Communications and Engagement

Building connection through communication

Effective communication and engagement is critical to the success of infrastructure projects. With the right strategy, communications can help build understanding, trust, and support among stakeholders and the wider community by providing clear, transparent, and timely information. Meaningful engagement ensures that potential issues are identified early, community feedback is genuinely considered, and disruptions are minimised.

Clear, confident communication for complex projects

As a Sunshine Coast based Communications and Engagement Specialist and proud member of the Engagement Institute, I help infrastructure teams, government agencies and project managers communicate clearly and respectfully with their communities and stakeholders. Through this collaborative approach, we build trust, reduce risk and deliver stronger project outcomes.

Turning big projects into shared journeys

Behind every successful infrastructure project is a well-informed, engaged community. My role is to help teams communicate early, openly, and effectively, turning complex technical plans into stories that make sense to the people they affect most.

With over 20 years’ experience in communications and stakeholder engagement, I’ve worked alongside planners, engineers, politicians and contractors to develop communications strategies that balance project priorities with community needs. From long-term infrastructure planning to on-the-ground project delivery, I help shape communication that informs, reassures, and connects.

A snapshot of my experience

Planning for growth: Bringing the community along the journey

SUNSHINE COAST AIRPORT PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA

When Sunshine Coast Airport proposed a change to its planning scheme, it was essential to communicate these changes clearly to a wide and varied audience, from tenants and airlines to government partners and the local community.

I developed the Communications and Engagement Plan that guided how the Airport would communicate each phase of the PDA’s progress. The strategy outlined key messages, identified stakeholder groups, and mapped out the most effective channels to build awareness and trust. By focusing on transparency and consistency, we were able to bring stakeholders along on the journey, reinforcing the Airport’s commitment to growth that benefits both the region and its people.

Expanding horizons: Designing a terminal shaped by community voices

SUNSHINE COAST AIRPORT TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT

As the Airport prepared to expand its terminal, my role was to ensure the community’s voice helped shape the design. I led the creation of the Communications and Engagement Plan and managed the engagement process, bringing together a diverse mix of user groups, including families, travellers with disabilities, dementia advocates, and business passengers.

Through workshops and online surveys, we gathered meaningful feedback to influence the terminal design. I also produced public-facing materials, from information panels to digital content, that made complex design and construction information accessible to everyday travellers.

Connecting projects, people and progress

ONGOING COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER AT SUNSHINE COAST AIRPORT

As the Airport’s Communications and Engagement Partner, my focus is on staying ahead of the curve. By collaborating closely with project managers, I help identify how upcoming works may impact stakeholders and plan how we’ll communicate those changes before they happen.

This includes projects such as the introduction of 3D body scanners in the security screening area, habitat relocations, carpark upgrades, and the ongoing aerospace precinct expansion. For each initiative, I work to translate technical information into clear, reassuring messages, ensuring that passengers, tenants, and the community always know what’s changing and why.

By building open lines of communication, we’ve shifted from reactive responses to proactive engagement, reducing confusion, improving relationships, and creating a culture where communication is seen as a key part of project success.

Building a stadium that worked for everyone

PERTH MAJOR STADIUM - STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT FOR POPULOUS

During the design phase of the Perth Major Stadium, collaboration was key to ensuring the venue met the needs of everyone who would use it, from sporting codes to event organisers and fans.

Working with global architecture firm Populous, I was part of the stakeholder engagement team responsible for consulting with major user groups, including the AFL, cricket, and entertainment bodies. We met with representatives from each sporting code to understand their operational requirements, from player facilities and media spaces to crowd flow and accessibility.

The insights gathered through this engagement were compiled into detailed reports that informed the stadium’s final design, ensuring functionality, fan experience, and safety were seamlessly integrated. It was a powerful example of how early, genuine engagement can shape infrastructure that not only meets technical specifications but truly serves its community.

My approach to developing communications for complex infrastructure projects

My approach is built on collaboration and strategy. Every Communications and Engagement Plan starts by:

1. Listening first

Engaging with internal teams to understand internal processes, the project scope, sensitivities, and risks.

2. Developing messages that connect

Developing key and supporting messages tailored to each audience.

3. Planning the rollout

Mapping channels, tools, and timing to ensure consistent, transparent communication.

4. Staying responsive

Continuously engaging with stakeholders to manage sentiment and keep communication flowing.