9 December 2025

Upcoming Public Sector events

| By Rama Gaind
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Trainer Felipe Rego will deliver robust analytical solutions that are easy to use, understand, and implement at the online Data Visualisation Workshop from 19 – 21 January, 2026. Photo: Supplied.

Contract Management in Practice

Date: 11 December
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
Duration: Three-hour face-to-face session
Location: Australian Capital Territory – MoAD (Old Parliament House)
Email: https://apslearn.apsacademy.gov.au/user_login

This course includes contract management to deliver value-for-money outcomes. It covers contract start-up, ongoing management and contract closure through to disposals, consistent with the project’s governance and assurance requirements. Participants will use case studies and scenario-based simulations to make relevant decisions and judgments to manage a contract effectively.

This learning experience has been provided by the Department of Finance, and is suitable for all staff. This includes officials who are involved in the contracting process or wish to refresh their skills. The course will benefit contract managers, with improved management of the contract and the supplier delivering better outcomes for government.


Briefing and Responding to APS Decision-Makers

Date: 11 December
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Duration: One eight-hour face-to-screen session
Location: Virtual
Email: https://apslearn.apsacademy.gov.au/user_login

This program takes an in-depth look at decision-making and covers the skills required to design, develop and deliver a briefing. Understand the development and role of Question Time briefs, ministerial talking points for media engagements, ministerial adviser briefings, hot-issue briefings, ministerial submissions and second-reading speeches.

Experience ”real-life” briefing scenarios that simulate the high pressure and stakes of a government briefing. Learn effective briefing techniques and workshop approaches that build relationships with senior APS decision-makers, ministers and advisers.

This content has been provided by the APS Academy, and is suitable for APS 5 — EL 2.


Procurement in Practice

Date: 11 December
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Duration: Three-hour face-to-face session
Location: Australian Capital Territory – MoAD (Old Parliament House)
Email: https://apslearn.apsacademy.gov.au/user_login

This is a hands-on, practical course. Participants use case studies and scenario-based simulations to plan and conduct procurement, from phase one to three of the Procurement Lifecycle.

This learning experience has been provided by the Department of Finance, and is suitable for all staff, including officials who are new to procurement, may need a refresher, or want to move to a role in procurement. It will benefit officials working in procurement on an ad hoc basis, regular procurers, and delegates.


Advance your career with a Public Sector women’s leadership scholarship

Date: 12 December
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Online
Email: [email protected]

For 20 years, Women & Leadership Australia has been championing equity and empowering leaders in every aspect of life. Partial scholarships of $700 – $3000 are available to help women in select industries participate in our world-class leadership courses.

As Australia moves ahead on its path towards gender equality, Women & Leadership Australia is providing the training, resources, connections and thought leadership to support individuals and organisations on this journey.

We specialise in delivering high-impact, applied leadership development opportunities through our:

  • Renowned programs for individuals
  • Tailored programs for organisations
  • Specialised programs for schools.

Our learner-centric, flexible delivery model incorporates the latest research, frameworks and technology to deliver practical leadership skills that can make an immediate impact in the workplace. Courses are available for women at all levels. Applications close on Friday, 12 December, unless allocated earlier.


Data Visualisation Workshop

Date: 19 – 21 January, 2026
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Online
Email: [email protected]

Overview
Use dynamic visuals to capture your audience, communicate ideas and drive decisions.

  • Create scalable, interactive and actionable data visualisation solutions
  • Collect, input and visualise data using the latest tools
  • Understand the power of visual storytelling
  • Simplify information and understand the story of your data.

Trainer Felipe Rego is a leading advanced analytics and data science partner, helping teams build, manage, and enhance their data science and visualisation solutions in a strategically aligned, commercially oriented, and customer-centric way.

With extensive industry experience as well as analytical expertise, Felipe is often required by marketing, sales, finance, technology, and strategy teams to provide support and deliver robust analytical solutions that are easy to use, understand, and implement. Felipe’s unique methodology focuses on a holistic organisational approach to using data and science to improve performance and reduce costs.


Professional Writing Essentials for Government

Date: 21 January, 2026
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Online
Email: [email protected]

Overview
Transform your writing skills in government with this high-impact toolkit.

  • Enhance the impact and engagement of your writing
  • Write with confidence, mastering clear and concise messages
  • Identify common writing mistakes and learn how to avoid them
  • Plan and tailor your writing to resonate with your audience.

Trainer Adrian Cropley is a certified strategic communication management professional and past global chair of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Adrian is widely recognised as one of the world’s foremost experts in strategic communication.

He is the founder of the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence and CEO at Cropley Communication. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Adrian has worked with clients all over the world on major change communication initiatives, internal communication reviews and strategies, professional development programs, and executive leadership and coaching.


AO7-SO Strategy Execution for Improved Outcomes

Date: 21– 22 January, 2026
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Cliftons Brisbane
Email: [email protected]

Overview
Delivering on Queensland Government priorities through measurable, strategic outcomes.

  • Align agency planning with Queensland Government strategies and whole-of-government priorities
  • Identify the key elements that underpin the successful implementation of public sector strategy
  • Lead with impact during execution to ensure alignment, accountability, and progress
  • Drive a performance-focused culture to improve outcomes for Queenslanders.

Trainer Michael Collins is one of the region’s top talents. A leadership and change expert with more than 25 years of experience in roles across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, he has served in executive positions within the Australian Defence Force and Coca-Cola Amatil. As a trusted adviser, thought leader, and seasoned practitioner in leadership assessment and development, Michael combines practical experience with academic insight.


WA Women in Leadership Workshop

Date: 21– 22 January, 2026
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Cliftons Perth
Email: [email protected]

Overview
Enhance your effectiveness as a leader in an evolving professional landscape.

  • Develop your individual leadership style
  • Build confidence to lead authentically and effectively
  • Learn the art of confident communication
  • Strengthen your ability to influence.

Trainer Natalie Lincolne is a leadership coach, trainer, and strategic facilitator who helps leaders build confident, capable teams that thrive. With more than 20 years of experience across the business, corporate, public and non-profit sectors, she has supported leaders at all levels to grow their impact, boost engagement, and achieve lasting results.

Through her business, Natalie partners with organisations to deliver practical, engaging leadership development programs, executive coaching, and tailored workshops. She is passionate about helping leaders enjoy their roles, prevent burnout, and create workplaces where people feel motivated, valued, and empowered to perform at their best.


Thriving Through Change: Resilience, Performance & Mental Health

Date: 28 January, 2026
Time: 9 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Online
Email: [email protected]

Overview
Empower yourself with practical strategies to navigate change and maintain mental wellbeing.

  • Understand how change impacts mental health
  • Cultivate stress management skills for enhanced mental wellbeing
  • Explore resilience tools to effectively navigate setbacks
  • Shift your mindset to see change as an opportunity for personal growth.

Trainer Karen Whittingham is one of Australia’s leading executive management development specialists, having worked with thousands of executives to transition them into senior leadership roles quickly and effectively. She is an organisational psychologist passionate about people’s success and facilitating their careers to rise.

Dr Whittingham teaches organisational psychology at UNSW and works with ASX-listed companies and large public sector organisations to drive engagement, inclusion, and performance.


QPS AO7-8 High-Performance & Leadership Workshop

Date: 28 – 29 January, 2026
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Cliftons Brisbane
Email: [email protected]

Overview
Master the strategic, people, and performance skills to thrive in senior public sector leadership.

  • Step up from operational to strategic, system-level leadership
  • Strengthen decision-making, influence, and stakeholder management
  • Build authentic self-awareness and emotional intelligence for lasting impact
  • Drive performance, accountability, and collaboration across teams and divisions
  • Lead confidently through complexity, change, and transformation.

Trainer Martin Brooker is a distinguished veteran with 37 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy. His career includes command at sea and operational excellence in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and the Pacific.

Retiring in 2015 as a commodore, he transitioned to become the founder and director of the Quench Group. Specialising in personal and organisational change, Martin draws from his rich leadership experiences and culture change initiatives. Recognised with awards such as the Conspicuous Service Cross and a Commendation for Distinguished Service, he shares authentic insights on leadership challenges.

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