In an industry-leading announcement coinciding with Reconciliation Week, Think HQ has announced the appointment of Professor Shane Hearn to the agency leadership team and the newly created role of Head, First Nations Engagement and Communication.
The appointment will support and encourage greater participation by Indigenous people in the industry, and ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are included in all agency communications and activities.
Professor Hearn will lead and build Think HQ’s First Nations Engagement and Communication function. He will provide insight into First Nations audiences and connect them to the agency’s work to ensure experiences are centred and the Indigenous audience is included in campaigns.
A respected and proud Noongar man, Professor Hearn has extensive experience across higher education and health, where his leadership has delivered powerful positive outcomes for First Nations people. His insights into Aboriginal culture and engagement have shaped campaigns, academic programs and the way organisations engage with Australia and its people.
As Director of CultureLink, Professor Hearn developed the NSW Health Aboriginal Strategic Framework for the prevention and management of chronic disease in Aboriginal Communities. As Practice Leader at Cox Inall Ridgeway, he designed and led the roll out of the Federal Department of Health’s Live Longer campaign.
Think HQ Founder and Managing Director Jen Sharpe said Professor Hearn’s appointment would ensure First Nations Australians are represented in everything the agency does, internally and externally.
“We are so excited to welcome Shane to the Think HQ team. His credentials in the space of First Nations engagement are second to none and he has made tangible, positive improvements in people’s lives. He will play a vital, active role in our work, ensuring we’re truly including First Nations people in every campaign we produce. We’re so lucky to have him join us,” Sharpe said.
Professor Hearn said, “I’m delighted to join the Think HQ team that is truly providing the Australian community with a platform for meaningful engagement across so many areas. The agency is doing powerful work in the equity and inclusive communications space and the clear alignment in our shared values will allow us to expand our work to a First Nation’s audience.”
“During Reconciliation Week, I’m reflecting on the need to drive action, not just rhetoric. Think HQ is living up to that ideal, and I’m confident we will achieve a lot together.”
