EP#181: Beyond the brand: Building trust in local government comms
Is your comms team keeping up, or just keeping busy?In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Mitchell Dye, the dynamic voice behind the City of Greater Geelong’s external communications. From community radio to leading digital strategy, Mitchell shares a front-row view of how local government is reinventing the way it engages with citizens—one authentic story at a time.David and Mitchell unpack what it takes to stand out in the crowded digital landscape, why the best communicators aren’t always in the comms team, and how to build trust through relatable, local voices. With fresh insights from years of hands-on experience, Mitchell offers a practical roadmap for future-proofing local government communication.Discussed in this episode:Reinventing comms in local governmentAuthentic storytelling vs polished brandingWhat community radio taught Mitchell about public commsFinding trusted voices beyond the comms teamManaging 24/7 comms without burning outShow notes:Planner | Microsoft94.7 The Pulse | Geelong Community RadioBlog | GovComms Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP#180: How AI is changing Government comms (and what to do about it)
How will AI reshape the future of government communications—and what skills will you need to thrive?In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke is joined by Wayne Aspland, expert in public sector communication and AI strategy, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the role of communicators today and into 2030.Wayne shares how government teams can build AI capability, drive strategic alignment, and stay trusted in an era of rapid technological change. He also explains why human creativity, leadership, and critical thinking will be even more essential as automation accelerates.Discussed in this episode:How AI is reshaping communication rolesAchieving alignment across complex teamsBuilding AI skills as a teamManaging AI risks with clear guardrailsShow notes:Day in the life of a comms person in 2030 | Wayne AsplandState of the Sector report | GallagherBlog | GovComms Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP#179: Calm in crisis: Rebuilding trust through communication
What happens when your council loses public trust—and you’re the one answering the questions?In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Chloe Casey, Manager of Communications and Corporate Governance at the City of Casey, about leading through the fallout of the Operation Sandon investigation.Chloe shares how her team managed misinformation, community confusion, and the absence of elected councillors for almost five years, all while ensuring communications remained clear, composed, and responsive.She also reveals how they’re using AI, short-form video, and cold outreach to connect with the City of Casey, home to one of Australia’s most culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Her insights offer practical guidance for any government communicator navigating through change.Discussed in this episode:Leading through crisis with clarity and speedCombining comms and governance for stronger responsesEngaging CALD communities with targeted outreachUsing AI, video, and plain English to boost impactShow notes:Brolly | Social Media ManagementBlog | GovComms Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP#178: Leading quietly: The power of introverts at work
What if the best ideas in your team are the ones you never hear?In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Richard Etienne—internal communications expert, author of The Introvert’s Survival Guide, and founder of The Introvert Space. Together, they explore how introverts can lead, influence, and thrive in workplaces that often reward volume over value.From overcoming self-doubt to navigating hybrid work, Richard shares powerful, practical strategies to help introverts find their voice—without having to shout. He also offers advice for leaders on how to build inclusive teams where every personality type can succeed.Whether you identify as an introvert, manage one, or simply want to create more inclusive and effective teams, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable tips.Discussed in this episode:Why introverts often go unheard—and how to change thatHow to build your personal brand without self-promotionThe hidden strengths introverts bring to leadershipWhat Theresa May taught Richard about quiet influence at the topShow notes:The Introvert Space | Richard EtienneThe Introvert’s Survival Guide | Richard EtienneQuiet | Susan CainBlog | GovComms Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP#177: From Jargon to Genuine: Reclaiming Trust in Government Comms
Trust is on life support. People are tuning out. Tech is speeding up. Noise is everywhere. So how can government communicators break through?In this powerhouse episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke is joined by Ros Weadman – strategic communication expert, author, and driving force behind the Elevate Local Government Communications Summit 2025 – to unpack what it really takes to cut through and connect in today’s chaotic communication landscape.Ros doesn’t pull punches. With four decades in the game, she makes it clear: the old ways of pushing messages just won’t cut it. It's time to ditch the jargon, lead with heart, and communicate with courage.This is more than an episode—it’s a call to arms for public sector communicators who want to build trust, lead with purpose, and transform how government speaks to the people it serves.Discussed in this episode:How to ditch “message selling” and embrace bold, emotional storytellingThe real reason people feel disconnected—and how to bring them backHow to paint a vision people can believe in (and see themselves in)What’s broken in community engagement—and how to fix itWhy communicators must stop hiding behind process and step up as leadersShow notes:Elevate Local Government Communication Summit | GOVCOMMEvaluation Framework for Strategic Communication | PRIABlog | GovComms Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About GovComms: The Future of Government Communication
Through conversation with industry greats, experts and innovators from around the world, GovComms delivers the latest insights and best practice in government communication. We provide the resources to help you, the government and public sector, communicate policies, services and regulations with impact. A podcast by contentgroup, leaders in government communication.Watch our episodes in video on contentgroup's YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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