I’m an accomplished communications leader with two decades of executive-level experience. I’m can do, from the small and granular to the big picture. shaping messaging across public and private sectors. I’ve partnered with CEOs and senior leaders to build strategy, drive cross-organisational change, and deliver outcomes that support growth, resilience, and public trust. My work spans government, health, social services, and national security, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, digital communications, and content production. I’m passionate about practical leadership, building capability, and turning complex policy into clear, compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences. Throughout my career I’ve led teams, launched national campaigns, rolled out CRM systems, and produced video, podcasts, and newsletters that boost visibility and impact. I value collaboration, governance, and continuous learning, and I enjoy mentoring teams to solve problems with practical solutions that drive real results for organisations and communities.

Rachel Antoinette Sirr

I’m an accomplished communications leader with two decades of executive-level experience. I’m can do, from the small and granular to the big picture. shaping messaging across public and private sectors. I’ve partnered with CEOs and senior leaders to build strategy, drive cross-organisational change, and deliver outcomes that support growth, resilience, and public trust. My work spans government, health, social services, and national security, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, digital communications, and content production. I’m passionate about practical leadership, building capability, and turning complex policy into clear, compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences. Throughout my career I’ve led teams, launched national campaigns, rolled out CRM systems, and produced video, podcasts, and newsletters that boost visibility and impact. I value collaboration, governance, and continuous learning, and I enjoy mentoring teams to solve problems with practical solutions that drive real results for organisations and communities.

Available to hire

I’m an accomplished communications leader with two decades of executive-level experience. I’m can do, from the small and granular to the big picture. shaping messaging across public and private sectors. I’ve partnered with CEOs and senior leaders to build strategy, drive cross-organisational change, and deliver outcomes that support growth, resilience, and public trust. My work spans government, health, social services, and national security, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, digital communications, and content production. I’m passionate about practical leadership, building capability, and turning complex policy into clear, compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences.

Throughout my career I’ve led teams, launched national campaigns, rolled out CRM systems, and produced video, podcasts, and newsletters that boost visibility and impact. I value collaboration, governance, and continuous learning, and I enjoy mentoring teams to solve problems with practical solutions that drive real results for organisations and communities.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Assistant Director, (A/g Director), Communications – Visitor Economy and Client Programs Division at Austrade
May 1, 2024 - November 1, 2025
Headhunted to lead communications for the Visitor Economy and Client Programs Division. Led a team delivering media, social media, stakeholder engagement, events, newsletters, and video production. Nominated for an Austrade CEO Award. Directed a division-wide CRM rollout and judged the 2024 Australian Export Awards in the international health category.
National Communications Manager at Winston Churchill Trust
March 1, 2022 - May 1, 2024
Led communications for the $170M Trust; spokesperson during a period without a CEO; ran online information sessions for 1,000+ attendees; represented the organisation in national media. Managed public report releases, launched new advertising and research initiatives. Doubled website traffic and proactive media coverage; increased social media engagement; created a podcast channel nominated for a national Australia Podcast award.
Assistant Director, Corporate Communications at Services Australia
February 1, 2022 - Present
Temporary fill-in to lead a small corporate communications team, with oversight of business area accounts advising how the Department could improve handling of people’s applications and experiences of Domestic Violence.
Communications Executive for Inland Rail at Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development / Australian Rail Track Corporation
February 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021
Provided media support to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and other Ministers, issues management, national advertising campaign for Inland Rail, team leadership, media enquiries, signage for 1600km track, media releases, briefings, events and speeches.
Communication Strategist at Department of Health
January 1, 2021 - Present
Direct consultancy to develop strategies and products to communicate major policy changes to Indigenous health programs and medication pricing. Stakeholder feedback was strongly positive; included translation of campaign ideas into actionable communication products.
Senior Public Affairs Officer at Department of Home Affairs
April 1, 2020 - December 1, 2020
Led whole-of-government Covid-19 media handling and issues management; managed public communications for major events, including the departure of Australia’s first Covid-infected maritime vessel; chaired the Illegal Tobacco Media and Communications working group; prepared Risk Management Plans.
Chief Executive Officer at People with Disabilities ACT
August 1, 2018 - April 1, 2020
Led a not-for-profit peak body; represented people with disabilities in Canberra and nationally; led advocacy, communications during the pandemic, and policy campaigns (including a Disability Royal Commission call and Thalidomide advocacy resulting in parliamentary apology and funded programs). Regular media commentary and engagement with government and patrons; recognised with inclusion awards.
Regional Media Advisor and Relationship Manager at Heart Foundation ACT
May 1, 2017 - July 1, 2018
Supported the ACT CEO; managed Canberra media and events, media alerts, releases, newsletters, and launches (including Singapore Airlines, Olympian campaigns, World Nordic Walking Day with the Norwegian Embassy).
Media Manager at Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
May 1, 2017 - Present
Temporary fill-in during peak period; handled media inquiries; supported the CEO and senior executive.
Media Adviser at Australian Public Service Commissioner
December 1, 2016 - May 1, 2017
Headhunted for contract; daily media briefings; responded to media; wrote and coordinated APS News; established video and social media presence for the Commissioner and Merit Protection Commissioner.
Communications Specialist at Department of Health
May 1, 2015 - December 1, 2016
Led challenging issues from a communications perspective; provided strategic advice; wrote government briefs; led major change projects and large teams; contributed to national campaigns and Health TV channel development.
Public Affairs Specialist at Anzac Centenary - Department of Veterans' Affairs
March 1, 2014 - May 1, 2014
Led cross-government communications for the Anzac Centenary; liaised with Australian War Memorial, Royal Australian Mint, and media; established cross-government working group; connected media with the Gallipoli live broadcast.
Media Manager at Department of Broadband and Communications
October 1, 2013 - March 1, 2014
Led the department’s corporate media team, liaised with journalists and Ministers; managed multiple inquiries; supported the Minister’s Office and senior executives.
Communications Manager, Digital Economy Strategy Division at Department of Broadband and Communications
April 1, 2013 - October 1, 2013
Supported four Ministers’ Offices for digital initiatives; organized national events; produced videos; tripled website hits; approved all content for the Digital Productivity conference.
Director of Communications, Senior Officer Grade A at ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate
September 1, 2012 - April 1, 2013
Senior leadership role managing all communications; supported Minister; involved in ACT Emergency Communications Centre during bushfires.
Communications Manager at Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
December 1, 2010 - September 1, 2012
Managed communications for a whole-of-government taskforce for $2.8B; coordinated public communications across eight portfolio agencies; wrote Ministers’ messages and joint media releases.
Executive Communications at Attorney General’s Department
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011
Managed national security campaign; on-call media officer for tsunami alert across the Eastern Australian seaboard.
National Communications Manager at The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
February 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Led national communications for the guild; engaged with stakeholders; managed campaigns.
Communications Officer at Medicare Australia, National Office
February 1, 2003 - September 1, 2008
Managed communications within the national office; supported campaigns and distribution; engagement with stakeholders.
Safety Education & Marketing Adviser at AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority)
December 1, 2001 - February 1, 2003
Managed national change campaigns for digital switches of maritime communication technology; safety education.

Education

Postgraduate program at National Security College, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
January 11, 2030 - January 3, 2026
APs Leadership Edge program for EL2s at APS Academy
January 1, 2025 - January 3, 2026
Professional Certificate Operations Management at Jack Welch Management Institute
January 1, 2025 - January 3, 2026
Professional Certificate IT Service Management (ITSM) at Atlassian
January 1, 2025 - January 3, 2026
Diploma of Corporate Wellness at Centre for Excellence UK
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Masters subjects Change Management and Economics at Charles Sturt University
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Mathematics Pedagogy and Creative Arts units at Charles Sturt University
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Bachelor of Communications at University of Canberra
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2001

Qualifications

HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
January 11, 2030 - January 3, 2026
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
January 11, 2030 - January 3, 2026
HLTAID010 Provide basic emergency life support
January 11, 2030 - January 3, 2026
HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
November 30, 0002 - January 3, 2026

Industry Experience

Government, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services