Hi, I’m Helen Dehen

A media relations strategist, writer, a former journalist —

and the kind of person you want on your team.

I worked for many years as a producer and reporter in big, bustling newsrooms
(think the BBC, 7 News, SBS and Sky News).

  • Jumping from story to story.

  • Diving headfirst into pretty complex topics.

  • And speaking to some of this planet’s most interesting people.

Truth be told, I thought I’d be sacrificing some of those glorious things when I hung up my journalism hat after more than 15 years.

I was pleasantly surprised.

As I moved into communications, I discovered just how similar the job, and the skills, are:

  • Quick and strategic thinking.

  • Curiosity and a love of learning.

  • The ability to identify and tell good stories.

  • Getting to ask questions of interesting people. 

  • Distilling complex information into something compelling.

Now I’m using those storytelling, media and strategy skills to help purpose-led organisations with their communications.

Where I learned the media craft:

  • “It’s been amazing to have Helen on the team. I was always so impressed with how she would interrogate things and ensure the work was of the highest quality.”

    Lisa Dowdall – Australia for UNHCR

  • "Helen is kind, operates with integrity and is a great writer. I also liked that she was a fellow journo and asked all the questions along the way."

    Talitha Cummins – The Cut Jewellery

  • "Absolutely outstanding. Helen listens and questions the brief, is pragmatic and practical in her advice and draws on deep experience."

    Vanessa Liell – Orizontas

Some of the great clients I’ve supported:

My move into communications happened after the arrival of my twins.

I took on an in-house role, encompassing PR and content, and quickly saw how well the job fit with skills I already had.

I also had an itch to start up my own thing. To work directly with more clients I loved, on exciting and meaningful projects.

Hydora Lane Communications was launched in 2023 and named after the laneway where I grew up. 

It’s where I learned to ride my bike and, as the other side ran along the back of the main street, was where I had my first three jobs (in a café, Italian restaurant and gift shop.)

That connection to home made it feel, to me, like a great fit.

The Hydora Lane Communications Values.

If these values also resonate with you, it might mean we’re a good fit to work together.

Collaboration

My clients and I always work in partnership together, so we can truly make the most of our combined knowledge and expertise.

And good communication means neither of us will be left wondering what’s going on.

Integrity

Honesty, kindness and respect are what I always strive to live my life, and run my business, by.

I also see truth as the bedrock of all my communications work. It’s about getting a message across effectively and honestly, not spinning the truth.

Purpose-led

There’s nothing better than working with clients who are lit up about the exciting things they are achieving to help improve lives, or the world, in some way.

Working towards goals driven by purpose, not just profit, allows me to do my best work.

Curiosity

I believe we should always be asking questions and tackling each project with a curiosity mindset.

For me, curiosity means never stopping learning, getting the facts right, and being able to think creatively in order to bring new ideas to the table.

Let’s start the conversation.

I’d love to hear about your project and how I may be able to help.