MICHELLE HOCTOR
Phegans Bay,NSW
Summary
Communications and media specialist with experience across public and private sectors. Brings a broad skill set and a personable, enthusiastic approach to every role. Extensive expertise in strategic communication, media relations, and content creation tailored to Australian audiences. Proven ability to lead impactful campaigns, manage stakeholder relations, and drive brand visibility while maintaining compliance with Australian media laws and industry standards.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Communications / Special Projects Officer
Corrective Services NSW
03.2025 - Current
- Delivering high-quality results with thorough research, analysis and strategic planning for Strategic Partnerships division
- Producing and managing awareness campaigns for NSW Victims Register and Restorative Justice Unit; and Corrective Services NSW Veterans Strategy, in response to 2024 Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
- Developing social media campaign - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn - for Victims Register
- Manage directorate's intranet update
- Create and compile results for state wide survey of veterans in custody
- Produce awareness and support materials for veteran staff, inmates and offenders
- Maintain intranet and web content
- Plan launch of new Veterans Strategy for 80 guests
Senior Communications Officer / Editor
Corrective Services NSW
02.2018 - 03.2025
- Managed internal communications, enhancing team engagement and information flow.
- Oversaw online communications, boosting digital engagement and outreach.
- Managed internal editorial calendar to ensure timely dissemination of critical information across the enterprise.
- Spearheaded twice weekly all-staff newsletter, improving internal updates and communication.
- Created, edited, wrote and published 28-page staff magazine - six editions per year, integrating articles, photography and layout using Adobe InDesign.
- Used AI to develop engaging activity booklets for inmates, enhancing their recreational opportunities.
- Prepared timely news articles and slideshows for the staff intranet, keeping the team informed and connected.
- Crafted speeches for the Minister, Commissioner, and NSW Governor, elevating key events and communications.
Media Lead
Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games
07.2018 - 05.2020
- Delegate to the APES Games organising committee where I successfully generated and disseminated general interest stories, features and media releases across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, significantly enhancing media coverage.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Prepared engaging internal articles and newsletters for 18 national emergency service agencies, fostering collaboration and engagement.
- Wrote speeches and coordinated media events.
- The role concluded in May 2020 following the event's cancellation due to COVID-19.
Team Leader | Media Unit
NSW Ambulance
06.2012 - 02.2018
- Skillfully managed media relations for NSW Ambulance, handling enquiries on ambulance call outs and contentious issues with precision, both during business hours and on call.
- Proactively researched and analysed NSW Ambulance data to issue timely community messages and warnings on critical health trends, such as vehicle-pedestrian incidents.
- Delivered comprehensive reports on key issues to the NSW Ambulance Commissioner, Ministry of Health, and Minister for Health, facilitating well-informed decision-making.
- Spokesperson for radio interviews, coordinated and supported spokespeople for TV, radio, and print media, and provided expert training to senior managers and new recruits on effective media engagement.
- Conducted media monitoring and compiled detailed monthly activity reports, significantly enhancing the organisation’s media strategy and response capabilities.
Education
Understanding Psychological First Aid
Red Cross
01.2025
Adobe InDesign refresher
Sydney Community College
01.2024
Cultural Awareness Journey
01.2024
Mandatory Data Breach Notification
01.2024
Disaster Welfare Liaison, Welfare and Registration
01.2023
Project Management: Core skills
University of Sydney
01.2022
DCJ Strategic Communications Shadow Program
01.2022
Adobe InDesign
Sydney Community College
01.2018
NSW Ambulance Peer Support Officer
01.2017
St John Ambulance Senior First Aid Certificate
01.2012
Marketing Level 1
University of Sydney
01.2011
Fairfax media law course
01.2007
Certificate IV - Graphic Design
Wollongong TAFE
01.2002
Journalist Cadetship
01.1988
Skills
- Excellent communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Results-oriented adaptability
- Innovative content creator
- Stakeholder relationship management
- Self motivation
- Analytical problem solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
Timeline
Senior Communications / Special Projects Officer
Corrective Services NSW
03.2025 - Current
Media Lead
Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games
07.2018 - 05.2020
Senior Communications Officer / Editor
Corrective Services NSW
02.2018 - 03.2025
Team Leader | Media Unit
NSW Ambulance
06.2012 - 02.2018
Adobe InDesign refresher
Sydney Community College
Cultural Awareness Journey
Mandatory Data Breach Notification
Disaster Welfare Liaison, Welfare and Registration
Project Management: Core skills
University of Sydney
DCJ Strategic Communications Shadow Program
Adobe InDesign
Sydney Community College
NSW Ambulance Peer Support Officer
St John Ambulance Senior First Aid Certificate
Marketing Level 1
University of Sydney
Fairfax media law course
Certificate IV - Graphic Design
Wollongong TAFE
Journalist Cadetship
Understanding Psychological First Aid
Red Cross
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