KIERAN OAKLEY
Blaxland,NSW
Summary
A communications and stakeholder management professional with more than 15 years of experience in NSW State and local government, I bring extensive experience directing and improving stakeholder engagement through effective, multi-channel communication strategies and strong policy enforcement.
Proficient in best practice and regulatory requirements of transport infrastructure and rail industry operations I am currently employed as a Place Manager for the Parramatta Light Rail project, which is due for public launch in July 2024.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Place Manager
Parramatta Light Rail Infrastructure Project
01.2019 - 07.2024
- Management of key stakeholders and resident communications for Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail: a 12km two-way track and 16 light rail stops (by 2026, around 28,000 people are expected to use the Parramatta Light Rail every day, with an estimated 130,000 people living within walking distance of the 16 light rail stops)
- Seconded to Momentum Trains in 2020 to assist with replacing the ageing regional rail fleet of XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains with 29 state-of-the-art trains supplied by CAF
- Implemented robust risk mitigation strategies to safeguard against potential operational challenges
- Ensured compliance with complex NSW State Government contracts and regulations in a fast moving environment
- Managed Communications and Engagement Strategies with a key focus on resolving disputes, maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring high-quality, safe service delivery.
- Collaborated with executive leadership and State Gov reps to align communication efforts with business objectives.
Communications Manager
Liverpool City Council
04.2015 - 12.2018
- Overall management of Liverpool City Council brand, images and identity
- Risk evaluation, development of key message frameworks and crisis management plans to ensure consistent messaging across all channels and touchpoints within Council business
- Led cross-functional teams; (CEO, Operations, Events, Marketing and HR) in the execution of high-impact PR initiatives
- Enhanced resident and customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Built and maintained relationships with key spokespeople, advocates and opinion leaders.
- Supported change management plans through development and implementation of internal and external communication strategies.
Communications & PR Manager
Auburn City Council
01.2013 - 03.2015
- Overall management of Auburn City Council brand identity and position
- Translation of complex, and sometimes sensitive information for public consumption
- Management of Council communications channels - website, social media, intranet, CEO and Mayoral statements
- Content development, production and distribution of all Council publications
- Managed crisis communications, mitigating potential damage to Council reputation
- Spearheaded community outreach programs that bolstered Council reputation as an open and engaged organisation.
- Designed and implemented strategic business plan objectives.
Chief Sub-Editor/Web Editor
Channel 7 - Pacific Publications
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Creation of content for Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Australia’s best known consumer title
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work.
- Pitched content strategies and managed asset acquisition
- Created and delivered style appropriate page design and layouts for publication using Adobe InDesign Graphics Suite
- Collaborated with Editorial, Design, Marketing and Advertising teams when planning monthly features, web content and competitions
- Liaison with Marketing and Web Development teams to create content that ties in with cross promotional activities, TV, radio and print advertising
- Management of journalists and writers and editing of supplied copy to print standard
- Quality control and implementation of production schedule as required of a time sensitive magazine.
Deputy Editor
TNT Magazine
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Copy writing, editing and producing Australia’s most recognised independent travel magazine
- Managing a team of journalists, external contributors and suppliers
- Researching and writing of local and international travel features and reviews.
Journalist/Editor
Australian Personal Computer Magazine, Australian Gourmet Traveller, City Weekly, Auto Action
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Wrote, edited and produced stories for print and digital channels
- Conducted thorough fact-checking of all written materials, maintaining the integrity of published content
- Adapted writing style for diverse audiences across print, online, and multimedia platforms
- Contributed to the overall growth of publications by assisting in marketing initiatives aimed at attracting new subscribers.
- Reported from field locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
- Utilized Adobe Creative Suite to produce professional pieces.
Editor
Official Microsoft Magazine And Custom Magazines For Macquarie Bank, St George Bank, The National Trust (Text Pacific Custom Publications)
01.1996 - 01.2000
- Managing a team of journalists, graphic designers and external suppliers for the official Microsoft Australia magazine (Communique)
- Responsibility for communication with all stakeholders
- Writing interview and features and meeting print deadlines.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Major, Communications Minor
Sydney University
Sydney NSWAconex, TeamBinder And Consultation Manager
Transport For NSWAdobe Creative Suite
Channel 7, SydneyHigh School Diploma -
Sydney Boys High School
Surry Hills, NSWDigital Communications -
TAFE NSW
Sydney, NSWSkills
- Database management (Aconex, Team Binder, Consultation Manager, Sharepoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator)
- State-level budgetary management
- Contract Management
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Project Management
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Team Leadership
Accomplishments
- Place Manager for the $2.875 billion Parramatta Light Rail project, which is set to open in August 2024,
- Developed excellent working relationships with key stakeholders including Westmead Hospital, the Children’s Hospital, Western Sydney University and the Australian Turf Club
- Increased positive media coverage for the Parramatta Light Rail with targeted media strategy. Secured front page news stories in the Daily Telegraph and TV news coverage with Channel 7, Channel 9 and the ABC.
- Developed a communication strategy targeting non-English speaking communities in Parramatta. All printed content including e-newsletters, flyers and construction notifications, was translated into four languages – Arabic, Hindi, Chinese and Vietnamese.
- Developed and implemented a social media strategy which has increased the Parramatta Light Rail’s Facebook followers to over 10,000 people.
- Promoted the Parramatta Light Rails’ sustainability initiatives, including reducing carbon emissions by more than 80,000 tonnes during construction: eventually winning the prestigious Banksia National Sustainability Awards in the Placemaking category.
- Created a public safety campaign to help cyclists and pedestrians cross the tracks safely.
- While Communications Manager, developed and re-launched the Liverpool City Council website in 2018.
Personal Qualities
- Strategic forward thinker
- Organised and efficient
- Confident and supportive of others
- Calm under pressure
- Consistent and patient
- Good humoured
References
- Jeff Boulous, Communications Manager, Great River City Light Rail, 0433 998 337, jeff.boulous@greatrivercity.com.au
- Karina D’Silva, Manager Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, Transport for NSW, 0481 908 547, karina.d’silva@transport.nsw.gov.au
- Juliana Stackpool, Contracts Manager, Transport for NSW, 0400 059 982, juliana.stackpool@transport.nsw.gov.au
- Simon Freeman, Freelance Photographer and Videographer, 0418 256 176, simon@freemanphoto.com.au
Hobbies and Interests
- History
- Politics
- Science and technology
- Reading
- Bush walking
- Cycling
Timeline
Place Manager
Parramatta Light Rail Infrastructure Project
01.2019 - 07.2024
Communications Manager
Liverpool City Council
04.2015 - 12.2018
Communications & PR Manager
Auburn City Council
01.2013 - 03.2015
Chief Sub-Editor/Web Editor
Channel 7 - Pacific Publications
01.2008 - 01.2012
Deputy Editor
TNT Magazine
01.2004 - 01.2008
Journalist/Editor
Australian Personal Computer Magazine, Australian Gourmet Traveller, City Weekly, Auto Action
01.2001 - 01.2004
Editor
Official Microsoft Magazine And Custom Magazines For Macquarie Bank, St George Bank, The National Trust (Text Pacific Custom Publications)
01.1996 - 01.2000
Bachelor of Arts - English Major, Communications Minor
Sydney University
Aconex, TeamBinder And Consultation Manager
Adobe Creative Suite
High School Diploma -
Sydney Boys High School
Digital Communications -
TAFE NSW
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