Think HQ appoints head of first nations engagement and communication
Communications agency Think HQ has appointed Professor Shane Hearn to the agency’s leadership team in a newly created role of head, first nations engagement and communication.
The announcement coincides with Reconciliation Week, aiming to support and encourage “greater participation by Indigenous people in the industry, and ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are included in all agency communications and activities”, according to a statement from Think HQ.
In the role, Professor Heard will lead and build Think HQ’s First Nations engagement and communication function, with the aim to provide insights into First Nations audiences, connecting them to the agency’s work “to ensure experiences are centred and the Indigenous audience is included in campaigns”.
Professor Hearn
Regarding his appointment, Professor Hearn said: “I’m delighted to join the Think HQ team that is truly providing the Australian community with a platform for meaningful engagement across so many areas. The agency is doing powerful work in the equity and inclusive communications space and the clear alignment in our shared values will allow us to expand our work to a First Nation’s audience.”
Professor Hearn, a Noongar man, has experience across higher education and health, working in these areas for positive outcomes for First Nations people. His work and insights into Aboriginal culture has helped develop academic programs, campaigns and the way organisations engage with Australia and its people.
As director of CultureLink, Professor Heard developed the NSW Health Aboriginal Strategic Framework for the prevention and management of chronic disease in Aboriginal Communities, as well as designing and leading the Federal Department of Health’s Live Longer campaign as practice leader at Cox Inall Ridgeway.
Think HQ Founder and managing director, Jen Sharpe, added: “His credentials in the space of First Nations engagement are second to none and he has made tangible, positive improvements in people’s lives. He will play a vital, active role in our work, ensuring we’re truly including First Nations people in every campaign we produce. We’re so lucky to have him join us.”
Got a tip?
Calum Jaspan was news editor at Mumbrella, based in Melbourne. He was also the producer and host of the Mumbrellacast. He left Mumbrella in May 2023.
Linkedin