About us
Communication for a healthier, happier, better world.
We help our clients transform their communications and campaigns, so they can get on with creating a healthier, happier and better world.
Jane with Walter Mikac AM, founder of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation
Our story
Upstride Agency was founded in 2018 by Jane Metlikovec, an award-winning government communications specialist and former journalist. Jane holds a Certificate in Social Impact Assessment, was one of 30 Australians invited to OpenAI’s private ChatGPT beta program, and speaks internationally on communication and engagement.
Jane leads every project, working with PR and Communications Coordinator Eve Forsyth and a trusted network of specialist designers, videographers, photographers, developers and creative partners. You get senior attention and the right expertise for each job, without big-agency overheads.
We’re based in Mornington and Gippsland, and partner with government, health, community and environment organisations across Victoria and Australia on work that makes life better for people and places.
Our approach is simple: communication that connects with the right people, in the right way, at the right time.
2018
founded in Victoria
$2.2M
raised by Dolly’s Dream on Do It For Dolly Day 2026, backed by our PR campaign
26.3m
media reach, DonateLife Week 2026
What we value
Simplicity
Clear messages people understand the first time.
Creativity
Ideas that earn attention, rather than asking for it.
Progress
Work judged by what changes for people and communities.
Sustainability
Care for the environment in how we work.
Awards and recognition
- Finalist, Best Not-for-Profit PR Campaign, CPRA Awards 2026 (Do It For Dolly Day)
- Finalist, Banksia Awards 2025 (One, Two, Tree, our campaign, entered by our client Moonee Valley City Council)
- Winner, Best Government Communications Campaign, Australia, Mumbrella CommsCon Awards 2022 (DonateLife Week)
- Winner, SBE Evolve Women in Tech Entrepreneur Program 2021 (Victorian Government-funded participant)
- Finalist, Entrepreneur of the Year, Women in Media Awards 2020 (Jane Metlikovec)
- Finalist, Best VR Marketing in the World, World VR Awards, London 2019 (Melbourne, meet your new train)
- Finalist, Best Government Campaign in Australia, Public Relations Institute of Australia 2019
- Winner, Best Government Campaign in Victoria, Public Relations Institute of Australia 2018
- Winner, Victorian Data Challenge, GovHack 2015 (Jane Metlikovec)
- Winner, Walkley Award for best deadline reporting of an event, team award 2010 (Jane Metlikovec)
- One of 30 Australians invited to the OpenAI ChatGPT private beta program, 2021-2023 (Jane Metlikovec)
- Certificate in Social Impact Assessment (Jane Metlikovec)
Who we work with
Government, health, disability, environment, infrastructure and for-purpose organisations, from national campaigns to local councils.