If you’re studying communication, PR, or marketing, you know how valuable internships are for landing your dream role, and nothing compares to real hands-on experience. With so many career paths, it can be hard to know where to start, but I am so glad that I landed an internship at Primary Comms Group. While it wasn’t required for my Strategic Communications degree at UTS, I wanted deeper industry insight, and this internship has been the perfect way to give me hands-on experience and real-world insights that have helped me kickstart my career.

Primary Comms Group has given me insight into agency life, but has also shown me how rewarding an internship can be with the right support.

Why Primary?
Initially, I was drawn to Primary because of its different specialties within the company. Primary also has three arms: Primary Communication for PR and GR, Primary Create for all things design and advertising, and community engagement specialist, Primary Engage. I wanted to gain experience across all areas of agency life while broadening my understanding of communication.

I was intrigued by the breadth of clients Primary works with across a variety of industries, including aviation, transport and logistics, tech, and clean energy.

Ultimately, when the opportunity to apply for an internship at Primary came up, I knew I had to apply.

A day in the life
At Primary, interns undertake a variety of work. Some days I’m glued to my desk for hours, powering through tasks and research for clients, and other days are a slightly slower pace, with more of my time spent on office admin.

It’s this mix of really fast-paced days and quieter ones that has given me such a well-rounded view of agency life.

For the first few weeks, I was doing phone outreach to stakeholders for a large client project. This was an extremely rewarding introduction to agency life as I was able to build my confidence over the phone, while also helping the team project manage such a large-scale initiative.

One of my personal favourite tasks was completing research that would then go on to become a part of a credentials document for prospective clients. It was great to see how various elements came together to complete a pitch document.

The variety doesn’t stop there. Each project seems to open a new door into a different corner of the industry.

Media campaigns are a different kind of a beast! From ensuring media lists are pristine and up to the minute to monitoring and tracking coverage during and post campaigns, it all worked to practice the theory of tertiary education. My colleague Veronica summed it up well when she said, “The process is so tailored and detail oriented. I am sure even the client would be surprised at the level of detail and follow through involved, and about their presence online and in the marketplace.”

The insight into agency work has been invaluable, and I can truly say I’ve developed essential professional skills.

Importantly, the mentoring and guidance from the team has given me valuable context for the different elements I’ve been working on. While some tasks may have felt menial or mundane at first, I came to see that each played a role in the bigger picture of the work delivered to clients. Even the smallest jobs, whether keeping the office running smoothly, organising the storeroom, or making the all-important morning coffee run, helped keep the agency humming along.

I feel more confident about the next step; my writing skills have sharpened, my research abilities have improved, I now know not just what to look for, but how to find it effectively and I have discovered the importance of attention to detail!

I’ve learned the importance of backing myself and not being afraid to ask questions. The team is always there to oversee my work, and showing initiative is encouraged. At worst, I get corrected but even then, I’m mentored through the process and shown how to strengthen my work.

The transferable skills I’ve developed have also been incredibly valuable. Time management has been key. Some days are a whirlwind of writing and back-to-back deadlines, while others are slower and focused on laying the groundwork for future projects.

My colleague Lucy put it perfectly saying, “learning to be flexible and adaptable is essential because things often don’t follow a set schedule. Being able to think on your feet and change direction when needed is a skill that will serve me well in any career.”

Primary will always support you
If someone was to ask me what my favourite thing about Primary is, it would honestly be the people. Everyone at Primary has been super supportive and patient. I’m always getting constructive feedback that’s helping me grow and learn. My team not only backs me but recognises the work I put in and advocates for me.

The level of mentorship at Primary is extremely valuable. I am always receiving in-depth briefs for my tasks, anyone and everyone is willing to answer questions and overall makes this internship the best possible learning experience.

Lucy summed it up perfectly when she said, “coming into a new workspace can be intimidating, especially as a newbie, yet the Primary team makes you feel welcome and valued.”

Callum, a fellow intern, shared a similar thought, “This internship has really opened the door into agency life.” He admitted that without the support and guidance from the team, the experience wouldn’t have been nearly as rewarding.

My internship at Primary Comms Group has been more than just work experience. It’s been a genuine step into the world of PR. I’ve learned skills I’ll carry into any role, but more importantly, I’ve discovered where I see myself growing in the industry.

Primary has just been the perfect starting point.

Greta Kasprowicz, Intern

In any organisation, the transmission of information or advice, whether internal or external, is only as strong as the accuracy, clarity, and consistency of the documentation which supports it. From the simple email or the detailed report to standard operating procedures and public-facing communication, the role of quality assurance (QA) in information flow is not a luxury; it is a non-negotiable, it is a necessity.

Call it by any other name – attention to detail, a meticulous approach, highest standards or a sharp eye – it is a fact that QA is often undervalued or seen as little more than a post-process activity rather than a fundamental first-point and foundational part of communication delivery. The mindset that “near enough is good enough” is disturbing and moreover creates unnecessary risk. Those risks include, at the most basic level, double handling, ergo – the need to redo work; to creating confusion and misunderstanding, and causing reputational damage. In professional environments where clarity underpins success, QA should not be optional. It is a critical component in successful outcomes and should be viewed as a pillar of any corporate model.

We know that every communication in a business sets off a chain reaction, good and bad. A vague policy update can result in inconsistent interpretations across teams and even a simple typo in a report can set off a ripple effect, casting doubt on the professionalism and credibility of an entire organisation.

Where clear, concise and accurate information flow drives decision-making, compliance, and service delivery, there is no room for ambiguity. Quality assurance ensures that what is written is accurate, consistent, and unambiguous. It safeguards the organisation’s intent and makes sure that what people read is what was intended.

In spite of all this, one of the most common mistakes is that sum still treat QA as a final step; a proofread before sending or publishing. In reality, QA should be built into every stage of documentation. It starts with asking the right questions: Who is the audience? What do they need to understand? What is the objective? What risks could arise from miscommunication?

From drafting and reviewing to editing and sign-off, each phase of content creation should involve checks for clarity, accuracy, relevance, tone, and consistency. When QA becomes a mindset rather than a tick-box exercise, the result is higher-quality communication that builds trust.

Documentation is more than just admin. At its best, it is a strategic asset. From an internal perspective, high-quality documentation ensures that onboarding is smoother, knowledge is retained, handovers are cleaner, decisions are traceable, and compliance is demonstrable. It ensures that the intellectual property of an organisation doesn’t walk out the door with a former employee. When QA is applied consistently, it protects institutional memory and supports operational resilience.

Effective QA is not limited to spelling and grammar, so the clicking on the Editor to check Spelling and Grammar, simply doesn’t cut it. QA covers a broad set of checks and balances, including:

– Fact-checking to confirm technical accuracy
– Consistency in terminology, formatting, and tone (including uniform naming conventions)
– Clarity testing to ensure the message is understood by the intended audience
– Version control and traceability to support transparency
– Streamlined communication tools so everyone is literally on the same page
– Feedback loops so content stays relevant and reflects reality; and,
– Defined approval workflows with accountable reviewers

While tools like templates and collaborative editing platforms can support the process, lasting impact comes from a shared commitment to getting it right every time.

In a world where clear communication sets the course, quality assurance isn’t optional; it’s the quiet engine that keeps everything moving in the right direction. Some might dismiss it as pedantry, but attention to detail and delivering a high-quality product should be the baseline expectation for any client investing in our expertise.

Ensuring QA is baked into your daily routine is not being overly meticulous, it’s about professionalism, valuing precision, and taking accountability.

It’s about doing the job right, the first time, because the outcome matters and our aim should always be to make great things happen.

Frank Coletta, Senior Executive, Strategy & Public Affairs

The way audiences consume information has changed dramatically, and so too are the ways companies and brands must communicate. They can no longer rely on traditional broadcast or even digital publishing to drive relevance. In an environment where audiences scroll more than they read, digital PR now demands speed, authenticity and influence, delivered in real time.

This year, social media officially overtook online news websites as Australians’ main source of news (26% vs. 23%). Facebook use for news jumped 6 per cent to 38 per cent, while Instagram and TikTok now reach 40 per cent and 36 per cent of 18-24 year-olds respectively. Young audiences are turning to short-form video, creators and influencers to shape their understanding of current events, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where over a third of young Australians consume news content.¹

For PR professionals, visibility means more than coverage. It’s about performance. Social content is not just resharing a press clipping, it’s where influence is built. Our work with Royal Life Saving NSW is one example, where traditional coverage was supported by TikTok creator Sam Fricker’s engaging, creator-led content. These voices are trusted, relatable, and central to digital reach.

The appetite for real-time, responsive content is growing. Australians now spend more time on social media than ever with TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram dominate screen time, and they expect brands to be present and participatory. Static campaigns are falling flat. It’s real-time relevance that builds momentum and credibility.

The creator economy reflects this shift. In a climate where younger Australians say influencers are among the most common sources of misinformation (57%)[1], trust hinges on authenticity. Co-created content offers brands and companies a way to show up with personality and purpose.  As short-form video continues to rise, the most effective PR strategies prioritise partnership over promotion.

This is especially important for reaching younger audiences, many of whom avoid news altogether. 71 per cent of under-35s say they tune out because it feels negative, irrelevant or hard to follow¹. The opportunity? Tell stories that resonate. Keep it visual, digestible and authentic.

PR has evolved. Winning attention now depends on agility, credibility and emotional connection. The brands and companies who adapt this new rhythm won’t just survive the digital age, they’ll lead it.

Ready to make great things happen? Let’s talk: primary@primarycommsgroup.com.au

Mary-Anne Boustany, Account Director

[1] Digital News Report: Australia 2025, University of Canberra

In today’s fast-moving media landscape, securing earned coverage isn’t just about having a good story. It is about knowing how to tell it, who to tell it to, and when. With newsroom resources under pressure and journalist inboxes overflowing, media pitching is more competitive than ever. But with the right approach, it’s still one of the most valuable tools in your PR toolkit.

Recent research from Muck Rack’s State of Journalism 2024 found that almost half of all journalists receive 30 pitches per week, many of which are irrelevant, overly promotional or poorly timed. Standing out requires precision.

It starts with a newsworthy angle. Journalists want stories that inform or impact their audience, such as commentary on breaking developments, new research, or unique local perspectives. It’s not about what you want to say, but about what your public needs to hear, and why now.

Then, there is clarity. In the same Muck Rack report, journalists said the most common pitch mistake is lack of relevance or poor fit for their beat[1]. That’s why pitches must be concise, tailored, and immediately clear on value.

Timing and follow-up is also critical. Journalists are more likely to respond to pitches that relate to trending stories. The media cycle moves fast. If you miss the window, the story is gone.

Relationships make a huge difference. Building trust with journalists over time increases the chance of your pitch being opened and acted on.

A recent example from our team shows this in action. When news broke of a major cyber incident, we swiftly positioned Claroty’s Vice President ANZ, Leon Poggioli, as an expert to speak on the implications of the breach. Within hours, our targeted, timely pitch led to live coverage on 9News, and subsequent broadcast coverage in the weeks following for an update. The win wasn’t just the result of having the right spokesperson, but of strategic, responsive storytelling and strong media relationships.

A PR agency like Primary Comms Group, brings the insight, access and agility required to secure these opportunities. We know how to craft the right narrative, target the right journalist, and time the pitch perfectly.

Want to position your brand in front of the right audience, at the right time? Contact us today!

Courtney Trewin, Account Manager

[1] State of Journalism 2024, Muck Rack

Australians claiming Tall Poppy Syndrome is a uniquely Australian trait has always been a myth and it’s now been thoroughly exposed by the Coldplay Kiss Cam saga.

The issue dominated most people’s internet feeds late over the weekend and continues to do so this week. Three days in, the video had been shared 100 million times and spawned almost as many memes.

Most of the world revelled in a rare moment of global unity, seeing a rich tech guru taken down by his own actions. The world’s joy was compounded by his love rat status.

CEO Andy Byron’s resignation wasn’t a surprise. The shock was how long it took.

Attention quickly moved to Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot and then a grinning colleague, also captured on camera who was pegged as being an accessory for not blowing the whistle on the couple. Her fate now hangs in the balance.

Who knew the company they all worked for, Astronomer, or what it did? Ironically, Wikipedia is now debating whether the start-up deserves a page in its own right.

Plenty of crisis managers have weighed in on the issue (and shoot me if I refer to it as “Coldplay-gate”) and they’re all stating the obvious by saying Byron needed to own the problem and show immediate contrition.

Even that wouldn’t have saved his skin.

In the same spirit, here’s some free advice for the Board that Byron left behind.

Being a billion dollar company means you’ll survive. Cabot and or Byron won’t fare so well but selling the rights to their story will tide them over for a while. After that, reality TV awaits with a new US season of Love Island a possibility.

This was none of the Board’s doing but you still need to conduct a short, sharp inquiry. This will lead to a root-and-branch review of your corporate culture.

You should then appoint a new CEO and let her drive a restructure that Astronomer has changed for the better.

Lean on Coldplay to license you some of their aural wallpaper, sorry music, pro bono for a bold marketing campaign. Positioning in the market is advisable in case Andy Byron runs as an Elon Musk-backed candidate in the US mid-term elections.

Craig Regan, Senior Account Director, Primary Communication

Earlier today at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, UDIA NSW hosted its annual Winter Luncheon with special guest speaker, the NSW Treasurer, the Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC. 

In a keynote that zeroed in on one of the challenges of our time, housing, the Treasurer addressed the pressing need to ensure more people in the State have a place to call home. He was clear: without enough housing for the people who keep the State running, the State faces not just a housing crisis, but an economic one. 

The Treasurer used the platform to outline how the 2025–26 NSW Budget demonstrated the Minns Government’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis. 

He spoke of the security of a house, the social cohesion it provides and that there is a critical need to “make sure we are building more homes” and went on to add that his budget will help build more homes, more of the skills needed and that “builds confidence”. 

He acknowledged that the Government’s policy direction has been shaped by strong industry advocacy noting UDIA’s role in securing key reforms. Among the initiatives highlighted were: 

1. Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee – the Treasurer confirmed that this was directly influenced by industry advocacy, including that of UDIA NSW. Under this policy, the NSW Government will act as guarantor for up to 50% of approved housing projects, unlocking finance for developers and helping to accelerate the delivery of 15,000 new homes over five years. 

1. Works-In-Kind Policy – Mr Mookhey also recognised the influence of UDIA NSW in progressing this initiative, allowing developers to directly deliver vital infrastructure such as roads, parks and services in place of monetary contributions. He credited UDIA NSW CEO Stuart Ayres and the team for putting it “on the radar”. 

In a candid panel discussion, the Treasurer emphasised the importance of robust and credible advocacy, saying: “I am sceptical, but I listen” while pointing out to the floor that they should “expect rigour” around their recommendations. 

He also spoke about broader economic pressures, including the impact of the recent GST distribution decision, which he said represented a larger revenue loss to NSW than either COVID-19 or the Global Financial Crisis. NSW has lost a gross $12.3 billion in revenue but remains the only state to have lowered its debt forecast. 

On the topic of workforce capacity, Mr Mookhey was blunt, “We don’t have enough construction workers in NSW.”

He noted the State’s current construction workforce of 400,000 is insufficient to meet the housing, infrastructure and disaster-recovery needs, pointing to substantial TAFE investment as a key response. 

Importantly, he outlined the role of the new Investment Delivery Authority, inspired by the Housing Delivery Authority model, which will focus on non-residential projects over $1 million, aligning them with growing communities and the infrastructure they need. 

Closing the event, the Treasurer reaffirmed the government’s growth-focused mindset and promised continued reform in the planning system saying the challenge of housing won’t be fixed in one budget but added, “We are serious about solving the housing crisis.” 

The Primary Comms Group team was on the ground to support UDIA NSW and connect directly with the Treasurer following the on-stage Q&A, continuing the conversation around housing, reform and progress. 

When our clients go global, so do we. Mary-Anne Boustany, Account Director, recently returned from the LFRA Overseas Study Tour 2025, where Primary was proud to embed ourselves alongside the Large Format Retail Association team and 35 of its members for an immersive journey through some of the most exciting and innovative retail precincts in the United States.

This wasn’t just a tour – it was a strategic expedition through Dallas and Miami, two of the most rapidly expanding cities in the US, where Large Format Retail is being reimagined in real-time. These precincts showcased how retail centres are evolving beyond transaction, combining immersive design, dynamic placemaking, and brand storytelling to keep consumers engaged and returning.

More than a front-row seat to innovation, the Study Tour unpacked the macro trends shaping the sector: urban growth, zoning frameworks, logistics and supply chain shifts, and the increasingly strategic role of leasing and investment.

A standout moment was a private briefing with Gabrielle Hall, Australia’s Trade Commissioner in Texas, where members gained valuable insights into trade, investment, and global growth pathways for Australian retailers and developers. Further sessions with industry giants like FTI Consulting and CBRE offered deep market intelligence and future-looking analysis that will inform the next chapter of growth in Large Format Retail.

As strategic communications advisors, Primary was there to capture, shape, and amplify the story. From curating content and stakeholder engagement to supporting industry positioning, we helped ensure that the impact of this tour reached far beyond the itinerary.

We don’t just support our clients, we become part of their team. Embedded, aligned, and ready to deliver wherever the opportunity leads. It’s how we grow, how we learn, and most importantly, how we help our clients lead.

At Primary, we’re always ready to step in and become an extension of our clients’ teams, helping make great things happen, wherever the opportunity takes us.

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