Governance & communications officer · International Relations (Honours) at the ANU
I work on internal policy, risk and communications at Platypus Research & Development in Canberra, while finishing an honours year in International Relations at the ANU — alongside a completed degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. Outside of work you'll usually find me behind a drum kit.
Canberra, Australia
About
I'm Damien — a Canberra-based governance and communications officer at Platypus Research & Development, where I've worked since late 2023. Day to day that means developing and carrying out internal policy, keeping our WHS and security obligations in order, assessing and mitigating risk, and lending a hand with graphic design and whatever else needs troubleshooting.
Before that I spent a couple of years tutoring — mostly English literature, with some high school maths — both independently and through agencies. For several years I also co-ran Kiwi and Rooster, a small ad hoc food and catering business, with a friend in Sydney.
I'm in the final stretch of an honours year in International Relations at the Australian National University, due to wrap up around October 2026, having already completed a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics there. Along the way I've been involved in college life at Burton & Garran and Griffin Hall, the ANU Music Society, the French Collective, and Effective Altruism. When I'm not working or studying, I drum with the Canberra band Bronze Age Collapse.
Experience
Nov 2023 – Present
Platypus Research & Development · Part-time · Canberra, ACT
Internal policy development and execution across the organisation.
Feb 2022 – Nov 2023
Self-employed · Self-employed · Canberra, ACT
Tutored English literature primarily, along with some high school mathematics.
Jan 2018 – Nov 2023
Kiwi and Rooster · Self-employed · Ryde, NSW
Co-ran an ad hoc food and catering business with a friend.
Jan 2023 – Apr 2023
KIS Academics · Part-time · Canberra, ACT (Remote)
Tutored students remotely through KIS Academics.
Aug 2022 – Jan 2023
Big Improvements Tutoring · Part-time · Canberra, ACT
Tutored students through Big Improvements Tutoring.
Education
Feb 2022 – Oct 2026 (expected)
The Australian National University
Currently completing the honours year, with graduation expected at the end of 2026. Activities and societies: Effective Altruism, Burton & Garran Hall, Griffin Hall, ANU Music Society, French Collective.
Feb 2022 – Completed
The Australian National University
Skills
Highlights
Drummer with Bronze Age Collapse, a Canberra band. Gigs, releases and everything else are on the band site.
Visit the band site2018–2023
Co-founded and ran a small ad hoc food and catering business with a friend for almost six years, handling everything from cooking to logistics.
Interests
Contact
The easiest way to reach me is through one of the options below.