Rachel is a strategic thinker who believes that great communication starts with strategy – and strategy starts with understanding people. With over 13 years of experience, she’s worked on some of Australia’s biggest brands and projects, leading national campaigns, crafting sharp messaging, and developing communications strategies that drive real change in our world. Her approach is grounded in behaviour change methodology – because real impact starts with understanding how people think, feel and act. She draws on this to shape strategies that go beyond awareness, creating communications that shift mindsets, influence behaviours, and drive lasting change. With deep experience across government, infrastructure, property, health, tech, retail and the not-for-profit space, she brings insight-led creativity and a genuine commitment to creating a positive impact.

Rachel Abad

Rachel is a strategic thinker who believes that great communication starts with strategy – and strategy starts with understanding people. With over 13 years of experience, she’s worked on some of Australia’s biggest brands and projects, leading national campaigns, crafting sharp messaging, and developing communications strategies that drive real change in our world. Her approach is grounded in behaviour change methodology – because real impact starts with understanding how people think, feel and act. She draws on this to shape strategies that go beyond awareness, creating communications that shift mindsets, influence behaviours, and drive lasting change. With deep experience across government, infrastructure, property, health, tech, retail and the not-for-profit space, she brings insight-led creativity and a genuine commitment to creating a positive impact.

Available to hire

Rachel is a strategic thinker who believes that great communication starts with strategy – and strategy starts with understanding people.
With over 13 years of experience, she’s worked on some of Australia’s biggest brands and projects, leading national campaigns, crafting sharp messaging, and developing communications strategies that drive real change in our world.

Her approach is grounded in behaviour change methodology – because real impact starts with understanding how people think, feel and act. She draws on this to shape strategies that go beyond awareness, creating communications that shift mindsets, influence behaviours, and drive lasting change. With deep experience across government, infrastructure, property, health, tech, retail and the not-for-profit space, she brings insight-led creativity and a genuine commitment to creating a positive impact.

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Experience Level

Work Experience

Project Communications Lead – Passenger Disruption Communications at Metro Trains Melbourne
December 31, 2022 - October 23, 2025
Led comprehensive passenger disruption communications for critical Melbourne transport infrastructure projects, coordinating multi-channel strategies across train announcements, OOH, digital platforms, and community engagement; implemented chat-bots and digital kiosks to deliver immediate, accessible information and reduce passenger frustration; managed stakeholder updates, events, and media relations to support smoother project delivery.
Communications Consultant (Contract) – Metro Tunnel Project & Level Crossing Removals at Metro Trains Melbourne
January 1, 2024 - Present
Contracted to support operational readiness and disruption communications for the Metro Tunnel Project and LXRP; developed a comprehensive project communications strategy; delivered 10+ passenger engagement events; created targeted collateral, signage, digital content, and in-station announcements; collaborated with Rail Projects Victoria and operations teams to minimize disruption while keeping riders informed.
Communications Lead at Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
December 31, 2019 - October 23, 2025
Designed and executed an innovative community engagement and communications program for Inland Rail, addressing environmental, property, and regional disruption concerns; created stakeholder mapping, local storytelling, mobile information hubs, and interactive visuals to help communities understand project benefits; managed media relations and collateral.
Strategic Communications Lead at Ellis Jones
December 31, 2023 - October 23, 2025
Led creative strategy across multiple campaigns including Cabrini's Women’s Mental Health hospital, ASHM partnerships, and vaping perceptions research; developed campaign narratives, content strategies, and media/PR plans; oversaw photography and video production, digital assets, and events; applied behavior-change principles to move audiences from awareness to action.
Group Account Director / Client Lead at Papermill PR Agency
December 31, 2024 - October 23, 2025
Directed PR and partnerships for Lowe Living COMO development and philanthropic initiatives; conducted philanthropy and partnerships audit, crafted strategic roadmaps, and secured coverage in top outlets; led media pitching, events, and client liaison to elevate brand and leadership profiles.
Marketing Communications Consultant at Telstra
December 31, 2018 - October 23, 2025
Supported Telstra's brand evolution across nationwide in-store, digital, and print channels; managed catalog development, translations, and store-level marketing campaigns for 100+ stores; coordinated cross-functional teams and delivered end-to-end campaign execution within brand guidelines.

Education

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Qualifications

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Industry Experience

Government, Healthcare, Transportation & Logistics, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction