Last Friday, 11 September, saw the first of the 2015 Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) State Awards for Excellence ceremonies taking place at the Pullman Hotel King George Square, Brisbane. More than 75 guests turned out to celebrate the finest PR campaigns and professionals in Queensland.
On the night, six winning, four highly commended, and six commended campaigns were recognised – with nine other awards shortlisted – across 15 categories.
The Queensland PR industry’s night-of-nights showcased inspiring creativity and innovation, all enjoyed over a fun night of elegant banqueting and music. Clients, staff, and peers danced the night away in the delightful surrounds of the Connaught Room at The Pullman.
| Category | Title of Entry | Company | Entrant | Result |
Big Budget |
Transurban’s Acquisition of Queensland Motorways Limited | Rowland | Kelly Robinson | WINNER |
Community Relations |
Gold Coast Light Rail – Community Relations | P4 Group | P4 Group / GoldlinQ / Department of Transport and Main Roads | Highly Commended |
Community Relations |
Smith Street Motorway and Olsen Avenue Interchange Upgrade | The Comms Team | The Comms Team | Commended |
Community Relations |
Legacy Way – A new community relations benchmark | Brisbane City Council, City Projects Office | Legacy Way Independent Community Liaison Representative | Shortlisted |
Consumer Marketing |
Mater Mothers’ Hospital Beautiful Moments Mother’s Day Campaign 2015 | Mater Health Services | Jacqueline Hayes | Shortlisted |
Experiential |
Rolling out a ‘redi-revival’: rediATM Big Wednesday Giveaway | Cole Lawson Communications | Erin Rigby | WINNER |
Government Sponsored Campaigns |
P4 Group G20 Cultural Celebrations | P4 Group | P4 Group / The Department of Premier and Cabinet – G20 Cultural Celebrations Unit | Shortlisted |
Government Sponsored Campaigns |
Queen Street Mall Visioning Plan | Phillips Group | Helen Hutchings | Shortlisted |
Health Organisations |
Heart of Australia: On the highway to health | Sophia Arthur, Freelance Communication Consultant | Sophia Arthur | Shortlisted |
In-house PR Team of the Year |
Regatta Hotel | Regatta Hotel | Patrick Macdonald | WINNER |
In-house PR Team of the Year |
Gold Coast Football Club | Gold Coast Football Club | Stephen Wilson & Sean Tobin | Shortlisted |
Integrated Marketing and Communication Campaign Strategy |
Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Brand Campaign | PPR | PPR Queensland | Commended |
Integrated Marketing and Communication Campaign Strategy |
Brand Queensland delivery – An integrated marketing and communication campaign | Rowland | Helen Besly | Shortlisted |
Internal/Change Management |
Building Project BOB | Boeing Defence Australia | Stephanie Hulett | WINNER |
Issues Management and Crisis Communication |
It’s not rocket science – Using strategic partnerships to change the face of Logan | Logan City Council | Logan City Council Media & Communication Team | Commended |
Large Consultancy of the Year |
P4 Group | P4 Group | P4 Group | Shortlisted |
Large Consultancy of the Year |
The Red Republic | The Red Republic | Fleur Madden | Shortlisted |
Small Budget/Pro Bono |
Women’s Legal Services – Dancing CEO’s | The Red Republic | Fleur Madden | WINNER |
Small Budget/Pro Bono |
RAPID Roadshow | P4 Group & HIV Foundation | P4 Group / HIV Foundation QLD | Highly Commended |
Small Budget/Pro Bono |
Queensland Community Foundation – Philanthropy Week 2015 | Rowland | Helen Besly | Commended |
Startup |
Australia’s First Swim with Humpback Whales Experience | Reflected Image PRoductions | Michelle Smytheman | Highly Commended |
Sustainability/ Corporate Social Responsibility |
Addressing Suicide in Queensland’s Construction Industry | PPR Queensland | Lee McLean | Commended |
Top sPRinters in 2015 |
Erin Rigby | Cole Lawson Communications | Erin Rigby | WINNER |
Top sPRinters in 2015 |
Hannah Statham | Tourism & Events Queensland | Hannah Statham | Highly Commended |
Top sPRinters in 2015 |
Jessica Effeney | Phillips Group | Jessica Effeney | Commended |
“In a challenging market, it is great to see the amazing results Queensland members have delivered again this year,” said PRIA Queensland President, Marie Howarth.
“Congratulations to everyone who entered and who had the courage to present their work for scrutiny by their industry and their peers. The Golden Target Awards, and State Awards for Excellence are a vital platform for our industry. Not only do they highlight the outstanding talent in our ranks, they also showcase the excellent work that is being done and help raise the bar on future performance.
The PR industry is very generous and it is gratifying to see our members support some of the most sensitive and worthy causes in our community, particularly in the small budget and pro bono section,” Howarth concluded.
Distinguished Master of ceremonies David St George kept the program on track, in his own inimitable style. A big thank you to Queensland Councillors, especially Eva Ford-Murphy and Helen Hutchings, for bringing together our industry party of the year.
Recognised entries from Friday now go in the running to be recognised at the 2015 GTA National Finals, held during the PRIA National Conference, on Monday 26 October, at Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, Tasmania.
