Communication resources hub

MLA has developed a communications plan template for service providers who have been requested to develop a communications plan as part of their project deliverables.

The purpose of a communication plan is to identify opportunities to share project information, to map out communications activities and to clearly outline roles, responsibilities and expectations in the development, approval and publishing of communications material.

It is a requirement that you consult with MLA’s content team before developing the plan so we can outline the MLA-owned communications channels and have a two-way discussion about messaging, audience groups and tactics.

Please complete the first draft of your communications plan using the template linked above.

Email your communications plan to content@mla.com.au, CC the MLA Project Manager. The content team will review and provide feedback within five business days.

If your communications plan includes the development of a video, please refer to MLA’s video guidelines.

These outline the branding, text, copyright and other requirements for videos produced by and for MLA.

MLA has also compiled a video brief which can assist you to scope out the video to inform the video production company. Please email the completed brief to content@mla.com.au, CC the MLA Project Manager. The content team will review and provide feedback within five business days.

If you would like to inform MLA about a case study which demonstrates the value of your project – and which may have broad producer interest and you’d like to it to be considered for inclusion in MLA’s communications channels – please complete the case study template.

Once you’ve completed the case study template, please email it to brief@mla.com.au. The team will assess the completed template and advise if they require any further information.

If your project has some important findings that are ready to be shared with stakeholders across MLA’s communications channels, please inform MLA’s project manager first who will inform MLA’s content team.

If you take any images related to the project for broader publication, please refer to MLA’s photography guidelines.

When you take photos with people in them, explain that they may appear in a variety of places including the media, reports and presentations to industry and ask them to sign the MLA image release form. MLA will not publish photos without a signed image release form.

If you would like to inform media about the project (either to raise local awareness or to promote upcoming events/trials), please advise MLA of any media outreach planned through the relevant MLA Project Manager. The MLA Project Manager will inform MLA’s Media Manager who can provide you with advice.

When engaging with the media, acknowledge MLA’s involvement in the project/program e.g.  

This project is funded by Meat & Livestock Australia which seeks [outline purpose of project]. This project is supported by [name of supporting funding providers].

Please note that media releases featuring an MLA-funded program/program should not be drafted without prior consultation and approval from MLA’s Media Manager. To do this, please contact the MLA Project Manager in the first instance.

If you’d like to communicate the project across your networks (such as through your organisation’s e-newsletter, social media accounts etc), please check the content with the MLA Project Manager. Please ensure MLA is acknowledged in the communications:

e.g. to appear at footer of an article:

This project is funded by Meat & Livestock Australia which seeks [outline purpose of project]. This project is supported by [name of supporting funding providers].