Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Upstride Agency, what we do and how we work.
What does Upstride Agency do?
Upstride Agency is a social change communications agency. We plan and deliver campaigns, PR and media, content and video, digital work, and communications training for government, health, disability, environment and for-purpose organisations.
Do you specialise in disability communications?
Yes. Disability is a core part of our work. We support national disability organisations including Disability Advocacy Network Australia, Inclusion Australia, Children and Young People with Disability Australia, Arts and Disability Network Australia and the National Assistance Card, with PR, campaigns and ongoing communications support.
Where are you based?
We are based in Mornington and Gippsland, Victoria, and work with clients across Australia.
Who do you work with?
Australian, state and local government, health services, disability organisations, environment and infrastructure agencies, and not-for-profits. Clients include the Organ and Tissue Authority (DonateLife), the Victorian Department of Education, Respect Victoria, Dolly’s Dream and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.
Can you work as part of our team?
Yes. Alongside one-off campaigns, we offer hours-bank retainers for overflow communications and media support, for example to cover leave, recruitment or a busy campaign period. We can work directly in your channels and templates.
How do you price your work?
Most work is quoted as a fixed fee for a defined project, or as an hours-bank retainer drawn down as needed and reported monthly.
Do you use AI?
Yes, carefully. Our founder Jane Metlikovec was one of 30 Australians invited to OpenAI’s private ChatGPT beta program (2021-2023). We use AI to work faster, never in place of real people’s stories, and we run AI training workshops for councils and organisations.
Can you help with social impact assessment?
Jane holds a Certificate in Social Impact Assessment. We can support social impact assessment and the community engagement that goes with it, particularly for government and infrastructure projects.
Have you won awards?
Yes. DonateLife Week won Best Government Communications Campaign in Australia at the 2022 Mumbrella CommsCon Awards, and Do It For Dolly Day was a finalist for Best Not-for-Profit PR Campaign at the 2026 CPRA Awards. One, Two, Tree, the campaign we created for Moonee Valley City Council, was a 2025 Banksia Awards finalist, entered by the council. Our work has also been recognised by the Public Relations Institute of Australia and the World VR Awards in London.
Have you worked on renewable energy projects?
Not yet, and we would love to. We bring years of environment, climate and infrastructure communications, including a range of projects for DEECA, Conservation Regulator Victoria and Parks Victoria, Stay Tuned to Our Planet, Metro Tunnel and Melbourne’s new trains. We are based in Gippsland, home to Australia’s first declared offshore wind area, and Jane holds a Certificate in Social Impact Assessment.
How do we get started?
Email jane@upstride.com.au or call +61 409 539 880. Tell us what you are working on and when it needs to land, and we will come back with a short proposal and quote.