Donna is a community/stakeholder engagement and communications professional with more than 20 years’ experience. She has worked on over 150 infrastructure and natural resource projects in community/stakeholder engagement and strategic planning co-ordination. Donna has previously worked in senior community and stakeholder engagement and communication roles with the NSW, Victorian and Australian Governments, major contractors, a large council and major engineering consultancies. As a consultant, she has worked on major infrastructure projects on both the client and the contractor side including a two-year secondment as Head of Communications for Infrastructure Australia. Donna also works with infrastructure financiers to negotiate and develop infrastructure project financing. Donna is the founder and owner of Comacon Pty Ltd (however Comacon is in the middle of a transition to employee ownership).

Over 15 years’ experience in developing and implementing internal and external communications programs, marketing strategies and stakeholder engagement activities for major infrastructure projects nationally. Senior communications and stakeholder engagement including roles with; Port Authority NSW, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, NSW Public Service Commission, Transport for NSW, NSW Health Infrastructure, John Holland, CPB Contractors, Fulton Hogan, Downer, Australian Rail Track Corporation, Transdev and Advisian.

Shannon has over 18 years’ experience working in the water, community housing, education and insurance sectors. She is skilled in project and change management, corporate and strategic communications, publications and brand management, stakeholder engagement, media relations, reputation management, issues and crisis management, corporate sponsorship, and Annual Report and speech writing. Shannon is passionate about helping others communicate in plain English, particularly with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Grace is a skilled communication professional with extensive experience in writing and editing, public speaking, event organisation, the publishing industry and the performing arts. Her expertise crosses a diverse spectrum of subjects and working environments both in Australia and internationally where she has worked with various government departments and agencies (Arts, DPC, Indigenous Affairs, Parliament, Justice, and Education) and corporate sectors (the arts, business, oil, technology, finance, travel).

Jo is an experienced stakeholder engagement practitioner with exceptional communication skills. Her specialties are managing complex and demanding relationships and contracts for small and large corporate and government environments across a variety of industry sectors. Jo has effectively managed local government programs, NSW councils, health and aged care portfolios, and acted in national account manager and director roles for major corporations such as Wesfarmers, BP, Integral Energy and GE Capital Finance. In her limited spare time, Jo enjoys volunteering to support communities in need.

Rachael is highly analytical with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify problems and creatively determine the solutions. She is a strong communicator, with a common-sense approach to conflict resolution and a proven ability to work with a range of stakeholders.

Originally from the USA, but now considered an ‘Aussie’, Rita adds a wealth of business acumen to Comacon gained from working on both sides of the Pacific in a wide variety of industry sectors. Rita holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications providing a solid foundation and versatility to excel in marketing, communications and business development roles, while maintaining an operational focus.

Maria brings experience from a diverse career including paralegal work with Hamilton Law Firm in Stockholm, leading a team of sports statisticians at the Swedish News Agency and assistant editor at JP Infonet where she tailored legal news and analyses for clients and government departments. Since arriving in Australia and starting a family, Maria turned her hand to managing the head office for kikki.K and is now keen to develop her skills as an engagement practitioner.

Nina is a skilled communicator with 10 years’ experience in consultation and education. Nina has the demonstrated ability to encourage collaborative working environments with strong conflict resolution skills enabling Nina to successfully manage the challenges of stakeholder engagement and communications on major projects.

Tayla is a focused and hardworking graduate consultant with strong communication and teamwork skills developed through years of face to face customer interaction and casual employment in social environments. Tayla has an energetic attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to expand her current knowledge so she is a definite asset to any project team.

Joe is a leader in external engagement and he brings versatility, insight and a grace under pressure that keeps projects on time, within budget and leaves clients satisfied. He also brings excellent skills in conflict resolution and strategic thinking that have delivered breakthrough solutions. Joe has been instrumental in restoring calm to controversial and challenging projects, and is accredited in team development training, which continues to prove invaluable.

Pauline is a stakeholder, communication and government relations professional with over 20 years’ experience on more than 30 key projects including 10 years’ experience in policy and legislation reform. She specialises in strategic planning relating to stakeholder and government relations and has led this component for some of Australia’s most controversial projects and policy reforms.

Jenny is an experienced human resources professional able to improve corporate, team and individual performance. Jenny provides innovative and strategic solutions and on one major project introduced reforms that greatly increased employee efficiency.

Veta is a communications professional with more than 20 years’ experience in the areas of graphic design, marketing and communications; establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with clients. Veta specialises in web design, graphic design and branding, creating engaging, memorable and cohesive designs for clients and major projects.