Credit: Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash
AdNews wraps up the biggest pitch news and wins from the fortnight.
Federal Health opens $26 million tender
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has opened a tender for two national campaigns to boost participation in Australia's bowel cancer screening program, with $26.4 million up for grabs over two years, AdNews can reveal.
Agencies can pitch for either or both components of the work, with tenders closing at 2pm on November 19.
The department wants an integrated communications strategy and media buy targeting Australians aged 45 to 74, with tailored approaches for priority audiences including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and regional populations.
The successful agency will execute campaigns in 2026 and 2027 using creative assets supplied by the department.
Resolutions Digital wins Carnival SEO account
Carnival Cruise Line has appointed Resolution Digital SEO and journey optimisation agency of record in Australia.
The win follows a competitive pitch and will see Resolution deliver data-led strategies across SEO, CRO, CX and UX, aimed at driving growth and improving digital experiences for Carnival.
While the brief was originally SEO-focused, Carnival chose Resolution for its broader approach that positioned SEO, supported by AI and GEO tools, as a core driver of digital transformation.
Health insurer ahm has appointed TBWA\Australia its creative agency partner, following a competitive pitch.
The incumbent was The Monkeys, now Droga5, appointed in 2021.
The pitch brief was focused on finding a partner that can deliver creative thinking, commercial value and integrated communications across digital, social and earned channels.
TBWA was chosen for its creative, strategic leadership powered by data and an offering that includes social and PR. The team also brought a Gen Z creative lens.
“Few brands in Australia have such a distinctive tone and attitude as ahm – particularly within the insurance category,” said TBWA Melbourne’s and Eleven’s executive general manager, Kiefer Casamore.
Akcelo wins Queensland Airports pitch
Akcelo has been appointed agency of record for Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) following a national pitch.
QAL operates Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports, which together handle about eight million passengers a year across more than 35 domestic and international routes.
The appointment gives Akcelo a full-service brief across brand, strategy, creative, design, digital, social, website experience and events, covering both brand and retail activity.
The agency previously worked with QAL on a website refresh before being invited to pitch for the wider account, which was awarded in June.
The Media Store wins Splend digital account
The Media Store has been appointed to handle digital media services for sustainable ride-share company Splend across Australia and the UK.
Under the remit, the independent agency will manage digital strategy, implementation, optimisation and reporting.
The Media Store CEO Stephen Leeds said the partnership aligned with the agency’s focus on results-driven work.
Splend, founded in Sydney in 2015, provides access to affordable electric vehicles for rideshare drivers.
The appointment is effective immediately.
Assembled Media wins Go Golfer media account
Assembled Media has been appointed marketing partner for Go Golfer, an online marketplace for buying and selling golf equipment.
The partnership will see the independent agency lead media strategy, performance marketing and brand development as Go Golfer expands nationally.
Launched earlier this year, Go Golfer is positioning itself as a purpose-built golf marketplace, focused on affordability and a circular model for equipment use.
Assembled Media will oversee digital performance and analytics infrastructure to scale the brand and deepen engagement with Australia’s golf community.
Social Garden wins Simonds Homes
Builder Simonds Homes has appointed Social Garden as its above-the-line (ATL) media partner.
The appointment follows Melbourne-based Social Garden's launch of its media services in early 2025.
The independent agency will manage the home builder's in-home and out-of-home media across Australian markets, supporting growth in the property and housing sector.
Social Garden is expected to lead a national ATL campaign for Simonds Homes, launching in early 2026.
jnr. takes out Pizza Hut pitch
Trans-Tasman creative agency jnr. has been appointed to lead brand strategy and creative duties for Pizza Hut Australia following a competitive pitch.
Flynn Group ANZ chief executive officer Richard Wallis said the company is focused on building the Pizza Hut brand.
"As Flynn Group ANZ continues to grow in ANZ, we're focused on building the Pizza Hut brand that moves as fast and boldly as our business ambitions," he said.
"jnr. stood out for their strong grasp of the QSR business and their ability to turn commercial strategy into creative ideas that connect with our guests and fuel growth."
jnr. chief strategy officer and founder Ryan O'Connell said the team is excited about winning the business.
Initiative wins Ear Science Institute Australia pitch
Initiative has been appointed media agency of record for Ear Science Institute Australia following a competitive pitch.
The partnership will be managed out of the Perth office, calling on capabilities from the national team as required.
Initiative's remit includes full media strategy, planning and buying across Western Australia and New South Wales.
Paige English, head of Initiative Perth, said the agency was deeply inspired by Ear Science's purpose throughout the pitch process.
Christina Blake, head of brand and development at Ear Science Institute Australia, said the agency partnership came at a critical time for the organisation as it looked to inspire Australians to take proactive steps towards healthier hearing.
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