In addition to running the Schmooze network, here is a snapshot of some of the key clients I've worked with:

Austrade (2009)

Contracted to:

  • review the communications strategy of the Export Markets Development Grants, a $200m program that has been established  for other 30 years to assist exportters.
  • develop and manage the daily communications program including a major national media promotional program- this resulted in a 30% overall increase of unique visits to their website and a click through rate from the banner ads 3-6 times the industry average within the first month of the campaign starting  (this included creative deisgn and media strategy)
  • providing strategic advice to senior Austrade executives on marketing the scheme and other opportunities to improve the internal and external awareness of the benefits of the scheme and attract suitable applicants
  • established a process to collect client testamonials and comments that speak of the impact of the scheme that can be used for promotional purposes and Ministerial speeches
  • review the daily operational tasks and provide recommendations on the future shape of staff and duties to market and communicate the EMDG scheme

Contentgroup (2008)

I was engaged to by this leading PR and communications company to :

  • conduct an internal review of operations and make recommendations on areas to improve efficiency and productivity.
  • develop a range of custom business improvement systems, tools and systems to drive company growth, capability and productivity.

Attorney-General's Department (2008)

I was contracted to conduct a wide ranging consultation of key stakeholders around Australia (including government agencies, public users and selected community service providers and groups) to identify improvements to a major Australian Government portal, Family Relationships Online. The consultation that I developed was a mix of online surveys, questionnaires and individual consultations.

  • After developing the consultation model, the project involved gathering feedback from within a several sections and departments, then traveling all over Australia including remote and regional areas to gain the view of stakeholders through formal interviews and questionnaires.
  • The resulting data was used to develop concepts for an improved website. The project also took into account business processes, best practice model, technical and software issues, budget resources, government web standards and information architecture.
  • My advice to the Department also included designs and concepts along with recommendations on functionality, governance and content policy.
  • In addition, I developed a design of new web pages and established a web-publishing process for the Family Relationships Centres around the country.
  • I was also been engaged to develop a User Requirements report for the Department's Web Services Branch for its Content Management System. This involved a mix of analysis, stakeholder interviews and strategic advice.
  • Finally, I redesigned the Family Pathways Branch web pages and managed the process of moving content from several web sites onto one to facilitate a simpler content structure to better serve the information needs of internal and external stakeholders. The resulting pages are here.

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AusAID and Department of Education, Science and Training

Working closely with staff from both organisations, developed a brand for the new Australian Scholarships. This is a $1.4B Australian Government initiative that establishes a prestigious international scholarship program for high achieving individuals in the Asia-Pacific region.

  • In addition to conceiving and designing the logo and the overall look and feel in partnership with commissioned designers
  • I also redeveloped the web site, communication assets and co-wrote the communication strategy (including the key messages).
  • The resulting communication tools were distributed to AusAID and DEST officers throughout the region to ensure a consistent messaging and marketing approach.

Austrade-Australian Trade Commission 
Contracted to develop four major online training modules for Austrade's staff worldwide covering key aspects of a corporate governance transition for the agency.

  • Project required working with subject experts, writing and designing modules and liasing with senior management and designers.
  • I also provided analysis and strategic recommendations on Austrade's learning and development needs for its staff and SES including developing training materials.
  • An additional project was to developing learning and development materials arising from an AusAid project for several APEC Countries. These were four significant online learning modules on a range of export related topics that required culturally sensitive content and an appropriate look and feel.

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The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner
Was contracted to manage a national communication program for the FSC which engages the building and construction industry and government stakeholders to improve the OHS standards within the industry. The role required:

  • advising the Commissioner and other managers on communication activities and strategies
  • developing communication and education programs including assisting with the development of branding and key messages
  • leading the communications team in the production of material such as presentations, web site content, newsletter responding to enquiries, media releases, speeches etc
  • liasing with related agencies and representing the FSC at events
  • guiding the strategic development of communications for the OFSC
  • ensuring the goals and purpose of the FSC are achieved through effective communications.

KAZ Technology Services 
Was contracted to develop a comprehensive communication strategy and supporting activities to assist in the successful bid and transition of several hundred Defence staff to the KAZ group. The role required:

  • the development of concepts and content for all communication activities
  • developing and running of information seminars for staff
  • developed a dedicated web site (including project management and design) including design, content and ongoing management
  • advising managers on communication issues and ongoing stakeholder issue management and briefings
  • designing and running 'get to know' and promotional events
  • writing all collateral such as promotional material, presentations, web site content, responding to enquiries et alia

Professional Careers Australia (PCA)
Contracted to raise the profile and market Professional Careers Australia (PCA), Canberra's oldest established recruiting practice the Client Relationship Manager's role was a strategic function within the company which influenced and supported all of PCA's external relationships. The role required:

  • representing PCA at networking events and liasing with professional and industry associations
  • developing a Client and Candidate Management Program
  • developed PCA's strategic marketing plan including evaluation of the success of marketing activity
  • organising networking and promotional events including liasing with media and stakeholders
  • writing PCA's promotional material, including all collateral material and their web site
  • negotiating sponsorship arrangements

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Department of Agriculture, Fisheries Forestry, Australia
As part of a section providing expertise on special client groups for the department (Women, Young People and Indigenous people) I supervised a small team to deliver several elements of a national program which built leadership capacity in 18-35's working in rural and agricultural industries.

I was responsible for promotion and marketing of the program nationally and had a "roving brief" to seek opportunities for fostering awareness of the Young People in Rural Industries program.  This project entailed:

  • developing a mentoring program and negotiated Memorandums of Understanding with national organisations to provide mentors to young people. The program was adopted by several areas of AFFA as a pilot for staff development.
  • supervised and assisted in the design of web site for young people in rural industries: www.yarn.gov.au
  • maintained working relationships with other agencies such as DETYA and developing partnerships
  • developed programs for AFFA Graduate placements in team, and was held an example to other managers as a 'best practice supervisor"- and address managers on my approach before each placement
  • Awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration for the Young People in Rural Industries Program, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) December 2002

Australian Taxation Office
Performing these two roles simultaneously, which were unique roles within the ATO reporting to the Assistant Deputy Commissioner GST. The main functions of my role as Manager of GST Skilling Products were:

  • design of an on-line interface for the entire Skilling Library where staff can access details of courses and products available
  • design of process for the delivery of Skilling Products to staff nationally including an on-line library and interface
  • liasing with stakeholders throughout the ATO including participation on several forums and working groups
  • identification of new Skilling Products suitable for GST, capturing feedback on products and the identification of the skilling needs of staff and
  • input to the design of the ATO e-Learning Portal and GST Business Line intranet site.

The main functions of my role as manager of the Executive Information Centre were:

  • the managing of information for GST SES Executive and other Line managers, the creation and distribution of information packages for key staff nationally within the GST Business Line
  • providing Secretariat functions for the GST Executive and Board, including convening meetings, managing agendas, taking minutes, and performing research and general support as required
  • coordinating the communication to staff of the outcomes of the ATO Industry Partnerships, maintaining contacts lists, providing briefings and background papers to Corporate Forums as required
  • and maintenance of corporate contact lists, calendars, and other resources for staff.

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Other Milestones

  • Founded Schmooze, a popular professional network for communication, PR and client relations professionals in 2003. It holds several professional development and networking events every month. It features often in the City News and featured in Capital Magazine. See this page.
  • Served as  co-opted Board member for Canberra Arts Marketing providing communication advice in 2008 and the Canberra Arts Patron Organisation
  • Provided facilitation services for the board of Canberra Arts Marketing
  • Served on the Canberra Committee for Musica Viva in 2005