They’re celebrating Down Under as UM Australia takes over the NSW Government account beginning October 1!

Last month, the NSW Government awarded its lucrative master media contract to UM, sidelining 20-year incumbent MediaCom. The account, which covers departments including NSW Health, Roads and Maritime Services, Destination NSW and NSW Police, was put out to tender in April.

UM will now handle the purchase and placement of all NSW Government public awareness campaign advertising as well as negotiate media rates on behalf of all government departments. UM has also been named as one of a panel of companies providing media planning services along with Match Media, Optimum Media Direction and MediaCom.

CEO Mat Baxter said the win was “a very special and important moment for UM and we’re thrilled to welcome NSW Government as our newest client.”

NSW Government officials were quoted as saying “UM was the clear winner from the get go,” proving once again the power of bringing together the best people from the collective UM group to produce the finest work possible.

The NSW Government’s media spend was just over $64 million in the last 12 months, as of July 2013. The new contracts commence October 1 for a period of three years with the option of two 12 month extensions.

A big shout out to Mat Baxter and Malcom Conner who jointly lead the pitch, as well as the rest of the amazing UM Australia team; who, as usual, made it happen.