If you’re an organisation making a positive impact in your community, I’d love to amplify what you do.
By day, I’m Communications and Engagement Manager at Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO), working at the intersection of justice, health, and human services. Alongside this, I take on freelance facilitation and event work, and have one-on-one Career Conversations with people in the communications and engagement space.
I’ve worked with organisations such as the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative working towards reducing suicides, The Groundswell Project end of life advocacy organisation, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), and others, to launch new projects and resolve reoccurring issues. I work end-to-end, engaging diverse stakeholders to create a shared vision, designing programs, crafting communications strategies, and facilitating conversations that shift thinking and drive change.
Alongside my organisational work, I’m available for:
Facilitation – strategy workshops, community conversations, and public events.
Career Conversations – informal, focused chats with communications and engagement professionals seeking perspective, clarity, or fresh ideas.
Event Conversation Partner – helping events create more depth, connection, and inclusion.
The common thread in all my work is connection, built through creating a sense of belonging, strengthening relationships, and fostering inclusive communities.
I am based in Wollongong, NSW, and work with clients in Sydney, Melbourne, and across Australia.
About
GRETEL VAN LANE
With over 15 years of experience, I have worked with purpose-led organisations, government teams, and not-for-profits to engage communities in meaningful ways online and offline.
I collaborate with people at all levels, from senior executives and business leaders to front-line teams and community members, to create conversations and connections that lead to lasting change.
Alongside my role as Communications and Engagement Manager at ACSO, I take on freelance facilitation and event work, and have Career Conversations with people in the communications and engagement space.
Testimonials
“Gretel displayed an intuitive and intelligent ability to manage stakeholder relationships and facilitate a wide range of content to a complex group of young people. Her skills in program development ensured that participants were engaged and her ability to motivate young people whom otherwise may not have progressed was skilful.
Her keen observation skills enabled her to adapt the program and she was able to authentically connect with participants. We had nothing but positive feedback and would highly recommend her for future projects and/or facilitation roles.”
“Gretel is a masterful presenter, engaging and informative, bringing confidence and ease in navigating social media network platforms and exploring opportunities in health promotion from novice to expert. A must do webinar!”
“Gretel provided clarity on our purpose, insight into our target audience and a very accessible roadmap into greater communication with our people. Gretel was exactly what our business needed!”
“Gretel has provided the team at Cufa with the tools and knowledge to successfully engage with all of the different social media channels. Her presentation at our staff workshop was so valuable, and everyone learned a lot, even the more seasoned social media people. Gretel was always responsive and practical in her suggestions, and a pleasure to work with.”
“Gretel is a master communicator with a genuine creative flare. I have worked with Gretel on difficult and ambiguous projects where she was able to remain open, honest, approachable and delivered results. I would recommend Gretel to anyone looking for a hard working, thoughtful and creative mind.”
“Every time I spend a moment with Gretel discussing new project ideas, I leave filled with clarity. She listens with intent and wisdom beyond her years. Gretel has always delivered results above expectation.”
“If you want to go fast go alone,
If you want to go far, go together.”
