John Allin is a communication practitioner with a special interest in the corporate sector, small business, schools, education and the health industry. His programs and services are built on a 25-year career as a journalist and editorial executive at The Age, manager of the Victoria Police media unit and eight years as head of media and public affairs at Deakin University.

He established John Allin & Associates in 2005 with a view to assisting organisations manage perceptions, identify news opportunities and create initiatives to boost profiles. He is well known for school strategies that have promoted health and nutrition, forged relationships with Indonesia, established Olympic Games linkages and formed partnerships with round-the-world sailor Jesse Martin.

John’s experience as an operational journalist, editor and as a media liaison expert in the emergency services arena has enabled him to provide pro-active and reactive strategic advice to minimise reputation damage to organisations when unexpected incidents occur.   John is a graduate of the Williamson Community Leadership Program and a Fellow of Leadership Victoria. He is a Member of the Melbourne Press Club, a Quill Awards judge and a Member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia.

John Allin’s methodology relies on thought leadership, strategic planning, strong and effective media liaison, writing excellence, interaction with journalists and networking within the community, business and Government arenas.  His work may be swift to deal with a specific event - or ongoing to roll out a strategy. This may be particularly attractive to CEOs, overseas companies, senior managers, divisional heads, Vice-Chancellors, Principals and School Boards that wish to build reputation and standing within the community. Key strengths include:

• Strategic media: Identifying good news stories and placing them firmly on the domestic or international media radar so that an organisation’s achievements are recognised in the wider marketplace through radio, TV or print exposure.

• Media & Public Relations: Developing tailored awareness/positive perception programs to be built into the day-to-day operating environment of an organisation – including media training, media releases, press conferences and freelance writing.

• Community linkages: Identifying opportunities and creating strategies to form links with specific organisations, community groups or other stakeholders.

• Crisis and issues management: When a tragedy has occurred - or when an event has placed at stake the reputation of the organisation and its people - and an urgent strategy is needed with a media spokesperson to manage the event. On call 24/7.  Also strategies tailored to address an issue which is known to be on the horizon and may have potential to bring an organisation into disrepute.

• Australian ambassadorship: Representation for international organisations seeking to establish a profile or networks in Australia and New Zealand.