Our Team

Our Principal Consultant, Kirsty has 25 years’ experience in the corporate communications and public relations arenas. Kirsty has worked in-house for BHP, Woodside Energy and Alcoa. She provides strategic communications and issues management advice to our clients, who often consider her an extension to their in-house team.

Her role focuses on building or protecting reputations. She has provided counsel and communications support across a range of organisations undertaking feasibility studies and environmental approvals – with particular focus on stakeholder communications (community, Govt, media, NGOs, internal, investors etc).

She understands industry impacts and issues, and knows how to best manage and communicate to stakeholders to avoid public and politic debate, protest or actions that might cause project development delays or reputation impact. Kirsty is currently CEO of Port Hedland Industries Council (which represents BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill, Pilbara Port Authority, Sandfire, Mineral Resources, Consolidated Minerals and Pilbara Minerals).
She is a Founding Member and former Chair of AOG Diversity and Inclusion, former President of WA Mining Club and former Board Member of Energy Club WA, former Board Member for Solaris Cancer Care and Curtin University’s Board of Humanities.

Mike is a multi-disciplinary stakeholder relations and communications specialist with more than 30 years’ experience in management and advisory roles in the resources, construction and education sectors.

His expertise lies in stakeholder engagement, project planning and implementation, capacity building, change management, facilitating, coaching and training.

Prior to joining Platform, Mike has led and managed programs in Central and Northern Australia’s resources and construction industries, remote Indigenous communities, education institutions and has been engaged internationally in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Dubai, Beirut, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan.

Mike holds a Master of Business Leadership and a Bachelor of Education. With a passion in continuous improvement and influencing, he is also Green Belt certified in Lean Six Sigma.

Lynda is a senior communications practitioner with more than 25years’ experience in the mining, oil and gas, land development, property and sustainability sectors.

As a Platform consultant, Lynda provides strategic advice and guidance to Executive and Project teams for a range of resources clients, including the Port Hedland Industries Council (members include BHP, FMG, Pilbara Ports Authority, Roy Hill and consolidated Minerals), primarily focused on issues management government relations and strategic communications.

She has represented a range of ASX-listed and private companies, state government agencies and small to medium enterprises across the mining and oil & gas sectors, indigenous affairs, IT, Telco, biotechnology, land development, property and sustainability sectors.

In her role as Communications Manager (Australia and New Zealand) for global engineering company WorleyParsons Lynda was also the Rapid Response communications regional lead and she has provided crisis training and management for several organisations including Pilbara Ports Authority, Hess, Barminco and Norwest Energy. She has also provided media training for a range of organisations including Port Hedland Industries Council, Pilbara Ports Authority, Macmahon Holdings, Ausdrill and many others.

She is a strategic and analytical thinker with a track record for providing fit-for-purpose communications solutions.

Chris is a journalist and communications specialist with more than 35 years’ experience in Perth and London.

Prior to joining Platform, Chris was the editor of thewest.com.au from 2009 to 2016 and was part of a team that produced several award-winning digital presentations. He was Associate Editor, News, for The West Australian from 2016 to 2019.

Chris provides support to Platform clients across corporate affairs, communications and media relations.

He is currently supporting Port Hedland Industries Council (PHIC) on stakeholder engagement and issues management and is providing media management and communications support for IMDEX, Carey Group, CPC Engineering, and Copenhagen Energy. He has covered major international stories from London as European Correspondent for News Ltd. Through Chris’ extensive experience he has developed significant digital and traditional media experience, including as a website editor for seven years in the State’s biggest newsroom as well as experience in strategic planning and project management to meet organisational objectives.

Donna is a seasoned communications, brand, marketing, and corporate affairs professional with over twenty-five years of diverse experience across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. She specialises in communication strategy, internal and external branding, stakeholder engagement, customer research, change management, and helping clients navigate complexity.

As a Platform consultant, Donna brings a dynamic, creative, and thoughtful approach to client interactions. Leveraging her 12 years of management consulting experience, she provides balanced advice and delivers fit-for-purpose solutions to a broad range of clients.

Before joining Platform, Donna’s communications career was developed in the professional services, financial services, mining, energy, emergency services, and government sectors, where she collaborated with senior leaders at Board and Executive levels.

Tarnya has more than 30 years’ experience in project coordination, investor relations, communications, marketing, stakeholder engagement, company branding, social media, merchandising, large and small-scale event organisation, website management and conference logistics across industries including mining, oil and gas, private/public health, and elite sport (AFL).

She has worked across majors such as BHP Petroleum, and later working for junior listed companies Latent Petroleum, Transerv Energy, Mobil E&P, Western Mining Corporation and Whitebark Energy. Her latest role was Communications Manager for a global mining services company – SRG Global.

Tarnya thrives on cultivating professional relationships at all levels. She brings an eye for detail, paired with an ability to see the big picture, giving Tarnya all-encompassing project management oversight.

Her communications career is based on a history of high level executive assistant roles which resulted in her working across multi-faceted roles including C-suite support, board management, regulatory, environmental and project reporting, health and safety management, quality control management, drilling campaign project management, asset management and brand management.

Mandy is a marketing and communications professional with more than 12 years’ experience in the resources industry and 10 years in the technology industry.

She has experience managing a cross-section of stakeholders including middle and senior management to drive global integrated campaigns and projects with an internal and external focus.

Mandy, who is based in Singapore, has extensive experience working with BHP, including as Specialist Communications, Corporate Affairs, from 2016 to 2022; Specialist Communications, Marketing, 2011 to 2016; and Business Engagement Lead, Organisational Change Management, 1SAP Project, 2009 to 2011.

In these roles, as with earlier positions for CNET and IBM, Mandy used her skills as a storyteller and content creator to deliver exceptional communication solutions. In her most recent BHP role, Mandy developed strategies, planned and drove global, regional and local campaigns for the commercial function and Asia region, targeted towards internal and external audiences and the media, all aligning with the company‚ business priorities and goals.

As a trusted communications advisor with strong stakeholder management abilities, Mandy provides a range of services to Platform Communications clients.

Liz is a senior communications consultant with 30 years’ experience in new market development, consumer strategy, international brand marketing, communications and corporate affairs management.

She has worked in Australia, Asia, UK, France and Eastern Europe, working across multiple business sectors including oil and gas, critical minerals, industrial manufacturing, and automotive and professional services.

Before joining Platform, Liz held senior communications roles at Shell, Michelin, Caltex, Lynas Rare Earths and Mercer LLC, regularly dealing with senior leaders at Board and Executive levels.

Liz is an innovator and trailblazer in brand, reputation risk, creative content, motorsport marketing, partner alliances and shared value.  She uses her commercial and business acumen to manage difficult issues, navigating complexity with insight and sound judgement.

Liz is never one to stand still and is always up for a conversation on how to take businesses to the next level.

Kate is a flexible professional with broad corporate communications experience in roles based in Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong and London. She has over 20 years’ experience in consulting and in-house roles in the resources industry with BHP, MMG and Newcrest, as well as recent recycling, manufacturing and circular economy experience in-house at Visy.

Kate is skilled at helping companies tell their story in a clear, consistent and compelling way, across all relevant audiences and channels. Kate is creative, deadline-driven and works to a consistently high standard. In particular, she has the knack of taking the knowledge of highly technical specialists and translating it into understandable and clear content.

Jo is a corporate affairs and communications professional with over 20 years’ experience in the resources sector in the UK, Australia and NZ. With a proven track record advising senior leaders in complex global businesses Jo has worked with Australian, New Zealand and Vietnamese governments, the diplomatic community, unions, community groups and First Nations people.

She has held senior roles in Rio Tinto’s Iron ore, Aluminium, Minerals, Exploration and Corporate divisions, and led Alcoa’s government engagement in Asia Pacific. Known for strategic problem solving, Jo crafts impactful stakeholder engagement plans aligned with business strategy.

Jo has a deep understanding of public policy analysis and government engagement, with a breadth of experience in organisational redesign and change management, crisis management, business continuity and risk management.

Kirstie Lee is a dynamic and adaptable communications, media public relations and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience. Drawing from award-winning journalism to successful executive roles, she brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, pragmatism, and critical thinking to every project.

Excelling in positions in local and state government, utilities, higher education, healthcare and disability in Australia and the United Kingdom, Kirstie has a high calibre skillset, transferable to any setting and industry.

As a certified and licensed Professional Investigator, she is a highly proficient researcher with a high level of business acumen and excellent problem-solving abilities, developing a Communications, Marketing and Strategic Plans to articulate explicit business needs and successfully achieve organisational objectives. With exceptional interpersonal skills, Kirstie builds and maintains constructive relationships and can motivate and encourage people to adopt change.

Within relevant and defined sectors, Kirstie keeps abreast of political impact and community sentiment and possesses the skills to effectively communicate with stakeholders to mitigate and manage any risk of dissent or reputational damage.

Ella joined Platform Communications after completing a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and Human Resources from the University of Western Australia.

She is a Junior Communications Consultant with previous experience in marketing and recruitment within the areas of engineering and manufacturing.  In her current role she works to supports the team with clients across all areas of the business, predominantly in mining and energy.

Tim McMillan is a media professional with a wealth of experience across the television, radio and digital platforms.

Tim anchored Nine Perth’s weeknight news for five years and also launched Perth’s first live and local morning bulletins, Today Perth News.

Prior to joining Nine News Perth in 2013, Tim was a reporter for ABC Radio in Perth and Melbourne, and at Nine News in Melbourne and Sydney. During that time, he covered major stories including the final Azaria Chamberlain inquest, the Beaconsfield Mine inquest, Black Saturday bushfires, the underworld trials of high profile gangland figures, Schappelle Corby’s release from Bali’s Kerobokan prison and numerous state and federal elections. Tim also anchored national morning and afternoon news bulletins and regularly filled in as host of the Today Show.

His qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (UWA) and a degree in Broadcasting (WAAPA). His investigative journalism has been recognised with two prestigious Quill Awards for Best Television News Report in 2009 and 2011. Tim is an experienced MC and facilitator and is currently working in radio and on several new media projects.

Peter has more than 30 years’ experience in sales, business development, senior management, and marketing roles for national companies with operations in WA.

He has an extensive background in companies supplying the building industry’s commercial and residential sectors, including State Manager roles for Bosch, Tradelink, and Marbletrend.

Peter’s senior managerial positions have required him to operate independently, securing new business, recognising, and developing opportunities and overseeing staff to achieve their individual KPIs.

He is a strong sales professional and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Management.

Peter was also the managing director of his own business for eight years. His depth of business knowledge and experience as a senior manager and business owner ensures he understands the pressures and priorities from both perspectives and is adept at bringing that experience into play for Platform clients.

Leanne has more than 20 years’ accounting experience including tenures with Rio Tinto and Dampier Salt. She has worked with Platform Communications since its inception, using her business acumen and attention to detail to ensure all aspects of the company work efficiently.

Leanne is the Project Manager of Minesite, an annual full-colour, glossy magazine produced by Platform Communications and Unity Publications for the WA Mining Club.

Now in its 19th year, Minesite is a quality publication which carries articles from industry leaders on developments and trends in the WA mining industry and includes contributions from the Premier, Minister for Mines and Petroleum and Energy, the Federal Resources Minister, and mining operators such as BHP, Fortescue, Rio Tinto, Roy Hill and an array of mining suppliers.

As Project Manager, Leanne contributes to the success of the magazine, liaising with advertisers, including many tier-one mining companies, the publisher, and editorial contributors and contracted writers to ensure demanding production and editorial deadlines are met.

Nicole has a strong passion for writing, organisation, and learning about new emerging digital technology.

Her role involves office management, support, and collaboration with all members of the Platform Communications team.

She has worked extensively in customer service roles helping the community, clients and coworkers navigate their busy days with coffee, food and a clean and healthy environment.

Nicole has won local competitions with her long-form and short stories. She’s dedicated a decade to volunteering at the Peter Cowan Writers Centre, where she actively led the Saturday Morning Writers group, assisted in the office, collaborated with the local art gallery and coordinated publication events. She has a keen interest in events and making something people can enjoy and be proud of.

These skills and passions along with her friendly nature have made Nicole a welcomed addition to the Platform team.

Tracey has more than 10 years’ experience in the media industry, specialising in business journalism, and has worked for The West Australian, Financial Times Business in London and WA Business News.

Following her journalism roles in recent years she has crossed over into corporate communications and managed communications for BHP’s $8 billion expansion of Worsley Alumina Refinery.

Tracey brings a combination of writing experience, business knowledge and project management skills to her role as Journalist at Platform.

She has undertaken copywriting for Newmont’s Dig This magazine, Beyond the Mine and many of Newmont’s award submissions in addition to the copywriting for BHP’s Nickel Exchange and Harrier Human Capitals e-Newsletter.

Tracey works remotely for our clients and currently lives in Dandaragan.

Gemma’s 20 years of experience as a designer has seen her work with clients across a variety of industries, most notably resources, local government, luxury goods, tourism, events and the arts. Gemma is highly skilled in designing within corporate brand guidelines and has the ability to interpret brand style with creative flair. She has extensive experience across all aspects of design including annual reports, corporate communication, event collateral and brand creation. Her strength lies in her structured approach, attention to detail and design thinking, resulting in successful and engaging designs.

With a high level of attention to detail, Sandy has the ability to creatively convey ideas through text and image. Sandy is an important member of the Platform team and is an excellent project manager, regularly managing design tasks from start to finish.
Sandy has extensive experience across all aspects of design including websites, booths, presentations, brand and logo creation, image manipulation, digital, annual reports, corporate communication and event collateral.
Sandy has worked for a number of clients across various industries including resources, engineering, agricultural and land and realestate.

Kasia has more than 16 years’ experience in graphic design and consulting, approaching each project with creativity and an eye for detail. Her strengths lie in applying her attention to detail to understanding her clients’ needs and following brand guidelines to deliver their messages with consistency and clarity.

Kasia manages print and production deadlines and has worked with clients from a range of industries including resources, engineering, and real estate to create purposeful and thoughtful designs. She has extensive experience launching new brands and refreshing existing brands to allow them to effectively engage and entice their target audiences.

Nicole is a specialist responsive front-end and back-end website developer. She has experience working across a range of website platforms and interfaces. She has strong user interface design, responsive website design, and experience coding with HTML5, PHP, JavaScript, and mySQL as well as building tailored WordPress solutions and plugins. She develops complex websites for clients that require unique functionality and user interface.

Julie provides data analytics and administration support to the Platform Communications team.

Julie has worked across a diverse range of areas including administration, corporate services, financial management and human resources in the medical and education sectors. Her career included working as Manager Corporate Services at the Education Department of WA for over 16 years. Her expertise lies in managing and leading teams and supporting agencies to achieve the best outcomes for their clients. She applies this experience to her current role as Platform’s data analyst, supporting the wider team across all arms of the business.