Stacey Buchanan
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20
The early bird deadline for Gold Quill Award entries is almost here! You
can save US$100 on the entry fee by ensuring your entry is reached by 28
January (final deadline is 4 February).
Gold Quills are the pinnacle communications awards which recognise
excellence in communications internationally. Why not take some time in
‘quiet January’ to reflect on the great work you and your colleagues
achieved last year and enter your work? You don’t have to be a member to
enter (however there is a discount for current members).
You could also win a Bronze Quill, as for the first time IABC
Victoria will recognise our local talent with this new award for those
who make the grade at the blue-ribbon judging stage in the US.
But don’t take our word for it – read what one of last year’s
winners, IABC member, Janice Mascini, has to say about achieving a Gold
Quill Award for excellence in employee communication at Australia Post.
Her goal was to reverse the declining engagement levels in a particular
division as identified in the staff attitude survey, and also prepare
the workforce for business change. Implementation of Janice’s strategy
resulted in a four percent increase in engagement.
What prompted you to take action and enter?
I have long admired the award winning work recognised in the
IABC Gold Quill Awards and I set myself a goal to give it go and enjoy
the experience of being involved and winning would be the icing on the
cake. It was also an ideal opportunity to network with local IABC
members.
Was applying a learning process or a pain?!
Applying was a good discipline to bring all the elements of the
strategy together into a concise summary that is a ready resource for
future reference. It is amazing how much good work you quickly forget
when you move onto the next project, so the IABC Gold Quill application
is a great record keeper! A prerequisite for the application for the
Employee Communications category is four pages so it doesn’t take too
long to complete.
What does winning a Gold Quill Award mean to you?
Having my work recognised at an international level through the
IABC Gold Quill Awards was a career highlight, as was attending the
Awards ceremony at the international IABC conference in Toronto, Canada
with over 1,000 delegates from all over the world. The celebrations
continued with the Victorian chapter of the IABC acknowledging the local
Award winners at a special dinner too. The experience was rewarding,
fun and a lasting memory of a job well done.
What would you say to others to encourage them to take the plunge and apply?
Go for it, you have nothing to lose. Seek plenty of support and advice, previous award winners are readily available to help.
You can read more about how to enter by clicking here. There is a mentorship program available too – get in quick to get valuable help with your entry!
Remember to allow time for your application to reach the co-ordinator
for Australian entries in Sydney by the due date. Details below.
Pacific Regional Coordinator (Australia and New Zealand)
Tracey Sen
GPO Box 33
Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
Phone: 61 2 9561 8431
E-Mail: tracey.sen@det.nsw.edu.au
Or street address:
Tracey Sen
Corporate Communications
Dept. of Education
Level 3, 35 Bridge Street
Sydney NSW 2000