Celebrating two decades of health + wellness communications

Today marks an important milestone in the history of VIVA! Communications. I founded the health + wellness communications agency two decades ago today, after working for a number of multi-national PR agencies in Australia, and in various in-house comms-related roles. Armed with brazen ambition, a passion for health and wellness, an unquenchable thirst for independence,…

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Sad news of the passing of a giant of the Australian communications industry – Rest in Peace Peter Lazar AM LFPRIA

VIVA! Communications was saddened today to learn of the passing of Aussie PR veteran, Peter Lazar AM LFPRIA.  The Life Fellow and Past President of the PR Institute, creator of the PRIA Golden Target Awards and Registered Consultancy Group PRIA, and co-author of the ‘Australian and New Zealand Public Relations Manual’ had an extraordinary professional…

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Preparing a ‘COVID-Ready Kit’

Australia is currently experiencing our highest records of new daily COVID-19 cases, as the omicron variant spreads rapidly throughout the country. In Australia there is currently 495,141 active COVID cases, with over 292,237 cases in New South Wales alone. Although, the Omicron variant is less severe than earlier strains of the virus, such as Delta,…

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Wrapping up 2021

As 2021 draws to a close, Team VIVA! reflected on a year that brought not only new challenges, but also many reasons for celebration. Like many across Australia and around the world, the VIVA! team contended with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, including lockdowns and disruptions to many facets our daily lives.  “We are…

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The critical role of empathy in effective communications

Empathy is key to effective healthcare communication. The ability to put oneself in another’s shoes, trying to understand what they may be feeling, and acknowledging the significant impact an illness or life event can have on a person’s wellbeing is crucial to building trust and connecting in a meaningful way. Every day, the VIVA! team…

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