“Over my many years working with Amanda Jackson at Willowbank Raceway I was always impressed by her ability and skill in the area of media and communications and also in operations, and by her knack for promoting the Raceway in what was often a difficult market and economic climate. During both her time as an employee for BAM Media and then as Director for Jigsaw Communications, Amanda’s service to me and the Raceway was always exemplary and often above and beyond the call of duty. Further, I could always rely on Amanda to be straight-forward and honest with me. This was exceptionally valuable to me as I knew I could trust her to give me objective and professional advice for the best interests of the Raceway, even if that meant she had to put herself in an awkward position from time to time by disagreeing with an opinion of my own or others at the facility. This commitment to the Raceway, its best interests, and professional ethics was and is something that I feel is often hard to come by, and is something that I feel should be viewed as extremely valuable to the Raceway now and in the future.”
— Steve Bettes – Series Manager, Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Car Series, Former MD for Willowbank Raceway
“Amanda and I have enjoyed a productive working relationship for almost five years, taking in a range of motor sport categories and events. I appreciate Amanda’s commitment to deliver on every promise and ability to satisfy our often unforgiving deadlines. She understands the demands of our business and is proactive in delivering ideas and content for our many platforms.”
— Damien Stannard – journalist, The Courier Mail (News Limited)
“I have worked with Amanda Jackson for more than 12 months and I have found her to be a great asset to our racing team. She has been very reliable and the interstate distance didn’t hinder her work at all. She is quick to reply and gets everything out on time. With Amanda’s help I was able to secure sponsorship, create a website, and improve my social presence through regular media releases and social media. Amanda was able to get a wide range of media coverage including The Australian and Canberra Times Newspapers, speedway media websites and radio interviews. Amanda is very professional and gets results. She would be an asset to any team looking to improve their social presence.”
— James Dimmock - Jimmy Dimmock Racing
“Amanda worked with the Sherrin Racing team throughout 2015 providing social media services during events, post-event sponsor communications, and ad-hoc media relations assistance. We also regularly worked with Amanda in her role as Media Manager for the Australian Manufacturers Championship in 2014 and 2015, in which we competed. At all times, our team found Amanda to be a highly skilled professional in the area of media relations, copywriting and general communications. In working with her, we were impressed with her work ethic and her friendly attitude. Her enthusiasm and flexibility meant she was always easy to deal with, even when things were busy, and we are pleased to recommend her to anyone looking to employ her services in their own business or sporting endeavour.”
— Grant Sherrin - Principal and Driver, Sherrin Racing, General Manager, Sherrin Rentals
“The service provided to Speedcafe.com by Amanda Jackson and Jigsaw Communications is highly commendable.. We can’t accommodate on all occasions, but for the most part we’re happy to use the materials provided. On the reactive side, Amanda’s ability to manage our requests at the height of difficult situations was best shown at the Winternationals back in June 2014 following Ben Bray’s accident resulting in injury. Whilst the extent of Ben’s injuries weren’t known at the time, Amanda was able to keep our journalist up-to-date - while simultaneously taking a lead on ensuring the team and ANDRA’s communications were in sync with Willowbank’s. The on-going supply of accurate and up to date information following this incident was greatly appreciated. We have no problem in recommending the work of Amanda and Jigsaw Communications.”
— Gordon Lomas - Editor-in-Chief for Speedcafe.com
“I have worked with Amanda regularly over the years in my roles with Team Bray Racing and O’Rourke Motorsport. Amanda has also personally assisted me with projects for both teams, as I was impressed with her work for Willowbank Raceway. Amanda is a proactive and skilled PR practitioner who in my opinion constantly demonstrates a deep dedication, often going above and beyond the call of duty. She is always quick to assist me with work both in her role for Willowbank and as a contracted consultant to my teams, no matter how busy she may be at particular events. Her work surrounding Ben Bray’s accident at the Winternationals was invaluable to me and the entire Bray family as we worked through an immensely tough time in the face of intense media scrutiny. While extremely appreciated, this was no surprise to me, given that I have seen her handle situations such as this time and time again with skill and consideration for all those involved. It is my belief that Amanda is a valuable asset to Willowbank Raceway, and to the drag racing community at large.”
— Richard Smith – Communications Manager – Team Bray Racing and O’Rourke Motorsport
“From my perspective as a journalist with Auto Action magazine, Amanda is an absolute delight to work with not only on a professional level but also possesses an engaging, cheerful and warm personality that engenders confidence and trust and respect. From the smallest of requests to major demands Amanda has an intimate knowledge of how the media operates and is renowned for her capacity to work under the immense pressure inherent in her role. Amanda is the benchmark in PR managers and I am proud to consider her not only a colleague but a friend.”
— John Doig – journalist, Auto Action Australia magazine
“I have been using the services of Jigsaw Communications for some time now and I have found them to be most professional, curious and prompt at all times. Amanda has helped with all my communication needs including my general letters, marketing and complaint resolution letters. I would strongly recommend the services of Jigsaw Communications (and have done so already to friends and family) to anyone who is looking for that personal service that is so hard to find nowadays.”
— Paul Errichiello - Licensee In Charge - Mint Property Agents
“My association with Amanda goes well back. From a working member of the media point of view, the material Amanda produces on behalf of (her clients) is practical, relevant and highly useable for our audience. Her material provides an important addition to the material we are able to create with our own staff. Amanda’s copy is written in a way to appeal to a wide section of our audience who have an interest in motor sport, but not so technical or specialist to cause our readers to turn off. The reality of publishing in both print and digital these days is that we do not have the resources to write across all sports. As such a sport such as drag racing would not get any space or coverage if the targeted and well-written material produced by Amanda and Jigsaw Communications wasn’t available to us. As localised contact is important to publications, the benefit of Amanda’s expertise and her contacts is that she is able to provide stories on local racers and assist us with writing local stories. This is invaluable to our organisation. I think her work assists with the promotion of drag racing and certainly in the Redland City area her story ideas and support of racers has contributed to the positive image of drag racing as a family sport.”
— Brian Hurst – QLD/NT Digital Editor for Fairfax Regional
“In my previous role as the ANDRA Communications Manager and through my current role as the Commercial Director of YBI Creative, I have worked collaboratively with Amanda on a number of projects, brands and events. My dealings with Amanda and Jigsaw Communications have been seamless, her work is proactive, valuable and strategic.”
— Rob Sharp – former ANDRA Communications Manager, Director – YBI Creative
“I began working with Jigsaw Communications after coming to know principal Amanda Jackson during her earlier employment with Corporate Travel Management. With Jigsaw Communications’ help, I have enjoyed stand-out media pieces in influential consumer, business and trade publications including The Courier Mail and prestigious trade news outlet ProPrint Australia. Jigsaw Communications offers thoughtful and creative communications services which have made a real difference to my business - including attracting new clients and new business partnership opportunities - so I have no hesitation in recommending them to other businesses – in fact, I already have!”
— Rocky Cassaniti – Director – Valley Edge Design Centre
“Personally I’ve found working with Amanda from Jigsaw Communications to be a real eye opener. She’s great to work with and is always trying to help you understand what is needed to succeed when trying to secure real sponsors! The program itself is awesome and you can apply it straight away. For me it has helped explain the process and steps of approaching a Sponsor/Partner and how to help really grab their attention. And if you’re unsure of the next direction to go I would definitely recommend this program – think big!”
— Cameron Kerr – Queensland Formula Vee driver, Driven for Success program participant
“Throughout an extremely busy 18 months for Corporate Travel Management, Amanda (was) able to use her expertise to successfully work with a wide array of stakeholder groups including the media; investors; employees; CTM’s management team; suppliers; clients; prospective clients and external agencies. During a period which saw two CTM acquisitions, including our move into the United States; the development and release of key products and services; the rebranding of a number of our client offerings; and the unexpected Qantas fleet grounding; Amanda managed CTM’s communication requirements in an efficient, timely and effective manner, often under the pressure of strict and competing deadlines and stakeholder priorities. A skilled and enthusiastic communications professional, I am pleased to recommend Amanda for any communications project.”
— Jamie Pherous - Managing Director, Corporate Travel Management
“Amanda demonstrates a clear understanding of how the public relation discipline works. A very effective and precise communications expert who knows how to deliver valuable and very profitable public relations outcomes. Amanda has shown a high degree of professionalism in her work at CTM and has delivered substantial levels of PR coverage, both locally and globally. I would have no hesitation in recommending Amanda for your next public relations project.”
— Thomas Clark - General Manager – Marketing and Communications, Corporate Travel Management
“Amanda is a skilled and friendly representative, providing the highest level of service of any PR representative in drag racing. She consistently fulfils requests for assistance and is always on the front foot to deliver content and material for media use.”
— Luke Nieuwhof – former ANDRA PR Manager, Co-owner of Drag News Australia
“The world of Top Fuel Drag Racing is a pretty fierce one at that and it is very important to not be privy to time wasters. From my first discussions with Amanda from Jigsaw Communications all the way through to the completion of our team’s sponsorship proposals, I can honestly say that I have only positive feedback for the professionalism, promptness and thoroughness that was conveyed by this company in all facets of our dealings. I do not believe in promoting a company or a product that does not perform to my expectations, and so impressed was I that Jigsaw Communications is Mariani Family Motorsports Official Sponsor Communications Partner and we look forward to a prosperous future. I would recommend their services to anyone in need.”
— Mark Mariani - General Manager: Trans Lock Industries/ManageMate; Driver/Manager: Mariani Family Motorsports
“Amanda takes all the stress away before and after a race meeting by generating the team’s media releases for our sponsors. It is not always easy to be able to look after these things in a timely manner, however thanks to Amanda’s exceptional experience and knowledge, I love the results she is consistently able to generate for us. I have known Amanda for many years through our activities at Willowbank Raceway and observed her in many situations including media events, race days and unexpected emergencies. Each time I have been impressed with how she has conducted herself and the results she has achieved. From her ability to produce a wide variety of informative and interesting media releases to her professional response to the situations she is asked to manage, I have no hesitation in recommending Amanda to others.”
— Fiona Keating – Keating Motorsport - Two-time Willowbank Raceway Supercharged Outlaws (SCO) Champion and 2010/2011 national SCO champion
“Amanda assisted me with the creation of a sponsorship proposal as I looked to take the next step in my racing career. I found her to be a consummate professional, creative and eager to bring to life my vision and ideas for the project. As well as the research, planning and copywriting of the proposal, Amanda liaised with graphic design service providers and print houses to present my information in the best light possible to potential sponsors and created accompanying cover letters to finish the package. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for someone to help them with their next project!”
— Jodanna Pullen – Komatsu Mining Sales Account Manager and Fem RPM Super Stock competitor
“I have always found (Amanda) to be an extremely proficient communications practitioner and very knowledgeable about our sport and what we do as teams and drivers. She has always been ready to bend over backwards to get results for all of the teams and drivers that she works with as part of her role with the Raceway, and to help me and my team when we have needed it. In both a media capacity and an operational capacity, Amanda has been fantastic to work with through both the highs and lows of our involvement in the sport. Through Amanda’s work I have personally enjoyed national and state-wide TV exposure, radio exposure and large amounts of press and online exposure, and as such her work has been very important to my ability to service my team’s sponsors, including FUCHS, over the years.”
— Phillip Lamattina – three-time Top Fuel Champion
“When I first noticed Amanda’s advertisement for her program, Driven for Success, I was in two minds about approaching the program, once I clicked the link I didn’t really think I would hear much from it. Within a few days I had Amanda call me, straight away I knew she was extremely knowledgeable and was there to help, not just selling her project. I overcame some fear/doubts and signed up for the program, which is one of the best things I have done. Not only have I gained a wealth of knowledge in a very important aspect of racing which not enough drivers even begin to comprehend the importance and relevance of, but it has helped me really commit mentally to my future in racing. The program has helped me really think about where I want to go in my racing career and how I will get there, having Amanda’s one on one discussions have really helped me hold myself accountable and go the extra mile to make sure I get where I need to be. Amanda has been extremely helpful, supportive, non-judgemental, creative and flexible to fit into my personal needs and I would recommend the program to any established driver that wants to go that extra mile to make the most out of their opportunities. If you are prepared to put in some hard work and reap the reward of direction, knowledge and the tools to place you above the rest, this program is for you! If you want it bad enough, you WILL make it happen.”
— Josh Hayward, aspiring racing car driver, 2012 G1GP Champion, Driven for Success program participant
“I am currently part way through Jigsaw Communications’ Driven for Success program and already, I have gained an enormous amount of knowledge. I already had a very good understanding about the motorsport marketing concept, but Amanda has been able to bring to light for me some critical elements of knowledge required as I look to raise my profile and work with sponsors, the media, and fans.”
— Matthew Bode, aspiring racing car driver, Driven for Success program participant
“I feel extremely confident moving forward to attract and acquire potential sponsors with all the information (Jigsaw Communications) have provided, You’ve certainly given me a different way to approach different parties and present myself, which I believe will be much more effective than my previous efforts.”
— Mitch Lukasz - Aspiring racing car driver
“I just want to say a huge thanks for such a great effort with the story you pieced together. It generated a lot of feedback and I believe the more personal insight perspective you chose from my racing was a good angle. I’ve had varying coverage over the years in different publications which has resulted from race reports, but this was unique. Thanks again.”
— Paul Astridge – 2011 Willowbank Raceway Street Bike Champion
“I have dealt with Amanda on many occasions. I have found her to be very astute in her knowledge of our business (drag racing), she has been a pleasure to work with and there is nothing that is too much trouble. Her work ethic is outstanding, and she is willing to go the extra mile, and her expertise has certainly helped with my media exposure. Having a major US company, like Lucas Oil Products, as my long-time sponsor, I have received positive feedback from them on her press releases. I would highly recommend Amanda for her work.”
— Gary Phillips - 17 Times Australian Drag Racing Champion
“Amanda and I worked together on the Lexmark 300 and Gold Coast 600 races for six years. Initially she worked in a learning capacity. Amanda developed in to a Superior Media Manager for the race. She supervised a staff of between 10 and 12 personnel who handled the media requirements of one of the largest motorsports events in Australia. She was responsible for the all the accredited journalists and photographers (over 600), as well as the press releases pre-, during and post race. Her ability to adapt to changing situations and be able to handle pressure was exceptional. Amanda would be a tremendous asset to any envisioned employer.”
— Ray Weeks – Griffith University Tutor Sessional Lecturer