About us · Sydney, NSW
Guiding people through conflict with expertise and empathy
Keystone Resolution supports individuals, families, workplaces and communities to manage conflict through respectful, structured and practical dispute resolution.
Our story
Why we chose the name Keystone
In an arch, the keystone is the central stone at the top. It holds the other stones in place and lets the whole structure carry weight. We think good mediation does something similar. It doesn't take sides or push. It gives people enough structure and steadiness to hold a difficult conversation together long enough to find a way forward.
Keystone Resolution was founded to offer that kind of support. When the people involved still need to work together, co-parent, care for an older relative or share a workplace, how a conflict is resolved matters as much as the outcome. We help people be heard, understand each other's priorities and reach agreements they can live with.
Conflict handled well can be a turning point. It can clarify expectations, ease tension and help people move forward with more confidence than they had before.
Mission & values
What guides our work
Our purpose is to help people resolve conflict in ways that are fair, safe and respectful, and that leave relationships in better shape where possible.
Impartiality
We are neutral about outcomes. We are not neutral about fairness, safety or everyone being able to participate.
Safety
Each person's wellbeing comes first. We assess suitability carefully and we stop or adapt the process if we need to.
Confidentiality
We handle what you share with care. We explain the limits of confidentiality clearly before you begin.
Respect
We treat everyone with dignity and patience, especially when emotions are running high.
Inclusion
We value different cultures, family structures, identities and ways of communicating.
Practicality
We focus on workable agreements and clear next steps, in plain language.
Our practitioner
Meet Deepa
Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
- Accredited Mediator
- Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP)
- Legal background
Deepa is the lead practitioner at Keystone Resolution. Her legal background and commitment to people-centred practice mean she brings both rigour and warmth to every mediation she facilitates.
As an Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Deepa is authorised to conduct Family Dispute Resolution and, where appropriate, issue section 60I certificates for parenting matters. Her approach is confidential and structured, and it is grounded in a practical question: what will actually work for the people involved?
Email Deepa: deepa@keystoneresolution.com
Accredited FDR practitioners are listed on the Australian Government's Family Dispute Resolution Register, so you can confirm someone's accreditation before you start.
Our practitioner
Meet Ken
Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
- Registered FDRP
- Graduate Diploma in FDR
- Mediation educator & author
Ken Speakman is a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner based in Brisbane. Co-mediating online, he works with families right across Australia, wherever they feel most at ease.
Ken doesn’t just practise mediation, he teaches it. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution, designs and teaches mediation courses, and co-authored a textbook on facilitative mediation. Safety always comes first, and he explains every step plainly, so you can focus on finding what you can both live with.
Email Ken: ken@keystoneresolution.com
Ken isn’t a lawyer and doesn’t give legal advice. What he does is help you and the other person talk, listen, and work out what each of you can live with. Nerves before a first session are normal, and he’ll make room for them.
Our approach
How we work with you
Every mediation is shaped around the people in it, but some things don't change.
- 1
We listen first
Before anyone meets, we hold a private conversation with each person. We want to understand the issues, what matters to you, and any concerns about safety or wellbeing.
- 2
We check the process is right
Mediation isn't always the right choice. If it isn't safe or suitable, we'll tell you honestly and point you to other options.
- 3
We create structure
We agree on the topics, the ground rules and how sessions will run. That might include separate virtual rooms, breaks or a support person.
- 4
We focus on what's workable
We help you explore options, test ideas against real life and record agreements clearly. We also encourage independent legal advice wherever it matters.
Our commitment to impartiality
A mediator's job is to support a fair process, not to win an argument for anyone. We don't give legal advice to either person, we don't make decisions for you, and we don't share what you tell us privately without your permission, unless the law requires it.
If we have a prior connection with anyone involved that could affect our impartiality, we'll tell you before we begin. If necessary, we'll suggest another practitioner.
Cultural sensitivity & inclusion
We work with people from many cultural, linguistic and faith backgrounds, and with families of every shape: blended, rainbow, extended and kinship families. We take time to understand what respect, family and a good outcome mean to you.
If you'd find it helpful to use an interpreter, include a support person or adjust how sessions run for accessibility reasons, let us know at intake.
Australia-wide, online
We're based in Sydney, NSW and work with clients right across Australia by secure video, from capital cities to regional and remote communities.
Ready to start the conversation?
The first step is simply reaching out. We'll guide you through the rest.