Gretel Van-Lane

Hi! I’m a facilitator and communications specialist with over 15 years’ experience cultivating community connection and collective change.

 
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Amplifying Purpose-Led Impact

I help organisations and individuals find the signal in the noise.

I specialise in facilitating conversations that shift thinking and drive collective change. Whether I am engaging 70 stakeholders to vision a sustainable energy future or working 1:1 with an individual navigating a life threshold, my focus is the same: cultivating trust, building connection, and creating a clear path forward.

By day, I’m the Communications and Engagement Manager at the Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO), working at the intersection of justice, health, and human services.

Drawing on 15 years of experience across local government, health districts, and the NFP sector, I take on a limited number of external projects that build community capacity and foster the deep connections needed to address complex social issues.


How we can work together

Workshop & Group Facilitation

I design and lead strategy workshops, community listening events, and public forums. I am particularly skilled at navigating important social issues, ensuring diverse voices feel welcomed and valued while maintaining focus on the event goals.

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Group Mentoring for Community Creators

Do you have a vision for a community event but feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start? Inspired by the art of intentional gathering and my own journey with Dinners with a Difference, I provide a 6-month group incubator for those who want to run their own events with integrity. I’ll teach you how to move beyond hosting and start designing experiences that foster connection.

Visit Dinners with a Difference

Personal Facilitation & Coaching

I offer a trauma-informed, facilitation-style approach to personal development and career conversations. Together, we don’t just set goals. We map the path, tend to the heart, and build the accountability you need to walk it. Whether you are navigating a professional pivot or seeking clarity in a personal season of change, I provide a brave space to filter the noise and move forward with intention.

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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 limited facilitation projects and personalised coaching.

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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.
— Colin Renton, ASCO
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!
— Sarah Russo, Renal Society of Australasia
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!
— Sarah Anderson, Pope's Produce
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.
— Darian Clark, CEO, Cufa
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.
— Dean Marchiori, Statistician & Data Scientist
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.
— Honora Jenkins, Kind Art Ed
If you want to go fast go alone,
If you want to go far, go together.
— African Proverb
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