I’m a writer, editor, and PhD candidate at Deakin University, based in Naarm/Melbourne. My doctoral research combines creative and critical methodologies to produce a work of narrative journalism examining failures in the Tasmanian Child Safety System. More broadly, my creative practice explores form, feeling, and parallel practices as modes of inquiry.I’m the editor of No Frontiers, the PEN Melbourne journal, and my writing has appeared in Meanjin, Matters Journal, SCUM Mag, and Right Now. I’ve previously worked in strategic communications across corporate, not-for-profit, and media sectors, bringing nearly a decade of experience, including roles at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and Commonwealth Bank. My work has focused on consumer-facing communications, thought leadership, and internal and external communications across a range of complex regulatory changes and issues.Whether writing, editing, or working in communications, I approach my practice with a curatorial lens to let ideas hang together and create meaning through new and sometimes surprising connections.

Zara Gudnason

I’m a writer, editor, and PhD candidate at Deakin University, based in Naarm/Melbourne. My doctoral research combines creative and critical methodologies to produce a work of narrative journalism examining failures in the Tasmanian Child Safety System. More broadly, my creative practice explores form, feeling, and parallel practices as modes of inquiry.I’m the editor of No Frontiers, the PEN Melbourne journal, and my writing has appeared in Meanjin, Matters Journal, SCUM Mag, and Right Now. I’ve previously worked in strategic communications across corporate, not-for-profit, and media sectors, bringing nearly a decade of experience, including roles at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and Commonwealth Bank. My work has focused on consumer-facing communications, thought leadership, and internal and external communications across a range of complex regulatory changes and issues.Whether writing, editing, or working in communications, I approach my practice with a curatorial lens to let ideas hang together and create meaning through new and sometimes surprising connections.

Available to hire

I’m a writer, editor, and PhD candidate at Deakin University, based in Naarm/Melbourne. My doctoral research combines creative and critical methodologies to produce a work of narrative journalism examining failures in the Tasmanian Child Safety System. More broadly, my creative practice explores form, feeling, and parallel practices as modes of inquiry.I’m the editor of No Frontiers, the PEN Melbourne journal, and my writing has appeared in Meanjin, Matters Journal, SCUM Mag, and Right Now. I’ve previously worked in strategic communications across corporate, not-for-profit, and media sectors, bringing nearly a decade of experience, including roles at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and Commonwealth Bank. My work has focused on consumer-facing communications, thought leadership, and internal and external communications across a range of complex regulatory changes and issues.Whether writing, editing, or working in communications, I approach my practice with a curatorial lens to let ideas hang together and create meaning through new and sometimes surprising connections.

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Experience Level

Work Experience

PhD Candidate at Deakin University
February 1, 2025 - Present
Creative practice-led PhD across Creative Writing and Journalism focusing on long-form nonfiction and literary journalism, examining narrative voice, ethics and lived experience to illuminate systemic failures and accountability.
Acting Team Leader Strategic Communications – Operational Delivery and DCO at Australian Financial Complaints Authority
April 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Leads a small team delivering strategic communications for the Deputy Chief Ombudsman’s office and Operational Delivery, providing guidance on complex issues and building team capability.
Senior Communications Advisor at Australian Financial Complaints Authority
October 1, 2024 - April 1, 2025
Provided strategic communications advice to senior leaders and delivered high-impact campaigns and internal communications to support priorities, manage risk, and drive engagement.
Senior Communications Manager at Commonwealth Bank of Australia
November 1, 2023 - October 1, 2024
Led strategic communications for major technology transformations, including AI and cloud-based systems, advising senior leaders and supporting project delivery across Contact Centre operations.
Communications Manager at Commonwealth Bank of Australia
May 1, 2022 - November 1, 2023
Led communications for technology projects and strategic initiatives to support business units and drive stakeholder engagement.
iSource Content Specialist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia
August 1, 2021 - May 1, 2022
Produced and managed content for digital channels, aligning communications with project milestones and stakeholder needs.
Financial Assist Specialist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia
March 1, 2020 - August 1, 2021
Assisted financial services teams with customer communications and support for process improvements and service delivery.
Executive Assistant to the CEO at Tasmanian Council of Social Service
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Provided executive support to the CEO, coordinating schedules, correspondence and board-facing activities.
Communications Assistant at Tasmanian Council of Social Service
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018
Supported communications activities across campaigns, media relations and stakeholder engagement.
Reporter at The Mercury
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Covered news and feature stories, developing reporting and storytelling skills across local and regional topics.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Creative Writing at Deakin University
February 1, 2025 - February 4, 2026
Bachelor of Arts (Honours, First Class), Creative Writing at RMIT University
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Journalism, Media and Communications, International Relations at University of Tasmania
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2017

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Financial Services, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services