Michael Crutcher - Founder
Michael founded 55 comms in September 2013 to help clients to tell their stories in a rapidly changing world. Michael has helped clients to achieve goals in strategic communications across multiple industries. He has helped clients of all types, from listed companies to government departments, religious institutions, schools, not-for-profit organisations and professional sports teams.
Michael bases his insights on his many years at the forefront of Queensland's media industry. Michael was the editor of The Courier-Mail, Queensland’s largest source of news and information, from 2010-2013. Michael was responsible for all of The Courier-Mail’s publications, steering the state’s largest team of journalists through the devastating 2011 floods, the 2012 state election landslide and the rise and fall of two prime ministers. Michael was appointed editor of The Courier-Mail at age 35 after stints as the newspaper's deputy editor, chief of staff and investigations editor. Michael set up and ran the newspaper’s award-winning investigative unit, receiving a Queensland Media Award for investigative work.
Michael began as a cadet journalist with Quest Community Newspapers before moving to the Townsville Bulletin and then on to national wire service Australian Associated Press. Michael’s experience across all levels of print and digital media, across all platforms and at executive level is rare among Australian journalists. His extensive experience as a sportswriter included coverage of two Olympic Games and six Australian cricket tours overseas.
Michael is a regular media commentator for outlets including ABC Radio.
Outside of 55 comms, Michael is a director of Norths Devils Rugby League Football Club.
Ainsley Pavey - Executive Director
Ainsley is a partner at 55 comms. Ainsley has developed a close rapport with her clients, specialising in sectors including aged care, education and government.
Ainsley was a senior journalist for The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail for a decade after leading courts coverage for national wire service Australian Associated Press in Queensland. Ainsley’s career has given her a unique perspective on Queensland’s media scene. Ainsley was at the coalface of The Courier-Mail’s move into digital journalism. Her work was published on all platforms for The Courier-Mail – newspaper, online, tablet and mobile editions – and her work also regularly appeared in the nation’s largest newspapers including Melbourne’s Herald Sun and Sydney’s Daily Telegraph. Ainsley’s career in the fast-moving world of metropolitan journalism gave her an invaluable insight into how the nation’s largest media outlets are adapting to new technology. She was among the earliest adopters of new media, winning one of the first Queensland Media Awards for online journalism.
Ainsley co-ordinates 55 comms’ training programs, working with clients on their presentation skills and interview techniques. Ainsley brings her expertise from her work as an actress, including training at the National Institute of Dramatic Art.
Ainsley has talents critical to the success of organisations that rely on communications – working quickly and accurately but without forsaking attention to detail.
Olivia Hatch - Senior Consultant
Olivia Hatch has extensive experience in media and communications across Queensland. Olivia completed a journalism degree at University of Queensland and worked across a range of positions at the Townsville Bulletin. She has followed that with a senior career in corporate communications . Olivia has worked in communications at senior levels for government organisations and has in-depth knowledge of Queensland’s media environment.
Peter Wallis - Photographer/Videographer
Peter Wallis is a Brisbane based photographer/filmmaker who operates Wallis Media.
Peter has more than 25 years’ experience in editorial photography working as a senior staff photographer for one of Australia's major newspapers with NewsCorp Australia. Peter is also skilled in filmmaking and editing, offering clients high-end work using the latest Canon Cinema series cameras.
Peter has assisted 55 comms with all photography and videography since 2020.
Darius Boyd - Presenter
Darius Boyd became a client of 55 comms in 2015 when he was playing rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia. During that time, Darius worked on becoming an advocate for positive mental health.
Darius retired from rugby league at the end of the 2020 season, ending a career that included 15 seasons, two NRL premierships and nine State of Origin series wins. He now shares his insights into positive mental health with corporate clients through his “I” in Team program. 55 comms facilitates these workshops with Darius, combining to deliver effective and engaging presentations tailored for each audience.
Darius continues to live in Brisbane with his wife Kayla and three daughters. He also continues to work with the Brisbane Broncos in their extensive community programs.