Primary Comms Group has been recognised at the 2026 Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA) Golden Target Awards, receiving Silver in the Community Relations and Engagement Campaign category for our work on the Me-Mel (Goat Island) Transfer Project.
We worked closely with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Me-Mel Transfer Committee for over two years as they progressed an important step towards the NSW Government’s commitment to transfer Me-Mel to Aboriginal ownership, governance and management.
Me-Mel is one of the eight islands in Sydney Harbour. It has a special meaning for many Aboriginal people. It also has a rich history and natural beauty. Situated in the centre of Sydney Harbour, Me-Mel was originally the cultural lands of surrounding Aboriginal communities. Early colonial writings record that the father of Woollawarre Bennelong was one of its traditional owners.
The proposed transfer is unprecedented in NSW, with no existing model or framework.
Primary assembled a specialist team bringing together communication and engagement expertise with deep First Nations and government experience. Our principles for the project focused on Aboriginal community at the centre, walking together, respecting boundaries and reflecting the vision.
Receiving Silver at the 50th Golden Target Awards is special recognition for the team behind the work, but more importantly, of the collaborative approach that made it possible.
We are grateful to NPWS, the Me-Mel Transfer Committee, the Aboriginal stakeholders and our specialist advisers who trusted us to walk alongside them on this journey.
There are still steps ahead before the vision for Me-Mel can be realised. We are proud to have played a part in helping progress a project that has the potential to provide significant opportunities for Aboriginal communities and future generations.
Primary had the honour of creating videos with members of the Me-Mel Transfer Committee to capture their perspectives on what this project means to them and their communities. Watch the video here.
