SBM Marketing Communications becomes Lumitas

Eleanor Gregory has commenced a new role at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables as Communications Manager. She has wrapped up five years at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, most recently as Manager International Engagement.

Eleanor previously worked in the government and university sectors, following a career in broadcast journalism.

Australian communications agency, Primary Comms Group, has welcomed the Hardman Communications team into its growing team, strengthening its specialist capability across the agriculture and industrial sectors.

Primary Comms Group CEO, Chris Hall, said: “Primary already supports Australian industries with deep sector expertise across energy, water, aviation, transport, manufacturing, property and cybersecurity. We are incredibly passionate about the role we play supporting businesses, jobs and communities across Australia.

“Hardman Communications has built an outstanding reputation across the agriculture and industrial sectors and we are delighted to bring this specialist capability into Primary and leverage our combined expertise to strengthen our offering for both traditional and emerging industries where strategy, policy and positioning are key to success.”

Founder of Hardman Communications and Primary’s Growth & Strategy Director, Sue Hardman, said the move recognises the value of supporting niche communication sectors with specific needs.

“By joining Primary we have secured the scope and scale needed to continue to support the critical agriculture and industrial sectors that are so important to our national economy. For 24 years, Hardman Communications has served clients in these sectors with deep insights, industry connections and a true passion for role they play in providing jobs, putting food on tables, supporting regional industry and maintaining domestic manufacturing capacity,” she said.

“As part of Primary we will be able to give our clients continuity with the people they know, while opening up access to expanded capability across government relations, advocacy, issues management, stakeholder engagement, community consultation and creative services.”

(Pictured L-R: Sue Hardman and Chris Hall) 

Vanessa Regan has joined Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA) as Communications Lead. She made the move after a period of freelance writing and comms work for various organisations in Western Australia.

With over 20 years’ experience, Vanessa previously held senior comms roles in the aviation industry, including at AirAsia and the former Tigerair Australia.