Staff profile: Clair Cameron
Connecting directly with stakeholders, making it simple for people to understand and contribute to the work of the EPA and keeping the community informed are just some of the key drivers for Clair Cameron, Director Stakeholder Engagement and Communication, since joining the EPA 18 months ago. Growing up on a farm outside a small town in northern NSW has shaped Clair’s appreciation for the importance of community.
Leading a team of professionals in the communications team, Clair brings plenty of energy and a wealth of experience to her leadership role at the EPA to foster ongoing, meaningful partnerships with all stakeholders.
“There are many ways to connect and have significant conversations with our stakeholders, and one of the most important things I know from community is that everybody wants the EPA to listen,” Clair said.
In her role as Director, Clair has established a new Stakeholder Engagement Unit connecting engagement officers in Sydney, Newcastle, Narrabri, Dubbo, Broken Hill and Wollongong.
“This regional focus enhances our capacity to have ongoing dialogue with stakeholders in areas where we have ongoing programs, because those officers understand what issues matter in their local area.”
Under Clair’s leadership, her team has designed and launched a, more user-centric website that provides a better consumer experience.
“The new website has been designed to provide a better experience for all visitors, whether on desktop, tablet or mobile phone. We provide regular updates on EPA programs, alerts and announcements for the many diverse groups that we work with. Our most popular page is the locator for problem waste collection which lists our Community Recycling Centres,” Clair said.
Clair commissioned Ipsos Australia to conduct an independent stakeholder survey of close to 3,500 people to help identify emerging issues and to improve the EPA’s engagement with their wide range of stakeholders. In response to insights from the survey and drawing on her previous experience in corporate affairs, Clair believes that personal interaction and understanding local communities and their issues is key.
Communication and stakeholder engagement around the rollout of the NSW Government’s Return and Earn container deposit scheme, legacy asbestos contamination from James Hardie operations and chemical contamination from the RAAF Base Williamtown and other sites across the state, are just some of the significant issues she has also led and applied this approach.
Prior to joining the EPA, Clair held media and communications roles in both the public and private sectors. Most recently Clair was General Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, for Meat and Livestock Australia and Senior Director of Corporate and Public Affairs at FTI Consulting where she managed high-profile national and international clients. She has also previously worked in state government and in a Ministerial office.