About
Company Background
Relate Technical Communications is a unique consultancy group specialising in B2B marketing communications and media relationships for the industrial, engineering and technology sectors. The company was founded in 1994, with its prime mission to address the specific requirements of these sectors and forge an entirely new breed of publicity consultancy.
Today, Relate employs a team of creative engineers who bridge the gap between highly technical engineering concepts and media relations. The company specialises in the development of targeted, tailored and technically accurate editorial for media placement and tailored publicity campaigns.
Relate People
Rod Nockles
Managing Director
Rod Nockles has more than 15 years experience in strategic communication, issues management, government affairs and community engagement. He has provided strategic counsel to a range of leading national and international companies including Telstra, Australia Post, Lockheed Martin, General Electric and Exxon Mobil, and worked as a senior adviser in the Commonwealth Government. Rod commenced his career as a communication specialist in the Australian Navy and worked in the Defence Signals Directorate. He further developed his expertise in cyber safety and security working for a number of leading digital companies, and was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2006 examining cyber safety and security global best practice.
Rod completed an Honours Degree in Economics and Politics from La Trobe University and a Masters Degree from the Australian National University.
Andrew Ronalds
Director
Andrew is an accomplished businessman with local and international experience. With a long and successful history in Australia's manufacturing sector, Andrew has developed a keen understanding of strategy, brand development and marketing communications. Andrew has completed a Commerce degree at Deakin University, majoring in Marketing and Economics. He is also Director of an agricultural business in the Gippsland region of South-East Victoria, Australia.
Ellen Gregory
Principal
Ellen holds a PhD in Engineering, in addition to a Bachelor of Engineering (Materials) and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University. With experience in commercial R&D, Ellen joined Relate in 2000, after seeking a role that would combine her strong technical background with genuine writing interests. In that time she has developed a keen understanding of media communications and publicity strategy, as well as expertise in the preparation of technical editorial. These insights are invaluable in her role as a client manager.
Ben Lazzaro
Senior Technology Writer
Ben is an Engineering (Chemical) graduate of RMIT University. Before joining Relate, he worked as a Heat Exchanger Product Manager and a Project Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry. He has also had experience in major events, television and radio. Ben's extensive industrial site experience, coupled with a gift for communications, allow him to understand and clearly communicate core technical issues for a wide range of industry sectors. As a client manager, he is experienced at conceptualising and delivering a variety of media campaigns.
Steve Marsh
Technology Writer
Steve has a Masters in Engineering (Environmental) from The University of Melbourne, which complements his Engineering (Civil) degree from Loughborough University of Technology in the UK. Steve brings a unique mix of engineering and communications experience to Relate, having held positions as a Military Communications Consultant, Risk Engineer and Civil Engineer. Steve has applied his engineering expertise across the globe with postings in Europe, the USA, Central America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Allan Alderson
Consulting Principal
Allan, who holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) from The University of Melbourne, founded Relate Technical Communications in 1994. After 15 years' experience as an engineering consultant, he became founding editor of a popular industry publication, before identifying the need for a media communications company focused on the industrial, technology and engineering sectors. With almost 20 years' involvement in technology communications, most of that at the helm of Relate, Allan is a true pioneer of the industry.
Elise Minniti
Media Liaison
Holding an Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations) from Victoria University, Elise is a proficient client/media communications consultant. Her in-house and agency experience includes media liaison, publicity, events and marketing, as well as researching and maintaining media contact databases. She also provides account support on a range of publicity campaigns.
Julie Pike
Administration/Media Liaison
Julie has over 20 years experience in business administration, and a prior work history in legal support services. She has also gained event coordination experience, having conceptualised and coordinated exhibits at several food industry trade shows. In addition to overseeing Relate's day to day office administration, Julie provides media liaison and event support.