What can Thomas do?
Give a quick overview of your work experience (jobs, internships, volunteering)?
Built a comprehensive career in strategic communications, marketing, and stakeholder engagement across government, local councils, industry associations, and private enterprise, progressing from digital marketing to senior advisory roles.
Proven experience across media relations, policy analysis, campaign development, and community engagement, delivering measurable results in diverse contexts.
Achievements include record-breaking membership sales at CCIQ and leading communications for major infrastructure projects such as the Rockhampton Ring Road.
Currently expanding into sport through volunteer work with Rockhampton Basketball Incorporated and Australia Sports Technology Week, building a freelancing portfolio in the sports industry.
Do you have a track record of delivering measurable outcomes or KPIs?
Achieved record-breaking sales at CCIQ — $67,000 in one month (highest in 150 years) and launched a new membership level generating $86,400 in revenue.
Drove major campaign impact, securing $1.1 million in regional media coverage, reaching 218,000 users, and increasing new followers by 559%.
Boosted sales by 33% and customer numbers by 40% through a targeted local marketing campaign at Lenard’s.
Delivered industry-leading engagement, achieving CCIQ’s highest survey response rate in 25 years (908 responses) and lifting digital traffic and enquiries through innovative content strategies at OMD.
What technical or industry-specific skills do you bring?
Strategic communications and public relations
Marketing, advertising and brand development
Stakeholder engagement and advocacy
Media relations and message development
Campaign planning and execution
Crisis and issues management
Social media strategy and content creation
Research, data analysis and economic insight
What tools/platforms/software are they proficient in?
Adobe Creative suite
Microsoft Office suite
Email marketing and automation (Marketo and Mailchimp)
HTML & CSS
Google Analytics, Tag Manager and AdWords
CRM platforms (Salesforce and HubSpot)
Survey and feedback tools (SurveyMonkey)
What qualifications, certifications, or degrees do you hold?
Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing.
An organisation should back me because I’ve proven I don’t wait for opportunities, I create them.
My background uniquely blends private sector, results-driven thinking with public sector stakeholder management, giving me a rare mix of commercial acumen and strategic communication expertise. I’ve delivered strong outcomes across both worlds, driving tangible results while navigating complex relationships, community engagement, and long-term planning.
What sets me apart is my relentless drive for growth. I don’t get comfortable whether it was shifting from digital marketing to political advisory, from federal to local government, or now into sport, I’ve always sought new challenges. That same energy and curiosity will fuel new revenue streams, stronger partnerships, and innovative engagement strategies for any organisation I join.
What steps has Thomas taken to break into the sport industry?
I have taken several proactive steps to establish myself in the sports industry, including seeking out volunteer opportunities both locally and interstate with organisations like Rockhampton Basketball Incorporated and Australia Sports Technology Week to build my skills and reputation within the sector.
I actively engage with industry professionals through LinkedIn, where I not only connect and network but also draft my own thought pieces and content to share insights and demonstrate my understanding of sports communications and marketing trends.
Additionally, I have undertaken the SportsGrad program and remain an active member, which has provided valuable industry insights, mentorship opportunities, and connections with like-minded professionals pursuing similar career goals.
These combined efforts demonstrate my commitment to transitioning into the sports sector while leveraging my proven expertise in strategic communications, campaign development, and stakeholder engagement.
Thomas’ interest in sport all started back in 2000 when he sat down with his nan to watch the Sydney Olympics
The excitement and positivity of that moment sparked a lifelong passion for sport. I’ve seen firsthand how sport unites communities, strengthens relationships, and inspires people, and my professional experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach gives me the tools to make a meaningful contribution to the sports industry.
Since then, Thomas has gone on to work in Government, achieving things like
Media coverage | Revenue | Engagement |
|---|---|---|
secured $1.1 million in regional media coverage, reaching 218,000 users, and increasing new followers by 559% | Boosted sales by 33% and customer numbers by 40% through a targeted local marketing campaign at Lenard’s. | Delivered industry-leading engagement, achieving CCIQ’s highest survey response rate in 25 years (908 responses) |
Where does Thomas want to go?
Next six months | Next 12 months | Next 5-10 years |
|---|---|---|
developing skills in sports marketing and communications build a strong freelancing portfolio Create compelling case studies that showcase value and impact in the sports sector. | Develop a diverse client base of sports organisations, athletes, and brands. become a trusted partner helping clients achieve brand goals through strategic communications. recognised as a go-to freelance specialist in sports communications and marketing. | Expand freelance work into a specialised sports communications consultancy. Aim to become a recognised thought leader in sports communications. Plan to share insights through speaking engagements and mentoring emerging professionals. |
What sporting problem keeps Thomas up at night, and how would you solve it?
One problem I'd love to solve is empowering small clubs and teams to build a robust brand and marketing voice that can compete effectively for attention, sponsorship, and community support in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
To solve it, I’d develop accessible marketing frameworks, templates, and mentorship programs to help volunteer-run clubs achieve professional-quality branding and communications on limited budgets, and plan to build scalable tools and strategies including content systems, social media plans, and sponsorship pitch templates to empower local sports clubs to attract investment and strengthen community support.
What is Thomas like?
What kind of environment do you thrive in?
Environments that foster open communication and transparency, where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, challenges, and feedback.
I excel when given the opportunity to work my way through complex problems and situations, as I enjoy the analytical and strategic thinking required to navigate challenges from multiple angles.
I thrive in high-pressure situations where quick decision-making and adaptability are essential.
When have you had to show resilience in your life or career?
Built strong resilience working in politics including managing the day-to-day operations of electorate offices as Chief of Staff, managing high-stakes responsibilities that influenced constituents and policy outcomes.
Adapted to diverse environments while working away from home for extended periods and maintaining consistent performance.
Gained mental toughness through high-pressure tasks such as crisis media coordination and strategic policy advice on sensitive issues.
Learned to thrive amid uncertainty, balance competing stakeholder demands, and stay composed while managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
What about Thomas’ interests outside of work?
What are your interests outside of work?
I love playing golf, which provides both a mental challenge and a great way to spend time outdoors.
Reading is another key interest of mine. I find it's a perfect way to unwind and continuously learn, whether I'm diving into industry-related material or escaping with a good novel.
My wife and I are dog lovers and proud owners of Hugo, our English bulldog, who brings endless entertainment into our daily lives.
I enjoy going on long walks, which not only keeps me active but also provides valuable thinking time and often includes Hugo (our English bulldog)
What is your favourite sporting moment?
Brisbane Lions winning the flag in 2024.
What’s your ideal holiday?
My ideal holiday is a cold weather escape overseas, completely different from the Queensland climate I'm used to.
I love the idea of spending my days on the slopes skiing, challenging myself physically while enjoying the crisp mountain air and stunning scenery.
The combination of adrenaline from skiing during the day followed by cozy evenings warming up with mulled wine creates the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
If you had 30 minutes to pick the brain of anyone, who would it be and why?
Chris Fagan, the head coach of the Brisbane Lions. His combination of intense concentration, empathetic understanding of his players, and unflappable demeanor is interesting to me. I could learn a lot from a man such as him.
What’s book or podcast that’s helped your career you recommend?
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Additional details
Where in the world are you located, and where are you open to work?
Living in Rockhampton, but open to freelance work anywhere in Australia
What is the most important consideration for you in your next role?
What matters most to me is contributing as part of a team where I can complement others' strengths while having the freedom to approach problems creatively.
I thrive when there's mutual trust with my manager where I can take ownership but also collaborate when needed. I'm looking for opportunities to continue growing my skillset and taking on new challenges.
What others say about Thomas
Colleagues and bosses have consistently described me as tenacious, hardworking, and emotionally intelligent. Someone who doesn't give up when facing complex challenges and has the interpersonal skills to navigate sensitive situations while maintaining strong working relationships even under pressure.
Former supervisors have noted my ability to deliver results while building genuine rapport with stakeholders, from managing federal parliamentary requirements to coordinating with local councils, government agencies, and community groups, consistently achieving outcomes that exceed expectations.
Bosses appreciate my collaborative leadership style and willingness to mentor others.
What questions does Thomas have employers?
What are your biggest communication or marketing challenges right now that you feel aren't being adequately addressed?
How do you currently measure success in your marketing and engagement efforts, and what would you like to see improved?
What's your timeline for seeing results, and are there any major events or seasons I should be planning around?
How do you typically work with external consultants - do you prefer regular check-ins, project-based updates, or more hands-off management?
What's been your experience with freelancers or consultants in the past - what worked well and what didn't?
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