Wendy Searle

More than just RCTs, experimental evaluation can be an effective and useful method of social impact measurement. If you're about to run an eval and looking to include an experimental component, we may be able to help fund it. Read on.

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Libraries are such an important touch point for media literacy in Australia - and it's such a joy to be working with fellow cultural institutions and crack team of researchers in this space! Stay tuned, first research pieces are due to drop mid-year (and speaking as someone with a sneak peak, you'll not want to miss) #LibrariesTransform #MediaLiteracy #Library #LIS #Libraries https://lnkd.in/gcn-CD-p

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"Recommendation 7: The committee recommends that the Australian Government establish a Digital Media Competency Fund... While this fund should have a strong focus on the digital media literacy of young Australians, it should also fund initiatives aimed at improving the digital media literacy of other groups at risk of being taken in by mis- and disinformation, including older Australians and those in regional areas." Excellent recommendation for media literacy week - and good to see the Australian Library and Information Association submission quoted in the report. Read the full Second interim report: digital platforms and the traditional news media here: https://lnkd.in/gCpXAtCE #LibrariesTransform #MedialiteracyWeek

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My client's response to the Federal Budget's new impact investment initiatives is featured in OnImpact Media. Impact Investing Australia says these initiatives highlight crucial support for social enterprises and measures to address entrenched disadvantage. Read more about how these investments will foster positive social change. #impactinvesting #socialimpact #socialenterprise https://lnkd.in/dZdjibwQ

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It's not easy being green. Recent scrutiny of greenwashing tactics among some of Australia's biggest brands has left other organisations avoiding talking about sustainability altogether. However, the risk of inaction or ‘green-hushing’ can be also just as costly. Read more in The Impact Agency Australia's latest article as we explore making sustainability communications.

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So much for objectivity and balance in reporting and journalism - the report by the AHRC and Media Diversity Australia proves how dangerous and counter-productive the DEI movement is. See https://lnkd.in/ggQ6hsuT

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Accessible content is more effective - for everyone.

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It’s been an exciting few days for the Albury Wodonga Health Communications Team this week! I’ve just returned from Public Sector Comms Week in Canberra with my two stellar Communications Managers, Cassandra Juric and Karly M., and wow, what an enlightening experience! So, what did we learn? 🤔 Our deep dive into the essence of modern communications was both illuminating and inspiring. We explored the complexities of digital engagement, akin to mastering a high-stakes game of chess—challenging yet immensely rewarding when approached with the right strategy. The importance of storytelling was a consistent theme, essential for cutting through the noise and making genuine connections. We also tackled the misinformation crisis, navigating the media landscape through building trust, both with our community and executive team, brick by carefully chosen brick. In doing this, understanding our audience is paramount; engaging means fostering meaningful dialogue—think less monologue, more engaging conversation. As we navigate the necessary change management for developing a full-service communications team within a large public sector organisation, we explored the balance between heart and mind, blending long-term vision with immediate priorities. This delicate art, when mastered, can redefine our communications strategy. Lastly, culture emerged as the vital habitat where our strategy thrives or falters. Authentic leadership not only energises and empowers our team but also fosters a profound sense of belonging, creating an environment where people want to come to work and be their best. Innovation is the parent of prosperity and the child of freedom. Innovation happens when we’re free to fail, try again, and back ourselves. So, here’s to stepping into the accountability void, innovating fearlessly, and weaving culture through every piece of content we create. Let’s keep amplifying our voice and telling those stories. Onward and upward! 🚀 #PublicSectorCommsWeek #TeamAWHealth #Storytelling #Innovation #Leadership #smallbutmighty #publicsectorcommunications #healthcommunications #communicationsleadership #governmentcomms #commsteam #communicationsmanagement #marketingandcomms Akolade

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As National Reconciliation Week approaches, we all have a role to play in national unity. This year's theme, "Now More Than Ever", asks us to use our influence, reminds us of the power of our voices in working towards Reconciliation and encourages us to be active in our role in reconciliation. It starts with each of us. Find out more about events happening near you here: https://lnkd.in/geQG78Wj #NRW #NationalReconciliationWeek #NRW2024 #NowMoreThanEver Reconciliation Australia Life Without Barriers

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An annual report is more than just a statutory requirement; it's a powerful tool for transparency and strategic communication. It reflects an organisation's achievements, challenges, and future direction, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive view of its performance and vision. This project was absolutely a labour of love. #AnnualReport #OurWork #StrategicCommunications #Design #StoryBrand

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Understanding your audience makes communicating with them a thousand per cent easier, I reckon. What's the point in writing a communications strategy, yarn, or even email if the intended audience has no interest or investment in the topic? I mean, you can, but I'm not sure this is the most effective way of connecting with your audience. Now, please bear with me as I link this thought to some of my colleagues' fantastic work. On August 1, SEC Newgate Australia will discuss the latest insights from our research team's Mood of the Nation briefing. These reports, and briefings, give a clear snapshot of the big issues affecting Australia. Previous editions have found the nation's mood is declining… so what does that mean for your audience? If you're interested in understanding Australia and hopefully better understanding your audience, I reckon joining this webinar is a no-brainer.   Here's a few nuggets from our latest report: 🏗 Two thirds of Australians backed the federal government’s Future Made in Australia Act. ⚡There’s softening support for climate action and renewables. 👵 Older Australians (65+) rated their quality of life highest and say they are significantly better off when it comes to their mental wellbeing and financial situation. 

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Political Opinions Survey: The good folk at the Better Together Party are after your ideas and input for their policy survey. It only take 3 minutes and your voice matters. Please take the time to fill it in quickly!! https://lnkd.in/gz3U2SEZ

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You can skip the bits where my potato head fills the screen (I do) and hear some fantastic insights from all the experts we had talking through the balancing of lived and learnt experience in communications and campaigning #communications #livedexperience #campaigning

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Great topic Melbourne Press Club. Australian Associated Press (AAP) Factcheck and global factcheck outlets came to our aid in 2022 to set the record straight when it came to incorrect claims on social media about 'sudden arrhythmic death syndrome' or 'sudden adult death syndrome' and COVID-19 vaccines. As an organisation that prides itself on providing evidence-based information, this was really concerning for our Institute, not to mention the researchers at the coalface dealing with the brunt of this. One option is not to engage but in this case, there was an avalanche of misinformation. And, as per the discussion today, it was of a consequential nature and there was evidence to show it was false. The learning for us in this situation when facing such a significant amount of dis/misinformation, which quickly took on a life of its own on social media, was to proactively reach out and engage with factcheck organisations as one lever to help set the record straight. Interested in the views and experiences of others? Catherine Butterfield Christine Elmer SCMP MAICD Melea Tarabay Ursula McGinnes

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🎉 Grant of the Week: Social Investment Partnerships Grants 🎉 Looking for funding to drive meaningful social change in the City of Melbourne? This week’s spotlight is on the Social Investment Partnerships Grants – a fantastic opportunity for not-for-profits, social enterprises, and B Corporations working to address social challenges and create thriving communities. 🌏💡 This program supports projects that provide equitable opportunities for individuals, strengthen community resilience, and empower Melbourne’s diverse neighbourhoods. Eligible projects can receive between $25,000 and $90,000 per year for up to two years. This funding ensures that organisations aligned with the City of Melbourne’s social priorities can deliver impactful programs, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future. 🌱 Projects targeting the following areas will receive priority consideration: 📈 Employment and capacity building through education and training 🏠 Addressing homelessness and creating pathways to affordable housing 🍲 Tackling food insecurity 💜 Family violence prevention and initiatives to end violence against women 🤝 Promoting social cohesion and combating discrimination 📶 Improving digital literacy and access 🧠 Boosting mental and physical wellbeing 👥 Increasing community participation and amplifying local voices To apply for this grant, your organisation must: ✅ Be a not-for-profit, certified B Corporation, or social enterprise aligned with Social Traders' definition. (Note: B Corporations must provide matched financial contributions.) ✅ Have a track record of at least two years of operation. ✅ Be located within or delivering the project in the City of Melbourne. ✅ Align your project with the City’s key strategic plans such as the Council Plan 2021-25. Interested? Let's Make Your Vision a Reality! This is an incredible chance to create lasting social impact right here in Melbourne. If your organisation is ready to take the next step, I can assist with your application to ensure your project aligns with the grant’s priorities and shines through the competitive process. 📩 Reach out today: [email protected] #GrantOpportunity #SocialImpact #CommunityGrants #CityOfMelbourne #InclusionMatters #SocialChange #MelbourneCommunity #NonprofitSupport #SocialEnterprise #BCorp #GrantWriting #CommunityDevelopment #FundingOpportunity #ResilientCommunities #SustainableMelbourne #FutureMelbourne #SupportLocal

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A thriving news media provides the foundations for any healthy democracy. Unfortunately it's far from thriving in Australia; - We have the 2nd most concentrated media market in the world - We sit 39th on the world press freedom index - 59% of Australians believe journalists are trying to purposefully mislead them - We distrust what we hear and turn into our echo chambers for validation and reinforcement, to the exclusion of others. These are just a few of many challenges faced as our media reconciles with its own polycrisis. In a professional capacity, as a leader of a communications agency, I’ve long been concerned at the direction of our media industry and what that future looks like for our industry as communications professionals, but equally as a father of two young children – not knowing what their future looks like, and where they will turn for trusted information that preferences truth over division. Thank you to Communication and Public Relations Australia, for the opportunity to discuss this important topic yesterday at our Agency Leaders Forum alongside Bruce Wolpe , Nell O'Shea Carre and Eric Beecher (Private Media). There are many challenges ahead, but also opportunities. Through our work as professional storytellers, it's time to change the narrative on news media and, through our own industry which is uniquely placed to influence, reinforce it's importance to our democracy. Edelman Louise Harland-Cox, Chris Savage, Shane Allison Bryony Smith

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Some old adages stand simply because they're true. When I think about public risk, vulnerability, and crisis all day, it's hard to reconcile that even after the PR crisis failures across the past six months, we're not all remembering that "a stitch in time saves nine." Real talk? The general public is stretched and strained in the current environment, and their appetite for poor performance is low. What you could get away with in the public sphere, even 12 months ago, is vastly different to now. In matters of reputation, public risk, and crisis communications, the key is preparation. *Crisis media training is different to any other media training *Murder Boards/Worst Case Scenario planning is hard but good work - there is nothing better than this work to feel and be really prepared for the hard scenarios. * Have a trusted advisor who tells the truth and isn't a "Yes" person. Better to face the hard questions from a friendly first. Thanks so much to Adam Lang, Neil Griffiths and Lauren McNamara for having me on Mumbrellacast yesterday to discuss two of my great loves: politics and crisis communications. https://lnkd.in/eNZHc9SF

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"Fast-food PR models are doing far more harm than good" writes my dear friend/sounding board/co-crisis commentator Phoebe Netto in Mumbrella. Phoebe shares the fears of many of us about the anti-ethics PR models we see popping up. In these models, staff and leadership get no agency (no pun intended) over the type of work they do for clients or the type of clients they work with. This can certainly be damaging to their own brand and reputation. For me, the key concern is that this creates a factory output, a culture of churn and burn, and does not teach younger operators craft. Additionally, I'd argue that the type of "add to cart" PR services are setting clients up to fail with fast PR. I saw someone promoting their PR services with "I can literally make you famous in a day". Stunts/clicbait/s#x stories, maybe - but not long-term, robust reputation and brand building. It takes concerted, tailored effort, teamwork, and a good understanding of the client's needs. It requires critical thinking and human connection. For PR and Public affairs professionals, a constant challenge is managing client's expectations about being on the front page of the The Australian Financial Review, 730 on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) or on the Today Show Couch in week one of engagement. This fast PR adds to unrealistic expectations. I'm all for growth and innovation. That is a key pillar of our business. But new ways need to bring value and add professionalism to our industry. Not dumb it down. There is a time and a place for fast. Growing media reputations and building reputations is not that time or place. https://lnkd.in/gRh5GmQp Shelley Hammond Meg Hutchinson Troy Bilsborough #crisispr #prindustry #publicrelations

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