BUSINESS BRIEFS

Westpac has awarded its above-the-line creative advertising account to DDB, replacing the incumbent agency Big Red (run by Ted Horton). This change covers above-the-line advertising only; Westpac's below-the-line account remains with Lavender. The appointment follows the recent hire of John Harries as general manager of strategic marketing.

No. The move to DDB applies to Westpac's above-the-line creative advertising. Westpac's below-the-line marketing account continues to be held by Lavender, so other marketing and activation work is not covered by this change.

The Communications Council has formed a new industry committee called the Public Relations Council (PRC), which will operate under its auspices from October. The PRC is intended to represent the interests of many of Australia’s leading consumer PR agencies, and Liquid Ideas’ Stuart Gregor will be the inaugural chair.

Fairfax Media signed a photographic agreement with The New York Times Syndicate and News Service and The Guardian. Through its Fairfax Syndication business unit, Fairfax will act as the local photographic licensee in Australia and New Zealand for images for both editorial and commercial use.

A new ad campaign, created by agency Iris Worldwide, is targeting Australians to bring tourists back to earthquake-affected Christchurch. The campaign highlights reconstruction work since last year's earthquake and aims to attract about 70,000 Australian tourists. The campaign will be largely digital, with some print and outdoor elements.

Bulla Dairy Foods appointed Briony Delaney as group marketing manager. This follows an earlier appointment in May of Helen Reece as general manager of marketing and innovation. Briony Delaney has more than a decade of experience in the dairy industry, most recently at Lion Dairy and Drinks.

Tourism Australia and Qantas teamed up with Icehouse singer Iva Davies to produce a four-minute video marking the 30th anniversary of the song 'Great Southern Land' (written by Davies in 1981). The video features performances by artists including Katie Noonan, Van She, Eskimo Joe, The Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, and Cut Copy.

These items—agency wins, PR industry moves, licensing deals, tourism campaigns and senior marketing hires—are mainly about brand positioning and customer engagement. For investors, they can signal that companies are investing in visibility and reputation, which may influence sales and brand strength over time. It’s sensible to monitor follow-up results (campaign reach, sales updates or company reports) rather than assuming immediate financial impact.