BCM Group and IVY PR has been tapped to launch and manage media, PR, social, and creative for Happitat, a new Queensland-based eco-adventure brand founded by adventurer, Michael Neururer.

With the appointment effective immediately, BCM and IVY PR will lead a multi-channel campaign to support the national launch of Happitat as part of their remit.

BCM Group Managing Director, Lukas Temple, said: "Michael has had a crystal-clear vision from the very beginning: create a brand with the sole focus of reconnecting with
nature and society, by helping people find happiness through unique, nature-based activities.

"Michael and his team have created something very special, and we’re privileged to work with them on it. We have no doubt this will become a national and global tourism icon, but equally, a sanctuary for locals to experience their backyard in a truly unique way."

Strategic communications consultancy, Kicker Communications, has appointed Stephanie Ryan to the newly created role of Client Director. She will be responsible for developing and executing PR strategies and campaigns, act as a trusted advisor to senior executives, support new business development, and collaborate closely with the wider team.

Stephanie is a senior communications professional with over 20 years of industry experience, with particular expertise in the technology sector, having previously led communications at Intel Australia and New Zealand, Medtronic, as well as consumer and lifestyle PR programs. She has built relationships with the media, managed various events, launched a number of technology firsts, and provided strategic counsel to senior leaders at global organisations.

The agency has also welcomed Christopher Kane and Alexandra Rutter as Consultants, both joining after concluding Kicker's paid internship program.

The new appointments come as Kicker celebrates several client wins, including an organisation in AI-driven data management and enterprise cloud applications, Out-of-Home media company JCDecaux, Australian deep tech incubator Cicada Innovations, OneMRI, and independent provider of heavy vehicle fleet maintenance TRUCK TECH.

Co-founder of Kicker Communications, Fran Foo, said: "It’s great to have someone of Stephanie's calibre join us at a time when we’re enjoying strong growth with multiple new and exciting clients. She has excellent media relationships along with extensive global experience, which is ideal for our portfolio.

"Having Chris and Alexandra to strengthen the team is another win - they have both been outstanding as interns, and we look forward to helping them progress their careers as future communications leaders."

^{(Pictured, from left: Christopher Kane, Stephanie Ryan, and Alexandra Rutter)}

The International Association of Business Communicators - Asia Pacific Region (IABC APAC) has announced the recipients of the Communicator of the Year Awards 2025.

Syed Mohammed Idid, General Manager of Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at West Coast Expressway (WCE) Malaysia, has emerged as the winner in the Senior Communication Professional of the Year category. Donald Lim, Chief Operating Officer of DITO CME Holdings Corporation in the Philippines, has been crowned winner in the Executive Leader category.

IABC APAC Chair, Barbara Pesel, said, "Donald and Syed exemplify the inspiring qualities, exceptional expertise, and significant influence we deeply admire and strive to emulate within IABC APAC. They are true case studies of success, offering lessons we can all learn from."