WHO WE ARE
OUR SERVICES
With over 20 years in the tourism and travel industry, Barking Owl Communications is a Sydney-based boutique PR agency specialising in media relations and integrated communications programs. We are known for providing creative and strategic advice that helps deliver great outcomes for both clients and the agency.
Barking Owl combines in-depth experience, strong media relationships and an approachable style, with a team of consultants who share a passion for, and extensive knowledge of the travel and tourism industry.
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Comms
Strategists
We build strategic communication programs that mutually benefit organisations and their audience
​Media
Relations
We have excellent, long standing relationships with the media and understand what they need and how to deliver it for maximum effect
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
We are proud of our ability to connect and create mutually beneficial partnerships that are long standing and deliver excellent results
Crisis
Management
We are highly experienced in crisis and issues management delivering audits, plans, training and support
Trade
Advocacy
We have a deep understanding and strong relationships in the travel trade in both Australia and New Zealand
EVENT MANAGEMENT
We have a reputation for not only creating and executing unique events that build awareness but also events that drive revenue
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
We connect brands with the right influencers to drive authentic engagement, meaningful storytelling and measurable results
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
We research, produce and publish powerful content that connects with audiences
OUR TEAM
​Jill Collins is the founder and managing director of Barking Owl Communications and has more than 20 years’ experience in public relations, communications and crisis management.
She has held numerous senior leadership roles, including heading up the Sydney office of top-tier global PR agency Edelman. Prior to that, she spent 11 years in the United States managing Edelman’s Consumer PR division in Los Angeles, leading programs for clients such as Pepsi and Tourism Queensland, before moving to Chicago to head up the company’s Tourism Practice for North America.
In 2003, Jill established Barking Owl Communications to help clients in the tourism and lifestyle sectors develop and implement strategic communications programs that support their business objectives.
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Jill is supported by a team of highly professional consultants who develop and deliver hard-working, results-driven programs for our clients.
Jill Collins
Managing Director and CEO
Saeedah Khoda
Digital and Client Services Director
Lizzie Doyle
​Consultant
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Samantha Martini
Account Manager​
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Simone Nicol
Social Media & Client Services Executive
Rebecca George
Trade Program Manager
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Natasha Cowling
Account Executive
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Melissa Perks
Business Support Manager
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Emma Sturgiss
Consultant
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Louise Longman
Content Creator
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Trish White
Consultant
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Catherine Rodwell
Consultant
WHAT'S WITH THE NAME?
In 1988, agency Managing Director Jill Collins was holidaying in Greece with her sister when they visited a temple in Delphi, where they discussed Athena the goddess of wisdom, courage and inspiration, often depicted with an owl on her shoulder. The symbolism resonated with Jill and sparked a lifelong habit of collecting owl souvenirs on her travels.
Years later, as she launched her own PR agency, those owls found a new home in the business. Jill felt a special connection to the Australian Barking Owl, sharing traits from colouring to east-coast habitat, and even a distinctive, spirited call. The name felt like a natural fit for both her personality and the agency’s voice.
