articles
- eBooks
- Science Behind Play
- Activities
- Tools & Quizes