Colony Group expands with acquisition of Map Creative Strategy; rebrands to Creative Outpost

Colony Group, an award-winning creative agency with a strong presence in Papua New Guinea, Australia and Fiji, has announced the acquisition of Queensland-based independent agency Map Creative Strategy. Following the acquisition, Colony Group has rebranded the Queensland arm as Creative Outpost.

This strategic acquisition is set to enhance Colony Group’s client roster across Australia and strengthen its service offerings in the Queensland market.

Under the expert leadership of seasoned agency directors Jeremy Bews and Carla Steadman, Map Creative Strategy brings over five decades of combined experience in building client relationships, strategic planning, and creative excellence. Their extensive local knowledge will further bolster Colony Group’s credentials, particularly within Queensland.

Jeremy Bews will take on the role of agency director, while Carla Steadman will serve as group account director.

Colony Group’s co-founder and director Katelyn Woolley, shares her enthusiasm for this new development: “It’s an exhilarating time at Creative Outpost as we continue to make strides in the Australian market. Acquiring Map Creative Strategy Pty Ltd is a significant milestone in the evolution of Creative Outpost in Queensland.”

Creative Outpost is dedicated to shaping and growing Queensland brands. With expertise in strategy, brand development, creative design, and digital experiences, the agency operates from offices in Brisbane and Cairns. Boasting a talented team of 45 professionals across Queensland, Creative Outpost has quickly become one of the state’s largest independent full-service creative agencies.

Bews highlighted the agency’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions: “Our ability to deliver award-winning creative solutions and comprehensive brand experiences is unparalleled.

“Creative Outpost offers end-to-end services across campaign strategy, digital, social, content, SEO and SEM, graphic design, and media. Our talented team is the driving force behind our success.”

Leading the agency alongside Bews and Steadman are Colony Group’s co-founders Matt McCarthy and Katelyn Woolley, and agency director Jasmin Budden.

With a 15-year creative career, Budden has serviced clients across various sectors, including telecommunications, tourism, not-for-profit, Kina Bank, Brian Bell Group, and Digicel Pacific. Her dedication to leadership and mentoring First Nations creatives underscores her commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Says Budden: “I am a proud Wadjanbarra Yidinji woman, and mentoring and providing opportunities for First Nations individuals in the creative industry is deeply meaningful to me.

“I am grateful for the mentorship I received throughout my career, and I am passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders in our industry.”

Creative Outpost’s diverse client roster spans government, tourism, property, not-for-profit, mining, and corporate sectors. The agency is also a Supply Nation Registered supplier, reflecting its commitment to supporting and engaging with Indigenous businesses.

For more information about Creative Outpost, visit https://creativeoutpost.com.au/.