DIRECTOR

Julia is experienced in developing and implementing marketing communication strategic plans, implementing policy advice and providing feedback from stakeholders in to improve policy into the future.

With a background in the tourism, agriculture and food and wine sectors, Julia has spent more than two decades in marketing communications for government, industry and business.

Experienced in collaborating with stakeholders at all levels, Julia is a resilient and agile problem solver and has the emotional intelligence to develop strong working relationships with stakeholders to deliver results.

Julia makes informed evidence-based decisions and is a confident, capable leader experienced in managing remote consultants and reporting to boards.

Julia holds a Bachelor of Communication, is a recent graduate of the AltMBA and the Leading Australian Resilient Communities Leadership Program from the Australian Rural Leadership Program.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Carla is a passionate advocate for meaningful community and stakeholder engagement. She has enabled Australian and international organisations to establish systems for effective community engagement throughout the design, implementation and evaluation of initiatives.

In providing this support to both government and not-for-profit entities, she takes an inclusive approach to building organisational culture and practices for engaging with and responding to the views of people impacted by change.

She has Chaired international Communities of Practice that have supported professionals to collaboratively share and learn in overcoming challenges and promoting best practices in managing the feedback cycle.

Carla is driven by inclusion and working with marginalised groups to identify their preferred way of participating in decision-making processes. She is a strategic thinker, committed to appropriate scale and depth of engagement, and achieving the best possible outcomes within available resources.

Carla holds a Master of International and Community Development, post-graduate Certificate in Humanitarian Leadership, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Social Science.

BRAND DESIGN - ASSOCIATE

Kristi is a storyteller, designer and thinker, who approaches everything with creative imagination and an analytical knack for bringing clarity and direction. Her deep listening skills and ability to gain insights comes from her range of experiences as a designer and strategist. She has:

Worked with business and community leaders in technology, education, business and social sectors in Australia, Japan, Europe and North America

Built strong brands across start-ups to multi-national organisations

Worked in agencies, client-side and as a consultant

Kristi has Bachelor of Graphic Design and over 15 years in brand strategy and design. She is passionate about supporting local economies, particularly around social enterprise and creative initiatives.

You can find examples of Kristi’s work here McKenzie & Co.

AGRICULTURE & RESOURCE ECONOMIST - ASSOCIATE

Megan Star is a resource economist and for the past fifteen years has worked collaboratively across the areas of agriculture and natural resource management.

Previously having worked with CQ University and QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Megan developed strong networks and understanding of agricultural production systems.

Megan has developed her research interests in adoption, investment prioritisation, project and program evaluation, bio-economic modelling, investment analysis, economic development and analysis of environmental and productivity trade-offs.

Megan has worked extensively with a range of stakeholders and led a number of externally funded research projects.

Megan is also a grape and wine producer, and board member.

You can find examples of Megan’s work here Star Economics