Over the past decade, social cohesion, community resilience and preventing violent extremism have been priorities for governments around the world.

When one of Australia’s largest state governments wanted to develop a campaign to respond to these issues, it turned to Civic. From conception to completion, Civic developed a campaign that brought together research, communications, media, stakeholder and community relations, web, social and digital, events, public relations, TV, radio and print advertising and issues management in to one integrated strategy built around the concepts of belonging and contribution.

Tracking research showed that following campaign implementation, there was a significant increase in the proportion of people who considered the contribution of multiculturalism and diversity. Pleasingly, there had also been a significant increase in respondents indicating they felt a sense of belonging.

Since 2017, Civic has acted as public affairs adviser of record for a major Federal Government owned not-for-profit organisation.

Operating in a contentious area of public policy, the client works with a national stakeholder network that includes all levels of government around Australia.

As an embedded public affairs adviser, Civic has advised on communications, stakeholder engagement and media relations during a period of extraordinary change and growth in the organisation and its work.

Civic provides communications risk management advice on major national communications campaigns and has developed and implemented national stakeholder engagement programs to support multi-million-dollar funding programs.

Working together with the client’s executive and board, Civic provides advice on all aspects of communications, from speechwriting and copywriting, to issues and reputation management, creative campaigns, government and stakeholder engagement and internal communications.

After a star athlete’s contract with the national team / players association was torn up after posting religious scriptures on social media, Civic was engaged to support him as he took his unlawful termination case to the Fair Work Commission and the Federal Circuit Court.

Subject to intense media scrutiny, a need for the athlete to speak directly to supporters was identified. Content for social media and a dedicated website was created and combined with a proactive approach that saw the story run across all national news networks and mastheads rather than just the sports pages.

By taking control of the narrative, Civic was able to galvanise the athlete’s support base in the face of a well-resourced PR campaign run by his former employers.

In December 2019, a confidential settlement was reached. According to the Australian Financial Review, the Civic-led PR campaign was pivotal in turning “a weak legal hand into a strong suit” that ultimately led to the athlete “extracting a huge payment and apology from rugby authorities”.

In 2018, Civic was engaged by a Victorian integrity body to help communicate the findings of an inquiry into a high-profile investigative agency.

At short notice, Civic developed a communications plan to support the public release of the report and ensure consistent messaging across a range of audiences. Striking the right balance between communicating important matters of policy and public interest while respecting the views of stakeholders including the agency under investigation was vital.

A proactive and reactive communications, stakeholder and media relations plan was crafted and implemented against a strict timeline.

Spokesperson media training was provided to prepare for a program of strategic and targeted media engagement. The release of the report and its findings were well-received, casting light on important issues within the state’s integrity bodies while improving awareness of the client’s role and functions.

As the Australian agency of record for the world’s largest defence technology company, Civic provides the full-spectrum of corporate communications support including strategic counsel, media relations and content creation.

Civic supports the client engage with their audiences through the development and ongoing implementation of a sustained, integrated communications programme. The client’s capabilities stretch from undersea to space, supported by a presence in every Australian state and territory, creating a complex stakeholder environment that requires a multifaceted communications approach.

At the forefront of our communications strategies to raise awareness of their innovative all-domain technologies and commitment to supporting Australia’s national interests are the company’s Australian leadership and world-class subject matter experts, as well as their key industry and research partners.

When a boutique equities fund manager wanted to stand out in a crowded marketplace, it turned to Civic for advice.

Our strategy of shining a light on its values and philanthropic endeavours, one that resonate with a target market of ultra-high net worth individuals, family offices and institutional investors. Detailed analysis and consultation informed the development of a media program profiling a next generation of talent.

This work was complemented by the design and delivery of a media and communications plan that has increased brand recognition and investor interest, with funds being oversubscribed and closing early.

Civic continues to advise the client on positioning and stakeholder engagement.

A Civic client found itself in the centre of a media storm due to allegations of wage underpayment and other questionable employment and business practices.

Civic advised the company on engagement with regulators and participation in investigative processes exploring these allegations, as well as providing media management services that ensured accurate reporting during an evolving and sensitive situation. With an eye on the ongoing position of the business and its brand, we also worked with the company to implement new business processes and practices, enabling the company to rebuild its reputation on a solid foundation and look forward to future success.