Margaret Lawson
Managing Director and Media Trainer

Margaret Lawson has more than 15 years' PR experience in media relations and corporate communications across the private, public and university sectors.

She has led teams responsible for complex communication projects including acquisitions and mergers, and played a management role in the $1.2 billion sale of Ergon Energy Retail in 2007. Prior to the sale, Margaret was responsible for Ergon Energy’s national retail communications team.

Margaret has a long-standing passion for aerospace and aviation, and applied this to lead the media and publicity for the launch of Australia's FedSat satellite in 2002 in Japan. At Cole Lawson, she established the firm's aviation practice, which offers organisations in the aviation, aerospace and transport industries specialised counsel with media relations, marketing, crisis management and corporate communications. In 2011, Margaret completed a Master of Science and Technology (Aviation) degree at the University of New South Wales.

Margaret has also held media relations and marketing communication positions with the Queensland University of Technology and worked as a political adviser. She is the creator of the successful Expert Guide media web site and, as a consultant, has worked with prominent national and global clients in transportation, energy, engineering, healthcare, publishing, property and civil liberties.

As a journalist, Margaret has worked on newspapers in Australia and the United States, and has written for publications including The Courier-Mail, The Charlotte Observer, Australasian Science and Australian Journalism Review.

Margaret’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Business (Communication) and a Graduate Diploma of Arts (Journalism). She is a member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia, and has received eight commendations from the PRIA for crisis communication, nonprofit communications, and public affairs campaigns. Margaret is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.

Key skills:

• Communication research and planning
• Issues and crisis management
• Media relations and publicity
• Media training
• Aviation public relations

Luana Latham
Senior Consultant

Luana is an experienced internal and external senior communications specialist with a proven track record in managing, implementing and delivering communications for a range of corporate clients.

Her industry exposure includes advising clients across the property spectrum (from investment management to construction), hospitality, gaming, agriculture and start-up businesses.

Luana has significant experience in strategic planning, alignment of business and communication goals, message formulation, tactical management and evaluation.

She has managed the communication of projects including the launch of a premium brand portfolio, property redevelopment, crisis management, mergers, enterprise bargaining agreements, events and restaurant openings.

With a passion for human resources and internal communications, she has developed unique and creative campaigns designed to capture the attention of employees and drive their engagement at every level of the organisation

Luana has a Diploma of Investor Relations and is currently completing a post graduate qualification - Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management.

Areas of expertise:

• Corporate communications
• Internal communications
• Employee engagement
• Stakeholder engagement
• Community engagement

Nicola Rodrigues
Account Manager

Nicola has worked as a communications professional for more than a decade, honing her skills in consulting and in-house roles across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors.

She has a proven track record of success in every stage of communication campaigns, including from initial planning and development to tactical execution. She has delivered projects involving all aspects of corporate communication, media relations, internal communications, community engagement and marketing communications.

Nicola has also been involved in crisis communications and reputation management to guide clients through sensitive and contentious issues. This has included managing high-profile community engagement programs in urban planning, transport, environmental issues and construction impacts.

Nicola is an experienced and versatile corporate writer with the ability to produce content across all media channels.

A member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA), Nicola holds a Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication) from Murdoch University, WA. She has won several commendations from the PRIA for her work throughout her career.

Areas of expertise:

• Corporate and marketing communications
• Internal and change communications
• Community relations
• Media relations
• Event management

Maddison Charteris
Account Manager

Maddison is an accomplished communication and engagement specialist who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations and Communications from Griffith University, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from RMIT University.

Maddison began her career in the construction and aviation industries, working as the communication and engagement advisor for the new runway at Brisbane Airport. In this role, she was responsible for the development and delivery of stakeholder engagement activities, as well as supporting the delivery of consumer-facing content and campaigns.

Utilising her project management skills, Maddison brings with her an understanding of complex projects and the way in which communication activities can be effortlessly interwoven into overarching programmes.

She prides herself on her relationship management skills and has a passion for media relations and crisis management.

At Cole Lawson, Maddison works across industries including marine, aviation and superannuation to deliver outstanding communication programs that are delivered on-time, on-budget, and exceed clients’ expectations.

Areas of expertise:

• Stakeholder engagement
• Strategic communications
• Project Management
• Internal communications

Amelia Edwards
Account Executive

Amelia utilises her exceptional writing skills to craft high-quality media releases, engaging social media schedules and effective internal communication.

She has a keen interest in news and current affairs and is passionate about demonstrating the value of public relations across all sectors.

She has also spent time studying in Munich and interning in Tokyo, giving her an international perspective on journalism and media relations.

Amelia holds a Bachelor of Communication (public relations), Bachelor of Arts (international relations and English literature) and Diploma of Languages (German) from the University of Queensland.

Areas of expertise:

• Social media
• Media relations
• Project management

Laura Kane
Account Associate

Laura joined Cole Lawson in 2019 with experience in the non-profit, startup and film sectors.

She has worked abroad in China and India, gaining valuable insights into intercultural communication and stakeholder engagement.

Utilising her research, strategic thinking and writing skills, she delivers outcomes that meet client goals.

Laura holds a Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations and Event Management) from the University of Queensland.

Areas of expertise:

• Social media
• Media relations
• Stakeholder engagement

Claire Banfield
Account Executive

Claire joined Cole Lawson in 2017 with experience in the audiology, administration and psychology sectors.

She utilises her strong research, writing and project management skills to deliver high-quality work that meets client’s goals and exceeds their expectations.

She specialises in managing social media, securing media coverage and drafting stakeholder communications.

Areas of expertise:

• Social media
• Strategic communications
• Event and project management