Supporting purpose-led people and organisations.
Whether I'm engaging 70 stakeholders to vision a sustainable energy future or working one-on-one with someone navigating a major life transition, my focus is the same: building trust, deepening connection, and finding a clear way 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. I draw on over 15 years across local government, health, and the community sector.
How we can work together
Personal Facilitation & Coaching
A trauma-informed, facilitation-style approach to personal and professional development. We map the path, build accountability, and create space to move forward with clarity, whether you're navigating a career pivot or a significant personal change.
Workshop & Group Facilitation
I design and lead strategy workshops, community listening events, and public forums. I'm particularly skilled at navigating complex social issues, ensuring diverse voices feel heard while keeping the group moving toward its goals.
Gretel Van-Lane
I'm a facilitator, communications specialist, and community connector based in Wollongong, NSW. With over 15 years of experience across local government, health, and the community sector, I work with people and organisations to build the kinds of connections that lead to lasting change.
I'm known for a warm, direct facilitation style and an ability to hold space for honest conversations on complex and sensitive topics. I'm equally at home leading a large stakeholder forum as I am working one-on-one with someone navigating a significant personal or professional transition.
I also run Dinners with a Difference, a community conversation event that brings people together over shared meals and the things that really matter.
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.”
