Libby Hay steps up in the telco sector

Trans-Tasman agency, Tonic Communications, has strengthened its Australian footprint with the appointment of Amelia Oberhardt to the newly created role of Media and Communications Director. Based in Brisbane, the appointment is effective immediately and will see her work across the agency's expanding client roster, including recently secured Queensland-based accounts.

Amelia joins Tonic from Subway, where she was most recently Public Relations & Corporate Social Responsibility Manager AU and NZ. She brings more than two decades of experience spanning radio, television, podcasting, public relations, and event management.

Tonic Communications Managing Director, Georgia Coleman, said the appointment marks an exciting step in the agency’s continued expansion across Australia.

"Amelia’s someone I’ve known and respected for a long time. She’s sharp, connected, and just gets what it takes to cut through in a meaningful way," she said.

"With so much content being created, and AI only accelerating that, the real value now is knowing what’s worth saying, and how to make it land. That’s exactly what Amelia brings."

^{(Pictured: Amelia Oberhardt)} 

Lulu Shen has been appointed Media and Communications Manager at Transport Australia, bringing experience across state and local government in media strategy, cross-platform communications, stakeholder engagement, and multicultural and in-language storytelling.

Stephen Ries has been welcomed at Bespoke Approach in Melbourne as Partner. He has wrapped up 17 years at ANZ bank, where he most recently served as Group General Manager - Corporate Communications.

Stephen's communications career spans nearly three decades, which includes previous roles at Porter Novelli, Hewlett-Packard and Accenture.