Making Sense Communications

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, Making Sense Communications is a strategic communications consultancy that has been operating since 1999. Adelaide, as the capital of South Australia, hosts a competitive market for public relations and communications services, where agencies often serve a mix of government departments, private enterprises, and not-for-profit organisations. Making Sense Communications has carved out a distinct niche in this landscape by focusing on corporate public affairs, media training, and professional writing, with a strong emphasis on client confidentiality and direct partner involvement.

Core Services and Expertise

Making Sense Communications offers a range of services centred on strategic communications and public affairs. The agency is particularly known for its media and communications training workshops, which are designed for corporate clients, government officials, and private individuals seeking to improve their media engagement skills. Beyond training, the firm provides media and issues management, helping clients navigate complex public relations challenges. Their professional writing services cover a broad spectrum, including ghost-writing, branded journalism, and editing for print, broadcast, online, and social media outlets. The agency also delivers public affairs guidance and marketing communications workshops, making it a versatile partner for organisations that need both strategic counsel and hands-on execution.

Client Focus and Operational Model

The consultancy primarily serves private clients, companies, and government departments throughout Australia. A defining characteristic of Making Sense Communications is its boutique structure: clients work directly with the company's two partners, Dr Sharon Mascall-Dare OAM and Ms Elizabeth Beattie MBE. This model ensures that senior expertise is applied to every engagement, and it underscores the firm's reputation for professional excellence and discretion. The agency's longevity—over two decades in operation—suggests a stable, trusted presence in the Australian communications market, particularly within Adelaide's professional services sector.

Specialties and Capabilities

While the agency's services are broad, its core competencies can be summarised as follows:

• Strategic communications and public affairs consulting
• Media and communications training workshops
• Marketing and communications workshops
• Media and issues management
• Branded journalism and content creation
• Public affairs guidance and stakeholder management
• Ghost-writing and professional writing for multiple platforms
• Editing services for print, broadcast, and digital media

These services reflect a focus on both proactive communications (such as branded journalism and training) and reactive strategies (issues management and media engagement). Making Sense Communications appears well-suited for organisations that require high-level strategic advice combined with direct, senior-level execution.

Who It’s a Good Fit For

Making Sense Communications is a strong fit for government departments, corporate entities, and private clients in Adelaide and across Australia who value confidentiality, direct access to experienced partners, and a track record of professional excellence. The agency is particularly suitable for organisations facing complex public affairs challenges, those seeking to enhance their media and communications skills through tailored workshops, or clients needing high-quality writing and editing services. Its boutique nature means it is ideal for clients who prefer a hands-on, senior-led approach rather than a large agency with multiple layers of management. For businesses or public sector bodies in Adelaide or elsewhere in Australia that prioritise discretion and strategic depth, Making Sense Communications offers a proven, long-standing option.