RGC-podcasting-cover

RGC Has Your Podcasting Needs Covered

by Blog

RGC has established a podcast studio perfectly setup for recording solo hosts located in our office in Toowong, Brisbane. If you’re looking for a facility to produce a high quality podcasts or piece-to-camera video then get in touch with us to hire our studio facilities.

Our studio is equipped with Rode microphones, Logitech camera, large monitor and adjustable LED lighting, and features acoustic optimisation and an impressive backdrop to set the scene.

We use Riverside.fm, a powerful cloud-based recording suite to record your audio or video podcast. Riverside is perfect for remote video and audio recording, it features studio-quality audio and video tracks for each participant and enables guests to join from the comfort of their own home or office.

As Riverside is a browser-based platform, guests are not required to download or install third party software to join the recording on a computer. Guests may join your session with one click on a link, and all recordings are uploaded to and stored in the cloud.

To ensure your podcast recording is seamless, studio manager Luke Greensill is on hand as your dedicated producer throughout the recording session. He will provide guidance and manage the recording so you can focus on what you do best. We also offer editing of your recording to ensure your message is delivered as professionally and efficiently as possible.

Also Read:
Ten ways podcasts add value to your brand marketing mix
Rapid Podcasting Growth in Australia

Podcasting is a powerful tool for corporate storytelling, offering a unique platform to engage audiences in a more personal and authentic way. Podcasts can help humanise a brand, provide in-depth content on a topic, position a company or executive as a thought leader and share interesting customer stories.

Want podcasting to form an integral part of your storytelling mix and content calendar? Let’s talk!

Podcasting Growth

Rapid Podcasting Growth in Australia

by Blog

Podcast listenership has seen significant growth, with more people turning to podcasts for news, entertainment, and education. This rise aligns with the increased availability of diverse podcast content and improvements in accessibility, largely driven by platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

The annual Infinite Dial Australia report, conducted by Edison Research in conjunction with industry body Commercial Radio & Audio, found online ­listening for adults aged 25–54 nearly doubled since 2021, climbing from 15 percent to 31 percent over the past three years.

Younger Australians are embracing listening to the radio on their smartphones.

As of 2023, approximately 37% of Australians aged 12 and over listened to podcasts, up from 25% in 2019, according to Edison Research’s Infinite Dial Australia report. Youth Growth: The strongest growth is seen among younger Australians, with nearly 50% of 18-34-year-olds tuning into podcasts regularly.

Podcasting, and video casting, are proving to be a popular vehicle for businesses and organisations in their storytelling and as a pillar in content marketing. Content marketing is a strategic approach to creating, distributing, and promoting valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and engage a target audience. The primary goal of content marketing is to drive profitable customer action, such as generating leads, increasing brand awareness, building customer loyalty, or ultimately, driving sales.

Podcasting can be a powerful tool for corporate storytelling, offering a unique platform to engage audiences in a more personal and authentic way. Podcasts can help humanise a brand, provide in-depth content on a topic, position a company or executive as a thought leader and share interesting customer stories.

Podcasts are a popular way to gain knowledge on specific topics, from history and science to technology and self-improvement. Educational podcasts often present complex information in a digestible format.

Some listeners turn to podcasts for self-help, motivational talks, or to learn skills related to career, health, or mindfulness. They can be a source of inspiration for personal growth.

Industry Growth & Most Listened

The podcast advertising market in Australia is projected to generate around $130 million in ad revenue by 2024, reflecting a rapid increase, per PwC Australia’s Entertainment and Media Outlook.

Popular genres in Australia include news and current affairs, comedy, true crime, and business/finance. Notably, true crime has seen particular success, with shows like The Teacher’s Pet drawing large audiences.

As of October 2024, some of the most popular podcasts in Australia include a mix of genres, with true crime, society & culture, and comedy dominating the charts.

  1. “Unravel True Crime” and “Casefile True Crime” continue to be highly popular for their gripping stories.
  2. “Mamamia Out Loud” and “Conversations” explore a range of social and cultural issues and are popular for their engaging discussions.
  3. “The Rest Is History” appeals to those interested in historical deep dives, while the comedy duo “Hamish & Andy” stays a hit for light-hearted fun.
  4. “The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett” offers insights into business and personal growth, and “The Imperfects” focuses on mental health and self-improvement​.

In summary, podcasting is an effective medium for creating engaging, authentic, and long-lasting corporate storytelling that resonates with both external audiences and internal stakeholders.

Sources: au.radio.net and Australian Podcasts

socila-media

Follow The Money – Social Media Platform Trends in 2024

by Blog

They say ‘follow the money’ and that certainly applies to understanding the strength of various social media platforms regarding where advertisers spend their money. 

Social media spend investment last year overtook Search for the first time to become the largest channel worldwide by advertising investment according to information and data analytics company, WARC.

Meta Ads is enjoying a bumper year according to smk and WARC, with advertising money flowing across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. 

According to WARC both Facebook and Instagram grew by more than 20% year on year in Q1 2024. It estimates that Meta now holds 63% market share of global social spend. 

“Much of social media’s success has been driven by Meta’s remarkable renaissance. However, social’s stronghold on budgets can also be seen in TikTok’s rise, and a return to double-digit ad revenue growth at Snapchat and Pinterest.” Alex Brownsell, WARC Media, May 2024

Some other key takeaways:

  • Despite geopolitical concerns, marketers are forecast to spend US$23.1 billion on TikTok this year
  • Pinterest is forecast to grow 17.3% year-on-year in ad revenue
  • Snapchat is forecast to grow 13.7%
  • Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) will see ad revenue decline by 6.4% globally. 

With social media investment firmly establishing itself as the number one channel across the world, marketers need to understand some of the leading trends to optimise their spend.

The AI Trend:

Companies that prioritise AI for customer service can expect 25% higher revenue compared to those that focus only on AI for productivity, according to a recent study by Accenture (via Hootsuite). 

The Platform Trend:

With a potential TikTok ban looming over the U.S., eMarketer predicts a possible decline as focus shifts to other platforms particularly if you have a strong focus on TikTok consumers. Be adaptable with your spend and be ready to go on other platforms like Instagram.

The ROI Trend:

Hootsuite delved into what consumers really want from brands on social. They found their three favourite types of content: something new, something funny, and something inspiring. Are these in your content mix? 

With a finding of consumers’ patience for brands on social media being on thin ice, you need to become celebrated – not tolerated with your social media marketing. 

tim runs the world

John Godwin Helping Tim Run The World

by Client News

John Godwin is using his passion to help young people make a difference by giving those who need a hand up the confidence and self-belief that they are in charge of their lives and can be inspired to live a brighter future and in turn inspire others to do the same.

Godwin founded Fair Go Australia Foundation in 2009 and continues to drive the newly named ‘Inspiring Brighter Futures’ Foundation as CEO.

Onwards & Upwards is the flagship self-development program from the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation created to support young people and adults in need. A similar program being run in Queensland called Onwards & Upwards to a Job is helping long-term unemployed get into the workforce.

Former lawyer, 40-year-old Tim Franklin has been a key figure in helping Godwin and his team create the programs. Franklin’s own life journey in turning his life around and achieving an active and healthy lifestyle has seen him embark on an incredible feat – to run the world to Inspire Brighter Futures.

The 26,232-kilometre journey around the world from Brisbane back to Brisbane commenced in December 2022 and will soon reach its conclusion as Franklin is now back running in Australia. After reaching 500 days of running this week, he will arrive in Adelaide, before running into Melbourne and Sydney ahead of an anticipated arrival home in Brisbane in late June.

Franklin’s journey to date has covered 19 countries, across four continents as he averages around 50 kilometres per day, surviving four floods, one tornado, and three times being hit by a car.

Godwin first met Franklin as his teacher in Year 7 and cross-country coach from Year 5, at Villanova College in Brisbane where in addition to being a classroom teacher, Godwin was Franklin’s cross country and 800-metre coach in athletics.

The two have long remained in contact, with Franklin becoming an Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation facilitator and ambassador and being integral in the development of the programs.

Godwin and Rob Siganto, who, along with his wife Jenny and the Siganto family have been long-term supporters of IBFF, have joined Franklin in providing support on his South Australian leg, assisting with driving, feeding, washing, encouraging, and providing general support.

Former teacher and company executive Godwin, who has run 13 half-marathons and one full marathon himself is also doing some running of his own to keep Franklin company, covering up to 10 kilometres a day for two weeks.

“Tim said that he would complete the challenge, and he is doing it – to inspire brighter futures for as many people who will listen,” Godwin said.

“Tim’s tenacity to overcome his physical challenges is inspiring and using his gift of courage, determination, and willpower to achieve what many would consider to be an impossible feat.”

Tim Franklin as an Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation ambassador is raising greatly valued funds for the Foundation to deliver its highly successful programs throughout Australia – in regional, remote, and metropolitan areas to young people who are disengaged, and at risk of dropping out of school and the community.

“Tim and I also want to share the story with corporate Australia so that they can take the lead and support at-risk young people who need a hand up and be taught how to fish and create a brighter and sustainable future for themselves,” Godwin said.

Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation (previously known as Fair Go Australia Foundation) is a non-profit organisation offering wellbeing mentoring programs to disadvantaged people. The foundation was established in 2009 by a group of educators and business people determined to help those in the community who need it most.

For more information:

Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation: inspiringbrighterfutures.com

Tim Runs The World: timrunstheworld.com

travel grant

Take Your Business Places With One Of Five Corporate Travel Grants

by Client News

With corporate travel continuing to rebound, SMEs are valuing more than ever the benefits gained through visiting customers, partners and teams in person.

SMEs preferring the benefits of face-to-face interaction are now able to apply for a Corporate Travel Grant with Flight Centre Business Travel. There are over $40,000 in travel grant prizes available to successful grant applicants.

Flight Centre Business Travel’s Global Leader Cameron Harris said that many of their customers are looking to increase their travel in 2024 to maximise growth opportunities.

“Having once been a small business ourselves, we understand the unique challenges that SMEs face and know just how beneficial grants of this size can be,” Mr Harris said.

“This year, we’ll once again be awarding one business a Corporate Travel Grant, valued at over $30,000 to help support their growth and success, whilst four runners-up will share in $10,000 worth of travel credit.

“We receive so much positive feedback from SMEs applying for these grants and are delighted to provide these opportunities.”

Last year, social change and anti-bullying advocate Project Rockit was named the  major Corporate Travel Grant winner for 2023.

Project Rockit co-founder and CEO Lucy Thomas said winning Flight Centre Business Travel’s Corporate Travel Grant meant the world to their team by enabling them to expand their reach in person across the country.

“We’ve been able to reach schools all over Australia who otherwise would have completely missed out on joining the Project Rockit workshops at their schools,” Thomas said.

“Our core business hinges on sending passionate, highly trained young people out into schools all over the country to mobilise students against all forms of bullying and lead inclusive school communities.

“Winning the grant has not only enabled us to reach more schools, but also given our team a huge vote of confidence and galvanised morale knowing that we have such strong advocates in Flight Centre Business Travel.”

 

Project Rockit’s Lucy Thomas pitches to the 2023 Corporate Travel Grant judging panel, Candice Marsh, regional general manager, Flight Centre Business Travel, Clinton Hearne, global head of marketing, Flight Centre and Henry Coles, head of alliances, Virgin Australia.

One of the 2023 Corporate Travel Grant runners up, Emily Bobis from Compass IoT, has found great value in partnering with Flight Centre Business Travel as a result of the grant application.

“Having a reliable travel management company has saved us countless hours trying to coordinate trips and multi-person bookings. It’s removed the internal booking burden so that we have more time to focus on the things that move the needle for our customers,” Emily said.

To apply and be in the running to take their business places with a $30,000 Corporate Travel Grant, SMEs need to answer three questions online and ensure they’re signed up to Virgin Australia’s Business Flyer program.

Flight Centre Business Travel will then fly 2 representatives from the selected top five applicants to its Global Head Office in Brisbane, to present their pitch in person to the selection panel.

Four runners up will win a share of $10,000 in Virgin Australia travel credit and two Velocity Gold memberships each.

Flight Centre Business Travel Grant

  • To enter, simply complete the online application form by answering the following three questions, and sign up to Virgin Australian Business Flyer:

Q1. Your business story – tell us who you are, what you do and what makes your company great!

Q2. Business travel impact – how does corporate travel fit into your overall strategy and shape the bigger picture of your business?

Q3. Travel grant triumph – imagine the corporate travel grant in hand, what exciting doors do you see opening for your business, and how do you plan to make the most of this opportunity?

  • First prize worth $30,000 includes $20,000 travel credit with Virgin Australia; two Platinum Velocity memberships; $5,000 IHG Hotels & Resorts  accommodation credit; and $3,000 Hertz car hire credit.
  • Four runners up will win a share of $10,000 in Virgin Australia travel credit and two Velocity Gold memberships each
  • Entries close 5pm AEST, Monday 18 March 2024.

For full details, terms and conditions please visit:  https://www.flightcentre.com.au/business/corporate-travel-grant-2024

DD-8897_FCBT Travel Grant_Web Assets_PR banner_720x400

SMEs Can Now Apply For Business Travel Grant

by Client News

SMEs looking to grow their business in 2023 are now able to apply for a travel grant with Flight Centre Business Travel which could transform their operations through increased travel and face-to-face contact with customers and business partners.

Flight Centre Business Travel’s Corporate Travel Grant is back from a hiatus following COVID-19 with over $40,000 in travel prizes available to successful grant applicants.

Flight Centre Business Travel’s Global Leader Cameron Harris said with the world opening up many businesses are looking to increase their business travel to take advantage of opportunities.

“We know that face-to-face travel is extremely beneficial for our customers and SMEs across the board,” Mr Harris said.

“We understand the unique challenges that SMEs and start-ups face and know just how beneficial grants of this size can be.

“This year, we’ll be awarding one business a Corporate Travel Grant, valued at over $30,000 to help support their growth and success, whilst four runners-up will share in $10,000 worth of travel credit.”

Mr Harris said SME owners usually depend on human connections, so it’s unsurprising that Flight Centre Business Travel’s customers find in-person meetings to be more influential in building stronger relationships and getting a stronger sense of a client’s needs first hand.

The value of meeting face-to-face for business extends to the ability to have more productive and engaging internal company meetings and building stronger network and partnership connections.

‘Zoom fatigue’ is driving the trend back to more face-to-face meetings, where personal interaction can be less pressured and building rapport possible with more beneficial results for all parties.

“Online videos and phone calls have a place and are effective to a certain degree, but we’re seeing a strong willingness for businesses to get back to meeting in person,” Mr Harris said.

“We know that providing these grants and assisting with travel management can be particularly worthwhile to entrepreneurs who are already juggling a host of responsibilities and SME leaders and decision makers who are looking for cost efficiency.”

A previous Corporate Travel Grant winner, Almo Milk, said winning the grant was absolutely transformational for their business. It helped them grow brand awareness by exhibiting across Australia and Asia, resulting in a 200% increase in online sales.

To apply for the grant, SMEs need to simply submit a one to two-minute video outlining what travel means to their business, and how winning the $30,000 Corporate Travel Grant will help them.

Flight Centre Business Travel will then select the top five entries and fly two representatives from each business to its Global Head Office in Brisbane, to present their pitch in more detail to the selection panel.

Four runners up will win a share of $10,000 in Virgin Australia travel credit and two Velocity Gold memberships each.

Flight Centre Business Travel Grant

·         To enter, simply create a one to two-minute video pitch responding to these two questions:

Q1. What does travel mean to your business?

Q2. What will this travel grant allow you to do?

·         First prize worth $30,000 includes $20,000 travel credit with Virgin Australia; two Platinum Velocity memberships; $5,000 IHG Hotels & Resorts  accommodation credit; $2,500 Hertz travel credit; $1,000 Flight Centre Business Travel voucher and a $500 luggage voucher.

·         Four runners up will win a share of $10,000 in Virgin Australia travel credit and two Velocity Gold memberships each

·         Entries close 5pm AEST, Friday 31 March 2023.

For full details, terms and conditions and to upload your video pitch please visit: https://www.flightcentrebusinesstravel.com.au/corporate-travel-grant-2023 

 

About Flight Centre BusinessTravel

Part of Flight Centre Travel Group (ASX:FLT), Flight Centre Business Travel is Flight Centre’s corporate travel specialist for the Australian SME market. Created to meet the needs of SMEs who value a people-led, hyper-personal Travel Management Company driven by our number one promise being the value our Travel Managers can bring to you and your business.

BADC awards

BADC Awards: ‘Slow Down Songs’ Wins Best of Show for Brother & Co

by Client News

Brother & Co has taken out Best of Show at the 2021 Brisbane Advertising and Design Club Awards for their ‘Slow Down Songs’ campaign for client Australian Road Safety Foundation, their one entry in the show in the Creative Innovation category.

Chairman of judges Mark Harricks said, “It’s a global idea and a world class piece of work – an idea that originated here in Queensland but could be translated across Australia or the rest of the world.

“When the jury saw the entry there were comments all-round – ‘I wish I had done that’. It’s the sort of work that we should be heroing so that more people hear about it.”

Brother & Co’s Andrew Thompson and Piet Human said of the entry: “The Australian Road Safety Foundation briefed us to develop a campaign to remind people to slow down to 40 around School Zones as kids returned to the classroom in 2021.

“Over 100,000 Slow Down Songs were served during ‘Back to School Week’ across Queensland. The Australian Road Safety Foundation has now gained approval for a national roll-out in 2022.”

View the Best of Show here.

Once again, video advertising delivery specialists Peach sponsored the BADC Awards which were held on Saturday night at The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane.

Peach’s Lauren Yelavich said: “This is our third year sponsoring the BADC, we are so excited to see what the team has planned for the coming months now we are back from the wilderness.

“For so many, the last couple of years has certainly had its challenges but it’s also been an opportunity for growth and transformation, which is evident by the brave and bold work that was showcased on Saturday night.”

With over 550 people in attendance, the awards night, hosted by Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson, was the first Awards Night held since 2019 with two years of work covered, due to COVID. Over one thousand entries were received, with a total of 221 medals awarded on the night in a carefully planned 2.5-hour ceremony.

VMLY&R led with the largest overall number of medals and finalists, awarded a total of one gold, two silver, eleven bronze and another eleven finalists. ROMEO Digital took home the most medals with eight silver and ten bronze. Romeo’s work for Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries ‘More than a Prawn’ took home three bronze, three silver and a gold medal.

The night also belonged to a number of smaller independent agencies with Type + Pixel taking home nine medals, and Rumble, Brainheart, Flip, DSR Branding and Theola also taking home record medal hauls.

Client of the Year was awarded to Signet Packaging. Chairman of judges Mark Harricks said, “Signet put in a lot of work and it is clear that they are a client that is clearly brave. But it wasn’t the volume of the work but the consistency, creativity and variety that stood out.

“They’re a client that produced work that just made us laugh and we felt like after the last two years they just wanted to produce work that made people smile.”

BADC awards
Brother & Co’s Andrew Thompson and Piet Human and team celebrating Best in Show for ‘Slow Down Songs’

 

The Signet Packaging team receiving the Client of the Year Award at BADC’s 2021 Awards night

Hall of Fame Induction

Inducted into the BADC Hall of Fame with the greatest respect and love, was Joan Sankey who passed away in 2020.

In announcing Joan’s induction into the Hall of Fame, BADC President Stuart Myerscough said: “The Hall of Fame presents an opportunity to immortalise someone whose contribution to our industry warrants being called a Legend. Someone that the industry looks up to. Someone who has influenced, mentored, encouraged, and contributed to making the work, the people, and our industries in Brisbane, better for having been here. This award is not given lightly and is only awarded when it is merited.

“This year’s inductee is certainly all of that. Joan loved the industry from her early days in agency and then through various production companies. She was an instrumental part of the success and growth of two of Brisbane’s largest production companies. But that isn’t the success we honoured on Saturday night.

“Here are some of the lovely words said about Joan:

  • She had an infectious laugh and was always such a positive wonderful part of our work lives
  • She was instrumental in helping to build a strong film community in Brisbane
  • Always had a smile on her face and ready to have a laugh
  • She was so giving of her time and had the patience of a saint
  • Always willing to help young producers understand and grow
  • She was always at the other end of the phone, to just about every crew member in Brisbane, to offer her knowledge and advice whenever they asked. And boy did they ask!
  • Her larger-than-life personality and the energy that she brought to her work every day was contagious
  • I want to nominate this person to show our industry the type of person she was and remind others of the fact there is always someone in the background working as hard, if not harder than you
  • She trained me in my first week of the industry, and 30 years later I was still calling her for her advice and help
  • She showed me that there is an unsung hero in the background who works hard, does not ask for credit and just does it.

“Joan Sankey passed away late last year doing what she loved, and this industry is so much better for her having been here.”

All the finalist and medal work can be viewed online here.

facebook defamation

Facebook Admins In Line Of Fire Over Defamation Proceedings 

by Blog

Many Facebook users and page administrators are hoping a review of Australia’s defamation laws will bring the country in line with other jurisdictions following a dramatic High Court ruling last month.

Even big publishers are reeling following the decision by the High Court of Australia to grant former youth detainee Dylan Voller the right to sue major media outlets including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian and Sky News. 

Voller launched defamation claims against the publishers following what were claimed to be defamatory comments being posted on the Facebook pages of these publishers. Voller was a central figure in the ABC Four Corners program of 2016 on the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre in Darwin, with images of him being restrained in a chair helping to prompt a royal commission into his alleged mistreatment. 

The court said in a statement following its decision to uphold a NSW Court of Appeal ruling in favour of Voller in 2020:

“…the liability of a person as a publisher depends upon whether that person, by facilitating and encouraging the relevant communication, ‘participated’ in the communication of the defamatory matter to a third person.

“The majority rejected the appellants’ argument that for a person to be a publisher they must know of the relevant defamatory matter and intend to convey it.

“Each appellant, by the creation of a public Facebook page and the posting of content on that page, facilitated, encouraged and thereby assisted the publication of comments from third-party Facebook users.”

Also read: Using ‘Branded Data’ To Grow Your Media Profile And Feed Your Content Machine

The decision means that a person running a Facebook page could be liable for defamatory comments made by others on the page. This doesn’t just include large media businesses but all page owners including community Facebook page owners. Media companies had argued that they weren’t responsible for comments posted by the public. 

The ruling puts those on notice that want a presence on social media that they’re also responsible for moderating it.

It hasn’t been decided yet whether Voller has been defamed, but the ruling puts those on notice that want a presence on social media that they’re also responsible for moderating it. 

Potential plaintiffs will now be able to pursue the owner of the Facebook account – the publisher – as well as, or instead of, the user making the comments.

The ABC in its reporting of the decision spoke to Chris Berkeley, the Facebook page administrator of the NSW country town of Canowindra’s What’s On Page, who wondered in light of the court decision whether it was all worth the effort and risk if some defamatory comments snuck through on his page. It’s a question many are now asking. 

Many admins including those for a number of our MPs are now deleting the comments section to avoid the risk of liability. US media giant CNN has made the decision to prevent Australians from accessing its Facebook page as a result and has decided that an Australian presence is just not worth the risk. 

facebook defamation
Australian visitors to CNN’s Facebook page are greeted with this message denying entry

Government And Legal Response

Meanwhile, Australian defamation law reform is hoped to bring our defamation laws into the modern era, hopefully providing a balance between protecting reputations and enabling free speech. 

A review into whether existing rules are appropriate for the internet age, and whether the rules fairly take into account whether or not a person has been harmed has been widely welcomed. 

Australia’s politicians are also promising action with prime minister Scott Morrison promising to force tech companies to take more responsibility for content posted on their sites.

Mr Morrison said to his colleagues this week at a Coalition joint party room meeting, “The global tech giants know we will set the pace and lead the world in ensuring what happens in the digital world has the same responsibilities and same accountabilities that apply in the real world.

“We are going to do more because we are seeing lives destroyed.

“We are seeing people fall apart.

“We are seeing cowards triumph at the expense of good.”

The mural was created and installed by Tori-Jay Mordey, and Warraba Weatheral.

Soda Factory Unveils Mural Created by Local Aboriginal Artists

by Client News

West End’s reborn Soda Factory development has unveiled a stunning wall mural in the refurbished shopping centre created by two local Aboriginal artists, which connects the area’s significance for Aboriginal people with the more recent history of the site as the Tristram’s Soda Factory.

The mural was created and installed by Tori-Jay Mordey, an established Torres Strait Islander illustrator and artist based in Brisbane, and Warraba Weatheral, an installation and street artist from the Kamilaroi Nation of South-West Queensland.

The Soda Factory is nearing completion of a multi-million-dollar refurbishment which is paying homage to the building’s original use as a soda making and bottling facility for iconic Queensland soft drink brand Tristram’s.

A refurbished Coles neighbourhood centre is operating, and on completion The Soda Factory will include 22 specialty stores and 220 car park spaces. New travelators providing convenient access are now also operating.

The property’s developer SCA Property Group commissioned Blaklash Creative, a local 100 percent Aboriginal-owned creative agency specialising in Aboriginal art and design to curate the bespoke mural using local artists.

“We wanted to create a unique destination for shoppers and diners in West End and celebrate the rich connections that Aboriginal people have with the area which is reflected in this beautiful mural from two very talented artists,” SCA Senior Development Manager Aleisha O’Connor said.

Blaklash’s Co-Director Troy Casey, himself a proud Aboriginal man from Kamilaroi Country said they looked carefully at stories that could connect pre-contact and contemporary West End culture.

“West End is a historically significant place for Aboriginal people and continues to maintain a strong community feel,” Mr Casey said.

“Drawing from this narrative the artists made connections with the history of the area through native plant species which were used as food and medicine.

“This narrative is intertwined with the more recent history connected to the Tristram’s Soda Factory including the use of the bottlebrush flower which was used as a sweetener for flavouring drinks.

“These elements have been beautifully included in this colourful mural which helps describe the history and characteristics of the area.”

The official opening of The Soda Factory will be held in November 2021.

soda factory

The Soda Factory is undergoing a complete revitalisation of the building, including major upgrades to the mall scape and outdoor dining spaces celebrating its industrial heritage through materials and detailing to create a relaxed, timeless palette with an urban edge.

The refurbishment will include a new internal mall area, new travelators and lift, upgraded amenities, activated street frontage and redeveloped car park. The building’s heritage elements are being retained with a particular focus on restoring and rejuvenating the building’s main façade.

Designed by prominent Brisbane architectural firm Atkinson, Powell and Conrad, and built by well-known builder Walter Taylor the unusual Spanish Mission styled factory building was constructed in 1930 for soft drink manufacturer Tristram’s. The building remained in use by Tristrams until 1979 before it was sold and converted into markets.

Artist Bios

Tori-Jay Mordey

Tori-Jay Mordey is an established Indigenous Australian illustrator and artist based in Brisbane. Growing up she openly shared both her Torres Strait Islander and English heritage, which is often reflected in her contemporary Indigenous art practice – producing work based around her family and siblings as a way of understanding herself, her appearance and racial identity.

Warraba Weatherall

Warraba Weatherall is an installation and street artist from the Kamilaroi Nation of South-West Queensland. Weatherall’s practice critiques the legacies of colonisation; where social, economic and political realities perpetually validate Eurocentric ideologies. Drawing on his personal experience and cultural knowledge, he uses image, material and metaphor to contribute to a cross-cultural dialogue by offering alternate ways of seeing and understanding.

Photographs by RGC’s Luke Greensill 

BADC awards

The 2021 BADC Awards are Back from the Wilderness

by Client News

The Brisbane Advertising and Design Club is now calling for entries from the Brisbane creative community as it brings back its awards after last year’s hibernation.

For the first time, the BADC Awards will cover two years’ submissions from 2020 and 2021. Entry validity is for all work published or aired from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021.

BADC president Stuart Myerscough said, “We were really keen to ensure that no work got left behind considering how much hard work has gone on. We made the easy decision to make two years of work eligible, which will mean tough competition across all our categories.

“Brisbane’s advertising and creative community is coming together again to showcase and celebrate the best in creative and marketing campaigns from a very high quality field.

“Our theme Welcome Back from the Wilderness will help encourage and inspire the community as excitement builds to our awards night to be held on 6th November, 2021. It will be overdue but welcome having the Brisbane creative industry together again under one roof.”

The main award category will once again be the Best of Show which was last won by Publicis Australia for their Great Barrier Reef campaign, scUber, for client Tourism and Events Queensland.

Key dates:
Entries Close: Monday 2nd August
Late Entries: Friday 6th August (30% late fee)
Awards Night: Saturday 6th November

Myerscough said BADC was thrilled to welcome back video ad delivery gurus Peach as platinum sponsor and presenting partner of the awards.

Peach is reinventing the way video ads get from edit to ad platform, broadcaster, social and more. Their technology unifies digital and linear advertising ensuring quality, ease of collaboration and distribution at speed: eliminating complexity, delays and costly mistakes.

Peach’s Business Development Manager APC Lauren Yelavich said: “Our relationship with BADC has been fundamental to our success in the Brisbane market over the past few years. We are excited to come out of the wilderness with you all and are committed to supporting the creative genius of Brisbane over the coming year. We look forward to what BADC has planned.”

Creative recruitment company DMCG Global joins the ranks of returning Gold sponsors supporting BADC in 2021 – O’Brien’s Accountants, Cutting Edge, The Post Lounge and Platypus Print Packaging. New Bronze sponsors joining include Compadre Picture Company,  and The Sound Pound with Ack Kinmonth Composer also returning.  Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available.

The BADC awards is Brisbane’s only creative advertising and design award. Further information is available from www.badc.com.au