Leigh Watson Email & Phone Number

Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

Working in the local community to facilitate the promotion of important issues; and to highlight local good news stories.

Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

My role is to strengthen the social wellbeing of the Coffs Harbour community by implementing responsible gambling minimisation education activities and support. This includes promoting and referring to local free advice and information services, and specialist counselling for affected individuals and families. I am also coordinating the development of an ongoing specialist local support group under the Smart Recovery model. In achieving the program’s outcomes, I work closely and collaboratively with GambleAware Mid and Northern NSW and other relevant service providers.

Canberra

Assisting organisations to improve ALL aspects of their PR, communications & marketing.One of my clients in this time was AHURI, who I worked with as Conference Sponsorship Manager to and helped to make the 2017 conference the largest in many years. As the most important affordable housing and homelessness event in Australia I felt it was an easy task to get on board a huge array of sponsors and exhibitors exceeding targets with a more robust and thriving sponsorship commitment than ever before.

SEARMS IS one of the largest and most influential Aboriginal controlled community housing providers in Australia. They supply housing closely aligned with cultural, community and family orientated principles and is a thriving example of practical efforts to 'close the gap'.

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Wrote and revised content so that information for clients is clear, concise and compassionate, based on trauma-informed principles.

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Canberra, Australia

Master Plumbers ACT is the peak body representing the interests of professionally trained and accredited plumbers, drainers, gasfitters, and businesses supporting the plumbing industry within the Canberra region. I lead the organisation through a period of change with a focus on increasing resources for the organisation and developing services for members. I also proactively engaged with Government to ensure that the industry is responsive to community needs.

Canberra

Tutoring on units - Issues and Crisis Management and Developing Communication Strategies

Canberra, Australia

Provided advice to major developments in Canberra (CSIRO and Riverview) on how to achieve a range of affordable housing options within their proposed communities. Conducted community engagement around proposed developments.

Canberra, Australia

I led ACT Shelter, a non-profit community organisation, to consult, represent and advocate housing issues on behalf of low to moderate income people in the ACT, and to report their views to government. Highlights include: key reports submitted to ACT Government; increased attendance at public forums; extensive local media coverage; increased membership and stakeholder involvement; new website with increased traffic of 400%; solid relationships with Government executive and ministers; etc.

Canberra, Forrest

Led the organisation in devising, organising and promoting annual program of public events and activities. Highlights include: organisation of extremely successful Weekend of Ideas event involving high profile local and interstate speakers, with extensive media coverage; development of new website; obtaining grants totaling $150,000; increased media coverage of the organisation; etc.

Canberra

Developed and implemented national strategic communications strategies on variety of programs including: mature age and disability employment. social inclusion, mental health.

Higgins Canberra

Developed extensive communications strategy for the Games. Produced all communications materials, including the Get Ready! and Good Sports in ACTion magazines etc; organised all events including launches etc; managed Games Ambassador program with high profile local sports people.

Business Act

Organised ACT Export Awards, Telstra Small Business Awards, and major seminars for ACT business community; wrote newsletters and other promotional material; undertook all related requirements for Chief Minister's office, including speech writing, media etc.

Conducted educational and awareness campaigns around refugee issues. This included organising Refugee Week for 2 years with major public events and media launches, and working closely with local ethnic and refugee community.

Canberra

Led the local Amnesty groups and volunteers in conducting major campaigns including the Refugee Campaign, and the China campaign.

International House

Produced marketing material for promoting the University to overseas students. Promoted cross cultural interaction amongst international and Australian students through events, trips away, and other activities.

Forbes & Parkes

Worked with local business people to secure employment placements for young disadvantaged clients. At the same time I worked closely with clients in a supportive, case management model to assist them to identify and remove the barriers to employment. Notably I was successful in identifying and developing new employment opportunities. I also specialised in women returning to work projects including promoting non-traditional options.

China

Taught English language skills to College teachers.

Ba Professional Writing, Journalism, Ba

Education record

Higher School Certificate

Graduate Diploma, Asian Studies, Pg Diploma