Birgit Schonafinger
Biography.
BUSINESS NAME
‘Fishbowl PR’
OCCUPATION
'Strategic Communications Consultant’
LOCATION
‘Beechworth, VIC’
Meet Birgit — Birgit is a strategic communications consultant who helps organisations better understand their stakeholders and connect with their communities. As the founder of Fishbowl PR, she has spent more than 15 years delivering tailored communications solutions and community engagement projects for complex organisations, with a focus on creating impact in regional communities.
Her work spans stakeholder engagement, public relations, media training, and social impact measurement. She has completed specialist training in the Theory of Change and is passionate about demonstrating how evidence-based communication can drive behaviour change and strengthen relationships.
Known for her practical, flexible, and highly organised approach, Birgit’s strong project management skills and background as a journalist means she meets or beats deadlines. She is well connected through regional networks and brings deep insight into how to build trust and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Birgit founded the Border North East Communicators’ Network, providing networking and professional development opportunities for communication and marketing professionals since 2017. She holds a Master of Arts in Organisational Communication from Charles Sturt University and previously worked for eight years as an in-house communications officer in local government before establishing Fishbowl PR.
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Strategic Communications
Development of communication strategies tailored to organisational goals
Clear, practical messaging that supports behaviour change
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
Consultation processes designed for regional communities
Engagement frameworks that build trust and long-term relationships
Reporting that captures insights and informs decision-making
Public Relations & Media
Media training for boards, executives, and staff
Public relations campaigns that raise awareness and strengthen reputation
Issues and crisis communications support
Networking & Professional Development
Founder and convener of the Border Northeast Communicators’ Network
Local opportunities for learning, connection, and professional growth
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Master of Arts in Organisational Communication – Charles Sturt University
Training in Social Impact Measurement, including application of the Theory of Change approach