In July 2009, RPR was engaged by the City of Greater Bendigo to deliver media training to councillors. The fully interactive evening session was tailored specifically for the Council and structured around the organisation’s existing media policy and needs defined in a pre-training questionnaire. The regional media environment was a particular focus, as it is vastly different to the metropolitan context.

Managing media relationships, delivering on a journalist’s expectations, participating in interviews, understanding the needs of the different media forms and key message preparation and delivery were just some of the topics covered. The sessions closed with a simulated interview of all councillors, complete with camera and lights, helping participants put what they had learned into practice. Participants described the session as relevant, ‘real world’ and insightful.

“My personal thanks to you all. I am sure we all benefited greatly from the experienced advice and guidance offered, in particular, the practical session and your rigorous questions. Your encouraging and discreetly guiding discussion was also greatly appreciated, including Pod’s vital observations. I will be doing all I can to remember and practice all you said. I am now much more relaxed about my next media experience – even looking forward to it.”

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Rod Campbell