Damian Kelly
Senior Consultant
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Communications)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
GAICD
Damian's Expertise
- Government and media relations
- Governance and risk advice
- Issues and crisis management
“In the ever changing political, media and social landscape, its imperative organisations tell their story with clarity, purpose, and certainty. It is vital to work with a strategic outcome in mind, that maintains connections to the true mission and values of an organisation while understanding needs and expectations of members, clients, customers, and the broader community.”
Damian has a background in strategic and transformational communications in issues rich environments. He has particular expertise in business, tourism, government utilities and sport.
For more than a decade, Damian served as Head of Public Affairs and Media for the NSW Business Chamber – the largest member-based business organisation in Australia. Supported by his team, his work included active interaction with governments on policy development and outcomes, especially focussed on submissions and inquiries, as well as quadrupling the media coverage and influence of the Chamber on key issues.
Damian led the Media and Public Affairs function throughout Federal and State Election campaigns, championing the needs of business owners, and their employees.
His career commenced in journalism, where we worked in the largest radio newsroom in the country, and he has been appointed as the Media Liaison Manager for the Australian Olympic Team for 5 Olympic Games and has worked as Media and Communications Manager for Parramatta Leagues Club, and later as the Senior Media Advisor to the NSW Minister for Police.
He served as the Manager of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations at Sydney Water – the largest government water utility in Australia. This involved providing public affairs and government relations advice and support for the $2-billion desalination plant which was built and opened during his tenure.
Damian is a former Non-Executive Director on the Board of Aspire Learning Solutions, a NFP organisation in the education sector based in Melbourne. He also served on the Board of the Sydney Bluesox Baseball Club from 2015 to 2018.