Start ups

MediaWise has been privileged to work with a number of different organisations that are starting from scratch. These include the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance and Good Shepherd Microfinance.

Looking after our country our way

NAILSMA was preparing to become a not for profit organisation. As well as putting in place new legal, business and management structures, it had to tell its stakeholders what was happening, when and why. MediaWise was contracted to help the organisation. Early on we realised that their current communications structure was siloed and not delivering the results it needed. We also recognised the need for a brand refresh, new suite of collateral and a new website. Key messages were massaged into sound bites. Today, two years on and the organisation has become Australia's first Indigenous member of IUCN, its media track record is steadily growing and its relationship with stakeholders across Australia's north is at its strongest. 

Good Shepherd Microfinance

Good Shepherd Microfinance was established to grow the microfinance arm of the Good Shepherd network. The organisation offers low-cost and no-cost loans to people on low incomes across Australia, including the flagship No Interest Loan scheme (NILS). MediaWise was brought in to develop and then, with a team, implement a communications strategy that was two fold: firstly aimed at raising the profile of the new organisation and secondly, promoting and marketing the financial programs. The task was huge. Our work included:

  • Launched the Count Me In strategic direction for Good Shepherd Microfinance
  • Assisted with the launches of the Good Money stores
  • Creating content for the new website and overseeing its development
  • Creating new collateral with the new brand for all of the programs
  • Liaising with major stakeholders such as NAB
  • Putting in place communications policies and protocol for social media, media relations
  • Running media and presentation training
  • Generating coverage for the new CEO, the NILS conference, Money Smart Week

Over the last 18 months MediaWise played a highly valuable role in providing communications and media advice to Good Shepherd Microfinance during our establishment phase. We enjoyed working with Penny and John and have the highest respect for their professional and tailored approach to meeting our needs.

As a new organisation establishing our identity from 2012, Penny provided excellent advice and helped put us on the map with several key stakeholders and started to build media awareness of our work. I would highly recommend MediaWise to any organisation seeking experienced, focused, agile and creative communications professionals who deliver every time.

Adam Mooney, CEO, Good Shepherd Microfinance