KEY SKILLS

With more than 20 years of experience leading strategic marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement across government, nonprofit, and creative sectors, I bring a proven track record of delivering high-impact campaigns, building community, and driving brand growth—alongside a lifelong passion for storytelling and fandom culture.

Alongside my professional career, I have enjoyed a strong and lasting connection with various fandoms and fan communities. As President of Fantastic Queensland from 2007 to June 2010, I led one of Australia’s most influential non-profit organisations dedicated to the professional development of speculative fiction authors and the promotion of the genre nationally and internationally. During this time, Fantastic Queensland became a cornerstone of community advocacy in the literary space, delivering high-impact programs that nurtured emerging talent and elevated genre fiction. Key initiatives during my tenure included:
- The Aurealis Awards (2004-2010): Fantastic Queensland administered Australia’s premier speculative fiction awards during this period. As both the President of the auspicing body and member of the Award’s Management Committee, I was instrumental in professionalising the awards, streamlining judging processes, and expanding their national profile.
- Clarion South Writers Workshop: This intensive residential program provided emerging speculative fiction writers with mentorship from internationally recognised authors and editors. Fantastic Queensland’s support helped establish Clarion South as a vital incubator for Australian genre talent.
- Writing for Games: In partnership with Arts Queensland, this initiative explored the intersection of speculative fiction and interactive storytelling. It offered workshops and resources for writers interested in transitioning their skills to game development, reflecting our commitment to cross-disciplinary creative growth.

I have also helped deliver several national speculative fiction conventions including Conjure, the 45th Australian National Science Fiction Convention (NatCon) in 2006 and as the Program Manager for Contact2016, the 55th NatCon which was held in Brisbane. These community-driven event showcased Queensland’s vibrant writing and fan culture, connecting creators and audiences across speculative genres.

Marketing and Community Relations – especially in the government, health and non-profitsectors, community consultation and engagement,brand and issues management, event management, membershipservices, education programs

Community and Stakeholder Management –corporate restructures, international board relations, government and community relations, grass roots campaigns,change management, internal communicationsand staff management

Strategic Planning, Program Development and Implementation – strategic and business plan development,brand and communication policy development,implementation strategy including program analysis, design, pilot, evaluationand review, process development and efficiency review

Media Relations – more than 20 years media management experience including reactive (natural disasters and crisis management) and proactive (change management, campaign support)media exposure, significanton-air tv and radio experience,delivering organisational training

Event Management – including national awareness and marketing campaigns, national awards nights, agency management, fundraising events such as Gala Dinners, celebrity auctions, bike rides and celebrity endorsement, as well as digital and online platform and campaign development and advertising (tv, radio, outdoor, print, social)