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Check out the latest public sector networking and education events. Photo: File.
Working Effectively at the APS 6 Level
Date: 20 – 21 February
Time: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Duration: Two three-hour face-to-screen sessions
Location: Virtual
Email: https://apslearn.apsacademy.gov.au/user_login
This program will help you understand the work-level standards, capability requirements and behavioural expectations at the APS 6 level as detailed in the APS Work Level Standards (WLS) and the APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS).
To clarify the step-up in expectations, the program compares the APS 6 work levels and capability requirements with the APS 5 level. This content has been provided by a third party in consultation with the APS Academy. The training is in a virtual environment suitable for APS 5 – APS 6.
Producing a Quality Cabinet Submission
Date: 21 February
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Duration: One eight-hour face-to-face session
Location: Australian Capital Territory – MoAD (Old Parliament House)
Email: https://apslearn.apsacademy.gov.au/user_login
This session will give you the most current information and insights into the Cabinet system, delivered in an engaging and educational way. You will become familiar with Cabinet principles and conventions, key steps and timeframes, template requirements, and who to consult.
With lots of practical activities, you will develop your drafting skills and learn tips on how to write for a Cabinet audience. You will also benefit from meeting and engaging with other APS staff on these topics.
This content has been provided by the APS Academy in partnership with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The training is in a virtual environment suitable for APS 5 – SES 3.
Women in Rail, Roads & Transport Infrastructure Leadership Summit 2025
Date: 24 – 28 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Sydney
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Fuel your leadership journey with the network, insights, and skills to excel as a leader.
- Become the confident, influential leader you aspire to be
- Acquire powerful skills to lead high-performing teams
- Create a culture of trust that encourages productivity and fuels innovation
- Connect and collaborate with industry leaders to elevate your network.
VPS 5-6 High Performance & Leadership Workshop
Date: 25 – 26 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Melbourne
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Refine core skills to excel in VPS 5-6 roles and beyond.
- Identify and develop your capabilities as a confident and successful VPS leader
- Build productive relationships and lead proficient teams
- Drive strategic change and management to meet agency goals
- Career planning and pathways in VPS roles.
With more than 27 years in law enforcement, trainer Richard Farrelly excels in leading teams in high-pressure settings. He’s adept at fostering positive team cultures and has led successful projects in organisational change and leadership development.
Notably, he modernised Victoria Police values and facilitated leadership programs for more than 4000 employees.
Since leaving law enforcement, Richard has coached leaders across diverse sectors, emphasising improved communication and team dynamics to enhance performance. He’s renowned for shifting mindsets and uncovering strengths within individuals and groups.
Build your First Nations Cultural Capability
Date: 26 February
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
Location: Online
Email: [email protected]
Gain the fundamentals of working with First Nations Australians and embrace cultural humility. Learn the foundations of cultural safety and contribute to reconciliation in Australia.
The richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia is something we should all take pride in as a nation. But how much do you know about this 60,000-plus-year-old culture, its continuing traditional practices and the commitments that Aboriginal people have to them?
Join seasoned executive leader and facilitator Lil Gordon for this half-day online seminar and gain a strong foundation of knowledge about how to respectfully work with and engage First Nations people and their culture.
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Aboriginal perspectives and learn skills that will improve your cultural capability in the workplace. Help further the cause of reconciliation, embrace cultural humility and do your part in closing the awareness gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia.
Lil is a seasoned executive leader, consultant and facilitator, who says: “My passion is working alongside our communities in empowering Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to create their own destiny, to provide those opportunities to give us the best chance to be the very best we can with whatever we choose to do.
”Aboriginal education and training has been my main field along with effective and balanced leadership in building capability with Aboriginal people as well as building understanding and capacity with non-Aboriginal people to recognise their potential in the ‘bigger picture’.”
Applying Trauma-Informed Practice in Men’s Domestic Violence Intervention
Date: 26 – 27 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Online masterclass
Email: [email protected]
Explore evidence-based therapeutic practice that supports men in taking accountability and responsibility.
To foster meaningful and sustained change through men’s work, we must challenge the narratives that allow harmful behaviours to persist and create safe spaces for men to take responsibility for their choices, triggers, and behaviours. We must do this without shaming and by using trauma-informed, evidence-based, and transformative approaches.
Join our experienced facilitator, Brian Sullivan, who will lead the group through a variety of modes of practice. This course is ideal for practitioners who wish to enhance their current practice outcomes and support men to self-awareness, self-reflection and self-transformation via a cohesive group process whereby connection, compassion and change-focus are critical.
Benefits of attending:
- Learn how to challenge men and work effectively with excuses and denial appropriately
- Explore the complex relationship between thoughts and actions, trauma and shame
- Create trust, vulnerability and honest disclosure
- Lean into the discussion regarding collusion and empathy
- Work effectively with coercive control and gaslighting
- Unpack the multi-layers of complexity around accountability and responsibility.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving Workshop
Date: 27 – 28 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Online
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Unpack critical thinking as a mental process and set of action steps to address everyday problems.
- Apply practical, outcome-driven models for critical thinking and problem solving
- Expand your perspective and deepen your understanding of issues and problems impacting your work
- Understand team dynamics in problem solving and how to work with others in the process
- Overcome common roadblocks to critical thinking and problem solving.
Trainer Kym Viant is an expert in leadership development, with a decorated and distinguished career in the Royal Australian Navy spanning more than 25 years.
He has led and inspired thousands of leaders and managers, ranging from emerging talents to senior executives. With nearly a decade dedicated to leadership consultancy, Kym possesses a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in this field.
Ideas Exchange: Crafting a Performance Narrative with Practical Insights
Date: 27 February
Time: Noon – 2 pm
Location: National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes, ACT
Email: [email protected]
In an era of increased accountability and transparency, government departments must master the art of creating compelling performance narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders. This session offers practical insights into developing narratives that not only showcase achievements but also inspire trust and engagement.
Join experienced officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Finance, Grosvenor and others as they share insights on:
- Using evidence-based case studies to transform raw data into meaningful stories that highlight impact and align with strategic objectives. Beyond data analysis and visualisation, we will discuss how to build performance reporting team capability in genuine stakeholder engagement and advanced narrative techniques.
- Strategies to foster collaboration, craft clear and persuasive messages, and ensure alignment with strategic goals.
- How does it all transpire and work in the real world, if at all?
Participants will leave equipped with actionable tips and strategies to lead their teams in creating compelling narratives that communicate value, guide decision-making, and strengthen connections with stakeholders.
Government Innovation Week, South Australia, 2025
Date: 4 – 6 March
Time: 9:30 am – 2:20 pm
Location: Adelaide Convention Centre
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Public sector transformation and innovation remain crucial for shaping responsive and resilient governance.
Technological advancements offer governments unprecedented opportunities to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and foster greater civic engagement. By embracing smart technologies, data analytics, and AI, public administrations can ensure policies are more adaptive to citizens’ evolving needs. This transformation involves cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within public entities.
Government Innovation Week South Australia brings together leaders to integrate innovations while safeguarding equity, privacy, and security. Join us to explore strategies for navigating digital transformation complexities and prioritising accessibility to bridge the digital divide.
Register now to connect with experts, engage in meaningful discussions, and be part of the movement setting a new benchmark for governance in the digital age.
Canberra Cyber Career Symposium
Date: 19 March
Time: Noon – 4:30 pm (combined time of both afternoon sessions)
Location: Canberra Rex Hotel, 150 Northbourne Avenue
Tickets: Bookings are essential
Join us on 19 March at the Canberra Rex Hotel for the Cyber Career Symposium, hosted by the Canberra Cyber Hub.
This event is tailored for tertiary students, graduates, and individuals considering a career transition into the cyber security sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore diverse career pathways, engage with industry leaders and government agencies, and participate in hands-on workshops designed to kickstart their journey in cyber security.
Don’t miss this chance to launch your future in Canberra’s dynamic cyber landscape.