Anna Barnwell from BMF takes out APG Idol

The 2009 APG Planning Idol winner was announced last night, and the judges were unanimous in nominating Anna Barnwell (left) from BMF Sydney for the top honour. Eleven finalists vied for the title of APG Planning Idol with final presentations made yesterday to a panel of judges including Captain Paul Moulds of Oasis.

Anna has won a return trip including accommodation, to the AAAAPlanning Conference in Miami in July 2010 and the opportunity to workwith Oasis to implement her strategy. A Highly Commended award was presented to Meredith Simpson (below left) of The BrandAgency, Perth. Together with fellow Idol finalist Chris Baker from 303, represented agrowing contingent of Perth members working in planning.

Paul Moulds, Director of youth charity Oasis, joined the judges incongratulating the winners: “Oasis is delighted to have been a part ofthe APG program to tackle the increasing problem of youth homelessness.The finalists demonstrated an excellent understanding of the issue andI was impressed with the depth of their research and strategicinsights. Anna’s strategy of disconnection really got to the heart ofhow these young people feel which is an important step in helping themget back on their feet. It was a tough brief, one we are yet to crack,so it’s encouraging to hear new ideas and fresh thinking on a longstanding problem.”

The competition required entrants to write a strategy designed to curbthe rise of youth homelessness in Australia. Based on a frighteningstatistic; there are 32,000 homeless young people in Australia, thetask was chosen because of its importance, complexity and topicality.

The brief was prepared in conjunction with Oasis, a Sydney basedcharity giving homeless and disadvantaged young people hope, help andopportunities to access relevant education, training, jobs,counselling, and drug/alcohol programs. The APG formed a partnershipwith the Oasis to ensure the winning candidates have the opportunity tosee their strategy put into action.

The APG is one of the three founding members of new industryorganisation, The Communications Council. APG Chairman Jeremy Nicholas,announced the merger to guests at the Award presentation last night:”The merged operations of APG, AWARD and AFA is an opportunity for usto deliver more for our members. APG will continue to offer events formembers interested in creative thinking – one of the initiatives for2010 is the launch of Battle of Big Thinking featuring a line up ofinspiring speakers from the industry and more broadly, across businessand government. We’re looking forward to announcing the line up incoming weeks.”

APG Planning Idol is sponsored by advertising and marketing recruitment specialist Sandy Oldham Consulting. Sandy is pictured bottom left with APG chairman Jeremy Nicholas.