Fiona Collins

Have you heard of the Oxford comma but are not sure when to use it? The Oxford comma, also known as a serial comma, is a comma sometimes used before the final item in a list. It prevents ambiguity in complex sentence lists. ❌ No Oxford comma required: • The IT team is based in Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide. • The consultation involved businesses, sole traders and not-for-profits. • The applicant was willing to learn, eager to work and well prepared. ✅ Oxford comma required: When the last item combines two words or phrases with 'and': • The departments involved in the transformation are field services, network operations, and customer and community. (‘Customer and community’ is a single department.) • The company's new policy focuses on diversity, equity, and health and wellness. (‘Health and wellness’ is a single initiative.) • The project involves collaboration with marketing, sales, and research and development. (‘Research and development’ is a single department.) When using a defining phrase that applies only to the final item: • The quarterly report highlights growth in telecommunications, finance, and production for green energy initiatives. (Only production is for green energy initiatives.) • Our training programs cover leadership, communication, and conflict resolution for managers. (Only conflict resolution is for managers.) #WritingTips #AustralianStyleManual #OxfordComma #ClearCommunication

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The Agile Dilemma: Time to Rethink Our PM Approach? Are Agile methodologies still the best way to manage projects, or is it time for a change? 📉 My latest "Beyond Project Management" article in PMI Sydney Australia monthly newsletter (https://lnkd.in/gGntz-86) highlights that recent trends suggest a "shift away" from pure Agile towards hybrid models, blending Agile with traditional methods for greater flexibility and effectiveness. As reported by Project Management Institute (PMI) #PulseOfTheProfession 2024 15th edition (https://lnkd.in/ghz_5Rxa), the adoption of Agile is declining after peaking at only 27% among project managers. While Predictive (waterfall/traditional) decline is easing, it is still close to double of Agile adoption (43.9% vs 24.6%). It is clear that the adoption of Hybrid is at the account of Agile rather than Predictive. But is hybrid truly hybrid? Or is it simply a rebranding of what seasoned project managers have been doing all along even before the hype of Agile? My argument is: 1️⃣ "Hybrid" has been a characteristic in project management since year dot. The current shift towards hybrid models highlights a fundamental truth: "effective project management is not about rigid adherence to one methodology but about selecting the right tools and techniques for the job at hand." 2️⃣ At its heart, project management is a means to an end, not an end in itself. 3️⃣ The ultimate goal is to introduce new ideas, products, and services in a well-planned and efficient manner. 4️⃣ This objective transcends any specific methodology, be it Agile, Predictive, or hybrid. 🎯 The focus should be on "achieving project goals and delivering value", rather than on the labels we attach to our methods. Intrigued? Read my full article at (https://lnkd.in/gGntz-86) #projectmanagement #agile

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How about that. “85% of Australian workers are using AI at work, which is 10 points above the global average." 💡 The excitement and trepidation of #AI continues to inspire me. Are you part of the 85%? How are you using AI as a competitive advantage? "Most business leaders see AI as an important source of competitive advantage, but most don’t have a plan or pathway for how to do so.” I'm so fascinated by where AI is taking us – as individuals and as a society. Check out this year's CEDA - Committee for Economic Development of Australia State of the Nation Highlights, especially this one on Reskilling for AI. 👇 #ArtificialIntelligence #StateoftheNation #CozzieLivs

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Getting ready to go on holiday and downloading content to keep me occupied on the plane I was inspired to write about audio books and how they can change lives. If you haven't given them a go this blog includes a list of places to get started as well. #reading #audiobooks #digitaltech https://lnkd.in/g_PrQ4fe

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A new free data resource providing timely, high-quality insights about regional visits was launched this week by Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)'s Tourism Research Australia.   The new mobility data, which uses de-identified and aggregated data from several million mobile phones, harnesses technology to provide insights regarding domestic travellers that traditional surveys can’t.   Mobility data is published by TRA monthly, typically within a fortnight of month's end. This complements TRA’s more comprehensive National #Visitor Survey, which will continue to be published each quarter.   The monthly #Data is a fast and reliable source of insights on domestic visitors for the #Tourism industry.   My colleague Grant Ferres outlines that we have been publishing mobility data at a national and state/territory level for several months. He says this week's inaugural release of data for all 76 tourism regions is a continuation along TRA’s path of delivering data at more granular levels of geography and on a more timely basis. We have been able to develop this data for publication thanks to additional funding from the Australian Government   TRA's mobility data model draws on data from a variety of sources, including mobile phone network and GPS data, population data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and inputs from TRA’s own National Visitor Survey. All data is anonymised and aggregated, to ensure confidentiality and privacy is prioritised at every stage.   The free new data resource is published in a user friendly interactive dashboard, which allows users to choose the geographic location and month of interest. The data is presented as a comparison with the same month from the previous year, to assist with understanding changes and trends in visitation.  It will greatly assist Regional Tourism Organisations and Local Governments to understand movement by travellers (ie those who are travelling for day trips, overnight trips).   Mobility data also forms an important and major component of a new domestic ‘big data’ product called Domestic Tourism Statistics (DoTS), which will replace the current National Visitor Survey as the source of official domestic tourism statistics from early next year.     Improving data and insights is a priority of Australia’s national long-term strategy for the visitor economy, THRIVE 2030, and the new data supports Australia’s broader Data and Digital Government strategy.   View the monthly regional mobility data at https://lnkd.in/d7DSHjgU   #DomesticTravel #Travel #TourismStatistics #TravelStats #InformingDecisions #RTOs #LocalGovernment Queensland Tourism Industry Council NSW Tourism Association Tourism Industry Council SA (TiCSA) Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Tourism Industry Council Tasmania Tourism Top End Tourism Council WA Australian Regional Tourism Ltd (ART) Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW)

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Calling all digital #tech businesses throughout Victoria 📣📣📣 The 2024 Victorian Digital Technology Sector Survey is now open. This annual survey led by my team, in partnership with Deloitte, helps government to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing digital tech businesses across the state. We’re interested in hearing from businesses of all sizes - including #SMEs and #startups through to large #corporates - located across metro and regional Victoria. Survey findings provide a critical evidence base that informs our work developing and delivering policy in support of Victoria’s #digital economy. You can check out high-level findings from last year’s survey here: https://lnkd.in/gWaaV-9T If this is of interest to you, or a company know, please take the survey or share with your networks (or both!) Survey closes 16 October 2024. More info is available at https://lnkd.in/g9_ZQQ_9 #VicTechSurvey #DigitalTechnology #Data #Insights Jesse Giang Prathayana Chandrakumar Helen Paraskevopoulos Ashling James Digital Innovation Futures Victoria Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

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We have recently published the latest #DigitalStrategy Roadmap for the WA Government. The roadmap outlines the vision and highlights over 70 projects currently underway. The large number of new initiatives in this year’s roadmap is a testamente to the ongoing commitment to digital transformation as a key driver of reforms. The goal of the strategy: To provide convenient, smart and secure services for everyone in Western Australia. Check out the roadmap here: https://lnkd.in/g7XcvKGD

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Worked with a great team learning how to structure a sprint, understand the agile mindset and developed a business concept using the agile framework to project plan the first sprint. Many thanks to Australian Institute of Management for a well-run course. Thankful for the opportunity Integral provided to understand the agile framework and the application within and beyond software development and tech projects. Guess what - you can even use the agile framework to review policies and procedures! Sharath Ratnakaran, wouldn't have been the same without sharing the session with you. #AIMprojectmanagement #projectmanagement #agile #Integral

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The big news for the day is the sounding of the starting bell for the next round of the Global Supply Chain Program (GSC 2.0)! The Minister for Defence Industry has made the long awaited announcement that not only are the original seven GSC Primes rejoining the program, but the list of Primes has almost doubled, with the admission of six new companies: Babcock International Group Moog Australia Pty Ltd L3Harris Technologies Kongsberg Defence Australia Saab HUNTINGTON INGALLS INCORPORATED to the already impressive team. Adding new Primes to the program is the realisation of one of the first initiatives from the DIDS, and is the result of the sterling efforts of the CSG Team, CASG as well as so many Australian Industry facing individuals. So much more to come! https://lnkd.in/gG-TQaY6 #australiandefenceindustry #globalsupplychain #australia #defenceindustry #defenceindustrycapability #australianbusiness #l3harris #fast.forward

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How many of these observations do you agree with? Grab a pen and paper, list the numbers 1 through 9, then mark them ✔️ or ❌ as you read through Shirley Banderas 🌞 ‘s summary of her experience at the Agile Australia Conference. Here’s my question, number 10: where else do you see these observations being true?

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The Australian Government has a Digital Service Standard. It sets the requirements for designing and delivering digital services. To follow the standard, all government agencies must create digital services that are: 📍Consistent and secure. 📍User-friendly.  📍Measurable. 📍Inclusive and adaptable. Review your own digital standards. Consider a refresh to reflect the changing levels of digital maturity. #DigitalServices #ContentDesign #UserExperienceDesign https://lnkd.in/gTTJCe6U

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🌟 This week, the ADAPTOVATE team is excited to be in Canberra for the Public Sector Network Operational Excellence Roadshow 2024. As government agencies face evolving demands and economic pressures, the pursuit of operational excellence has never been more crucial. We're here to help agencies streamline operations, cut costs, manage risks, and boost efficiency—all while delivering top-tier service to citizens. The Operational Excellence Roadshow 2024 is all about uniting people, processes, policies, and technology to drive sustainable value, operational effectiveness, and, ultimately, citizen satisfaction. At our round-table, we’ll dive deep into improving the customer and staff experience while delivering operational efficiencies. By keeping citizen-centricity at the core, we can elevate the quality of public services across Australia. We’re looking forward to insightful discussions and innovative ideas! See you there! Sankaran KrishnaRaj Benjamin Bek Natasha Scandrett Christine Tipton Janine Bennett #OperationalExcellence #PublicSector #Government #Leadership #ChangeManagement #CitizenCentric #Transformation #Efficiency #Innovation #ADAPTOVATE #Canberra https://lnkd.in/g24D9EUr

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Refreshing #EDU24 #AICDirectors in Canberra - many thanks Bruce Cowley Christine Holman Mark Rigotti Anne-Marie Perret Liesel Wett OAM FAICD Tony Fraser MAICD - #cybersecurity #AI #carbonreporting #culturalissues #toneattop #sociallicence #ethics #changemanagement #automation #riskmanagement #professionaldevelopment #companydirectors #performance #governance #accountability

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This NAIDOC week felt different, maybe it's the focus following the disappointment of the referendum. Maybe it's becoming an Australian Citizen a few weeks ago. Either way this year my eyes were opened, and a huge unlearning journey began. Here are some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, some working at the intersection of disability, to your LinkedIn feed. Thanks to Rebekah Williams for recommending The Australian Wars on Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia. A mini series of unlearning, which inspired this week's edition of #MostlyUnlearning Last week I got to e-meet Mikala Sedgwick 🖤💛❤️ through our work on the National Disability Data Asset Scoping Panel. Data warriors is a new terms to me, one I resonated with instantly. NAB celebrations, hearing Adam Fletcher and Jake Briggs yarning about the intersection of disabled and First Nations experiences. Hearing Jake speak about being visibly disabled yet defending his cultural heritage was a flip on the usual discussion about invisible disability. Yet another moment of unlearning. Lastly, spending 2 hours at FW (Future Women) NAIDOC event led by Gabrielle Ebsworth and hearing from Apryl Day, Courtney Ugle, Shawana Andrews and Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts (who I got to speak to afterwards). I particularly reflected on - Research as an act of resistance, First Nations academics challenging the idea of what research and knowledge is from Shawana Andrews - Intergenerational trama is also intergenerational strength and resilience from Courtney Ugle and Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts There was so much more discussed and marinating inside. I encourage you to follow these wonderful people and have a read of this week's edition of Mostly Unlearning Image Description: Selfie of Vanessa and Briar, smiling to camera #NAIDOC #DisabilityLeadership #Disability #Accessibility #AccessibleDesign

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Released yesterday. The priorities are: ▪️transitioning to a net zero future ▪️supporting healthy and thriving communities ▪️elevating Aboriginal knowledge systems ▪️protecting and restoring Australia’s environment ▪️building a secure and resilient nation. So…what about Defence ? Defence isn’t a “national science and research priority” ? All kinds of other fashionable agendas seem to make it onto the list, just not Defence. You think they might get close with “secure and resilient nation” section but that is only about climate change and cyber-security. I fear we will look back on these days in the future and lament that we wasted so much time…

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Driving AI Innovation with Responsible Governance: A Strategic Imperative for Australia As we enter a transformative period in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, the Australian Government’s proposal to introduce mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI applications is a critical step forward. While AI holds the potential to significantly boost productivity, enhance decision-making, and drive economic growth, it also brings distinct risks that require proactive management. A risk-based approach, focusing on preventative measures such as transparency, rigorous testing, and accountability, will provide the regulatory clarity and certainty businesses need to innovate with confidence. This framework will safeguard against AI’s potential misuse while ensuring it is developed and deployed ethically and responsibly. It’s also vital that we define high-risk AI use cases clearly and ensure our regulatory environment is robust, forward-looking, and aligned with global standards. Importantly, we must address the diverse needs of all Australians, including the unique perspectives and rights of First Nations communities. Now is the time for Australian businesses to engage in this important conversation, contributing to a balanced regulatory framework that supports innovation, mitigates risks, and builds public trust in AI technologies. What do you think? How should we balance AI innovation with responsible governance to maximise its benefits? https://lnkd.in/ggAgJ4QA #AIGovernance #InnovationStrategy #CorporateLeadership #Australia #TechPolicy #ResponsibleBusiness #DigitalTransformation #InfosysResponsibleAI

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Please share, we have been experiencing issues in the New England with internet and phones whilst they take the 3g network down. It is critical that if you have clients, you let them know and ensure they are aware to check their phones, tablets, and medical alarm devices to ensure they are now compliant as they will be unable to access 000 once this is complete. Act now, don’t delay Australia’s 3G networks are closing down. It is important that Australians know if they will be impacted, and have time to upgrade their phones and other devices before they are closed. If you receive notice from your service provider to upgrade your device, don’t put off taking action. Contact your service provider.   The closure has already commenced TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G mobile network services as of January 2024. Read more here. Telstra will close their network on 31 August 2024. Read more here. Optus 3G network will be shut down from September 2024. Read more here.   All 3G devices will be affected, not just phones If you have an older device that relies on a 3G network, you must upgrade your device now. This includes mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, eftpos machines, personal emergency response solutions, and medical alarms. For more information read our FAQs.   Financial Hardship If you are in a vulnerable circumstance or experiencing financial hardship, we encourage you to contact your service provider to discuss options. Search for information from your service provider here.   Get in touch with your service provider to check your device While service providers are advising customers through a variety of communications forms, including text, email and post, it is important to reach out to your service provider and check if you need to take any action. Search for information from your service provider here.   Check your device with SMS If you are on the Telstra or Optus network, you can text “3” to the number ‘3498’ to check if your device will be affected by the 3G closure.   Further information Visit the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts 3G network switch off website or the ACMA’s 3G network switch off website for further advice. Specific information from the leading service providers is available here: Telstra https://lnkd.in/ekWCefTG 13 22 00 Optus www.optus.com.au/3g 133 937 Vodafone/TPG Telecom 3G Network Closure FAQ | TPG Support 3G Closure - AMTA | The Voice of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Industry

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Fair and equitable? Making changes for fairness and equality on how we distribute GST revenue to all states

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