Canberra

The word “Canberra” is believed to mean “meeting place,” derived from the local Aboriginal language of the Ngunnawal people. Historically, the area was a gathering place where different groups met for significant ceremonies, a tradition of connection that continues today.

About the Canberra Branch

Aligned with the ACS mission and objectives, the Canberra Branch plays its part in empowering Australia’s technology community. We provide our members with practical resources, tools, advice and opportunities to support their professional growth, while championing digital capability and skills that strengthen Australia’s tech professionalism.

We host professional development masterclasses, employability skills workshops, and networking events regularly both in person and online.

With 1,600+ members in Canberra, our branch represents a diverse and vibrant network, from emerging professionals and subject matter experts to senior executives and retirees from government agencies, educational institutions, and industry. We help our members and their organisations connect with like-minded peers and opportunities.

Whatever stage you’re at in your career or whichever sector you work in, we have event programs, activities designed to support your professional growth and success.

Some of events/initiatives include:

  • Leadership Series
  • Emerging professional development programs
  • Cyber security & AI awareness specific events/courses
  • Technical masterclasses (Cyber Security, Data, AI & ML, Blockchain, and Cloud Technology etc.)
  • Mentoring Programs
  • Supporting Women Transitioning to an ICT Career project

Visit the ACS Events page to find out what’s coming up.

About the Branch Executive Committee

The Canberra Branch Executive Committee (BEC) provides strategy, advocacy, and advice on the future direction of ACS Canberra Branch.

The key focus areas for the BEC are:

  • Act as ambassadors and advocates for ACS and its mission.
  • Provide strategic insight and advice on ICT issues, professional standards, and emerging market trends.
  • Deliver thought leadership and advocacy to promote good governance and strengthen the local ICT community.
  • Share knowledge and experience to educate, support, and empower members in advancing their careers.
  • Support branch staff in developing and delivering value to members and the broader tech community.

BEC members are available to contact via email or at in-person meetings.  If you have an interest in becoming a BEC member, please take the time to speak with current members.  The ACS Canberra BEC elections are held annually in April-June.

Canberra ACT

General Contact Information

Suite 3, Level 5, 64 Northbourne Av, Canberra ACT 2601 (Entrance is via Bunda Street)

Phone: (02) 9299 3666

Office opening hours:

 

Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 

*Please check prior with the office before coming as some prior commitments or events may limit accessibility.

Local Resources

Mentoring matters. The purpose of ACS Canberra Mentoring Program is to provide an opportunity for members to help members; to connect individuals with knowledge and experience in their field with those seeking advice and guidance to develop their careers.

To participate, members provide details via an application process that identifies their needs. Once this is completed, the applications are assessed to produce possible Mentor and Mentee matches.

The Canberra Mentoring Program runs twice per year. The duration of the program is six (6) months.

The 1st round of the program starts from February to July, and the 2nd round starts from August to January each year. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please check your ACS emails regularly, as the application normally will open in December for round one and July for the round two programs.

Find out more and read our mentoring program guideline, contact ACS Canberra staff acs.canb@acs.org.au

A meeting place for ACS and Canberra's tech community. We bring together diverse groups with shared interests to grow a thriving tech community

ACS members are invited and encouraged to visit and use the Hub during business hours. The Hub is a custom-built collaborative space for members to drop by and use as a hot spot for meetings and events.

 

Facilities include:

  • Private and collaborative workspaces
  • High-tech meeting rooms with click-share and conferencing facilities
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Full kitchen with coffee and tea amenities

 

Secure a meeting room at the Canberra Hub (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)

If you would like to hold a curated event or educational workshop for your organisation, please contact ACS Canberra staff.

  • Bookings are subject to availability and prices are ex GST.
  • To check room availability, please contact ACS Canberra Staff or email acs.canb@acs.org.au
  • To book the room, please click here to complete the meeting room booking form online
  • Any bookings made before 9:00am, and 5:00pm will incur an additional $100 ex GST charge

For information on member benefits and accessing our Hubs please see https://www.acs.org.au/acs-technology-and-innovation-hub.html

Branch Staff

CANBERRA Branch Manager
Mrs Jenalle Bushby MACS CT
Admin & Events Assistant
Mrs Kathryn Stanfield AACS
Member Services & Events Senior Coordinator
Ms Caroline Sha AACS

Branch Executive Committee

CHAIR
Ms Annie Ryan MACS (Snr) CP
VICE CHAIR
Mr Michael Hawkins MACS CP
HONORARY TREASURER
Mr Robert Bollard MACS (Snr) CP
HONORARY SECRETARY
Mr Ian Bull MACS (Snr) CP
Immediate Past Chair
Dr Roger Clarke FACS
BEC MEMBER
Mr David Elliot MACS
BEC MEMBER
Mr Eric Nguyen MACS CP
BEC MEMBER
Mr Jim Boekel MACS (Snr) CP (Cybersecurity)
BEC Member
Mr Kevin Landale MACS CP
BEC Member
Mr Rob Slattery MACS (Snr) CP
BEC Member
Mr Shaun Crain MACS (Snr) CP
BEC Member
Dr Tim Turner FACS
BEC Member
Ms Yaso Arumugam MACS

Emerging Professionals Committee

CHAIR
Ms Harriet Huynh
VICE CHAIR
Ms Xiaofeng (Elly) Zhu
HONORARY SECRETARY
Mr Anania Esayas
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Ms Li Yang
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Ms Simone Chitsinde