Canberra Branch News & Updates – July & Aug 2025
3 Sept 2025 | By Jenalle Bushby, Canberra Branch Manager
Highlights
The past two months have been busy, exciting, and full of milestones for the Canberra Branch! From new partnerships and member programs to impactful events and industry collaborations, here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening.
- Welcoming new partnerships & members
- Emerging Professionals Committee Launches first event
- Exploring Executive Influence – ACS x CPA Australia
- Celebrating Mentoring success
- Digital Pulse 2025 National Launch
- ACS Tech Masterclass – Cloud Technology in Government
Welcoming New Partnerships & Members
In August, we were thrilled to welcome Scyne Advisory and Synergy Group Australia as the newest organisations to join the ACS Professional Partnership Program (PPP).
Looking ahead, we’re excited to welcome a group of 15 under-represented women into ACS membership in September through the Digital and Tech Savvy Training Program. This initiative, funded by the ACT Government’s 2024–2025 Women’s Participation Grant and delivered in partnership with Stepping Stone Social Enterprise Ltd, supports the ACT Women’s Plan by helping more women develop digital skills and pathways into the tech workforce.
Canberra Emerging Professionals Committee (EPC) Launches its first event
On 28 August, ACS Canberra proudly hosted the first Emerging Professionals Committee (EPC) event, From Campus to Career, at the University of Canberra.
The panel connected 50+ students and early-career professionals with industry experts to explore pathways into the ICT workforce. Speakers shared practical tips on networking, building confidence, gaining experience, and overcoming challenges such as visa pathways and language barriers.
Key takeaways:
- Networking is a skill that opens unexpected opportunities.
- Practical experience can matter more than grades.
- Confidence grows with preparation and knowing your story.
- International students bring unique strengths and adaptability.
- ACS provides mentorship, events, and industry connections to support career growth.
This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the EPC, focused on empowering students and early-career ICT professionals.
Exploring Executive Influence – ACS x CPA Australia
On 7 August, we partnered with CPA Australia to deliver an event on Unpacking the Journey to Executive Influence.
Daryl Pereira, Head of the Office of the CISO, Asia-Pacific at Google Cloud, shared his inspiring career journey from tech specialist to executive leader. He emphasised that while technical expertise is vital, strategic thinking, communication, and mentorship are the real drivers of leadership success.
The session also sparked engaging discussions around the impact of AI on jobs and the future of ICT, moderated by ACS Canberra Chair Annie Ryan. We were also delighted to celebrate Charles Gretton MACS Snr CP for receiving his Certified Professional certificate.
Celebrating Mentoring Success
The Canberra Branch’s Mentoring Program continues to go from strength to strength.
On 19 August, we celebrated the graduation of our February 2025 cohort — 64 participants started the program, and 72% successfully graduated in July.
A special thank you goes to our mentors, whose guidance and dedication make this program a success.
At the event, we also welcomed our new cohort of 62 mentors and mentees, ready to kick off their journey of learning, collaboration, and professional growth.
In preparation for the new intake, Canberra Branch Manager Jenalle Bushby hosted a Mentoring Information Session, sharing tips and strategies on setting SMART goals and building strong mentor-mentee relationships.
Digital Pulse 2025 National Launch
On 30 July, ACS proudly hosted the Digital Pulse 2025 National Launch at the National Press Club, in partnership with Deloitte Access Economics.
This year’s report explores the state of Australia’s digital economy, highlighting opportunities in AI adoption and emerging roles across sectors like Defence.
A special thank you to Hon Richard Marles MP, ACS CEO Josh Griggs, ACS President Helen McHugh, ACS CGO Genevieve R., Canberra Branch Chair Annie Ryan, and Deloitte Partner John O’Mahony for their contributions to this successful launch.
📌 Haven’t downloaded your copy yet? Access the ACS Digital Pulse 2025 report here
ACS Tech Masterclass – Cloud Technology in Government
On 28 July, ACS delivered a half-day Tech Masterclass on Cloud Technology in Government for the Australian Public Service Commission’s (APSC) Data and Digital Supported Pathways participants.
Guest speakers Brett Quinton and Daryl Pereira led an engaging session exploring:
- Cloud’s environmental impact
- Its transformative role in government workplaces
- The importance of responsible AI in cybersecurity and cost optimisation
We’re excited to continue this learning series with ACS Masterclass #5 on Data Analytics in September.
Find out more about ways we can work with you, contact us: acs.canb@acs.org.au
About the ACS Canberra Hub
The ACS Hub is a custom-built space for members to meet, collaborate, and attend events. Meeting rooms are also available for hire by both members and non-members.
📅 Book a room or find out more about upcoming events and member benefits.