IPAA
Events
YOUR IPAA 
IPAA runs a comprehensive events program on the big issues and challenges faced by Australia’s public sector.
Here’s a taste of what’s coming up.
IPAA NSW New Professional Members Breakfast
Learn how to make the most out of your professional membership
Are you a new Professional Member at IPAA, and want to learn how to make the most out of your membership?
As your professional association, we understand the importance of fostering connections, and providing valuable insights how to best leverage your membership.
With our new professional members in mind, we’ve created a welcome breakfast for networking, knowledge sharing, and harnessing the full potential of your membership.
Hear from Mark Webb, President of IPAA NSW, and Jo Rose, Acting CEO of IPAA NSW, as they extend their welcome to our community of professional members.
16 October 2024
8:00AM – 9:15AM
IPAA NSW
Men’s Mental Health Matters: A Generational Dialogue
Join us for a crucial discussion on how perspectives on men’s mental health have evolved across generations.
The Young Professionals Network is proud to present a generational panel of speakers who will explore the shifting ideals surrounding men’s mental health, with a specific focus on managing well-being within the NSW public sector.
Discover how attitudes toward men’s mental health have transformed over the years, and the implications these changes have for men in today’s workplace.
Gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by men working in the public sector, with practical advice on maintaining mental health in a demanding environment.
Understand how change in the workplace – whether it’s adapting to changing priorities, shifts in job roles, or broader sectoral transformations – can impact mental health, and learn strategies to cope effectively.
16 October 2024
10:30AM – 11:30AM
Masterclass: The Housing Crisis
Discover the various themes and trends shaping planning law in NSW, providing valuable insights for navigating future developments.
Holding Redlich partner, Thomas Kwok, will present a masterclass on planning law in NSW in the context of the housing crisis. Planning law is at the heart of all land value in the State, and a key driver of commerce. Thomas will provide an overview of the planning law system from the point of view of public authorities – both consent authorities and agencies with development responsibilities, and the various themes and trends in planning law.
With NSW facing a housing crisis at this point in history, Thomas will examine what the Government is doing to try to increase housing supply, and what lies within planning law history or existing laws to assist with the provision of housing.
22 October 2024
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Holding Redlich
Spirit of Service Awards gala dinner
Join us for our annual celebration of dedicated public service initiatives creating positive change for Australia’s communities. This gala will award recipients across four Spirit of Service Awards categories: Learning, Collaboration, Community, and Breakthrough.
Enjoy an evening of great music, food, and drinks at the National Arboretum and network with fellow public sector leaders.
23 October 2024
6:30PM – 9:30PM
National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo Valley
On the Couch with Michael Coutts-Trotter
Learn what inspires and motivates the Secretary of NSW Treasury
Join us for our 36th On the Couch with Michael Coutts-Trotter, Secretary, NSW Treasury.
To ensure the conversation is frank and honest, we do not record these events, so register now to hear Michael’s exclusive insights.
If you work for the NSW Treasury this event is free – so register today.
23 October 2024
4:30PM – 6:30PM
Bendelta CBD Office, Quay Quarter, Level 5 Tower
A masterclass in contract management: achieving value through best practice
Are you confident your suppliers and service providers are delivering on their promises? Did the organisation get what it paid for? Has your reputation and integrity been maintained? What does good contract management look like? In this masterclass you will learn how to achieve the most value through best practice contract management.
Our keynote speaker, Nadine Lennie will discuss the critical challenges faced by the sector, followed by a panel discussion where you will hear from experts on their experience and insights navigating third-party risks.
24 October 2024
9:30AM – 12:30PM
KPMG Australia
Masterclass: Managing inappropriate workplace behaviour
Join us for a Handling Inappropriate Behaviour in the Workplace Masterclass brought to you by Holding Redlich.
This masterclass will provide attendees with a clear definition of what is bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation and particularly how to manage complaints in the context of recruitment, performance management and performance reviews from a legal perspective.
Attendees will hear the cautionary tale of the potential claims and statutory risks that could result from mismanagement of these complaints, including unfair dismissal and victimisation claims, discrimination claims and regulatory intervention.
7 November 2024
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Holding Redlich
2024 Annual State of the Sector with Simon Draper PSM
Hear directly from the Secretary of the Premier’s Department about the state of the public sector and priorities looking forward to 2025.
This annual event is free for all NSW public servants as part of IPAA’s Cluster partnership.
Do you want the opportunity to contemplate the challenges of 2024 and the innovations that solved them?
Hear from the head of the NSW public sector the strategic priorities behind the work you do.
Regardless of your level or specialisation, if you work in the public sector, this event will help you be your best for NSW by presenting new ideas and reflections for the sector as a whole.
12 November 2024
9:30AM – 10:30AM
Online
Gov Gathers: Executives
Are you career focused and looking to grow or to inspire those around you?
Do you feel driven by your sector’s purpose and values?
Are you trying to balance complex work environments and transformations within the sector?
Hear from NSW Public Service Commissioner, Kathrina Lo, as she shares insights and career advice on how to become a successful leader in government.
13 November 2024
4:00PM – 6:00PM
IPAA NSW
Masterclass: Navigating Sustainable Procurement
In today’s evolving landscape, government agencies face increasing pressure to ensure their procurement practices are sustainable, ethical, and free from corruption.
This comprehensive masterclass is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of sustainable procurement, ensuring compliance, maintaining probity, and mitigating risks of corrupt conduct.
14 November 2024
10:00AM – 12:00PM
Work with Purpose live: Lifting the stigma around men’s mental health at work
Lift the stigma around men’s mental health. Prevent suicide. Connect with your peers.
Conversations around mental health can be tricky – whether that’s at work or in our private lives. So, how can we best support those around us? And what is Australia doing to bolster men’s mental health and wellbeing?
Marking Movember and International Men’s Day, join us for our very first Work with Purpose live podcast with Matthew Short, assistant secretary, Child, Youth and Priority Populations at the Department of Health and Aged Care, Matthew Breen, founder of Running for Resilience, and Lachlan Vivian-Taylor, General Manager of Claims Management Group at Comcare. This session will shine a light on men’s mental health – a priority of the Federal Government’s National Men’s Health Strategy. This conversation will be led by David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup.
20 November 2024
5:30pm – 7:15pm
Canberra Rex Hotel
Mental Health First Aid Training for Public Sector
Demonstrate your mental health first aid skills by becoming an Accredited Mental Health First Aider
With approximately 20% of Australian adults experiencing a common mental illness each year, the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course equips participants with the necessary skills to support a friend, family member, client, or colleague until appropriate professional help is available.
Workplaces play a crucial role in supporting the mental well-being of their employees. While it’s typical for organisations to have physical first aid officers, an increasing number of employers now recognize the value of training their staff and designating competent individuals to provide mental health first aid.
21 & 28 November 2024
9:30AM – 4:30PM
Breakthrough Research Foundation
On the Couch with Murat Dizdar
From School Principal to Secretary of Education
Join us for an evening of networking at an exclusive On the Couch with Secretary of NSW Education, Murat Dizdar.
During this live event, you’ll get the chance to ask Murat about the issues that matter to you.
You’ll also have the opportunity to build cross-agency connections with your public sector peers over light canapes and refreshments.
27 November 2024
4:30PM – 6:30PM
Bendelta CBD Office, Quay Quarter Tower, Level 5
Skills for Success: Adapting to Change
Have you ever felt uncomfortable or overwhelmed by unexpected changes at work?
Adapting to change is essential in today’s evolving workplace, and being comfortable with change is a crucial skill for success in government.
In this session, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to become more resilient and adaptable when faced with change.
26 November 2024
10:00AM – 11:00AM
Online
EA Series finale 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, we invite the public sector EA community to celebrate a year of learning, growth, and hard work. Join us for an evening of connection and inspiration as we close the year on a high note. Mingle with fellow EAs over canapés and drinks, share your experiences, and build your professional network.
4 December 2024
5:30pm – 7:30pm
The Red Shed
2024 IPAA WA Achievement Awards
Recognise individual and organisational excellence in the public service.
Winners of the 2024 IPAA WA Achievement Awards will be announced at this special Awards luncheon. The Achievement Awards offer a total of 21 awards, 11 for individuals and 10 for organisations.
12 December 2024
12:00PM – 2:30PM
TBC