Bernard Raffaut

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

I have over 15 years of experience working in sales, marketing and advertising. I bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in traditional and digital media (radio, television, print publications, and digital and content marketing) as well FMCG, small business, and non-profit sectors.

I have a strong belief in establishing and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships with clients; working with each business one-on-one to help uncover opportunities for increased exposure and growth.

My passion (and expertise) lies in assisting businesses and organisations in positioning themselves as market leaders in their industry; helping them gain greater exposure, increased leads and ultimately more sales.

Strategising, creating and implementing innovative campaigns, initiatives and ideas is at the heart of who I am.

Over my 15+ year career span, I have worked with some fairly prominent brands in Australia including RACQ, Westfield, Wallace Bishop, Australia Zoo, Big W and many more.

From an automotive strategy standpoint and as Account Director at AusGarage, I work alongside a team of digital specialists, not generalists, using digital marketing channels to take automotive brands to the next level; using content, social media, sales funnels, brand strategy, web development and more.

My portfolio consists of many major automotive brands, such as Century Yuasa Batteries, Monroe Shock Absorbers (DRiV Industries), PWR, Battery Zone, Dobinsons Spring and Suspension, and many more.

I have worked in and around the automotive industry, including the self-drive tourism market (caravans, campers, motorhomes) for a little over half a decade and have consequently gained a great deal of knowledge and experience that has leased to my increased expertise that benefits my clients.

VOLUNTEERING

Outside of my professional role, I volunteer as Vice President for a non-profit organisation, providing assistance in the form of promotion, advertising, graphic design, website management, event consultation, operations management and project commercialisation.

As Vice President of the Multicultural Association of Caboolture and Surrounds Inc., I contribute to providing businesses with intercultural competence and cultural diversity understanding; working with a team who support community, and non-profit organisations.

The focus of the organisation is on supporting multicultural communities and business owners, migrants, and refugees via programs, initiatives and multicultural events in the Moreton Bay Region. We provide multicultural awareness training, cultural leadership training, cross-cultural training, event management training, grant writing services, community development consultation and so much more.

My passion for and commitment to supporting the work non-profits do in our community is unwavering.

I am always seeking to identify and create opportunities for communities to experience projects and initiatives where they can learn, grow, prosper, be inspired and be entertained.

MENTAL HEALTH

Raising mental health awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness is something I am incredibly passionate about. As an accredited Mental Health First Aider, I avail myself to those suffering with mental illness; offering them advice, a listening ear, resources and support. Mental illness is so commonplace in our world and, while society has made progress in recognising, accepting and understanding mental illness, there is still a great more that needs to be done; especially in breaking down the walls of stigma.

I am committed to actively reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in the community and in the workplace.

The best way to help is by sharing your experience. By telling your story. And by speaking your truth. There is still a need to educate those in our community on what mental illness is, and equally, there is a need in helping those with illnesses realise they are not alone.