Crisis Communications Australasia
Crisis Communications Australasia
Crisis Communications Australasia is the specialist crisis division of CRC Public Relations, led by one of Australia’s foremost crisis communications experts, Lyall Mercer.
In times of pressure, calm experienced advice is critical. Our external perspective and focus under stress gives clients confidence, clarity, and control when it matters most.
We are leaders in corporate public relations and crisis communications, and have supported clients through high-profile public issues across Australia and globally. Our strategic approach has helped many clients avoid damaging publicity, mitigate risks, navigate through a major issue or crisis, and in many cases, turn challenging situations into positive outcomes.
About Lyall Mercer
Lyall brings 20+ years of experience supporting clients across Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific region, and internationally.
He has consulted to companies, non-profit organisations, governments, and high-profile individuals including celebrities, professional athletes and senior leaders, helping them manage complex and often high-profile issues. His expertise spans serious allegations, political controversies, social issues, sporting and celebrity scandals, actions by activists, tragedies, industrial relations disputes, royal commissions, and high-profile legal cases.
Lyall has coordinated major international media conferences and guided clients through intense national and global media scrutiny. In addition to his hands-on crisis work, he has trained corporate and non-profit leaders in media and communications across Australia, the USA, and Canada. As a respected leader, he has delivered keynote presentations at corporate, industry, and faith-based conferences in Australia and the USA, and has been featured as an expert commentator in global news outlets.
20+ Years Experience
Supporting clients across Australia, NZ, Pacific region & internationally
Diverse Client Base
Companies, non-profits, governments, celebrities & senior leaders
Global Expertise
Major international media conferences & global media scrutiny
Trusted Leader
Expert commentator in global news outlets & keynote speaker
Our Services
Crisis Prevention Consultancy
Many crises are preventable. We help you assess the risks to your reputation, seek the expertise required to avoid potential issues, communicate your actions to your stakeholders, build trust in your brand, and train your staff to be a vital part of the crisis prevention strategy.
Crisis Communications Coordination
We are your guiding force through an incident, issue or crisis – managing, coordinating, directing – ensuring your reputation is protected. From dealing with the media, social media, employee and other stakeholder communication, we will walk with you 24/7, anytime, anywhere.
Crisis Communications Preparation
Are you prepared for an issue or crisis that that could create serious damage to your reputation, revenue and future viability? We don’t just help you create a workable, simple and practical crisis communications plan, but also develop a mindset of confidence so that you are assured of being crisis ready.
Media Training
Preparation is the key to success, and your key spokespeople must be trained in advance to not only understand how the media works, but how to communicate effectively through an issue or crisis, including how to handle hostile situations. It’s too late once an issue hits the headlines, because in the new social media age, crises unfold in real time.
Clients and testimonials
Specialist Expertise & Experience
Corporate Communications
- External – media
- Stakeholder communications
- Media training
Media Strategy
- Proactive media engagement
- Local, regional, national and international
- Media monitoring
Issues & Reputation Management
- Responding to negative media exposure
- Media management through issues
- Online reputation management
Crisis Prevention
- Vulnerability assessments
- Crisis prevention consultancy
- Crisis communications plans
Crisis Communications
- Assessing the scope of an issue or crisis
- Coordinating crisis communications responses
- Managing media through a crisis
- 24/7 emergency accessibility
Digital Media
- Social media management
- Videos and video news releases
- SEO and online reputation management
Media Training (in person/online)
- Workshops – dealing with the media
- Workshops – PR 101
- Spokesperson and on-camera media training
B2C Client / Customer relations
- Customer relations consultancy
- Online review management
- Social media
- Reputation reviews (secret shops)