The APS HR Professional Stream recently brought HR professionals together in Brisbane and Perth for two successful networking events, reinforcing the value of connection, collaboration and shared learning across the profession.
The Brisbane event, held on 17 June, welcomed 110 attendees from 29 agencies, while the Perth event on 30 June brought together HR professionals from across 14 agencies. At both events, practitioners were able to expand their professional networks, exchange insights and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the HR profession.
A common theme at both events was the importance of building meaningful connections to strengthen capability and support professional growth. Through engaging discussions and conversations with peers, attendees explored how strong professional networks can enhance learning, foster collaboration and contribute to more effective HR practice across the APS.
In Brisbane, the event was hosted by John Love, Corporate Group Manager at the National Indigenous Australians Agency, and featured speakers Shannan Quain, Chief People Officer at the Australian Digital Health Agency, and Anna Blackman, AHRI Queensland State President. Together, they shared practical insights on building and maintaining professional connections, strengthening capability, and navigating the evolving HR landscape. Speakers reflected on the role that connection and collaboration play in building a strong, future-ready HR profession, with attendees encouraged to consider how they can continue investing in their own professional networks.
In Perth, attendees were welcomed by Cassie Haynes, First Assistant Secretary, People Services and Wellbeing at the Department of Defence, with panellists Carole Rowe, Assistant Commissioner, SES Services and Leadership at the Australian Taxation Office, and Lucy Williamson, AHRI Western Australia State President, contributing their perspectives and experiences. The discussion highlighted the benefits of sharing experiences across agencies and demonstrated how professional networks can support learning, capability development and a more connected APS HR community.
Feedback from both events was overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting the value of engaging with colleagues from across agencies, hearing diverse perspectives and building relationships within the APS HR community.
These events are a reminder that one of the greatest strengths of the APS HR Profession is its willingness to share knowledge, support one another and work together to address shared challenges. By investing in professional connections and creating opportunities for collaboration, we continue to strengthen the capability and impact of HR across the APS.
A sincere thank you to our hosts, speakers and attendees for contributing to the success of these events. We look forward to continuing to bring HR professionals together through future APS HR Professional Stream networking opportunities.
Attendees at the HR Professional Stream event in Brisbane.
Attendees at the HR Professional Stream event in Perth