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The ECF team has a track record of designing and implementing strategic communication and engagement approaches that support the objectives of our clients.
We pride ourselves as communications and engagement experts with technical experience from a diverse background. Our team has accumulated over 50 years’ experience in the the built environment, placemaking and active transport sectors. We have worked on some of the most major and complex projects in Australia, the UK, the US, and Europe.
In addition to their expertise, members of our team must have several key attributes to work for ECF. They must be passionate about talking to people, they must be able to write, they must have common sense, and they must have a sense of humour. Those listed below fit the bill!
Kathy Jones is co-founder and the Executive Chair of ECF. She is one of Australia’s leading strategic communications and engagement advisors, known for her work to help CEOs, boards and senior management staff manage crises and policy change contexts. Kathy provides high level strategic advice, issues management, leadership and project delivery for some of the nation’s major transport and infrastructure projects, including Northern Beaches Hospital and Barangaroo.
Oliver Deed is co-founder and Director of ECF. Oliver is a talented communications and engagement practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the UK and across Australia. His knowledge of public and political relations as well as his expertise in strategic communications provide him with the tools to design innovative solutions for a range of projects. He has worked on small and large scale residential, construction and infrastructure projects.
Tracey Arthur is ECF Australia’s General Manager. She is a creative and innovative leader who has a wealth of experience in media management, communication, and engagement. She has worked across a diverse range of public and private sectors including police, roads, transport, energy and health and has a depth of expertise delivering crisis advisory services, and communication and engagement strategies for complex national and state significant projects. For decades Tracey has also been a trusted strategic advisor to NSW Government Ministers, heads of global organisations and executives at the highest levels of State and Federal Government agencies.
Sara Wilson is ECF Australia’s Practice Lead. She is a highly experienced communications professional with over 25 years’ experience in the communications and engagement sector. She has led stakeholder and community engagement services across a wide range of industries including housing, property, waste, transport, communications and infrastructure. Her expertise in engagement design, facilitation and strategy development has seen her implement programs at all three levels of government, in both urban and regional locations.
Alex is an experienced community engagement practitioner that comes to ECF after five years working with Kathy Jones at KJA. In her career to date, Alex has worked on several large-scale projects across the transport and infrastructure sectors, including place management for Sydney Metro West and the Barangaroo Metro Station construction project. Alex specialises in research and writing and is an essential resource for on-the-ground project delivery. She also has an academic background in heritage and is passionate about furthering community engagement in the heritage sector.
Vanessa Till is an experienced media and communications professional who joins ECF with a diverse background spanning government, corporate, and media sectors. With expertise in strategic public relations, crisis management, and media relations, Vanessa has led high-profile campaigns for government departments, major media outlets, and corporate clients. She has experience in shaping public perception, enhancing brand visibility, and managing communications during critical events, including natural disasters and public health crises. Vanessa is passionate about delivering impactful media strategies and building strong stakeholder relationships.
Gemma is a product strategist with over 10 years’ experience in digital engagement and GovTech across Australia and the UK. She specialises in designing human-centred digital solutions that make community and stakeholder engagement more inclusive, impactful, and scalable. Gemma has led initiatives for organisations including the City of Melbourne, the Victorian Department of Education, and Birkbeck, University of London — from large-scale urban renewal to hyper-local planning and community projects. With expertise in design thinking, IAP2 engagement principles and agile delivery, she’s passionate about designing experiences — using technology such as Hello Lamp Post — to connect people and help shape better cities.
Olivia utilises her communication skills at ECF to develop clear and concise messaging for effective organisational operations. Currently studying communications and media business at the University of Technology Sydney, she recognises the importance of identifying key stakeholders, tailoring messages for each target audience and engaging regularly to ensure a high level of client satisfaction. Olivia is eager to continue her journey addressing stakeholder issues and supporting clientele across a wide range of industries.