Australia’s peak body for communicators votes to rebrand as Communication and Public Relations Australia

At an extraordinary general meeting of members on Wednesday 27 September, Public Relations Institute of Australia members overwhelmingly voted in favour of a new identity for the association and a new constitution. 

From 1 February 2024, the Public Relations Institute of Australia will be renamed to Communication and Public Relations Australia.  

PRIA President, Shane Allison, said the decision to rebrand marked the culmination of a long process of engagement and consultation on an appropriate identity for the association. 

"How we represent our peak body to members and stakeholders is absolutely critical to our association, it speaks to who we are, who we represent and how we engage with our industry," said PRIA President Shane Allison. 

"This change reflects an incredible amount of hard work, led by our Honorary Secretary Helen Hutchings, but even more importantly, thousands of hours of members time to share input and feedback on the vision for our association to craft a new identity.  

"The change to CPRA signifies a huge step forward for our association, demonstrating our commitment to the future and respect for the past. Nothing will mark turning 75 better than celebrating our heritage and positioning our association for the next 75 years of growth." 

The new constitution underpins the name change and embodies a member-first approach to governance, ensuring members can have a say and be heard on key decisions. 

"Our constitution is an incredibly important document, and these changes dismantle the complexity that has held our association back from delivering value to members," said Mr Allison. 

"This new constitution reconnects us with our purpose, clearly explaining who we are, and why we joined together as members in this association. 

"Through a more robust and streamlined governance approach, we will be able to continue to build national groups of practice and local engagement networks that deliver on what our members are asking of us," continued Mr Allison. 

The changes were put forward by the Board of the Public Relations Institute of Australia, and Mills Oakley represented by Valentyna Jurkiw, Special Counsel, drafted the new Constitution. 

"I'd like to thank the board for their support and continued engagement on this - the vision and determination of this group of talented individuals was critical to these changes. I'd also like to thank our Executive, led by CEO Louise Harland-Cox, for their assistance in organising dozens of consultations, research and engagement on these new changes," concluded Shane Allison 

CPRA will continue to support and develop Australia's best communicators by delivering the best industry training, networking, recognition and knowledge.  

There's never been a better time to join - and we're celebrating with 15% off new and reinstating memberships for the next month - use WELCOMECPRA when you visit www.pria.com.au to join.  

#ENDS