12 Over the past year, there has been strong social media and Equestrian Australia website growth. This has been achieved through dedicated major event coverage and innovative online video content that engaged both the public and EA members. The increasing popularity of social media as a news platform has seen EA put a steady focus into this spectrum, developing an ever-growing social media following among those interested in equestrian sports in Australia. The high demand for social media combined with a focus on developing an improved communication strategy has proven to be successful, as can be seen in the positive growth in the table below: 1 June 2016 to 1 July 2017 1 June 2017 to 1 July 2018 Growth Facebook 39,107 Likes 40,941 Likes 4.7% increase Twitter 5,462 Followers 5,601 Followers 2.5% increase Instagram 8,089 Followers 9,152 Followers 13.1% increase The lead-up to the World Equestrian Games has seen a strong Communications Plan for High Performance put in place. A specific focus on building awareness of the Australian Equestrian Team has been developed, in preparation for the media coverage and news distribution that would surround WEG. It was with great delight we were able to welcome new sponsorship partners to EA during the 2017/18 year. These include Equine International Transport (EIAF), Pryde’s EasiFeed and Horseland. The last year has seen an increase in electronic newsletter communications to key stakeholders including Members, Coaches/Officials and High Performance. This is following on from the trend that shows how much more reliant people are on digital media sources; we are focused on delivering information in a way that our key stakeholders are interested in receiving and consuming news. A primary focus to improve communication throughout resulted in better working relationships with National Discipline Committees. We will continue this into 2018/19, with aims of working together to promote and support each other within our sport. As well as relationship improvement within EA, there has been continued focus on building relationships with external media, both domestically and internationally. The stronger our relationships with these outside media distributers, the wider our reach and the more people we can continue to get in front of. The ultimate goal being continual growth and awareness of the EA brand and equestrian sport in Australia as a whole. Christine Armishaw Digital and Media Specialist Commercial and Communication Billy Raymont & Jamie Kermond rode at the Hong Kong Longines Masters