News & Views 2019

News & Views 2020

Talking ISODATES

Tuesday 5 May 2020

ISODATES is a new initiative presented by The Communications Council. A series of 12 intimate online conversations with the industry’s finest, ISODATES is aimed at providing our industry’s leaders of tomorrow with an exclusive opportunity to access the thinking and experience of today’s luminaries. We caught up for a brief isochat with Laura Aldington, CEO Host/Havas, the brains behind the unique ISODATES series. ...Read more

At Home with AWARD School

Tuesday 16 April 2020

AWARD School tutors, lecturers and students have gone above and beyond this year to meet the challenges posed by the forced move of the course online due to COVID-19. Student Sam Cooper from Clemenger BBDO in Melbourne, shares her AWARD School experiences so far (with a little help from the furkids!) ...Read more

WFH? WTF? Part Two!

Thursday 9 April 2020

In this second instalment in our series on how to cope with working from home in a world turned upside down, we caught up with Josh Edge, Senior Creative at Meerkats, to talk Zoom, Slack, KitKat and pants-optional catch-ups. ...Read more

WFH? WTF?

Friday 3 April 2020

For almost everyone in our industry, working from home has suddenly become the new norm, thanks to the COVID-19 crisis. While many of us might be thinking “WFH? WTF?”, there are plenty of ways of dealing with the challenges of being physically separated from our office culture. We chatted with Rebecca Carrasco, ECD at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, and Stu Wragg, Strategy Director at Herd MSL to get some tips and insights. ...Read more

A message from Tony Hale, CEO, The Communications Council

Tuesday 24 March 2020

The unprecedented and challenging times we are all now facing have changed the world in a remarkably short period. The COVID-19 crisis has drastically altered the way business is conducted and has sadly already had a devastating impact on so many Australians ...Read more

AWARD Awards judging to be postponed

Tuesday 24 March 2020

Australasian Writers and Art Directors (AWARD) today announced that judging of the 2020 AWARD Awards will be postponed. ...Read more

COVID-19 - FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES - SUMMARY FOR MEMBERS

Tuesday 23 March 2020

Over the last fortnight the Federal Government has announced two major economic stimulus packages designed to assist businesses manage cash flow, retain employees and ensure individuals are kept well-informed of options available to them.. ...Read more

“How advertising and advertisers will get through the crisis"

Wednesday 18 March 2020

Some of Australia’s leading strategy planners (and members of The Communications Council’s Account Planning Group committee) provide their thoughts on what our industry can do to weather the COVID-19 storm ...Read more

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE 18.03.2020

Wednesday 18 March 2020

We appreciate the coronavirus outbreak sees many of our members seeking guidance on how to operate during this time. ...Read more

AdSchool Account Management for Tomorrow: meet your presenter series. Katie Dally (Sydney) and Simon Stewart (Perth)

Friday 6 March 2020

The AdSchool Account Management for Tomorrow course offers the ultimate toolkit for an ambitious account person, brand manager or anyone who wants to master the process of commercial creativity. We chatted with Katie Dally, Managing Partner at CHE Proximity Sydney, and Simon Stewart, Group Account Director at Rare, about the course and their perspective on account management. ...Read more

Meet your AdSchool Account Management for Tomorrow Lecturer: Jess Hughes

Friday 6 March 2020

The AdSchool Account Management for Tomorrow course offers the ultimate toolkit for an ambitious account person, brand manager or anyone who wants to master the process of commercial creativity. We caught up with Melbourne course lecturer Jess Hughes, Client Services Director DDB Melbourne, to get her take on all things account management. ...Read more

Meet your AdSchool Graduate Program Chair series: Melbourne Chair Kate Silver

Wednesday 12 Feburary 2020

The AdSchool Graduate Program is one of the best ways to get equipped with the right skills for a solid foundation to a career in advertising, and this year for the first time, course participants will benefit from the mentoring, guidance and support of a Program Chair. Kate Silver, Group Account Director at Leo Burnett, takes on the Melbourne Program Chair role for 2020 - we caught up with her to pick her brains about the position, the program, and our industry. ...Read more

Meet your AdSchool Graduate Program Chair series: Emma McJury, Sydney Program Chair

Wednesday 12 Feburary 2020

Ahead of the 2020 AdSchool Graduate Program in March, we caught up with Sydney Program Chair Emma McJury, Group Head at M&C Saatchi, to chat about her upcoming role and how the Program can be such an invaluable course for graduates and others aiming for a career in our industry. ...Read more

Behind the 2020 AWARD School campaign with Marina Vasilieva and Rubini Gunaratnam

Tuesday 21 January 2020

In 2020, AWARD School launched 'Hardcore Thinkers Only' – a bold campaign aimed at individuals interested in unleashing their inner creativity and breaking into an industry of ideas. AWARD School graduates Marina Vasilieva (Host/Havas) and Rubini Gunaratnam (M&C Saatchi Sydney) are the creatives behind the campaign, and they chat to us about their path to success. ...Read more

Creativity: it’s what sets us apart

Tuesday 21 January 2020

When it comes to our industry, new TCC Board member Lindsey Evans, co-founder and CEO of Special Group Australia, says that it’s the power of great creativity that sets advertising apart. ...Read more

AWARD School unveils bold 2020 enrolment campaign

Tuesday 14 January 2020

Australasia’s leading advertising course has launched a new enrolment campaign to kickstart the decade, calling on the nation’s creative rebels to hone their skills with AWARD School in 2020. Sign up now to Info Night on February 5 via awardonline.com ...Read more

New TCC Board member shares his industry perspective

Thursday 12 December 2019

We recently caught up with incoming new TCC Board member Chris Howatson, CEO of CHE Proximity, who shares his perspective on the big challenges for our industry, and the opportunities ready to be seized. ...Read more

Youngbloods Speed Mentoring Sets The Pace

Tuesday 10 December 2019

NSW Youngbloods, in association with The Communications Council, relaunched its Speed Mentoring series in Sydney on 20 November, generously hosted and sponsored by Clemenger BBDO. ...Read more

Insights from a new School Head

Wednesday 13 October 2019

Following the announcement of her appointment as new 2020 AWARD School National Head, we caught up with Mandie van der Merwe, Executive Creative Director at M&C Saatchi, who shares some valuable insights about her new role and AWARD School. ...Read more

Youngbloods ask ‘Do you mind?’

Tuesday 12 October 2019

Following a similar successful event held in Sydney earlier this year, Youngbloods VIC recently wrapped up an insightful evening of discussion at their panel event Do You Mind? – What I wish I knew as a Youngblood, held on 6 November. ...Read more

“...but then I found AWARD School”

Tuesday 12 October 2019

Lewis Clarke is a copywriter at Coffee Cocoa Gunpowder. In this article we follow his personal journey from AWARD School into the advertising world. ...Read more

AWARD School Application Workshops - they work!

Wednesday 9 October 2019

Ahead of the AWARD School Application Workshops in November, we chatted to senior creative at BMF Roy Leibowitz, one of the 2019 AWARD School winning tutors, about his tutoring experience and about the upcoming Application Workshops where he will be one of the Sydney presenters. ...Read more

Smaller advertisers encouraged to enter Effies

Wednesday 9 October 2019

After another highly successful Effie Awards this year, we caught up with Alistair Tavares, Destination Development Manager at Ipswich City Council, to chat about the Council’s two Silver Effie Awards and why all marketers and advertisers, not just big, household-name brands, should strongly consider entering the Effies in 2020. ...Read more

Putting a regional perspective on AWARD School

Wednesday 9 October 2019

A key innovation to AWARD School 2019 was our new regional program, making Australia’s best creative course available to students in parts of regional Australia for the first time. This year regional Victoria and the NT were included in the program, with a national rollout planned for 2020. Here 2019 AWARD School regional graduate Jemma Gray shares her insights into the course from a regional student’s perspective....Read more

The Communications Council launches ground-breaking report into Australian advertising effectiveness

Friday 20 September 2019

The Communications Council has launched a ground-breaking new report into advertising effectiveness in Australia, providing the first look at the new Australian Effies Database. ...Read more

Adjunct Professor Mark Ritson* on why the Effies are special

Wednesday 11 September 2019

There are a lot of awards for marketing and advertising. And I mean a LOT. There are awards for the biggest brands, the smallest brands, the brands that grew the most, the ones with the best ads, the most creative ads. You name it and there is probably an award for it. ...Read more

Delegates heap praise on IPA Residential 2019

Tuesday 10 September 2019

The IPA Business & Agency Leadership Residential Course is a unique, immersive opportunity for emerging industry leaders to build on the skill sets needed to make the leap up to leadership. The Communications Council chatted with two course delegates, Rebecca Turner and Oliver Ward, to get their personal insights into the course. ...Read more

2019 Effie Award Winners Announced

Friday 6 September 2019

BMF has been named Effective Agency of the Year at the 2019 Australian Effie Awards, scooping two Gold, three Silver and three Bronze awards across three clients, ALDI Australia, Department of Social Services and George Weston Foods. ...Read more

AdSchool Advanced Strategic Planning Meet your Presenters: Melanie Wiese - Perth

Monday 2 September 2019

Ahead of the AdSchool Advanced Strategic Planning course this September we caught up with some of our presenters to tell us a little about themselves and get their perspective on the course ...Read more

Hundreds turn out for Cannes Download 2019

Thursday 15 August 2019

The Communications Council's annual Cannes Download is a wrap, with over 350 people in Melbourne and Sydney gathering to watch a showreel of this year's award-winning work, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A in both cities. ...Read more

2019 Agency vs Agency Mixed Netball Comp - ‘Go hard or go home’!

Thursday 15 August 2019

CIemenger BBDO’s Isobell Roberts shares her experience of the first ever Agency vs Agency Mixed Netball Competition, a hugely successful event held in Melbourne last month. ...Read more

AdSchool Advanced Strategic Planning Meet your Presenters: Erin Core - Brisbane

Thursday 8 August 2019

AdSchool Advanced Strategic Planning Meet your Presenters: Tom Donald - Sydney

Thursday 8 August 2019

Meet your AdSchool lecturer – Sandra De Witt

Tuesday 23 July 2019

We’re delighted to announce AdSchool’s new lecturer in Perth, Sandra De Witt, who will be heading up the Account Management for Tomorrow course from 20 August. The Communications Council spoke with Sandra to get her valued insights into our industry, and to find out what motivates her. ...Read more

2019 AWARD School winner to win trip to LIA Creative LIAisons in Las Vegas

Wednesday 17 July 2019

The Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association (AWARD) has today announced eight international ‘super jurors’ to select the 2019 AWARD School national winner, who will be flown to Las Vegas to attend the 2019 London International Awards Creative LIAisons...Read more

Q&A with Jess Hughes

Wednesday 10 July 2019

The AdSchool Account Management for Tomorrow course offers the ultimate toolkit for an ambitious account person, brand manager or anyone who wants to master the process of commercial creativity. We interviewed new Melbourne course lecturer Jess Hughes, Client Services Director DDB Melbourne, to get her take on all things account management...Read more

TCC chats with...Kate Smither, recently-appointed co-Chair of the APG

Tuesday 9 July 2019

In February this year, The Communications Council announced that Kate Smither (Owner - The Tall Planner and former Chief Strategy Integration Officer at Publicis Communications) and Ben Hourahine (Partner / Strategy Partner at AnalogFolk) had been appointed co-Chairs of TCC’s Account Planning Group...Read more

120 turn out for great Melbourne Speed Mentoring night

Tuesday 9 July 2019

Youngbloods and The Communications Council held their annual Speed Mentoring night on 20 June, and with 40 industry mentors and 80 ‘mentees’ in attendance, the event was a great success...Read more

2019 Australian Effie Awards Announce 99 Finalists in Round One

Wednesday 26 June 2019

Following a rigorous round of online judging by 122 industry experts, The Communications Council announces that 99 finalists, from 25 agencies on behalf of 44 clients, have made it into Round Two of the 2019 Australian Effie Awards...Read more

IPA Business & Agency Leadership Residential 2019 to equip managers to become leaders

Thursday 20 June 2019

Publicis Groupe Australia and NZ CEO Michael Rebelo to chair course; Laura Aldington, Host Havas CEO, to co-chair. Three-day residential to run in Sydney, 11 to 13 August 2019...Read more

Competition hits the netball court for Melbourne's ad agencies

Agency vs agency Mixed netball competition

Wednesday 12 June 2019

Melbourne's advertising industry is preparing to compete on a different type of pitch on Friday 19 July, with the first ever Communications Council Agency vs Agency Mixed Netball Competition. We are set to see more than 12 of Melbourne’s leading agencies pull on their bibs and hit the courts at Albert Park Indoor Sports Centre...Read more

Mother-of-three Jen Freer reignites her creative streak with the help of AWARD School

Wednesday 12 June 2019

Being a mum is no doubt one of the most amazing experiences for AWARD School student Jen Freer. But juggling work and kids has also had its challenges...Read more

What does the re-branding of Free TV’s review and classification service mean for advertisers?

Tuesday 11 June 2019

Earlier this month, Free TV Australia unveiled its new brand to help clients and agencies navigate the complex area of advertising classification. ClearAds – the culmination of a two-year transformation project – provides an easier online interface and a faster turnaround time for reviews and approvals, while still retaining the trusted and reliable...Read more

Victors crowned at Battle of Big Thinking 2019

Wednesday 5 June 2019

They came, they argued, they conquered! Some of Sydney's brightest minds and sharpest wits fought it out last night, Tuesday 4 June, at the Battle of Big Thinking (BOBT), under the lights of the Vivid Sydney festival. Presented by the Communications Council's Account Planning Group (APG) as part of Vivid Sydney...Read more

"Has trust left the building?" APG Presents: Battle of Big Thinking 2019

Wednesday 29 May 2019

Trust has been linked to every business and every kind of human emotion. But how does it connect to modern life? Is it tangible? Is it intangible? Does it live in institutions, in people, in leaders, in brands? Or is it up to every individual to decide? And is Australia a nation that has been taught not to trust?...Read more

Youngbloods Australia emerges as committees unite

Monday 20 May 2019

For the first time ever, Youngbloods committees of NSW, VIC, WA and QLD have unified under a national platform and have relaunched with a new identity Representing the “young blood” in the industry, Youngbloods is a collective of Australian advertising professionals run for young people...Read more

Inspiring presentations wow Sydney crowd at Work Behind the Work, as Melbourne prepares for tonight’s event

Wednesday 15 May 2019

Last night AWARD presented its Work Behind the Work event to a sell-out crowd in Sydney. Hosted by sponsor Facebook, the event brought the industry an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into some of Australia's finest creative campaigns and the teams involved...Read more

Cam Blackley appointed AWARD Chair as Mike Spirkovski steps down

Thursday 9 May 2019

The Communications Council is pleased to announce Cam Blackley, Chief Creative Officer at M&C Saatchi, as Chair of the Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association (AWARD). He takes on the role from Saatchi & Saatchi CCO Mike Spirkovski who steps down after two years as Chair of the Committee.....Read more

40th AWARD Awards winners announced

Friday 12 April 2019

A record number of 58 gold pencils awarded at the 40th AWARD Awards. The winners of the 40th annual AWARD Awards were announced last night in celebration of the most outstanding creative communications work in the Asia Pacific region. The theme for the night was 'turn hate into gold' and didn't disappoint with a record number of golds being....Read more

Food for Thought: The AWARD School Live Brief

Wednesday 10 April 2019

AWARD School 2018 Live Brief winner, Phoebe Sloane worked alongside Facebook and food rescue organisation OzHarvest to bring her idea to life. From pen to production, Phoebe shares her experience of the process and what it was like to work with some of the industry’s finest (including a few notable chefs)....Read more

The Communications Council partners with Little Black Book to give members access to global publication, global award show & Cannes event

Tuesday 9 April 2019

The partnership with LBB [lbbonline.com] will earmark The Communications Council (TCC) and Commercial Producers Council (CPC) members to the world and provide access to a global advertising audience and bespoke marketing tools for an exclusive discount...Read more

"We have to champion instinct once more" – Leo Premutico, co- Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Johannes Leonardo

Tuesday 2 April 2019

Ahead of his brief return to Australian adland, creative export Leo Premutico took some time to chat with TCC about his AWARD tour, his thoughts on Australian creative and its biggest strengths, and the one thing that the industry has neglected. Read the full interview below...Read more

Linh Diep to chair revamped Youngbloods QLD Committee

Wednesday 27 March 2019

Youngbloods QLD has announced its 12 committee members for 2019. Linh Diep will serve as chair of the committee, supported by a group of new and enthusiastic members. Says Diep: “We’re excited to put on a host of events this year, spearheaded by our committee of fresh blood. We’ll have something for everyone...Read more

MFA and TCC announce Advertising Industry Labour Agreement to meet key skills shortages in industry

AILA Advertising Industry Labour Agreement

Wednesday 20 March 2019

The Media Federation of Australia (MFA) and The Communications Council (TCC) today welcomed the introduction of a five-year Advertising Industry Labour Agreement to cover key skill shortages in the Australian advertising sector that cannot be filled despite the industry’s best efforts to recruit locally...Read more

AWARD announces daily co-chairs for 2019 AWARD Creative Leadership

Tuesday, 19 March 2019

Warren Brown back as Course Chair; Leo Premutico confirmed as international guest speaker. 3-day residential course to run in Sydney from 14-16 April 2019; member registrations now open...Read more

"This is the one you want to tell your kids about" – Christina Aventi on the impact of positive change

Thursday, 14 March 2019

As advertisers, we’re all trying to make better choices. That’s why the Effies Committee has expanded the ‘Positive Change’ category to celebrate work that is making a contribution to society, people or the planet...Read more

AWARD School announces 'Class of 2019'

Wednesday, 13 March 2019

AWARD School is pleased to welcome its class of 2019, following an overwhelming response to the call for applications and a rigorous judging process....Read more

"Placing emphasis on the fundamentals has never been more essential" - Brigitte Bayard

Tuesday, 12 March 2019

Recently appointed Planning Director at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, Brigitte Bayard recognises the importance of innovation and effectiveness in brand strategy, and has helped clients take ideas to market with a view to long-term brand health.....Read more

AMG Goes Hunting for 2019 - Brand, Trust and Fyre Festival!

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

Brand, Trust and Fyre Festival! Last Thursday, beneath the glass atrium of McCann Sydney, agency leaders came together to discuss “the one thing to get right in 2019”. Led by host and moderator Nicole Taylor (CEO at McCann Australia) the panel discussion covered a range of industry issues.....Read more

Managing culture through transformation - DDB Melbourne MD Kate Sterling

Monday, 4 March 2019

In this guest post, DDB Melbourne managing director Kate Sterling shares her experience around the importance of holding on tight to culture. As businesses embark on their mission to reposition to remain relevant, many seem to be forgetting about the one thing that will ultimately determine their long-term success – a thriving culture.....Read more

'Godfather of Effectiveness' Peter Field partners with local expert on Aussie-first marketing Effectiveness study

Thursday, 28 February 2019

In an Australian exclusive, Peter Field, co-author of the globally acclaimed marketing book IPA: The Long & the Short of It, is to lead the most comprehensive investigation ever into what makes Australian marketing campaigns effective....Read more

Kate Smither and Ben Hourahine appointed APG Co-Chairs

Friday, 22 February 2019

Kate Smither, Chief Strategy Integration Officer at Publicis Communications, and Ben Hourahine, Partner / Strategy Partner at AnalogFolk, have been appointed co-Chairs of The Communications Council’s Account Planning Group (APG)...Read more

How to have a something-life crisis – by Josie Burns

Wednesday, 20 February 2019

Burning the midnight oil before AWARD School applications close? Here's a little inspo from AWARD School co-head Josie Burns...Read more

AWARD School ‘Where Are They Now’: 2018 Victorian alumni Isabel Evans

Tuesday, 19 February 2019

Isabel Evans landed her dream job as a copywriter right off the back of AWARD School. She tells us about her new role and her course experience...Read more

Leo Premutico appointed Chair of Judges for 40th AWARD Awards

Friday, 15 February 2019

The Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association (AWARD) is pleased to announce Leo Premutico, co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Johannes Leonardo, has been appointed Chair of Judges for the 40th AWARD Awards...Read more

"A strong brand is a superpower for growth" - Fran Clayton, chief strategy officer, McCann Australia

Thursday, 14 February 2019

Increasingly, marketing science points to the importance of brand in driving sustainable growth over time. In recognition of this, Effies Australia has introduced a new category in 2019 to showcase campaigns that have measurably impacted brand health. ...Read more

110 Strong Jury to judge 40th AWARD Awards

Wednesday, 30 January 2019

The Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association (AWARD) has today announced the full line up of jurors for the 40th AWARD Awards - an annual celebration of the most outstanding creative communications work in the Asia-Pacific region...Read more

TGA releases updated advertising code: Key takeaways for healthcare teams

Wednesday 30 January 2019

Advertisers working with healthcare clients need to make sure their ad is compliant at all times, and with the recent changes to the advertising code now in effect (from January 1, 2019) now’s the perfect time to ensure your teams and clients are familiarising themselves...Read more

Call for Entries for 2019 Australian Effie Awards Now Open

Tuesday, 29 January 2019

The Communications Council has today announced the 2019 Call For Entries for Australian Effie Awards is now open, with the closing date set for Thursday 18 April...Read more

Stuart Shepherd: Why the advertising industry must look to country Australia for talent

Tuesday, 29 January 2019

Since the very first days of settlement, farming has been the lifeblood of this country. Other than mining, farming has been one of the most important contributors to the ongoing growth and success of the nation. So why don’t most Australians recognise the people living in regional and rural Australia as innovators?...Read more

AWARD School ‘Where Are They Now’: Semi-Permanent pop up winner Dominic Counahan

Friday, 25 January 2019

2017 Victorian AWARD School student Dominic Counahan took out the Semi-Permanent pop up prize, but despite this, he says his most treasured moment of AWARD School...Read more

AWARD School ‘Where Are They Now’: Madeleine Batkin-Walkerden and Alec Burman

Wednesday, 23 January 2019

Sydney creatives Madeleine and Alec had briefly met in high school but it wasn’t until their paths crossed again while attending AWARD School in 2018 did they start to share ideas and eventually partner up...Read more

AWARD School ‘Where Are They Now’: Tom Lawrence, 2017 Top Student

Tuesday, 22 January 2019

Winning AWARD School didn't only change Tom Lawrence’s career outlook, it “made it”, he says. Within a few months of taking out the top honour in 2017, the Sydney resident was trudging through the snow in New York City on his way to his new dream job...Read more

AWARD School broadens its reach with 2019 program

Thursday, 10 January 2019

The Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association (AWARD) has launched a new campaign aimed at increasing diversity of applicants to the 2019 AWARD School program, and improving accessibility to the advertising industry as a career option for everyone...Read more

News Archive

2019 AWARD School Super Jury and prizes announced << Read More
The Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association (AWARD) has today announced eight international ‘super jurors’ to select the 2019 AWARD School national winner, who will be flown to Las Vegas to attend the 2019 London International Awards Creative LIAisons.