SportLink Solutions is a consultancy dedicated to providing specialised guidance and advocacy services to sports organisations and not for profits.Founded by Fiona Telford, who brings 25 years of senior advisory, communications, and government relations experience, SportLink Solutions aims to bridge the gap between the complex world of government and the sporting and not for profit sectors.

Working to increase opportunities for amputees to play golf in events around Victoria.

I spearhead diverse projects focusing on policy formulation, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, particularly within the realms of sports and local government. My core responsibility entails devising and executing comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies as a crucial component of the strategic planning services we offer our clients. Notable Projects Formulated a policy on sporting allocations and outdoor sporting infrastructure, aligning with the Victorian Government's Fair Access Policy, for a metropolitan Melbourne local government body. This involved extensive research, stakeholder consultations, and strategic recommendations to ensure equitable access to sporting facilities. Directed the strategic planning efforts for community AFL clubs within a junior football league, facilitating their development of strategic plans spanning 3 to 5 years. This required a deep understanding of the clubs' visions, objectives, and the broader community's needs. Collaborated closely with our partner architects to lead the stakeholder engagement phase for a Master plan development for a rural Victorian Council. This role demanded a tailored approach to engaging diverse community groups and integrating their input into the final Master plan effectively.

dvocating for the golf sector, aiming to secure recognition of golf's value to communities by influencing decision-makers at various government levels for sustained resources and funding. I was responsible for spearheading the National Government Relations Strategy, orchestrating a cohesive stakeholder engagement framework across the nation, identifying funding avenues, formulating funding agreements, and forging constructive relationships with essential Ministerial and government figures. My efforts were geared towards ensuring golf's inclusion in governmental discourse and establishing partnerships that provided both financial and non-financial backing for golf. Key Accomplishments Interpreting and disseminating government stimulus details to golf clubs and establishing a comprehensive Government Funding Strategy. This strategy offered a 12-month blueprint aimed at harnessing government stimulus funds to aid the industry's immediate survival and long-term recovery. Led initiatives to defend community golf spaces against potential development threats. Upon learning of local governments' plans to repurpose public golf course land, I devised a local government engagement strategy to highlight golf's economic, environmental, and health merits. My goal was to shift perceptions of golf towards being seen as an inclusive, community-centric sport. Collaborated with golf clubs on shaping their environmental policies and fostering partnerships with government, community, and environmental groups. This cooperation aimed at enhancing their environmental programs and advancing sustainable water practices. Navigated the complexities of the dispute involving Golf Australia, Boroondara Council, and the Victorian Government regarding the Northeast Link project's impact on the Freeway Golf Course. I implemented strategic communication plans, facilitated workshops, and mediated discussions to align on the sport's future direction.

Provided policy advice and interacted with high-level media on significant Government or political process matters. Advised the Minister and senior stakeholders on priority issues and solutions, evaluated sport and recreation policy frameworks, developed media strategies to manage political matters and announcements, devised briefs and recommendations addressing highly complex issues within the portfolio and worked with highly confidential and sensitive information.

Responded to critical and politically sensitive issues in collaboration with the Police Media and Communications team. Researched and developed internal communications strategies in alignment with the Victoria Police five-year Business Strategy.Liaised with media, developed and distributed internal communications, wrote speeches and created content for police websites and magazine.

Summary:For almost five years I worked as media adviser for Ministers in the Australian Government. Portfolios covered include, roads and local government, communications, justice and customs, and sport and the arts.