Message Stix Blog

Back in the Energy Game

2011-04-18T04:33:00.001-07:00

Message Stix has recently signed with a great new client - Origin Energy. We're looking forward to working with the Origin Energy team!

Congratulations to the Public Safety Network Project

2010-10-10T01:18:00.000-07:00

Message Stix would like to congratulate the Public Safety Network Project on its success at the 2010 Premier's Awards for Excellence in Public Service Delivery. The project, which spans the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Corrective Services and Department of Justice and Attorney-General, took out the category of 'Strong' at the awards ceremony on 7th October, 2010. Message Stix is proud to have been associated with this initiative and wishes all involved all the best for the final stages of delivery. To view more information visit: http://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/awards-and-recognition/public-service-excel/2010/strong.aspx

GITC Agreement Maintained

2010-07-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

Once again Message Stix has maintained its status as approved provider to the Queensland Government. Our GITC agreement has been renewed for another consecutive year. This is great news! For more information about how Message Stix can support your business' ICT initiatives contact us at info@messagestix.com.au

Karen Williams on 1233 ABC Newcastle - 15/04/10 at 3pm. Tune in!

2010-04-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

Message Stix talks to the Weekend Australian

2009-10-07T00:34:00.000-07:00

Denise Cullen, freelance journalist for the Professional section of The Weekend Australian approached Karen Williams for comment regarding the effectiveness of corporate communications in the public sector. What a great opportunity to pay homage to Message Stix's Federal and State Government clients! The article highlights some of the innovations Karen has seen through her work - particularly the stellar results achieved on an often shoestring budget! For a full view of the article visit: And Now for the Good News

GITC Agreement Renewed

2009-05-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

Message Stix's Queensland Government Information Technology Contracting Agreement has been renewed for the third year in a row. This is great news! For more information about how Message Stix can support your business' ICT initiatives contact us at info@messagestix.com.au

Message Stix continues with Queensland Government

2009-05-07T02:43:00.001-07:00

Message Stix is delighted to announce its ongoing relationship with a number of Queensland Government agencies. We are delighted to be working with you!

Labor vs LNP Leaders - The Message Stix Perspective

2009-03-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

With the Queensland State election fast approaching speculation is rife as to which party will win the votes of Queenslanders - Anna Bligh or Lawrence Springborg. The public are watching these leaders carefully, listening to their policies and points of view and observing how they present themselves. So, how do the leaders stack up? Melissa Singer from Fairfax Media contacted us for our view: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2009/03/01/1235842217428.html

Karen becomes an ABC Regular!

2009-01-30T23:46:00.000-08:00

Following last week's strong response to Karen's 'Gen Y' interview, she has been invited back to the ABC studio to discuss managing change through the Global Financial Crisis. Karen will be appearing daily on ABC Local Radio at 0930. Feel free to listen to Karen's advice at: http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2009/01/managing-your-w.html?program=far_north_mornings
If you would like more info on how Message Stix can help your organisation visit http://www.messagestix.com.au/

Talking Generations on ABC Radio

2009-01-26T01:42:00.000-08:00

Tune into ABC Local Radio Wednesday, 28th January at 0900 to hear Karen Williams chat with Bruce Woolley about how different generations in the workplace are responding to the changed conditions brought about by a different economic scape. If you have thoughts or feedback on the interview let us know at www.messagestix.com.au

Book a seat at the HRBS Roundtable

2009-01-26T01:31:00.000-08:00

Following the stellar success of the first HRBS Roundtable, the second event will take place on February 10 and will feature...Karen Williams! For more info visit: http://hrbs.com.au/roundtable.htm or to learn more about how Message Stix can help your company through change in a time of uncertainty contact us at info@messagestix.com.au

It's Official!

2009-01-08T22:32:00.000-08:00

is now a registered Trade Mark!

Surviving the Christmas Party Season

2008-12-21T22:53:00.000-08:00

Brisbane Times journalist Shannon Molloy asks Message Stix's Karen Williams for hints and tips on how to make the most of the fun times over Christmas...and hold your head high on Monday morning! Visit: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/business/christmas-cheer-can-produce-a-legal-hangover/2008/12/01/1227979933717.html

Congratulations MDA!

2008-11-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our wonderful client - Multicultural Development Association Inc. who were the recipients of the 'Community Based Organisation Category' award at this year's Queensland Multicultural Awards. Pictured are Fraser Power (Chairman - MDA Board), Kerrin Benson (CEO - MDA) and Karen Williams of Message Stix at the awards ceremony which was held on November 26 at Parliament House. Look forward to working together in 2009!

Welcome Nikki!

2008-10-30T03:40:00.000-07:00

The Message Stix team would like to extend a warm welcome to Nikki Swann - our newest Senior Consultant. Nikki will be working with an exciting new Message Stix client - Macarthur Coal. Nikki is an incredibly experienced change manager and an org psych to boot! Nikki, we are delighted to have you on board. Look forward to hearing of great results for Macarthur Coal!

Keynote Speaker - Thynne & Mac National Conference

2008-10-30T03:33:00.000-07:00

Karen Williams of Message Stix is delighted to announce she will be Keynote Speaker at Thynne & Macartney's annual national conference. The group's partners will be gathering to learn a lot more about 'Feedback - How to Give it, How to Take it'. More proof indeed that this workshop is continuing to arouse interest from all sectors. If you would like to know more about our feedback workshop, contact us at info@messagestix.com.au .

Helping Macarthur to 'dig coal'

2008-10-09T04:50:00.001-07:00

Message Stix is delighted to be working with our new client - Macarthur Coal. It's going to be a busy time...but we are up for the challenge!

An important cause

2008-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

From October 1, Message Stix is providing direct financial assistance to The Smith Family's 'Learning for Life' program - which gives disadvantaged Australian children a chance to make the most of their education. This important cause is well worth your support too! For more information, visit: https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au

Keynote speaker for Ark Group

2008-09-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

If you are in Sydney in November 2008, stop by to see Karen Williams present the highly acclaimed Message Stix workshop 'Feedback - How to Give it, How to Take it' workshop at the Ark Group Conference. For more info visit: http://www.arkgroupaustralia.com.au/events.htm . To know more about the feedback workshop, visit: http://www.messagestix.com.au/ .

2008-08-28T03:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the stellar team driving the iQuEST project! To Lisa Ryan (University of Sunshine Coast) and Dr Julie Davis (QUT) - what a successful forum! Message Stix is proud to be associated with this important work.

The AIG Boardroom Experience...

2008-08-19T00:12:00.001-07:00

Karen Williams and John Mills (Pitcher Partners) will be presenting "Staff - How to Get Them, How to Keep Them" to Australian Industry Group on August 28th. For tips on staff retention, contact us at http://www.messagestix.com.au/ .

Very...illuminating...

2008-07-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hi there, Message Stix is once again in the limelight. The College of Organisational Psychologists have picked up our recommendations for managing staff through times of great change - such as a merger or acqusition. To read more, visit: http://admin.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/Illuminations%202008-06.pdf

What's Your Office Personality Type?

2008-06-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Check out our article at: http://www.shesaid.com.au/article/2008/06/16/2927_featured_story.php

To know more about managing different personalities in your workplace, contact us at www.messagestix.com.au

2008-06-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

Karen Williams of Message Stix will join a stellar line-up of presenters, including 'Sunrise' favourite David Koch at the 2008 'Big' Small Business Solutions one day seminar. Following national interest in the Message Stix 'Feedback - How to Give it, How to Take it' workshop series, Karen will be facilitating a breakout workshop at the event. She’ll give you a good understanding of how to communicate effectively with employees, bosses, suppliers, clients and future prospects. Good business = good communication! To book a place at this important event, visit: http://www.smallbusinesssolutions.qld.gov.au/content/standard.asp?name=Seminar_Program or contact us at www.messagestix.com.au .

New Team Member!

2008-05-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome Mel Nolan to the Message Stix team! Mel brings to our organisation extensive experience in both public and private sectors. Adept at his craft and recognised by state and national industry bodies for his capability in identifying opportunities for innovation, Mel has considerable and demonstrated knowledge and experience working on customer service initiatives in large change programs. Mel is working at Suncorp. Welcome!

Local Buy, Local Pride

2008-05-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

Message Stix is proud to announce that it has been awarded preferred supplier status by Local Buy, the Local Government Association of Queensland owned and controlled procurement arm. Message Stix has been selected to provide independent marketing and communication consulting services to government bodies across Queensland. For more information about Message Stix services visit: www.messagestix.com.au

JJJ invite to talk back

2008-05-11T22:14:00.001-07:00

The esteemed Triple J current affairs program, Hack, has invited Karen Williams to guest present during a talkback segment this afternoon at 5.30 p.m. Topic covers navigating your way through difficult or courageous conversations with your boss. Tune in!

For she's a jolly good (AIPF) fellow...

2008-04-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

Karen Williams has been appointed a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Professional Facilitators. Founded in 2006, AIPF provides professional growth and networking opportunities for learning and development professionals and also helps Human Resources/Training and Development specialists source the best learning outcomes for their organisation. For further information about AIPF, visit: http://www.aipf.com.au/ . Want to engage one of our talented facilitators? Visit: http://www.messagestix.com.au/contact_us.htm .

Facing up to Feedback

2008-04-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

It is a challenge to face up to feedback – harder still if you are the boss. In response to requests from a number of clients, Message Stix has developed a unique feedback coaching workshop entitled:

‘Feedback – How to Give It, How to Take It’.

This workshop is designed to help managers and staff identify and make the most of feedback opportunities. If you would like to know more or arrange a feedback workshop for your organisation, please contact http://www.messagestix.com.au/contact_us.htm .

Office Horrorscopes...goes live!

2008-04-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Be listening to 4BC radio on Monday, April 21 to hear Karen Williams live to air discussing 'Office Horrorscopes'. This hot topic, which has already been profiled in Brisbane's City News, MX Magazine and Gold Coast Bulletin, highlights the criticality in taking time to consider the right ‘fit’ for new employees - identify and recruit the right people up front and organisations can save themselves a whole lot of heartache.

As featured in Australian Women Online...

2008-04-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Australian Women Online is an online magazine and news blog for women. It features those stories often overlooked by other women’s magazines, including the personal and professional stories of Australian women who are making their mark in their chosen field. Karen Williams of Message Stix is currently front page! Visit: http://www.australianwomenonline.com/?p=417

HRBS give us a plug!

2008-04-10T02:23:00.000-07:00

Our fantastic friends at HR Business Solutions are giving us a plug...so we're giving them one back! Subscribers to the Australian Institute of Project Management would have seen Karen's piece covering the culture of change through the Mergers and Acquisitions process. Tina and her team did - and they support our approach so strongly that they have placed the article on their website for their clients to view. Check out: http://hrbs.com.au/documents/MergersandAcquisitions.pdf Thanks HRBS!

Learn, Lead and Succeed...with Westpac

2008-04-10T01:20:00.000-07:00

The dynamic Westpac Women's Markets teams have launched a unique program of nationwide events - The Learn, Lead and Succeed Business Event Series. It was developed by Westpac from discussions and feedback from over a decade of supporting the individual needs of Australian businesswomen. Karen Williams has been invited to attend the exclusive and intensive Brisbane event on April 29.

GITC Agreement Renewed

2008-04-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

The Department of Public Works has confirmed its renewal of Message Stix's GITC Agreement. This agreement is part of a wider framework which manages Government procurement for ICT products and services and aims to simplify the purchasing process. The GITC terms and conditions are designed to remove uncertainties and inconsistencies in contractual procurement arrangements.

Pitcher Partners present...

2008-03-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

Leading full service accounting and advisory firm, Pitcher Partners, has invited Karen Williams to present at its premier breakfast event on April 1, 2008 at the Brisbane Club. Karen will be discussing staff retention strategies with a number of key Pitcher Partners and Message Stix clients. What a great opportunity!

MDA continues in 2008!

2008-03-03T18:02:00.001-08:00

Multicultural Development Association has confirmed that Message Stix will continue to provide its leadership development program in 2008! Thanks Kerrin and your team - it is great working with you and supporting the important contribution you make to Brisbane's regarding refugees. Megan - really proud of your efforts with the MDA team.

A smooth transition for Euro RSCG

2008-02-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

Great feedback from the Euro RSCG / Red Agency team:

Message Stix was engaged by The Corporate Advantage (now Red Agency) in 2007 to facilitate a strategic growth and change process within the organisation. This multi-faceted project involved client and staff research, change management strategy and planning, and business counsel through a corporate merger. Karen Williams from Message Stix led this engagement and impressed all involved with her professionalism, acute understanding of business needs and priorities and her strategic guidance throughout this project. I would have no hesitation in recommending Karen and the Message Stix team to any organisation requiring high level organisational change management input or strategic human resource advice. Anita Caulfield, Principal, Red Agency

Trilby Misso give us a wrap!

2008-02-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

After a successful round of presentations, CEO Graeme McFadyen has had great things to say about Message Stix:

“Since we are a large employer of Gen Ys we wanted a program that focused on differences in communication styles. Message Stix delivered a program that was both informative and fun. Karen Williams understands and communicates the message very well. Highly recommended.”
Graham McFayden, CEO, Trilby Misso Lawyers

2008-01-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

Message Stix has signed with 612 ABC Brisbane! Really looking forward to working with the team!

TCA becomes Red!

2007-12-04T12:39:00.001-08:00

Our friends at The Corporate Advantage have a new home. Recently bought out by Euro RSCG, TCA is now Red Agency Brisbane. Message Stix was engaged to support the team through this major organisational transition. Congratulations on a successful outcome Red Agency!

Gen Who?

2007-12-04T02:41:00.001-08:00

The progressive and dynamic team at Trilby Misso Lawyers has invited Karen Williams to facilitate discussions entitled 'Talkin' 'bout My Generation'. A great way to start the year!

Australian Country Choice is our choice too!

2007-12-04T02:36:00.001-08:00

Kerry Brocks, one of our facilitators-in-chief here at Message Stix, will be working with Australian Country Choice in mid-December. We are looking forward to working with your team David...thank-you for the opportunity!

Saving the day with QFRS

2007-12-04T02:32:00.001-08:00

Message Stix will be providing strategic communications support to QFRS. We are delighted to be involved. Stay tuned for more details!

Helping out law firms

2007-11-07T03:47:00.001-08:00

Karen Williams will be presenting to the Queensland Law Society and ALPMA on November 14 about talent retention and attraction for professional services firms. For more info about talent retention and attraction tactics visit: www.messagestix.com.au

Working together to make the world a better place...

2007-11-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Lisa Ryan, Associate Lecturer in Sustainability Education on a successful ARIES proposal providing funding from the Australian Government Department of Environment and Water Resources for the iQuEST project (Investigating Queensland Educating for Sustainability in Teacher education). Message Stix is delighted to be a part of this ground-breaking and innovative initiative and is looking forward to providing support to your team through the work you undertake.

Handing the books back!

2007-10-06T00:13:00.000-07:00

Great news! Message Stix client, Dedicated Bookkeeping, is now looking after the Message Stix books. Invoicing will still be handled to our usual professional standards. From now on however, Message Stix clients will receive invoicing correspondence from our 'Accounts' email.

Out and about at Q400 Awards Ceremony

2007-10-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Message Stix was proud to be an award recipient at the recent Q400 Awards ceremony. Pictured is Karen Williams with Paul Miley (Consulting Partners) and Jeff Miller (Investec). Want to talk direct to us? Visit: www.messagestix.com.au

The Good Work Goes On!

2007-10-01T03:43:00.001-07:00

Kerrin Benson, CEO of the Multicultural Development Association of Australia has confirmed an ongoing relationship with Message Stix in 2008! Thank-you to Kerrin and the MDA team - it is a pleasure to be involved with your organisation. And...well done Megan Overell from Message Stix on the fantastic work you are doing with the group.

All the Fun of the Fair!

2007-10-01T02:30:00.000-07:00

As our Message Stix friends would know, we have long had a love affair with the Ekka. Karen Williams has been elected to the RNA's 'Future Directions Committee' and is thrilled and honoured. Her grandfather would be proud!

Message Stix is introduced to the AICC

2007-09-08T00:23:00.000-07:00

The Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce has invited Karen Williams, on behalf of Message Stix, to present at their September Boardroom Lunch event. Karen will be presenting 'The War For Talent' which explores the battle organizations have with attracting and retaining outstanding people. Karen’s presentation examines the differences in work ethic and approach that exist between the Baby Boomer generation and Generations X & Y and introduces The Millenials.

Message Stix to partner with USC and Macquarie

2007-09-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

Message Stix has been approached to support staff at University of Sunshine Coast and Macquarie University who are developing a sustainable schools project entitled 'Teacher Education for Sustainability'. This is an incredibly exciting piece of work. We will let you know more as details become available.

Keeping office tongues from wagging

2007-08-24T01:20:00.001-07:00

The latest Message Stix commentary in BrisbaneTimes.com.au:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/high-cost-of-workplace-bitching/2007/08/23/1187462392180.html

Listen Up!

2007-08-23T04:26:00.000-07:00

Message Stix's Karen Williams will be appearing live to air on Radio 4WK Saturday, August 26. 4WK Announcer, Jim Campbell, has requested Karen's time to discuss the topical issue of shire council amalgamations. Radio 4WK broadcasts across the Darling Downs. So, Message Stix clients and friends, tune in and listen up!

Message Stix makes Queensland's Top 400!

2007-08-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Great news from Queensland Business Review magazine...Message Stix has been listed as one of Queensland's Top 400 companies!

A sincere thank-you to our many valued clients, colleagues and friends for your support!

For more info visit: http://www.q400.com.au/

First Workshop Success

2007-07-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

Message Stix has been invited by the Multicultural Development Association to conduct a Leadership Development Program for its leadership team. 10 participants took place in the first of a series of six workshops in late June. The workshop was conducted by the fantastic Megan Overell. Well done on a great result Megan!

GITC Accreditation for Message Stix

2007-06-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

Message Stix has been accredited by the Government Information Technology and Contracting panel!

This important milestone means that Message Stix can be engaged by any and all Queensland Government Agencies - our firm meets the high contracting standards these agencies require.

http://www.gitc.qld.gov.au/(grb5xe21tbqklaaokc0jh545)/freedom.aspx?pid=173

All Queensland Government Agencies which fall under the Queensland State Purchasing Policy are required to use GITC for the procurement of ICT products and/or services. As a pre-requisite to signing a GITC Agreement with the State of Queensland, suppliers must first apply to become GITC accredited. Message Stix undertook this significant task and have been awarded certification.

Message Stix can resource the following GITC modules:

V5 - Module 7 - ICT Personnel Recruitment Services
V5 - Module 8 - ICT Contracting Services
V5 - Module 9 - ICT Consultancy Services

We provide the following GITC capabilities:

Project Services
Contracting Services
Project Management
Business Network & Strategic Alliance Facilitation

Message Stix gets 'water-wise'

2007-06-10T00:55:00.001-07:00

Redsuit Advertising has engaged Message Stix to support one of it's major campaigns - one with a water-wise focus. The Message Stix team is working with key stakeholders from the Local Government Infrastructure Services team (QTC, LGAQ) as well as KPMG. More info to come!

One good turn...

2007-06-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

As you would well know dynamic public relations firm 'The Corporate Advantage' has been signed to represent publicity interests of Message Stix. In turn, TCA has now become a client of ours - we are conducting 'Client Satisfaction Survey' activities on behalf of the firm over the coming weeks. To see the latest press releases from TCA - check out the Message Stix Newsroom!

Message Stix signs with ABC

2007-06-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has awarded Message Stix the contract for facilitating its 'New Manager's Program' for Queensland staff. The program is extensive - it runs over six months - and its objective is to provide managers with a consistent platform of corporate knowledge in addition to management strategies. Karen Williams will be acting on behalf of Message Stix for the duration of the program. Message Stix is delighted to be on board!