As the year winds down, many people hope disputes will pause along with business activity. In reality, unresolved issues often become louder during periods of downtime.
The lead-in to a new year is when disagreements surface — in sport, business, and building projects — as people reflect, reassess, and plan what comes next. For many, mediation becomes not just an option, but a relief.
At DC Mediation, we regularly see enquiries increase over the holiday period. Not because people want conflict — but because they want clarity before stepping into a new year.
Why disputes often surface over the break
The end-of-year break creates space. That space can be productive — or uncomfortable.
Common triggers include:
- Projects or seasons ending without resolution
- Financial pressure becoming more visible
- Contract decisions looming in January
- Reduced day-to-day distraction, giving disputes room to surface
Without a structured process, these issues tend to sit unresolved — or escalate.
This is where mediation plays a valuable role.
Mediation as a circuit-breaker — not a last resort
There’s a misconception that mediation only happens once things have “gone too far.”
In practice, the opposite is true.
Mediation works best when:
- Communication has stalled, not collapsed
- Relationships still matter
- Time, cost, and reputation matter
It’s a proactive step — one that often prevents disputes from becoming legal matters.
At DC Mediation, the focus is not on blame or position, but on helping people move forward with clarity.
What to look out for heading into 2026
As businesses, clubs, and individuals prepare for a new year, unresolved disputes tend to fall into a few recurring categories.
Sports disputes
- Player or coach contract uncertainty
- Selection or role disputes
- Governance or disciplinary issues
- Club and committee tensions
The off-season is often the most effective time for sports mediation, when outcomes can be addressed without public pressure.
Building & construction disputes
- Payment or variation disagreements
- Delays and defect concerns
- Projects paused over the break without clear next steps
Early building mediation can protect working relationships and avoid formal escalation.
Business and workplace disputes
- Partnership strain
- Employment or role clarity issues
- Supplier or contractual breakdowns
Addressing these before the new year often saves months of friction.
The mediation process — clear, calm, and confidential
People often hesitate because they’re unsure what mediation actually involves.
At DC Mediation, the process is deliberately simple:
- Initial confidential discussion
A private conversation to understand the issue and confirm mediation is appropriate. - Agreement to mediate
All parties agree to engage respectfully and in good faith. - Structured mediation session
Led by Dominic Condello, ensuring each party is heard and discussions stay focused. - Resolution and next steps
Where agreement is reached, outcomes are documented clearly.
There is no public record. No winner or loser. Just resolution.
Why people choose mediation over the break
The holiday period offers unique advantages for mediation:
- Fewer external pressures
- More flexibility for scheduling
- A desire for a clean slate in the new year
- Privacy and discretion
For many, mediation during this period feels less reactive — and more intentional.
A calm way forward into 2026
Mediation isn’t about forcing agreement.
It’s about creating the conditions where agreement becomes possible.
If something feels unresolved as the year closes, addressing it now often prevents it from defining the year ahead.
DC Mediation provides a calm, neutral space for those conversations — whether in sport, business, or building and construction.
If you’re heading into the new year with an unresolved issue, a confidential conversation may be the first step forward.
Start the year right and contact Dominic Condello.
