Innovating Within: What Works? - Melbourne

Join us to explore and unlock the reservoir of talent, energy and passion within our public service.

Public servants are increasingly grappling with complex societal challenges. Yet within these challenges lies a reservoir of talent, energy and passion. This event examines this potential, and seeks to define the personal and professional skills that made it work.

Hosted by Chris Vanstone and Kerry Jones from The Australian Centre for Social Innovation, this event brings together creative and forward-thinking public servants who have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in health, social care, local government and beyond. You’ll discover the strategies, mindsets and real-world methods that have helped them turn resistance into opportunity.

Speakers will be announced soon, but through a series of project presentations and a follow up panel discussion, we’ll cover key topics such as:

• Personal qualities and/or behaviours: Which one helped them move ‘the way things are done’?
• Pushing Boundaries: How did they push boundaries to create transformative social impact, and what made it possible?
• From resistance into opportunity: How did they turn resistance into opportunities for innovation?
• Tips and Tricks: What’s in their big box of tips for problem-solving and perseverance?

Whether you’re deep in the trenches of policy or just starting out in the public sector, or an ally or collaborator working with the public sector, you’ll walk away inspired and equipped with the tools to turn your passion into impactful results.

Following the panel discussion, there will be opportunities for networking to build and nurture the connections that help us to thrive as creative bureaucrats. Light catering and drinks will be provided.

We want this to be an inclusive and accessible event, so if cost (or anything else) is a barrier to attend, please let us know so we can find a way for you to join us.