What we’re about
We are communication and engagement specialists for the community and government sectors.
We have political acumen and an understanding of internal processes because we’ve been there ourselves. And we know the best ways to engage with your stakeholders and communities on all types of projects, even the tricky ones.
Activate draws on a wealth of experience for every project, from our core services of strategic communications and engagement to niche offerings like issues management and advocacy support.
When you engage us, you get industry experienced consultants working with you from start to finish. Even your most challenging projects will run like clockwork with us.
Sarah Bishop
Angela Walter
Our team
Leading the Activate team are Sarah Bishop and Angela Walter. Both have held senior roles in communications and stakeholder relations teams in local and state government, and associated industries.
Sarah or Angela will be by your side throughout the delivery of your project. On larger projects we are supported by a team of trusted expert consultants, all hand-picked to meet your specific needs.
We also love working with our partner organisations and consultants to broaden our capabilities and deliver end-to-end engagement and consultations. We’re part of an exciting joint venture, the Engagement Collective, which enables us to offer comprehensive, best-practice engagement programs.
Our services
Strategic communications
Whether you need help communicating a new service, engaging on a tricky project or driving long term change we have got you covered. You can relax, knowing Activate is experienced at developing well-researched, creative and robust strategic communication plans that account for the political situation and align successful outcomes with project objectives and organisational goals.
We love translating your complex or technical information into compelling messages that your community and stakeholders will understand.
Issues management
Issues management is not something you want to roll the dice with, we get it. We can help take the heat out of issues management and provide your organisation with both strategic and tactical support, planning and advice before, during and after critical issues. Reaching the resolution you need takes specialised communication skills and extensive experience.
We understand the reputation and political implications that negative issues can have on your organisation. This is why we map out the right approach, step-by-step, and guide you through every stage in the process.
Strategy and policy development
Activate takes the hard work out of developing strategies and policies on any topic. We create documents that cut through and become useable for your organisation and your community. From internal and external engagement to writing the policy or strategy, your document is in good hands with us.
We can also support your organisation with service reviews – helping determine the delivery and structure that’s right for you and your team.
Engagement services
Activate understands how challenging it can be to connect with stakeholders, staff and the community, especially hard to reach groups. We specialise in mapping and navigating complex situations and stakeholders as well as developing and delivering targeted and effective engagement methods and materials to meet the specific needs of each project. We believe good engagement means creating loyal partners and advocates for your organisation along the way.
Advocacy is an important extension of our engagement services. We offer the right balance of passion and persuasion, underpinned by years of advocacy experience, to ensure your stakeholders are on board with your messages and approach.
Training, facilitation and planning
Activate loves helping our clients with training, facilitation and strategic planning. We tailor sessions to your needs, covering topics specific to your situation and team requirements. We especially enjoy running strategic planning sessions. Our consultants will help you unlock knowledge and creativity in your team, and find the right solutions for your strategy.
When you need an external, impartial facilitator, we’re here. We understand the nuances of the government and community services sectors, and regularly facilitate professional and productive meetings and workshops.
Our projects
Lets Talk Planning
Client: Bayside City Council
Activate developed a multi-staged communications and community education program to address growing community concerns about growth, development and change in the inner-south Melbourne municipality of Bayside.
Rosebud Aquatic Centre Design
Client: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
With our Engagement Collective partners, we designed and delivered two stages of engagement to involve the Mornington Peninsula community in the specification and design of their new Rosebud Aquatic Centre (now known as Yawa Aquatic Centre).
Are you ready?
Now you know something about us, we’d love to learn more about you! Our website is just a taste of our services and capabilities. There’s nothing ‘off the shelf’ about us or our services.
Whether your project is large or small. We look forward to hearing how we can help you.