Our Team
A strong, dedicated group of individuals from a range of backgrounds has helped build Premier PR into a dynamic organisation that is quickly becoming regional Victoria’s most recognised public relations company.
Premier PR consultants are well known for their understanding of the relationship and processes that operate between relevant community groups and the media.
Managing Director and Founder: Joanna Stevens
An experienced consultant with extensive skills in government relations, strategic communications and issues management, Joanna has a strong network of business and political contacts. With professional qualifications in journalism and public relations she has hands-on experience in strategy development and campaign management having been involved in several high profile communications campaigns. She established Premier Public Relations in August 2002 after recognising a need for a specialist public relations firm that could meet the diverse needs of rural and regional Victoria.
Email: jstevens@premierpr.com.au
Senior Account Executive: Phillip Anstis
With formal qualifications and extensive experience in business, marketing and applied science, Phil has worked for many years in both the government and private sectors. Most recently Phil managed the marketing and communications function at Central Highlands Water. Prior to that, he worked with Mars Confectionery of Australia in a variety of roles including external relations and market research. Phil knows the people and issues affecting regional and rural communities and is committed to assisting organisations achieve their goals.
Email: panstis@premierpr.com.au
Account Executive: Prue Rayner
Prue joined Premier PR where she saw an exciting opportunity to pursue her passion for strategic communications and issues management. Previously, Prue was the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for a Melbourne IT company, and more recently worked as a copywriter for a growing superannuation company. Prue has varied experience in marketing and communications, ranging from proposal writing, newsletter production and web design, to brand management and strategic communications planning. She has qualifications in the Arts (media and communications, sociology) and recently completed a postgraduate diploma in Public Relations.
Email: prayner@premierpr.com.au
Communications Consultant: Bernie O’Brien
Bernie has almost 25 years experience in the communications industry as a writer, editor and designer. Having spent 21 years on a regional daily newspaper Bernie has an in-depth knowledge of the issues and events that interest regional communities. Her experience as a senior journalist has involved working with staff and the public on numerous publications, initiatives and events. Whether it is media releases, web pages, brochures, direct mails or newsletters, Bernie has the experience and expertise to provide a professional, creative product to suit any target audience.
Email: bobrien@premierpr.com.au
Event Manager: Sally Kennedy
Sally, a former sales executive at Telstra, has the project management, sales and marketing skills needed to make any event an unqualified success. Her passion and skill in organising Ballarat’s most prestigious business awards in 2006 and 2007 – the CGU Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards - ensured they were “the best ever”. Sally is highly organised and has extensive experience in dealing with large corporations such as Hertz, Cadbury, BP and Phillip Morris.
Email: skennedy@premierpr.com.au
Executive Assistant: Mariska Pelchen
Mariska joined the Premier PR team after several years in the travel industry. Mariska is highly organised providing excellent project management skills. Able and willing to take on the most complex administrative tasks and providing valuable support and assistance, Mariska is a valuable part of the Premier PR team.
Email: mpelchen@premierpr.com.au