Hello!

I’m Laura McDowell – a radio producer, media trainer, communication specialist, researcher, and project coordinator. My work is driven by passions for storytelling, collaboration, and community development.

I’ve recently moved to Melbourne, Australia after more than a decade working in media development in different parts of the world. Most recently I worked with exiled media - coordinating projects for an independent Sudanese broadcaster based in Amsterdam. Before that I was lucky enough to work in both tropical Timor-Leste and remote central Australia, supporting local media in training, operations, creative collaboration, and capacity development.

I’ve also undertaken consultancies for international research and media development organisations such as ABC International Development, Free Press Unlimited, The Asia Foundation, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the University of Queensland’s Centre for Communication and Social Change. Here, I developed communication strategies, managed and produced online content, created campaigns, conducted research, designed and edited publications, and delivered training.

On the side, I have produced stories and content for ABC Radio National, ABC Radio Australia, New Naratif’s South East Asia Dispatches, Radio Liberdade Dili, the National Indigenous Radio Service, 4BC Brisbane, and 4ZZZ Community Radio.

My qualifications include a Master of Communication (Communication for Social Change), Bachelor of Journalism, and Bachelor of Arts (Peace & Conflict Studies), all from the University of Queensland.

If you have any project ideas, opportunities, or would just like to connect, I’d love to hear from you!