CSIRO names National Media Manager

Strategic public relations and communications agency, Narrative Communications, has officially launched a Sydney base. This comes as part of a broader growth strategy led by Principal, Lahra Carey, who will be based between Melbourne and Sydney.

Lahra said the addition of dedicated Sydney resources will enable Narrative to strengthen its presence in the Australian market.

“Opening a Sydney base is a natural next step for Narrative. We already work with clients across Australia, so having a physical presence in Sydney allows us to strengthen those relationships, attract new partnerships, and continue delivering strategic, high-impact communications support at scale,” she said.

The Sydney office will be led by newly appointed Sydney Director, Sophie Mullen, who recently relocated from London. She will work closely with both Narrative and its sister agency, NewsFlash Media, across corporate and strategic communications, reputation management, crisis advisory, and executive media training.

Sophie brings experience across corporate communications, reputation management, and issues and crisis management, spanning the technology, infrastructure and financial services sectors. Prior to joining Narrative, she held senior corporate communications roles at Deliveroo in the UK and Ireland, and advised a range of clients during her time at Hanbury Strategy and Burson.

Sophie said: "Narrative has built a strong reputation for thoughtful, strategic work with clients across Australia and opening a Sydney office reflects the next phase of that work. I’m incredibly excited to be building a team of local experts who will help our clients navigate complex communications challenges."

Sharnee Rawson has been appointed Head of Marketing and Communications ANZ at EV charging provider, JOLT Australia. She was previously at Guardian Australia for seven years, most recently as Head of Commercial Content. Prior to this, Sharnee pursued a career in journalism, which includes roles at The Courier Mail and The Sunday Mail.

Jennifer Durante has commenced a new chapter as Head of Communications at SpinalCure Australia. She continues her career in the not-for-profit space after almost a decade at Melanoma Institute Australia, most recently as Director, Community & Engagement.

Backed by over 30 years' experience, Jennifer started her career in journalism before swapping to comms. She's spent two decades operating her own communications consultancy and has served clients across various sectors, including government, health, and construction.

Jennifer said: “I am delighted to join the SpinalCure Australia team at a pivotal time for the groundbreaking Australian-led research into finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.

“Raising community, government and philanthropic awareness about this critical area of medical and scientific research, as well as the extraordinary vision of SpinalCure Australia which is fuelling this research, will help change the future for those with spinal cord injuries.”