Applications open for Youngbloods WA’s ‘Paddle’ mentorship program with standout mentor lineup – applications close 9 August

Applications are open for Youngbloods WA’s inaugural year of Paddle, a premier mentorship program designed to support, guide, and champion Western Australia’s advertising and communications professionals through the “messy middle” of their careers.

The program addresses a common industry reality known as the “duck metaphor”: appearing calm and collected on the surface while paddling furiously underneath. While it can look seamless from the outside, many mid-career professionals are quietly navigating burnout, building confidence, and trying to determine their next career steps. Paddle was created to provide a safe, supportive framework to help emerging leaders thrive.

Applications Now Open
Applications are currently open, and will close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, 9 August.

Paddle has assembled an exceptional lineup of WA’s top advertising, media, creative, and strategy leaders. Mentees will be holistically matched with mentors based on personal values and career goals, not just job titles.

Meet the inaugural Mentor Cohort:

Barry Walker — Managing Partner & Head of Business Transformation, VML
Since 2010, Walker has worked across Perth, London, and New York, helping organisations like Kellogg’s, Macy’s, and Perth Airport span the gap between internal operations and external brand strategy. A former WPP Fellow, Walker specialises in organisational purpose and regularly guest lectures at universities, helping mid-level talent understand purpose and brand.

Chris Eyres — WA Sales Director, oOh! Media
With over 30 years of media industry experience, Eyres has built and led high-performance sales teams across Australia’s top media networks, including Nine, Seven, SBS, and SCA. As WA Sales Director for oOh! Media, he drives growth for the country’s largest Out-of-Home provider while earning multiple industry awards for sales leadership. Deeply committed to the Perth media community, Eyres serves as Chair of UnLtd and spent 11 years on the Oasis Ball committee.

Dean Hunt — Founding Creative Partner, Chapter
With a career spanning London, Sydney, and Perth, Hunt has worked as an Art Director, Copywriter, and Executive Creative Director for major brands including Coca-Cola, Toyota, and WA Tourism. A globally awarded creative, Hunt has a passion for category-challenging brands and views mentorship as a valuable, two-way learning relationship.

Eloise Cribb — Business Director, The Brand Agency
With nearly 10 years of experience across sectors including banking, health, and government, Cribb is passionate about the value placed in commercial creativity, and the role it plays in solving complex client problems. Currently a Business Director at The Brand Agency leading accounts such as Bankwest and Containers for Change, she is also a prominent WA industry advocate – serving as Oasis Committee Secretary, former Youngbloods Co-Chair, and a key driver of the first Campaign Brief WA Awards review in 29 years.

Emma Fry — Head of Agency Sales, SCA Perth
With over 13 years’ experience in the industry, Fry leads the Agency Sales team across 92.9 Triple M, Mix94.5, regional radio, and LiSTNR digital audio at SCA. Beginning her career agency-side before transitioning into media, Fry brings a unique 360-degree perspective to client partnerships, strategic planning, and commercial growth. Fry is passionate about developing future leaders, fostering strong industry partnerships, and delivering effective solutions that create meaningful impact.

Georgie Frampton — Executive Director, KWP+Partners
With over 17 years of agency experience across Perth and London, Frampton has led strategic partnerships for brands such as Molson Coors, Apple Music and Compare the Market. Back in Australia, Frampton’s portfolio has spanned some of Western Australia’s most recognised organisations, including Lotterywest, iiNet, ABN Group and RSPCA. Frampton is passionate about helping the next generation of advertising professionals thrive, by providing honest, practical support.

Lisa Thom — Strategy Director, Trilogy Advertising & Marketing
With over 15 years of experience across brand, media, and campaign strategy, Thom specialises in translating complex ideas into engaging narratives for major property, education, and community initiatives across Australia. A strategy led creative leader, Thom has delivered award winning campaigns and community focused initiatives. She sits on the board of Australian Earth Science Education and is dedicated to fostering people-first workplace cultures.

Matt Nankivell — Co-Founder & Executive Creative Director, Moonsail & Sundeck Productions
Nankivell brings over 16 years of global agency experience, previously serving as Global Head of Art on Dove at Ogilvy London and leading creative for brands like Google, F1, and Samsung. His work has earned over 100 international awards, including 30+ Cannes Lions and 4 Grand Prix. Prior to his time in London, Nankivell spent the former years of his career at Rare and Meerkats as a Senior Art Director and was the first creative to be named Supernova of the year back in 2014.

Matt Oakley — Chief Strategy Officer & Agency Head, 303
Oakley leads 303, defining behaviour change and brand strategy for clients like Lotterywest, Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Push Up Challenge and RLSWA. Prior to moving to WA, he worked across the globe with household brands including Carlsberg, Nestlé, William Grant & Sons and Mondelez. Named PADC’s 2025 Strategist of the Year, Oakley actively champions emerging strategists through his work with the ACA and Curtin University.

Michelle Testa — Client Partner, dentsu WA
With over 20 years of experience in media, marketing, and client leadership, Testa has led strategic partnerships across government, education, resources and commercial sectors, delivering award-winning campaigns and business outcomes for some of Western Australia’s most recognised organisations. Named Campaign Brief WA’s 2026 Ad Person of the Year, she is passionate about guiding emerging professionals through meaningful, long-term careers.

Paige English — Head of Perth, Initiative
English brings over 14 years of experience in media strategy, planning, and buying. As Head of Initiative Perth, she works alongside executive leadership to drive results for Western Australia’s top clients. She is highly passionate about growing talent and driving meaningful business growth, with a highlight of her career winning a prestigious MFA Award for Long Term Results with Lotterywest.

Simon Stewart — Managing Director, Rare
Stewart began his marketing career client-side in Perth and London with BSkyB before joining Rare in 2013, progressing from Account Manager to Managing Director. A driven marketing professional with experience both client and agency side, he has been instrumental in shaping iconic WA brands and leading high-impact behavior change campaigns, offering mentees deep insight into agency growth and client relationships.

Program Commitment & Structure
To ensure a meaningful and rewarding experience for both mentors and mentees, accepted applicants will commit to a three-month structured program:
1. Kick-Off Event (Mid-August): Launching the program, meeting mentors, and connecting with the cohort.
2. 6 x 1-on-1 Sessions: Bi-weekly mentoring catch-ups (in-person and/or virtual) scheduled over three months.
3. Celebration Event (Late November): Wrapping up the program and celebrating cohort achievements before the end-of-year rush.

Key Dates & How to Apply
• Applications Open: Monday, 27 July 2026
• Applications Close: 11:59 PM, Sunday, 9 August 2026
• Successful Applicants Notified: Sunday, 16 August 2026
• Program Commences: Wednesday, 19 August 2026
• Program Wrap-Up: Late November 2026

The application process takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. To apply and learn more about the program, click here.