Wrapping up a big year for ACS NSW: connecting, learning and leading together in 2025
From AI and cybersecurity to sustainability, wellbeing, and workforce capability, ACS NSW members have helped shape a vibrant year of learning and collaboration. Through a packed calendar of branch forums, workshops, and regional events, we’ve delivered on what members told us they wanted most: practical insights, expert conversations, and genuine connection.
At the start of the year, members told us they wanted more opportunities to explore key topics such as AI and machine learning, cyber security, STEM capability, ethics, data privacy, and digital inclusion. In response, our 2025 program brought these themes to life, not only through high-level panels, but through hands-on workshops and thought-provoking discussions that reflected the breadth of Australia’s evolving tech landscape.
Bringing the future into focus
Across the past year, ACS NSW delivered a diverse and forward-looking program that equipped members with practical insights, emerging skills, and influential perspectives from across the tech ecosystem. Cybersecurity expert Dr Marthie Grobler opened conversations on the rising importance of human-centric security, while leaders from NEXTDC, Microsoft, Mandala and Arup unpacked how Australia’s data centre growth will underpin the nation’s digital future and sustainability goals.
Our policy series convened government, industry, and academia to explore national productivity challenges, digital skills development, and the role of ICT in driving economic transformation, reinforced through ongoing analysis and thought leadership. Members also strengthened core capabilities through interactive workshops, from ethical decision-making to hands-on quantum programming with Associate Professor Chris Ferrie, demystifying complex technologies through real experimentation.
Events spotlighting the Australian Open’s world-class tech operations offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at large-scale innovation, while early-career sessions helped graduates and emerging professionals navigate high-growth fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and data.
National AI Week brought together the National AI Centre, TPDi, and Women in AI to examine trusted AI, governance, and practical adoption across sectors. And of course, our most-loved event, Tech Trivia with Adam Spencer, brought the community together for an energising finale to an impactful year of learning and connection.
Members at the heart of it
Our member stories this year reflected the diversity and depth of NSW’s tech community.
For Grant Engelbrecht, curiosity remains the constant in an ever-changing field: “Don’t be afraid to follow your curiosity, even if it takes you somewhere unexpected,” he shared. “Technology evolves so quickly that adaptability is just as valuable as deep expertise.”
Cyber researcher, Dr Masoud Afshari, introduced the concept of agile cybersecurity policymaking, a dynamic approach that enables organisations to update policies in real time to keep pace with threats. Similarly, A/Prof Uday Tupakula’s work in adaptive security architectures for 5G and cloud environments showcased the innovative research coming from our member base.
Lauren Veenstra reminded us of the human side of cybersecurity: “What truly sets impactful cybersecurity professionals apart are the soft skills, listening, communicating, and seeing the bigger picture.” And from within government, Yvonne Bachiller Ventress and John Tyler showed how IT professionals quietly keep the wheels of public service turning, from the classroom to the fireground.
Looking ahead
As we move into 2026, ACS NSW is expanding opportunities to learn, connect and contribute. New initiatives will include:
- Member stories and research insights showcasing innovation across our community
- Career spotlights and industry thought leadership features.
- A Mid-Career technical professionals webinar series to support growth and transition.
- Two new community event series: A new Academic Paper Club and Women in Tech Conversations.
This year reaffirmed what makes the ACS NSW community exceptional: a shared passion for learning, collaboration, and shaping Australia’s digital future. As member Grant Engelbrecht put it, “The key is to keep learning and not box yourself into thinking you must follow a straight path.”
In 2026, we’ll continue walking that path together, curious, connected, and ready for what’s next.
Interested in being more involved with ACS NSW?
Make your mark - from member spotlights to contributing to thought leadership. If you'd like to be more involved, email us acs.nsw@acs.org.au. And if you haven't already, check out our upcoming events- they’re a great way to meet people, swap ideas, and stay plugged into what’s happening in tech.
- Written by Helen Warner, Lead, Flagship Initiatives and ACS NSW Branch