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I’m Barry, I am an award-winning writer and editor and have a 15 year background in journalism, public relations, and communications across complex sectors, including technology, finance, education, and health. I am a proven expert in developing press releases, executive memos, crisis messaging and multi-channel content calendars with strict adherence to high editorial standards. I am adept at transforming complex technical concepts into clear, high-impact storytelling under strict deadlines.…I’m Barry, I am an award-winning writer and editor and have a 15 year background in journalism, public relations, and communications across complex sectors, including technology, finance, education, and health. I am a proven expert in developing press releases, executive memos, crisis messaging and multi-channel content calendars with strict adherence to high editorial standards. I am adept at transforming complex technical concepts into clear, high-impact storytelling under strict deadlines.

Barry de Silva

Writer, PR Freelancer, Content Producer, +2

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I’m Barry, I am an award-winning writer and editor and have a 15 year background in journalism, public relations, and communications across complex sectors, including technology, finance, education, and health. I am a proven expert in developing press releases, executive memos, crisis messaging and multi-channel content calendars with strict adherence to high editorial standards. I am adept at transforming complex technical concepts into clear, high-impact storytelling under strict deadlines.…I’m Barry, I am an award-winning writer and editor and have a 15 year background in journalism, public relations, and communications across complex sectors, including technology, finance, education, and health. I am a proven expert in developing press releases, executive memos, crisis messaging and multi-channel content calendars with strict adherence to high editorial standards. I am adept at transforming complex technical concepts into clear, high-impact storytelling under strict deadlines.

Available to hire

I’m Barry, I am an award-winning writer and editor and have a 15 year background in journalism, public relations, and communications across complex sectors, including technology, finance, education, and health.

I am a proven expert in developing press releases, executive memos, crisis messaging and multi-channel content calendars with strict adherence to high editorial standards. I am adept at transforming complex technical concepts into clear, high-impact storytelling under strict deadlines.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Communications and Public Relations roles (Diocese of Lismore) / Content & Comms Lead at Diocese of Lismore (Lismore NSW)

May 1, 2024 - Present

Created and delivered a communications strategy that launched a new website, intranet, annual report, and e-newsletters. Developed refreshed brand guidelines and wrote the diocesan voice. Managed public relations for the Bishop of Lismore. Re-launched the diocesan magazine Catholic Life after five years, leading to national awards from the Australasian Catholic Press Association. Wrote, edited, and coordinated magazine writers, and provided strategic communications advice to diocesan entities across education, health, aged care, and hospitality. Partnered with external agencies on marketing, SEO, and web development services. Collaborated with university and college stakeholders to develop inspiring alumni and public interest narratives shared with media and the general public.

Public Relations Manager / Communications & Media Coordinator (under Navitas umbrella) at Navitas (Lismore NSW)

November 1, 2020 - May 31, 2023

Managed communications and built a public relations network under the Navitas umbrella (including SAE University College). Managed the Careers and Industry division public relations strategy in partnership with the Head of Brand. Helped grow a communications presence across universities and colleges by creating compelling stories and narratives for media and public audiences. Skilled in managing crises and critical issues communications, including during COVID-19 and the 2022 Northern NSW and South East QLD floods. Performed media monitoring and deployed the Isentia platform for alerts and keyword tracking across broadcast, online, print, radio, and social channels. Cultivated media contacts including ABC News, The National Indigenous Times, and The Daily Telegraph, supporting potential advertising cost savings of over $2 million.

Editor & Communications Officer / Public Relations (Diocese of Lismore) & Communications / Public Relations / Strategy at Diocese of Lismore, Lismore NSW (Chancery Office) and Lismore NSW

August 1, 2020 - May 31, 2024

Created and delivered a communications strategy that launched a new website, intranet, annual report, and e-newsletters; developed brand guidelines and wrote the diocesan voice for consistent messaging. Managed public relations for the Bishop of Lismore, relaunched the diocesan magazine Catholic Life after five years, and edited/coordinated writers for publication. Provided communications advice across diocesan entities including education, health, aged care and hospitality. Partnered with external agencies on marketing, SEO and web development services, and built narratives across Navitas university and college stakeholders for media and general audiences. Managed media contacts and achieved over $2 million in potential advertising cost savings; partnered with the Head of Brand to deliver a public relations strategy for Navitas’ Careers and Industry division under the Navitas umbrella. Managed communications during major events including COVID-19 and the 2022 Northern NSW and South

Social Media & Marketing Coordinator at Summerland Bank, Lismore NSW

May 1, 2020 - May 31, 2023

Coordinated social media and marketing activities and contributed to communications outcomes through content creation aligned to organisational needs.

Editor / Content Writer / News Reporter / Content Writer (freelance/roles) at Independent School (UK) / The Times (UK) / Sky News (UK) / Sport.co.uk (UK) / Wisden (UK)

June 1, 2015 - November 30, 2020

Produced written content for news and sports audiences, including reporting and content writing for UK media outlets and freelance assignments.

Communications / Content Coordinator (pre-2020 roles referenced in resume)

June 1, 2015 - November 30, 2020

Coordinated communications for internal and external stakeholders, producing written and visual content for public relations activity, website, social media, and annual reporting; supported audience growth across major social channels.

Editor / Content Writer (News & Media, UK) at The Independent School / The Times / Sky News / Sports.co.uk / Wisden (UK) / Freelance

June 1, 2015 - November 30, 2020

Coordinated crisis communications for internal stakeholders and external members; crafted engaging written and visual content for public relations activities, company website, social media channels, and annual reports. Grew audiences on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn by over 23,000 followers. Worked as an editor and content writer across UK media organisations including The Independent School, The Times, Sky News, Sports.co.uk, and Wisden, with freelance content writing experience.