Michael Burt Email & Phone Number

Repton, New South Wales, Australia

A driven professional with extensive experience across the regional media and communications landscape. A natural storyteller and highly motivated individual that has a successful track record of implementing traditional media, social and digital communication campaigns.

Repton, New South Wales, Australia

This role included coordinating the editorial direction, content and approval process for The Farmer magazine, researching and writing content for The Farmer and The Muster fortnightly EDM. These are published by the NSW Farmers Association- Australia’s largest state farming organisation. I develop, implement and manage our social media strategy to achieve the social media engagement goals of a 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. This involves coordinating social media content across nine separate accounts for NSW Farmers, NSW Young Farmers, and NSW Farmers project work. Content from the magazine and EDM is tailored to target relevant demographics for each of the social media channels. I also develop impactful social media campaigns to advance NSW Farmers advocacy and policy priorities, the value of NSW Farmers membership and relevant government announcements. I also review and proof marketing materials and key publications such as Annual Reports to ensure consistency of messaging and tone of voice. Key achievements• Continue to meet and exceed all KPIs related to social media engagement. More than doubled number of followers since mid 2020, and achieved above industry average engagement rates of more than 7%• Playing the lead role in producing a high quality and highly respected bi-monthly magazine • Achieved a 38 per cent increase in subscribers to the Muster e-newsletter in the last 12 months.• Managed and set direction to improve flow of engaging social media video content.

Coffs Harbour, Australia

Managed the NSW Farmers media and public affairs department. This included transforming complex and sensitive policy issues into media releases and print articles, developing and implementing communications plans, social media content, member communications and EDM content and managing the relationship with publishers of The Farmer Magazine.Key achievements• 30 per cent increase in social media followers• Managed intense media interest during the 2019 drought, bushfires, floods, the COVID pandemic and the NSW mouse Plague. • Coordinated a traditional and social media campaign that was a key driver in achieving a $150 million mouse plague assistance package for farmers. • Implemented editorial guidelines for The Farmer Magazine• Successfully negotiated a new media monitoring contract• Developed strong relationships with key journalists at Prime 7, Sky News, The Australian, SMH, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph and the Land. • Developed skills in media monitoring and reporting software such as Isentia Mediaportal, Hootsuite and Google Analytics

Coffs Harbour, Australia

A diverse dual role that focusses on promotion of NSW Farmers through membership and media penetration of issues impacting on farmers and rural communities. The Regional Services Manager (RSM) Role has included managing the North Coast, Hunter and Sydney Basin regions for NSW Farmers, interacting with a diverse range of farmers, local and state government, and NSW Farmers Policy staff. Received an award for Outstanding Performance in 2009. I have also assisted the Association’s media and public affair divisions since 2005, providing copy for NSW Farmers publications and newsletters, liaising with media and writing media releases and editorials. In more recent years, I have stepped into the role of Public Affairs Director when the director is on leave and managed the Association’s media, social media and public affairs activities

Townsville, Australia

Initially employed as Grade 1 Journalist and rose to a Grade 3 Journalist within three years and became acting editor for the North Queensland Register newspaper. Provided copy and photographs to the Queensland Country Life and North Queensland Register newspapers. Also supplied copy to The Land newspaper, Rural Press’s on-line news service and other Rural Press publications. Position involved extensive training in writing and photography.

Taree, New South Wales

Sales and marketing role with a leading agri-business company, with a focus on servicing the mid-north coast beef, horticulture and dairy industries. Role included supplying editorial copy to local newspapers promoting the company’s products and services to rural communities.

Rothamsted, Uk

Based in the UK. Role involved field research, laboratory work, collating experimental results and writing research papers detailing project outcomes.