We are curious about our world
Small World Stories is a purpose-driven communications agency specialising in the power of storytelling to ignite movements for change.
Small World Stories is a purpose-driven communications agency specialising in the power of storytelling to ignite movements for change.
Throughout its 12 year history Small World Stories has been at the forefront of important global campaigns. We specialise in translating the complex into the compelling and in doing so we unite people around solutions.
Whether it’s showing heavy industry how to save tons of CO2 emissions, or engaging tens of thousands of people in a conversation about what it takes to empower women, our stories generate awareness and deliver impact where it is needed most.
Our experienced team of international development consultants, award winning filmmakers, designers, journalists and strategists have collectively worked in more than 50 countries. We work in French and Spanish too.
Our team
LISA HILLER-GARVEY
DIRECTOR EDITORIAL
Lisa Hiller-Garvey has lived and worked in South Asia, the Pacific, and Europe for the past 13 years. She has devised and led numerous UN communication efforts, often in crisis response situations.
With academic qualifications and practical experience in journalism and professional communication, she has sharp writing skills and her work has been published in Australia, the United Kingdom, Asia and Europe.
With academic qualifications and practical experience in journalism and professional communication, she has sharp writing skills and her work has been published in Australia, the United Kingdom, Asia and Europe.
NIGEL HILLER-GARVEY
Director of Photography and Audio Visual
Nigel Hiller-Garvey has more than 28 years field experience in development throughout the world, and has spent the last seventeen years working as a video editor and cameraman. Nigel has filmed, edited and produced numerous videos for United Nations and non-government organizations on topics including: governance, health, and crisis recovery.
Prior to Small World Stories, Nigel worked with non-government organizations as a trainer and project manager. Nigel has qualifications in video documentary production, editing, video sound production, and engineering.
Prior to Small World Stories, Nigel worked with non-government organizations as a trainer and project manager. Nigel has qualifications in video documentary production, editing, video sound production, and engineering.
MACARENA AGUILAR
Director of Strategy and Digital
Macarena Aguilar is trained as a journalist and holds an MA in development studies. She has worked for the past 14 years with a range of international humanitarian and development organisations in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia as a communication and advocacy expert.
Macarena has managed emergency response communication efforts and designed longer-term multimedia campaigns on a range of topics. Her ability to broker partnerships around creative communication initiatives has been a key element of her work.
Macarena has managed emergency response communication efforts and designed longer-term multimedia campaigns on a range of topics. Her ability to broker partnerships around creative communication initiatives has been a key element of her work.
MAR NIETO
Design Associate
Mar has over ten years of experience developing brands for a wide range of international governmental and non-government organizations. An exquisite and creative designer, Mar has a unique ability to translate narrative into compelling visuals.
RACHEL WINKS
Digital & Social Media Associate
Rachel has over 20 years of experience in communications. During the past 10 years, she has focused on social media, developing and implementing strategies and campaigns for non-profit organisations. Rachel concentrates on science and technology, including climate change and international development, helping to tell the stories of how innovations change the world. She was formerly a Director at Boeing, where she worked on climate-smart technologies and, before that, a senior consultant at the global PR agency Weber Shandwick.
HESTER PHILLIPS
Editorial Associate
Hester is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in health, human rights and climate change. She began her career in 2005 as a news journalist in the UK before working for international non-governmental organizations as a web editor and a mentor to citizen journalists in Africa and Asia. Hester has extensive experience in writing news stories, interview features, opinion pieces and case studies. She also edits technical briefs, toolkits, advocacy materials, media releases, articles and organizational reports.
ANNA CHMIELEWSKA
Digital Associate
Anna Chmielewska is a graphic designer and web developer. For over 15 years she's been working with clients and agencies all over the world. She's a trained Project Manager and content creator.
Find Anna here: annacdesign.com.
Find Anna here: annacdesign.com.
ROCHELLE JONES
Editorial & Research Associate
Rochelle is a global feminist writer, editor and researcher with specific expertise in resource mobilisation and feminist communications. She has almost two decades of experience working with feminist, women's rights and social justice organisations, with degrees in Science; Peace & Conflict Studies; International Relations; and a Masters in International Development. Her analysis has been featured on various platforms, including Open Forum (Australia), the Guardian, openDemocracy and Conectas, but she is also a sought-after feminist editor that loves tinkering with other people's work.
As well as working for and with feminist movements, Rochelle aims to bring feminist insights and concepts to the broader social justice ecosystem to transform power imbalances and ensure the right voices are heard and funded.
As well as working for and with feminist movements, Rochelle aims to bring feminist insights and concepts to the broader social justice ecosystem to transform power imbalances and ensure the right voices are heard and funded.
DAVE ARNOLD
Audiovisual Associate
Dave Arnold is an award-winning, Sydney-based filmmaker who brings a wealth of international experience gained across a variety of commercial and independent productions.
Just as comfortable behind the camera as he is in the editing suite, Dave's versatility, combined with his distinctive visual and narrative-driven style, has contributed to a dense portfolio that ranges from advertising to television, documentary and news.
Find Dave here: davearnoldfilm.com.
Just as comfortable behind the camera as he is in the editing suite, Dave's versatility, combined with his distinctive visual and narrative-driven style, has contributed to a dense portfolio that ranges from advertising to television, documentary and news.
Find Dave here: davearnoldfilm.com.
LARA DAMIANI
Senior Audiovisual Associate
Lara Damiani is a producer, director and project manager who founded Think Films – a purpose driven film production studio based in South Australia. She has worked as a filmmaker for organisations such as UNDP, Relief International and World Bank across South East Asia and the Pacific. Her television credits include documentaries on Czech Television, TV NZ, ABC and SBS. Her ability to build strong relationships that deliver successful results is a key element of her work.
DISHNIKA PERERA
Communications Associate
Dishnika Perera has over 15 years experience working with diverse organizations contributing to social change through impactful, integrated communications initiatives. She is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where she's worked across different sectors such as the United Nations, International development, media, public relations, research means that she offers a wide range of skills and expertise.
Malcolm Francis Wai
Associate Cinematographer
Malcolm Wai is a cinematographer based in Vanuatu with over 10 years of experience in the film industry and 5 years with Small World Stories.
As a team member of our audio visual team, he enjoys being part of a collaborative effort to bring meaningful stories to life.
A Bond University Film and TV graduate, Malcolm is dedicated to capturing the beauty and authenticity of each project he works on.
Find Malcolm here: navarafilms@gmail.com
HollyMai Steane-Price
AudioVisual Associate
Hailing from (old south) Wales, HollyMae has spent many years since graduation working in various fields of archaeology and heritage. having lived in Sydney since 2016 (and finally getting Permanent Residency status in 2023). Holly is expanding on her love of photography, television and culture, is overjoyed to join the Small World Stories team to explore Australia and document amazing people on their journeys. HollyMae joins our audio visual associates as an assistant Camera operator and as a researcher.