Govcomms: The Future Of Government Communication

In this week’s episode of GovComms we go back to 2015 when contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke sat down with Executive Manager, Communications & Engagement for the City of Boroondara, Deb Ganderton. Deb is the Executive Manager Communications and Engagement for one of Australia’s most innovative local council areas, the City of Boroondara in Melbourne. Her work at the City of Boroondara has seen the creation of a matrix style department successfully blending traditional communications and customer service roles with community and employee engagement and research. She has led projects achieving national and international recognition for strategy and evaluation. Currently, Deb is the President of International Business Communicators, an industry association dedicated to excellence in government communication. Deb is a legend of Australian municipal government communications. Her and David discuss Boroondara’s communication structure and how her team has implemented an award-winning content marketing strategy.

Content communication can come with a minefield of legal issues. How do you identify legal issues? Who owns the content you are distributing? What happens when there is an intellectual property claim? This week go back to 2015 when contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke, sat down with leading commercial lawyer, Shaun Creighton, to discuss the copyright implications of creating and curating content. Shaun Creighton has specialist expertise in the identification, protection, and commercialisation of intellectual property rights. He has expertise and experience negotiating technology, broadcasting and commercial agreements. Previously, he has provided in-house Legal Counsel for the Australian Sports Commission and Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation. As a dual Olympian, Shaun has an extensive network in the sports and events industries. As part of ARETE Group’s thriving sports law practice group, he represents professional athletes, national sporting organisations, media outlets and event organisers on matte

Communications is about going with your gut. Our guest today, uses core values to create marketing campaigns that she knows will stand out. She understands when to use speed and when to be strategic and insight led. In this episode of GovComms, City Marketing Coordinator at the city of Ballarat, Lucy Ibrahim, joins contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke, to discuss the importance of delivering communications plans that connect with community members. Working in a city that shows genuine care and compassion for their community in the toughest of circumstances, Lucy talks about how to take those values and deliver effective communications solutions to big problems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lucy has led her community by engaging with stakeholders and supplying the city of Ballarat with accurate and accessible resources. Today, we dive back to when Lucy delivered and launched a marketing campaign, Be Kind Ballarat, in less than 24 hours. The campaign was a kindness initiative launched in response to COVID-19, whic

We are coming into the golden age of communications. Perhaps the most important thing a government can do, is communicate effectively with their citizens. Communicators are the people in control. They make sure that information is available and importantly, accessible, to citizens. The technology has increased the visibility of communications system, but what are the challenges that come with these advances? What are the challenges facing government departments? Where does change comes from in the public sector? In this episode of GovComms, contentgroup Founder and CEO, David Pembroke, is joined by the Head of GovCom Group, Alun Probert. Before heading GovCom Group, Alun spent nine years as the Executive Director of Strategic Communications in the NSW Government, with the responsibility for advertising and digital policy including managing the NSW Governments and Premier’s website, overseeing approval of Government and all advertising campaigns and managing whole of Government media contracts. Alun’

In this week’s episode of GovComms, contentgroup Founder and CEO, David Pembroke, sits down with business and technology innovator, Michelle Melbourne, to discuss how technology is impacting the communications. They talk using data to create a personalized experience for your audience, the importance of learning and where technology is headed.   This episode is a must listen for leaders in any sector, with valuable insights into how to harness and use technology in a manageable and workable way.   With 30 years’ experience in government technology, Michelle Melbourne, Co-Founder of Australian software maker Intelledox (now SmartIQTM, a product of Smart Communications), has a long history delivering better online process for citizens. Michelle evangelized the term Digital Transformation years before it was commonplace, and her company pioneered the use of AI to automate business processes. She has helped many large and complex customers to modernise their processes, and more importantly, to transform their te

From the Archives: This week on #GovComms, we are going back to a very special episode. In 2015, contentgroup Founder and CEO David Pembroke, met with guests Inga Davis and Richa Arora to discuss rebuilding the University of Canberra website. This episode takes us through the whole journey. They tells us how they met their objectives and managed to bring more than 15,000 pages of content under one umbrella. Inga Davis gave this interview on the eve of her last week at University of Canberra. Having spent the last 10 years working her way through the ranks at UC; as a marketing manager, alumni manager, Director of Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker's Office, Director of Advancement and finishing up as Director Advancement, Marketing and Communications. Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Inga has led projects integral to building the University's profile; including the university's 40th anniversary celebrations in 2008, the latest "breakthrough" re-brand, content marketing strategy and most recently an

The internet has changed the way we consume content, has it also impacted the way we advertise? In this week’s episode of GovComms contentgroup Founder and CEO, David Pembroke, sits down with industry leader, Bob Hoffman, to discuss how traditional advertising remains the primary income for internet platforms such as Facebook. Bob Hoffman is the author of five bestselling books about advertising. He is one of the world’s most sought-after speaker on (this topic/subject) advertising and marketing. Indeed, one of his books, ‘Bad Men: How Advertising Went From A Minor Annoyance To A Major Menace’ exposed many of the dangerous data abuse practices that are leading to a re-evaluation of the role of the major platforms around the world. Discussed in this episode: ·       Transformation of media and advertising ·       Using creative methods to create strategic advertising campaigns ·       Eroding of local media platforms ·       Dominant major advertising platforms ·       Is antitrust on the backburner?

Fresh from the Archives Russell Grossman wears many hats; he is Director of Communications at the Office of Rail and Road, Head of Government Internal Communications Profession for the UK Government and Director at Engage For Success. In this episode from the archives, Russell Grossman and David Pembroke discuss the best practices in government communication. We hear about Russell’s experience as Director of Group Communications at the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, as well as International Chair of the IABC and Director of Engage for Success. Discussed in this episode: ·       Maximising communications budgets ·       Using a project management approach to reform communications ·       Creating long-term marketing strategies ·       Strong bold leadership and sharp project management ·       Adapting to digital platforms

A communications professional with more than 15 years of experience working in busy and demanding media relations and communications environments, Farooq has a range of experience having worked both in the public and voluntary sector.  Having trained as a journalist, during his career in UK Government he has been media adviser to several UK Prime Ministers and senior ministers. Farooq has led teams and delivered high-profile communications campaigns for key government domestic policies including the major housing building programme, a review of the public broadcaster BBC and controversial reforms to teachers’ pay and pensions. He has also dealt with international issues such as the UK’s military operations in Afghanistan and was part of the UK Government Olympics Communications team for London in 2012. Farooq led the crisis communications response for UK Government following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, where he led a team of 40 plus professionals to deliver an effective communications strategy.  Having re

Fresh from the Archives Gina is a senior digital marketing professional with successful experience in product management, social media strategy and integrated marketing campaigns for the City of Bryan. In addition, Gina has also developed brand ambassador and employee ambassador programs online to reinforce branding goals, drive loyalty and amplify the message.  Working for the City of Bryan, she has put her non-government experience to work to boost economic development, city programs, and tourism across all online channels. In addition to marketing, she serves as the PIO for the City of Bryan and Bryan Texas Utilities. Discussed in this episode:  A grass-roots approach to content The essentials of content marketing  How content marketing served the City of Bryan Gina's advice for government communicators 

Tony Bradford is the co-founder and Managing Director of the Centre for Corporate Health, an organisation that specialises in helping workplaces of all shapes and sizes to better manage mental health, psychological safety and workplace stress. Originally a country boy from the Riverina, he ran away from home and joined the Navy at the age of 17 and started his career as a navigation officer driving ships and patrol boats. Fascinated by what happens in workplaces and the dysfunction and stress that often results, he developed his passion for understanding and transforming workplace cultures especially through building leadership capability. Following his service in the Navy and a short stint with EY’s change management consultancy division in the late 90’s, Tony has spent the past 20 years consulting to organisations of all shapes and sizes and industries, including Government. Rachel Clements is the co-founder and Director of Psychological Services and Principal Organisational Psychologist at the Centre for C

Fresh from the Archives Carmel McGregor forged a highly successful and notable career in the Australian Public Service. She is a psychologist by training and is intrinsically interested in how people think and what makes them tick. Before her retirement in 2014 Carmel was the Deputy Secretary Defence People in the Department of Defence. Prior to joining the Department of Defence in 2012 Carmel held a position as the Deputy Australian Public Service Commissioner where she was a member of the Advisory Group on Reform of Australian Government Administration (Blueprint) and led a review of Pathways for APS Women in Defence. Before joining the Australian Public Service Commission, Carmel was Deputy Secretary Client and Corporate Services in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). During her time with DIAC she led global client service reform and a major organisational and cultural change program. Discussed in this episode: The role of communications Communicating for success The revolution of listen

Sree Sreenivasan is the inaugural Marshall Loeb Visiting Professor of Digital Innovation at Stony Brook School of Journalism. During the COVID-19 crisis, he is hosting a daily global conversation with experts - and helping companies adjust to the newly virtual world.  Sree is a leading social and digital media consultant and trainer, working with nonprofits, startups, companies and executives from around the world. He has served as Chief Digital Officer of New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Columbia University (where he was a full-time professor of journalism for 20+ years). He has also been a paid on-air tech expert for the three largest news stations in NYC. He taught a course on entrepreneurship at Columbia for four years with Ken Lerer, the co-founder of Huffington Post, chairman of Buzzfeed and co-founder of venture firm LererHippeau. In 2015, Fast Company named him one of the 100 most creative people in business and in 2010, he was named one of the 35 most influential people in social med

Stacey Barr is the creator of the PuMP methodology for measuring organisational performance and developing meaningful KPIs. Stacey is one of the world’s leading specialists performance measurement field. She is author of two books - Practical Performance Measurement and Prove It! – and writes the weekly Measure Up blog. Her content also appears on Harvard Business Review’s website and in their acclaimed ManageMentor Program. Stacey has specialised in the field of performance measurement since 1993. This gave her a deep insight into the transformational power of measuring the right things well – and revealed the most common struggles people have with performance measurement. The most common obstacles she observes include immeasurable goals, meaningless measures, lack of buy-in, and KPI dashboards that aren’t useful. The root cause, she found, is that common KPI practice is fraught with bad habits. So she created PuMP to replace those bad habits. PuMP is known for its practicality in making performance measurem

Andrew’s 20 years of experience cover a broad range of communication and public affairs practice. His experience ranges from proactive and responsive media handling to strategy, operations and team leadership. Most recently, Andrew was the Director of Media and Social Media with a major NSW Government Department, building and leading teams of media and content specialists to support the Department and its Ministers on issues including: Planning, Energy, Water, Mining, Resources, Skills, International Trade, Small Business, Regional Economic Development, Infrastructure, Housing, Tourism, Industry Support, Crown Lands, Indigenous Affairs, Liquor Gaming and Racing, and the Arts.  Prior to Government, Andrew held senior positions in financial services and not-for-profit organisations. He began his career as an industry advocate and lobbyist in London. He was Head of Communications for the British Chambers of Commerce as well as Campaigns and Government Relations Manager for MAKE UK, the peak body for engineering

Melanie is a PhD qualified medical research scientist and award winning professional science communicator. Currently CEO of the National Youth Science Forum, Melanie is focused on delivering transformative youth-led experiences for young Australians to encourage life-long participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and having experience in higher education, media and NFP sectors, Melanie brings over 15 years of expertise in STEM management, fundraising, science communication, outreach, publishing and media for the not-for-profit and higher education sectors. Melanie is particularly interested in using digital platforms to help connect wide audiences with STEM. In 2016 Melanie was awarded the Unsung Hero of SA Science Communication for her commitment to translating complex science into something we can all understand. Recently, Melanie led the establishment of a video production and social media distribution capability t

With more than 20 years’ experience in news and current affairs, Ben worked as a camera operator and video editor for several Australian TV networks including Seven, Sky News, and SBS. He covered national and international news based in the Parliamentary Press Gallery in Canberra, and later worked on the ABC “Stateline” program. Ben is also experienced in audio production and has composed music for various television current affairs programs. Prior to joining contentgroup as Senior Videographer, Ben worked in media production for the Commonwealth Public Service. As Senior Editor at the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Ben oversaw the technical and aesthetic aspects of video content for the various portfolio areas of the Department. This role included delivery of web video campaigns and live streaming Ministerial events.   Discussed in this episode: Ben’s background in videography The elements of video production that have stood the test of time The importance of storytelling Why e

A highly sought-after keynote speaker, educator and author, Gabrielle has worked with thousands of high-profile leaders from around the world and helped several of Australia’s top 50 companies and multinationals to humanise their communications - These have included Telstra, EY, Accenture, VISA, Australia Post, National Australia Bank, ANZ, Vodafone and the Obama Foundation just to mention a few.   She holds a master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Swinburne University, an associate diploma in Education and Training from the University of Melbourne, and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education in both the Art and the Practice of Leadership Development and Women and Power: Leadership in a New World. Gabrielle is also the bestselling author of Real Communication: How to be you and lead true, and a finalist in the Australian Business Leadership Book Awards for 2019. Her other published books include Stories for Work: The Essential Guide to Business Storytelling (2017), Storyt

Elise Davidson is the General Manager of Strategic Communications at the ACCC in Sydney. There, she leads a team responsible for the agency’s media, social media, content & digital production. Her team is also responsible for employee communications, speechwriting, library & research services. Prior to joining the ACCC, Elise was General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Vodafone where she helped to rebuild its reputation post ‘Vodafail’. She also has a strong consumer advocacy background, having led communications and media teams at ACCAN from 2010-13, and Choice from 2007-2010. Elise has a Bachelor’s degree in Media from Macquarie University, co-authored Weird and Wonderful Jobs, and was awarded PR of the Year (in house) at the Mumbrella CommsCon Awards in 2014. Discussed in this episode: Using communications to overcome the ‘Vodafail’ crisis Communications as a crisis management tool Practical tactics for relationship building and public relations Elise’s advice for building a great team Operating i

James joined Faster Horses Consulting in 2019 as head of its Social & Government Division after previous social & government research roles with Colmar Brunton, Ipsos & Eureka Strategic Research. He has over 20 years’ experience in the Australian Federal Government sector as both a buyer and a supplier to Government across nearly every portfolio at the Federal level. He is MBA qualified and has been granted Qualified Practicing Researcher (QPR) status. James has been at the forefront of the evolution of market & social research over his 21-year research career, including pioneering the use of online research communities in government with the Australian Taxation Office, the Murray Darling Basin Authority and the Royal Australian Mint. Just as we’ve moved from paper to phone to online data collection, he sees advancements in artificial intelligence and the effective leveraging of ‘big data’ as rapidly reshaping the industry – not sometime into the future, but right now. He believes the key chal