Gala and Awards Night 2023

Australian Professionals of Colour (APOC) invites you to its Annual Gala and Awards Night 2023, a not-for-profit event, dedicated to celebrate individuals who have steered the conversation of diversity and inclusion in Australian workplaces. 

APOC is an organisation with 2,000 (and growing) community members, and we celebrated our 2nd anniversary in June this year. 

We help our community members maximise their potential through our workshops, and by connecting them with other leaders from diverse backgrounds via our online and in-person events. We are also starting to work with organisations to develop culturally intelligent leaders and high-performing diverse teams.

This year, we are hosting our Annual Gala and Awards Night to bring the community and corporate leaders, and allies together to celebrate the progress that has been made in uplifting professionals of colour in Australia. 

On the night, you will hear from industry leaders and mentors about the importance of people from different backgrounds and their impact on the Australian economy. We will also host an awards ceremony to recognise and acknowledge individuals contributing to the conversation about cultural inclusion. 

The night will feature:

1. 3-course sit-down dinner and drinks where you will share a table with like-minded industry leaders
2. Entertainment on the Night focussed on showcasing the culture our community brings to workspaces :
   
   Experience the vibrant and playful energy of Lucky African Dance. Artist and performer Lucky Lartey and the team create rhythm and dance experiences that transform and inspire audiences across Australia
   
   
3. Key-Note Address : Vivienne Nguyen :Viv Nguyen’s greatest talent is continuing what she started soon after arriving in Australia as a 12-year-old refugee: being a passionate advocate for genuine community engagement and cultural diversity.
   
   For over 25 years Viv has been a leader in corporate, community and government settings, applying her business knowledge and technical expertise to work with community organisations to advance their social objectives. She held executive roles at AustChoice Financial Services, AMP Asset Management and ANZ Banking Group, where she led their global diversity strategy. She was also President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia Victoria Chapter from 2016 to 2019.
   
   In 2002, Viv was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll for advocating for women’s leadership and supporting young Vietnamese people. In 2003, she was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal and in 2021 was awarded the Australian Order in the AM division for advancing multicultural Victoria.
   
   
4. Panel Discussion : Elevating POC Success in Traditional Roles , Hear from Juliet Pawlak : Head of Performance and Inclusion, Niraj Pau FCPA, GAICD : CFO & Office Head , ARPANSA; Parmod Ghatwal: Partner Ecosystem & Innovation Principal at Telstra
   
5. Awards Ceremony where we will confer two awards to celebrate people and organisations who have gone above and beyond, and helped break down barriers for professionals of colour. 
6. Incredible opportunities to network and make life-long connections over unlimited drinks, some laughter, and many stories

Event Details:

Time: 4.30pm-9pm

Date: Saturday, 02 December

Location: Showtime Events Centre, South Wharf

Dress Code: Your Traditional Best

Maximum seating allowed: 150 guests.

Make sure you buy your tickets today, and don't miss out.

We look forward to celebrating with you there! 

Team APOC

Note: The event focuses on celebrating professionals of colour and we invite everyone, including friends and allies to attend.