What journalists actually want from pitches

Anggi Ramadhani has started a new role as Communications Specialist at the Government Digital Transformation Acceleration Committee in Indonesia.

In the role, she supports strategic communications, government relations, stakeholder engagement, and public policy communications across Indonesia’s digital transformation agenda. Her work includes developing narratives, engaging media and key stakeholders, and coordinating communications across government ministries and agencies to align messaging around national priorities.

Anggi previously spent more than five years at APCO, advising clients across the technology, aviation, healthcare, and non-governmental sectors on strategic communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement.

Thrive PR has appointed Sophie Maguire to head its Melbourne operations, while Kyra Shakspeare and Lwindi Ellis have been elevated to lead the Brisbane and Auckland offices respectively.

The moves follow the recent launch of Acuity, Thrive’s corporate communications sister agency.

"I truly never imagined I'd be in this position when I walked through the doors as a 21-year-old in 2008,” Sophie said.

“I've had the opportunity to work with incredible people and brands, both internationally and here in Australia, but I've always found my way back to Thrive. It really does feel like a full-circle moment, and I'm genuinely excited to help shape the next chapter of our Melbourne office while building on the strong foundations already in place. Melbourne is Australia's cultural and sporting capital, and I see a huge opportunity for brands who want to be part of the conversations shaping culture."

In Queensland, Kyra added: "We are building a sharp, infectious energy, zero fluff, and utterly indispensable team. I want our clients to view us less like a hired agency and more like their sharpest internal comms experts.

“There's an unapologetic momentum up here in Queensland. We have shed the reputation of being a secondary market. We stand on its own two feet, and brands want an authentic presence here. Brisbane 2032 isn't just a distant sporting event on the calendar, it's an active, six-year golden runway that is fundamentally transforming how businesses talk about legacy, impact and global relevance today. Our role is to be the ultimate cheat code for clients on that journey, helping local brands scale onto the world stage and ensuring global brands show up with real local cred."

Lwindi’s vision for Thrive New Zealand is clear: she wants to grow the Auckland-based team, building on current momentum to provide NZ expertise to Trans-Tasman brands and locally based organisations.

"I was fortunate to have already worked with Thrive for six months before stepping into this role, which gave me a proper runway to understand the agency culture and get to know our global clients like BYD and Afterpay, so when the chance came to take the reins of the NZ business, I jumped at it. Thrive's an ambitious, creative and forward-thinking agency and I'm delighted to be driving its business here in Aotearoa,” she said.

(Pictured L-R: Sophie Maguire, Kyra Shakspeare and Lwindi Ellis) 

Full-service communications agency, iD Collective, has been appointed by Australian footwear brand, Blundstone, to lead its strategic PR, media relations, and influencer communications activity in Australia. 

Under the new partnership, iD Collective will deliver a communications programme spanning media relations, press office, and strategic brand storytelling. The agency will also lead organic and paid influencer activity, alongside ongoing media and influencer gifting.

Executive Director of iD Collective, Amanda Booth, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Blundstone, one of Australia’s most recognised heritage brands.

“Blundstone has built an incredible legacy while continuing to push boundaries through collaborations that keep the brand fresh and relevant with new audiences. We look forward to bringing our fashion and consumer expertise across PR, media relations and influencer strategy to help tell that story and continue to build the brand’s presence.”