Merryl Miller

Communications specialist, journalist and editor

Knowing how and when to use ‘colour’ and ‘flair’ in writing to optimise audience engagement – that’s what I will do for you better than anyone else.

With 20 years of communications experience under my belt, you can rest assured that I will deliver the highest quality outcomes for you. But don’t just take my word for it. During my career as a writer, editor, columnist, project manager and public relations/marketing manager, I have received several high-profile industry awards. My weekly column was also syndicated across every APN publication in Australia and New Zealand for five years.

So what might make us kindred spirits? The things that rock my world are travel (I go backpacking to remote parts for extended trips every year), the arts (especially classical music and theatre), current affairs (I’m a self-declared news junkie) and education (nothing is more important to the future of our country). When I am writing about any of these topics, my passion gives the words a little extra magic.

What skills can I offer to you? • Expert editing. You won’t find a misplaced apostrophe or spelling error on my watch. But editing is not just about the grammar – it is also about ensuring your message is crafted well to ensure the response you want. That’s what I do best. • Writing – across a number of genres (creative, news, feature, columns, academic, business) and a variety of platforms (newspapers, magazines, social media). You need what, where? Sure – I’m onto it. • Public relations and marketing. A sound knowledge and experience in this area complements my skills as a journalist and makes me a multi-faceted communications specialist. • Deadlines. Just as important to me as they are to you. • Event management, project management, public speaking.

Where have I used these? • Creating and maintaining strong community engagement (using both PR and communications strategies) during the roll-out of the NDIS; the largest social infrastructure project in Australian history. • Project-managing 280 staff as regional manager during the 2016 Australian Census and delivering great outcomes for the community. • Editing two magazines and boosting sales by more than 50% over a two-year period. • Working as a senior journalist in newspapers for more than 15 years – researching, writing, proof-reading and editing, as well as mentoring junior staff. • Organising large-scale key events often with extremely prominent VIPs in attendance, and often within environments of political sensitivities. • Maintaining a high public profile through the use of talk-back radio, guest speaking.

Think we might be a good match? Then please take a look at my work samples and review my history. If you like what you see, get in touch. I’d love to help you out with your project.