Canberra Monthly Wrap Up - July 24
Welcome to the July 2024 wrap-up from your Canberra ACS branch, highlighting the key activities and events that brought our community together and showcasing our shared achievements and memorable moments.
ACS launches teachers’ survey at education roundtable
ACS President Helen McHugh and Sharon Singh, Chair of the ICT Educators Committee, were pleased to launch the Tech Skills for the Next Generation report at the National Press Club in Canberra.
Produced in partnership with the Australian National University’s Tech Policy Design Centre, the report examines how educators are managing the Digital Technologies Curriculum. It builds on a 2022 survey, revealing that over two-thirds of teachers are struggling to deliver the curriculum, with 72% feeling they are not receiving sufficient support. The report also highlights a concerning decline in the number of Year 11 and 12 students studying technology subjects.
To address these challenges, the report makes 12 recommendations, including the need for accessible teaching resources, embedding digital readiness into initial teacher education, supporting ongoing professional development, and raising community awareness of the curriculum.
ACS will use this report in our engagement with policymakers and as part of our advocacy efforts in the lead-up to the Federal election.
Download the report here.
Canberra team flies the flag at Tech Council showcase
Also in Canberra last week, President Helen McHugh and ACT Branch Manager, Dr Vicki Gardiner, represented ACS at the Tech Council of Australia’s Parliamentary Innovative Tech Showcase at New Parliament House on Monday 1 July 2024.
Helen and Vicki used the event as an opportunity to meet key government, opposition and public sector stakeholders and promote ACS’ activities in the sector. A skilled workforce is a key focus for the public service and defence sectors and these interactions were an opportunity increase the awareness of ACS’ recognition programs, such as Certification, in demonstrating members’ competency and currency.
ACS helps cyber security businesses pitch to Defence
On Wednesday 3rd September, ACS Canberra partnered with the Canberra Cyber Hub as the Foundation Partner to deliver the inaugural Sovereign Cyber Capability Unlocked Breakfast.
At this event, twelve Canberra based cyber security businesses pitched their capabilities to a room of 200, including many Australian and ACT Government CIOs and CISOs, including PPP organisation Securus Consulting Group.
ACS is developing a strong relationship with the Department of Home Affairs and Defence Australia through both LTGEN Michelle McGuinness CSC (National Cyber Security Coordinator) and Chris Crozier (CIO Defence Digital Group, Defence Australia). Our cyber and skills policy areas closely in alignment with the Australian Government Cybersecurity Strategy. Shield 5 of the Strategy relates to sovereign capabilities. Both developing these relationships and being an ongoing part of this event will give our members and PPPs opportunities to benefit from their alignment with the ACS.
President attends Women in ICT power lunch
ACS President Helen McHugh, MACS Snr, was delighted to attend to the WIC Women in ICT power lunch at Canberra’s Old Parliament House.
The lunch was an opportunity to meet and speak with WIC Patron, Federal Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne who facilitated a Women in ICT panel on the challenges presented by the groundswell for more women to take on executive roles in the technology industry.
Panellists included Lt. Gen Michelle McGuinness – National Cyber Security Coordinator, National Office of Cyber Security; Narelle Devine – Chief Information Security Officer, Asia Pacific at Telstra; Dr Sue Keay – Partner and Director, Future Work Group + Chair, Robotics Australia Group and Chair, ATSE QLD Division; and Angkana Whiley – Executive Director, Bluebird Advisory.
Canberra Branch celebrates new CP and CTs
At the ACS Panel Session on 24 July, we also presented certificates of CP and CT to Aaron Duncan, MACS CP, and Ronda Welsh, MACS CT (pictured above). Congratulations to both members on their achievements.
Find out more about how ACS Certification or ACS SFIA Digital Badges can help promote your personal brand as a competent tech professional.
The Canberra branch had a bustling week with four key events to wrap up the month: Service Australia's one-day workshop, the Tech in Gov Conference, the Monthly BEC Meeting, and a hybrid panel session that attracted 46 in-person attendees and 349 virtual participants. It was a great opportunity to promote the ACS Canberra Hub with an important Australian government department, as well as engage with current and prospective members, and raise the profile and awareness of the ACS and how we can add value to the government supply chain through our recognition and professional development programs.
As we conclude this month’s review, we extend a formal invitation for you to engage more deeply with our upcoming events and community initiatives. As a valued member, your presence enriches our gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. We also recognise the expertise you bring, and we encourage you to share your knowledge and insights to contribute to the growth and success of our community. Your involvement is crucial in shaping the future of our branch, and we look forward to your continued participation in the months ahead.
Explore our upcoming events here.
Until next time,