The Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) New and Emerging Practitioners Group (NEPG) in NSW has bolstered its ranks to an impressive eight-strong committee this year.

After scouting for the industry’s best and brightest, the NEPG has welcomed Naomi Rheinberger, communications manager at M&C Saatchi Group’s Hidden Characters; Rachel King, account manager at 360 PR; Zana Ilijazi, junior account manager at Niche Marketing Group; Nikki Labourne, events and communication executive at Virgin Mobile; Charles Constantinou, digital marketing and PR coordinator at Buzz Web Media; and Olivia Stuckey, PR assistant at Niche Marketing Group.

The six new members join incumbent team; Maya Ivanovic, senior account executive at Palin Communications; and April Rose, senior PR and social account manager at Niche Marketing Group – the newly appointed Chair of the NEPG.

Previous members of the NSW committee are undertaking exciting new ventures, with outgoing chair Ishtar Schneider promoted to account director at Palin Communications and appointed to the PRIA NSW Council; and Hannah Rayment, senior account manager at Weber Shandwick Australia, has stepped into the role of vice president with local Australian charity Communities for Communities.

Rose said the new committee brings together diverse talent from across the communications industry to enrich the professional support the NEPG offers for younger practitioners.

“The NEPG is an enthusiastic PRIA subcommittee focused on providing a vital link to industry for up-and-coming communications practitioners and students,” she said.

“We aim to drive industry engagement and education, connect like-minded young professionals, and foster relationships with industry leaders through dedicated events and programs.

“We are delighted to welcome our new committee members as we look to further our offering in 2018.”

Samara Kitchener, president of PRIA NSW, said: “PRIA is committed to offering meaningful support and development opportunities for young communications professionals.

“Initiatives like the NEPG are key to the growth of our industry and fostering a new generation of emerging talent. We look forward to a fantastic year of NEPG events.”

The first PRinks networking event for 2018 will be held on Thursday 19 April, sponsored by One Green Bean. Other events, including a workshop titled ‘Staying Sane when Starting Out’ and a PRinks ‘Christmas in July’ party, are also tipped for later this year.