Sarah Kelly
Yallambie,Australia
Summary
Dynamic professional with a proven track record in the Australian Defence Force and Political Sphere, excelling in leveraging skills gained within the political sphere to direct military public affairs activities in a new era of hybrid warfare.
I have skills to enhance organizational communication strategies, achieving significant public engagement and issue resolution improvements.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Public Affairs Officer
Australian Defence Force
Melbourne, Victoria
10.2024 - Current
- Prepared briefing documents for senior leadership before public appearances.
- Developed plans or materials to communicate organizational activities beneficial to the defense environment.
- Developed effective messaging platforms for various campaigns.
- Researched, wrote, edited, and distributed press releases, newsletters, articles, and other communications materials.
- Managed crisis communications plans for high-profile incidents.
- Assisted with budgeting process related to public affairs initiatives.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Facilitated training workshops for staff on best practices in communication, public speaking, and media relations.
- Created presentations, reports, and other materials to support public affairs initiatives.
- Managed social media accounts for campaigns and monitored online conversations about topics related to public affairs initiatives.
- Oversaw the coordination of media relations, public relations, and government affairs.
- I attended training on new policies or procedures related to public benefits programs, and I kept abreast of changes in relevant legislation.
- Delivered training using multiple methods to reach diverse learning styles.
- Managed and implemented strategies and tactics in support of public affairs initiatives.
- Prepared senior defense members for media engagement, ensuring effective communication and representation.
- Coached senior defence members on media engagement strategies to enhance public communication.
- Trained senior defence members for media interactions, facilitating clear and confident messaging.
Public Affairs Officer
Australian Defence Force
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
01.2021 - 10.2025
- Developed plans or materials to communicate organizational activities beneficial to the environment, public safety, or other important social issues.
- Prepared press releases, reports, articles, and other written materials for external distribution.
- Managed the Military Camera Team for both domestic and overseas tasks.
- Organized press events, interviews, conferences, and media briefings.
- Established or maintained cooperative relationships with community, consumer, or public interest group representatives.
- Prepared press releases, reports, articles, and other written materials for external distribution.
- Reviewed all content published online or distributed via print publications for accuracy prior to release.
- Cultivated relationships with members of the media to ensure proper coverage of organizational activities.
Policy Advisor
Parliament of Australia - Officer of the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Canbera, Australian Capital Territory
06.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed crisis communication efforts on digital platforms, mitigating negative impacts on brand reputation.
- Disseminated research results through academic publications, written reports or public presentations.
- Facilitated dialogue between stakeholders with conflicting views in order to reach mutually beneficial solutions.
- Assisted with the development of communications materials including press releases, talking points, speeches, opinion pieces.
- Analysed and interpreted policies, legislation, and public issues on behalf of groups.
- Attended meetings with elected officials to discuss client priorities and advocate for desired outcomes.
- Monitored legislation in various jurisdictions to provide timely updates to clients on relevant matters.
- Conducted research on public policy issues and legislative initiatives.
- Offered in-depth media commentary and criticism to highlight core issues related to public policies and political events.
Electorate Officer
Office of Luke O'Sullivan MP
03.2016 - 06.2019
- Provide personal assistance, secretarial, and administrative support to the member
- Manage the day to day operation of the electorate office
- Liaise with organisations, groups, and individuals in the public and private sectors on behalf of the member and his constituents
- Develop, establish and maintain appropriate office and communication systems
- Identify opportunities for change, and where appropriate, implement change
- Provide assistance to constituents with a range of enquiries, problems, and requests for information by undertaking any necessary research; issues generally solved with reference to the member
- Maintain a professional image of the government and the member via efficient, courteous service to constituents and organisations within the electorate
- Research issues of interest to the constituency and the member, and brief the member about appropriate action and response
- Undertake investigations and research
- Preparation of letters, research papers, press releases, etc;, on behalf of the member
- Represent and/or accompany the member at community meetings and other events as directed by the member
- Respond to priorities as determined by the member
Executive Assistant - Mayor and Councillors
City of Greater Bendigo
03.2016 - 09.2016
- Provide comprehensive assistance and administrative support to the mayor and councillors
- Management of mayoral diary and correspondence
- Maintain mayoral and council regalia
- Provision of protocol advice
- Provision of governance advice
- Arranging attendance of the mayor and councillors at conferences, seminars and training
- Provision of administrative support for the mayor with regard to involvement with groups such as; Regional Cities Victoria, Municipal Association of Victoria and, Loddon Campaspe Mayors' and CEO's Forum
- Ensuring that the mayor is supported in ceremonial, media and external relations roles
- Identify current and emerging issues for the mayor
- Assist with the analysis and production of policy documentation
- Preparation and distribution of Executive Management Team agendas and minutes as required
- Follow up on actions from council meetings and forums
- Assisting the CEO and directors in planning for meetings and responding to agenda deadlines
- Documenting all necessary Policies, Procedures and Protocols, and ensuring that they are communicated to staff and councillors
Project Officer Major Projects
City of Greater Bendigo
Bedigo, Victoria
11.2015 - 03.2016
- Monitor and work within entertainment budget at all times
- Source and hire production equipment, i.e.,
- Staging and equipment provide details to the BEF Operations Manager to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Liaise with all entertainers regarding technical and logistical requirements, including green rooms, sound, lighting, staging, parking permits, and mirrors, and ensure all needs are met.
- Prepare entertainment schedules, running sheets, and information for the roving MC each day.
- Manage and resolve all production issues within the entertainment venues for the duration of the festival.
- Liaise with all entertainers, up to and including the period of the festival.
- Manage the bump-in of all entertainers (Good Friday) and bump-out (Easter Sunday) at all sites.
- Provide leadership and direction to entertainers, and other service providers.
- Oversee the development of the various volunteer roles required, and supervise volunteers for the duration of the festival.
- Responsible for maintaining the quality standards of work performed.
- Ensure that requests or complaints are managed with a focus on customer service.
- Played instrumental role in adjusting deliverables to address changes in requirements.
- Updated project plans based on changing objectives, specifications, and staff availability.
- Provided advice and guidance on best practice approaches for managing projects effectively.
- Monitored performance metrics related to assigned projects and took corrective action when needed.
- Kept project and team on schedule by monitoring deadlines, milestones and performance.
Marketing and Communications Officer
City of Greater Bendigo
Bendigo, Victoria
07.2014 - 04.2015
- Assist in the development and delivery of project communication plans and events.
- Assist with the research and preparation of project/funding submissions, media releases, reports, updates, and briefs.
- Assist with the preparation and coordination for project events and meetings.
- Identify marketing opportunities for the promotion of key projects.
- Assist with developing written and visual material for the internet, intranet, extranet, and social media.
- Monitor and support internal budgetary reporting processes (Finance One software).
- Work in a team environment.
- Managed major marketing projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
- Led the execution of significant marketing campaigns, driving brand visibility.
- Coordinated large-scale marketing initiatives, enhancing overall communication efforts.
Electorate Officer
Office of Assistant Minister for Health, Fiona Nash
10.2013 - 07.2014
- Provide personal assistance, secretarial, and administrative support to the senator
- Manage the day to day operation of the electorate office
- Liaise with organisations, groups, and individuals in the public and private sectors on behalf of the senator and her constituents
- Develop, establish and maintain appropriate office and communication systems
- Identify opportunities for change, and where appropriate, implement change
- Provide assistance to constituents with a range of enquiries, problems, and requests for information by undertaking any necessary research; issues generally solved with reference to the senator
- Maintain a professional image of the government and the senator via efficient, courteous service to constituents and organisations within the electorate
- Research issues of interest to the constituency and the senator, and brief the senator about appropriate action and response
- Undertake investigations and research
- Preparation of letters, research papers, press releases, etc;, on behalf of the senator
- Represent and/or accompany the senator at community meetings and other events as directed by the senator
- Respond to priorities as determined by the senator
Marketing Manager
Allstone Quarries (ASQ)
12.2012 - 08.2013
- Manage company marketing portfolio
- Co-ordinate all marketing communications campaigns
- Oversee daily marketing operations
- Present marketing progress to board of management (monthly)
Education
Masters - Strategic Communication
University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT11-2025
Bachelor of Business - Marketing, International Business
La Trobe University
Bendigo11.2012
Diploma in Business Management Administration -
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE
11.2010
Skills
- Emergency Management
- Issue Resolution Management
- Strategic Media Release Composition
- Persuasive Speech Composition
- Public Speaking Development
Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer - Fr Bob Maguire Foundation, 2011 - Current, Assist with Homeless food delivery, Assist manager with organising temporary accommodation for homeless, Work in a team environment President of SIFE - (Students in Free Enterprise), 2010 - 2012, Led several fundraising and marketing events to generate exposure and raise money for the team and the La Trobe University, Meeting with business sponsors and the SIFE team members to obtain approval for SIFE business plans, Working with local businesses to generate sponsorship of events, Developing advertising flyers and printing T-shirts to publicise events, Developing and implementing business strategies to ensure the success of SIFE La Trobe University Campus Action Forum Member, Bendigo, 2013, Meet with other members to discuss relevant needs of university students, Liaise with faculty co-ordinators, Provide administrative support
References
- Cr Rod Fyffe OAM, Deputy Mayor, City of Greater Bendigo, 0419 874 015, r.fyffe@bendigocouncillors.org.au
- Terry Karamaloudis, Manager, City of Greater Bendigo, Major Events, 03 5434 6067, t.karamaloudis@bendigo.vic.gov.au
- Luke O'Sullivan MP, Member for Northern Victoria, Parliament of Victoria, 035443 6277, luke.osullivan@parliament.vic.gov.au
Professional Development
- Board of Management, Victorian National Party, Board member, 2017
- Bendigo Showgrounds Society, Committee Member, Current
- Local Government Professional's Network, Member, Current
- National Party candidate for the federal seat of Bendigo, 2013
- Chairperson of the Youth Innovation Centre (Bendigo), 2012
- WINNER of the Frank Perrow Memorial Scholarship Award, La Trobe University, 2011
- Lead-On Community Door Participant, Bendigo Community Telco - Marketing Committee, 2012
- Bendigo Networking Association, Member, 2013
Languages
Indonesian
Limited
Timeline
Senior Public Affairs Officer
Australian Defence Force
10.2024 - Current
Public Affairs Officer
Australian Defence Force
01.2021 - 10.2025
Policy Advisor
Parliament of Australia - Officer of the Hon Bridget McKenzie
06.2019 - 08.2020
Electorate Officer
Office of Luke O'Sullivan MP
03.2016 - 06.2019
Executive Assistant - Mayor and Councillors
City of Greater Bendigo
03.2016 - 09.2016
Project Officer Major Projects
City of Greater Bendigo
11.2015 - 03.2016
Marketing and Communications Officer
City of Greater Bendigo
07.2014 - 04.2015
Electorate Officer
Office of Assistant Minister for Health, Fiona Nash
10.2013 - 07.2014
Marketing Manager
Allstone Quarries (ASQ)
12.2012 - 08.2013
Masters - Strategic Communication
University of Canberra
Bachelor of Business - Marketing, International Business
La Trobe University
Diploma in Business Management Administration -
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE
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