Kate has more than 20 years’ experience in strategic communications, stakeholder and community engagement, issues management and community development. She’s worked across public policy in environment, health, social services and international relations.
As co-founder and Managing Director of The Social Deck, Kate has led major communication projects for federal and state governments, and the design, facilitation and management of national consultations and community-based behaviour change projects.
The focus of her work has always been to bring the voice of community into public policy and to communicate with people in a way that helps them to understand information and make informed choices.
Kate has extensive experience in engaging with harder to reach audiences. This includes leading numerous projects to improve the inclusion of people who experience additional disadvantage or who have more complex needs.
Kate’s experience working with governments and communities from metro Australia to the Northern Territory and over to Papua New Guinea has given her the practical skills to guide and design projects through many complex policy environments that continue to meet the needs of diverse populations.
Mel oversees The Social Deck’s research, community and stakeholder engagement and evaluation work. She has an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW, specialising in Social Impact.
Mel specialises in designing and implementing formal and informal research, consultation or co-design/co-development approaches, innovative behaviour change programs, and evaluation/ impact measurement frameworks.
She is passionate about designing and delivering inclusive and accessible engagement so that: people can contribute in ways that are meaningful and relevant to them; diverse perspectives are considered; and those affected by change are included in the development of strategies, policies and campaigns that affect them.
Mel is a highly experienced facilitator, having led or managed hundreds of workshops, webinars, focus groups, interviews and other types of engagement on various topics and issues. She has recently been the lead designer and facilitator for large consultations on a broad range of issues, including both the National and Queensland Obesity Strategies, Australia’s Disability Strategy, the National Declaration for the Educational Goals of Young Australians, and national conversations on mental health and wellbeing. Melanie also speaks Spanish.
Steve is Chief of Operations and Finance at The Social Deck. He also spearheads the company's digital strategies and creative development of products and tools. With a background in health policy and reform, he expertly applies innovation and digital techniques to design and manage behaviour change programs and support communication and engagement strategies.
Steve is passionate about finding innovative ways to engage people in social, health, education, and environmental initiatives. He also leads several of The Social Deck's social marketing programs, utilising digital engagement approaches to keep the programs running smoothly and integrate monitoring and evaluation activities.
Steve has a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Biology, a Bachelor of Law with Honours from the Australian National University, and a Master's in Entrepreneurship.
Vikki specialises in engaging and consulting with First Nations peoples on issues impacting them and their communities. As a proud Aboriginal woman, she carries cultural sensitivity and social awareness through her work. She is a published author, having written numerous children’s books on health and mental health aimed at First Nations audiences.
Since joining The Social Deck 6 years ago, Vikki has developed a passion for accessible communication and specialises in plain English communications and editorial work. She has trained in both plain language and easy English and is a member of PLAIN - the Plain Language Association International and IPED – the Institute of Professional Editors.
Vikki has 30 years of experience in the public sector, particularly in the welfare and social services space. She previously worked for the Department of Human Services and the Department of Social Services. She is an excellent communicator and quickly establishes meaningful working relationships with clients and the community.
Casey manages The Social Deck’s video, animation, and audio production and works closely with the design team on creative projects. She provides facilitation and engagement support and contributes to communication strategy development and content creation. She has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in journalism and English and a Master of Communication in the field of science communication.
As a producer and videographer who specialises in factual video production, Casey is an expert in communicating about complex topics. She has a proven ability to analyse and interpret complicated information for a range of audiences in a range of mediums. She understands the value of working with clients to fully understand the context of their goals and issues and the needs of their audiences.
Casey has more than a decade of experience in content development and production. She has worked for both Network 10 and the Nine Network producing documentaries, children’s and science television, as well as for the digital platform Australia’s Science Channel as a content creator, video producer, and contributing editor. Casey successfully ran her own freelance video production business which allowed her to firmly cement her skills across client relations, pre-production, videography, and post-production.
Casey is particularly passionate about audience-first thinking and developing communication and video products that meet people where they are. She believes in storytelling to create behaviour change and maximising creative thinking. Casey is passionate about inclusion and has implemented accessibility standards in The Social Deck video production.
Kirstin manages The Social Deck’s design services and processes and works closely with the design team across creative projects. She provides creative strategy and advice, illustrations, infographics and animated explainer videos that support engagement and communication products. Kirstin holds a Bachelor of Product Design and Master of Design Methodology from Stanford University.
Kirstin is a design strategist and illustrator who specialises in translating complex concepts and data into clear, coherent visual stories. Her mission is to use visual storytelling to help people access and engage with meaningful ideas that have the potential to improve the wellbeing of our society and natural environment.
Kirstin’s approach to design developed from an education in human-centred design engineering at Stanford University, a lifelong practice of art, and professional experience working across a range of sectors in user experience product management, corporate environmental sustainability and graphic design.
Kirstin’s design work has included branding, illustration and infographic design for various engagement consultancies, an international weather forecasting company and local government. She also enjoys illustrating children’s books and ocean swimming.
Suzie has worked at The Social Deck for 6 years and is the Executive Officer. She has excellent people skills and uses her expertise to manage and coordinate the Human Resource functions of the business, culture, training, and team engagement. The Directors rely on Suzie’s skills and judgement to support them and help them achieve the strategic goals of the business.
Suzie was previously a project logistics coordinator for engagement and consultation projects at The Social Deck. She ensured project tasks were delivered in a timely, efficient manner and that client expectations were met. In addition, Suzie was responsible for venue coordination, travel arrangements, support services for events, accessibility booking and participant liaison. Suzie now helps guide and train others to perform these roles.
Suzie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, post graduate certificate in Teaching English as a second Language, Cert III in Education Support, Certificate in Mental Health First Aid and short course certificate in INSPIRE framework for communication. Suzie speaks English and Spanish.
Sandra has a strong background in communication strategy development and implementation, with 15 years of experience as a communication professional.
Sandra specialises in communication with multicultural communities, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities and people with disability. At The Social Deck, she has managed large and targeted strategic communication projects in relation to women’s health, domestic and family violence, Queensland’s Path to Treaty and others.
Previously, Sandra worked on large scale government campaigns, behaviour change projects, social policy development and awareness days such as the 2021 Census, community cohesion, settlement of refugees and humanitarian entrants, Harmony Day and International Day of People with Disability. In this, Sandra displayed her passion for inclusive communications and authentic engagement.
Sandra's experience includes both risk management and issue and crisis communication strategy work. Sandra has excellent project management skills and enjoys taking a collaborative approach to working with clients and partners.
Alix is an expert engagement and analysis specialist, with Bachelor degrees in Communications and Law. She provides support across project stages, from planning and delivery of community engagement and research to data analysis and reporting.
Alix is proudly autistic and has a passion for inclusion and equity. She specialises in supporting inclusive and accessible practice throughout The Social Deck's services, including in the design of engagement activities and materials and the evaluation and development of internal practices, policies and resources. She actively supports the advancement of our positive social impact, by building our capacity, internally and with our partners, to effectively identify needs, reach diverse, under-represented communities where they are, and promote community ownership of solutions and actions.
Alix brings a wealth of diverse experience to her role. She is a seasoned facilitator and presenter, with almost 20 years' experience delivering and coordinating community education and engagement. Most recently she has facilitated webinars, online workshops and interviews, and face-to-face forums. She has also developed exceptional analytical skills, which she uses to identify themes and insights in complex consultation and research data, and to translate this into reporting clear and practical outcomes and recommendations. Other skills that Alix regularly applies in her work include social media management and video editing.
Eadie is an experienced communication and engagement professional with expertise in community engagement, community development and project management.
She holds a Master of Communication for Social Change and a Bachelor in International Studies. Eadie is committed to ensuring public participation makes a difference in the planning, implementation and evaluation of development processes. She is an experienced facilitator and engagement practitioner.
Eadie has previously worked in community development roles in local government and with culturally and linguistically diverse communities as Communications and Policy Officer at the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ). Eadie draws on this experience to provide communication and engagement expertise across a range of areas and projects at The Social Deck.
Sam is a skilled practitioner in community engagement, visual communication and social marketing. He holds a Bachelor of Communication with First Class Honours in Social Marketing and is a published researcher on stakeholder engagement in this field.
In his role as Senior Engagement and Design Consultant, Sam has successfully guided numerous community engagement projects at national, state and local levels. His expertise encompasses the design of engagement strategies and materials, leading discussions with community members and stakeholders, as well as data analysis and reporting. Sam is dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible engagement environments, prioritising the community's need to feel valued and heard.
Sam has designed and delivered multiple social marketing programs with The Social Deck and Griffith University. These initiatives have targeted a range of behaviours, including food waste reduction, promotion of sustainable transport, responsible pet ownership, mosquito control, and smoking cessation.
Bringing over 14 years of experience in creative production, Sam's portfolio includes graphic design, video production, photography, and web design. Before he joined The Social Deck, he managed his own business, developing creative content for community events, and commercial and artistic clients.
With more than 30 years of international experience in visual communication, Taty's focus is on creating inclusive designs that adhere to accessibility standards.
As a Fulbright Scholar, Taty holds a Master of Fine Arts in Design from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (Boston, USA), and a Certificate IV in Business Social Media from Australia.
Taty specialises in projects that demand the clear communication of complex government policy and strategy information through visual design. Her expertise as a graphic designer encompasses print, digital, web, and social media, particularly in the area of visual branding. Taty speaks Spanish and English.
Lucy is an experienced practitioner in community relations, engagement and in applying community-based behaviour change programs. She has a Bachelor of Communication in Journalism/ Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government.
Lucy also has a background in project management, strategic communications and outreach, communication and engagement, social media management, online content development, client relations and campaign development.
Lucy has worked within local government in community education and engagement, and for the Commonwealth Government in First Nation’s communication and engagement.
At The Social Deck, Lucy draws on her experience to work across a range of projects. This includes project managing community-based social marketing and behaviour change programs across a range of initiatives such as waste reduction, responsible pet ownership in high conservation value areas, mosquito control and smoking reduction.
Jane has been a non-for-profit and disability leader for over 8 years, and is now a Disability Policy and engagement consultant with The Social Deck and other for-purpose and NFP organisations. She has held Senior Policy Officer at People with Disabilities Australia (PWDA), Policy and Advocacy Team Leader at Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) and Non-Executive Director at Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), serving as Chair, Nominations and Performance Committee.
Throughout her policy work, Jane has contributed to the NDIS Review, Disability Royal Commission, Aged Care Royal Commission, Senate inquiries, federal and state consultations on a broad range of issues, including the NDIS, National Disability Strategy, state Disability Plans, transport, education, employment, banking, housing, community access, civic participation, and emergency response/planning.
Jane is passionate about changing the trajectory for upholding rights for people with disability. She blends professional expertise, with direct lived experience of deafblindness.
Jane is also a current Non-Executive Director (NED) for Holy Cross Services and Social Futures.
Georgia is a research and behavioural insights specialist with a passion for quantitative data analysis and applying behavioural science to complex challenges.
She has experience in evaluation, quantitative research (survey design and analysis, statistics), qualitative research (focus groups and interviews), and behavioural research and intervention design. She applies a behavioural lens to every project she undertakes, bringing a deep understanding of human behaviour to inform decision-making and policy.
Georgia has a talent for data storytelling – taking varied qual and quant data and drawing out the insights that matter. She has worked with public, private, and not-for-profit sector clients, using the latest behavioural research and robust methods to deliver strategic insights and create practical, impactful solutions.
She has a Master's in Human Decision Science from Maastricht University, where she focused on designing and evaluating behavioural interventions.
Alice is a highly experienced social researcher, communicator, and applied behavioural science specialist with over 13 years of experience. She holds a Master of Social Research and has dedicated her career to putting an understanding of people at the centre of policies and initiatives designed to serve them.
With expertise across in-house and agency settings, Alice has led research projects spanning campaign development and evaluation, communications strategies, policy evaluation, brand strategy, digital experience design, and behaviour change. She has worked on large-scale longitudinal studies and targeted projects addressing complex social challenges for government departments, not-for-profits, and commercial organisations.
Alice is skilled in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and takers a hands-on approach to design, execution, delivery and socialisation of research projects.
Lilly is an Engagement Consultant at The Social Deck with experience in community engagement and facilitation.
Lilly has experience in data collection, theming and report writing and is practiced in coordinating project logistics including for engagement and consultation projects.
She has a Bachelor of Science in International Environment and Development studies, from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
Lilly is adept at working in partnership with people from diverse backgrounds in personal, professional, and sensitive manners.
Lilly is proficient in Norwegian, enhancing her cross-cultural communication skills.
Jamie is an experienced communication and community engagement officer with a Bachelor of Public Relations and 8 years working across federal and state governments.
In addition to her strong strategic communication skills, Jamie is experienced in community event management and community outreach with diverse communities. Her work experience has seen Jamie successfully create and foster relationships with multicultural communities and organisations to build trust and support community safety.
Jamie is passionate about working with clients on projects that make a positive impact in the community, with particular interest in community safety, women’s health and wellbeing and supporting young people.
Ollie supports communication projects and specialises in digital content creation.
Ollie has a Bachelor of Communication and Media, with a major in sports media and a minor in tourism management.
He has experience working in communication and media, specifically with creating and implementing multi-platform digital and social media content. Ollie is also proficient with marketing strategy development, and stakeholder and community engagement.
Jaina McIntyre is a Project and Engagement Officer for TheSocial Deck who specialises in First Nations consultation.
During 2023, Jaina worked on the National Housing andHomelessness Plan, supporting the consultation and engagement process withFirst Nations people across Australia. Jaina also has a background indisability and aged care support. This has given her an inside view of the manychallenges people with disability and our ageing population face and drives herenthusiasm to make information as accessible as possible.
Jaina is a Wodi Wodi woman of the Dharawal nation, livingand working in the Moreton Bay region. She brings cultural sensitivity to herwork for The Social Deck and is passionate about understanding andcommunicating First Nations stories in a way that inspires connection.
Isabelle (Izzy) Nelson is the Administration and Engagement Coordinator at The Social Deck. She is responsible for providing administrative, logistical and engagement support across consultation, training and project activities. Izzy coordinates project logistics, supports stakeholder and participant communication and assists with the delivery of inclusive and accessible engagement activities.
She is adept at working with people from diverse backgrounds in professional and sensitive contexts, drawing on her strong communication skills and customer service experience. Izzy brings a high level of organisation, reliability and attention to detail to her role, supporting project teams to deliver well-coordinated and accessible outcomes.