• Charles Sturt ‘Kajulu’ students dominate 2019 national IAA ‘Big Idea’ competition
• Judges said standard of work this year was arguably higher than in any previous year
• The win is an example of why Charles Sturt communication graduates continue to remain in demand across the media and communication industries

Marketing-communications students at Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) have won their 13^th national championship in the annual International Advertising Association (IAA) ‘Big Idea’ competition.

Two Charles Sturt teams, Kajulu Blue and Kajulu White, presented ‘pitches’ to a panel of industry experts in the finals for the ‘National Champions’ title in the IAA 2019 ‘Big Idea’ in Sydney on Monday 11 November.

The 2019 nominated client was Coca-Cola Australia and the brief was to address the plastic waste problem by increasing the number of plastic bottles being recycled through container deposit schemes.

Kajulu Blue won the National Champions title and Kajulu White was runner-up, beating three teams from other universities.

Faculty adviser and lecturer in advertising in the Charles Sturt School of Communication and Creative Industries Ms Anne Llewellynn said,

“The judges acknowledged that the standard of work this year was arguably higher than in any previous year, so for our two teams to place first and runner-up was truly fantastic.

“Both teams worked relentlessly on their submissions, and their passion and industry-standard professionalism showed.

“To say I am proud of their achievements is, of course, an understatement.

“It’s a fabulous reflection on our course, and these students are industry-ready.

“The client, Coca-Cola IMC Director Mr Leo Roberts, also praised the very high standard of the teams’ presentations, and indicated Coca-Cola plans to implement some of their recommendations.”

Charles Sturt Faculty of Arts and Education course director Dr Travis Holland congratulated the two Kajulu student teams saying, “Our strategic communication students – in advertising and public relations – continue to shine.

“There is no better start to a professional career in advertising than winning the IAA’s Big Idea.