The Association for Project Management’s Victoria Network has held its first event in Australia, bringing project professionals together to discuss leadership, decision-making and the role of professional standards in project delivery.
Hosted by EnergyAustralia, the event attracted professionals from different industries, organisations and career stages as APM prepares for the official launch of its Victoria Network in November 2026.
Two panel discussions formed the centre of the programme, covering APM’s professional standards and Chartership alongside the leadership and decision-making capabilities required to manage complex projects.
Speakers and panellists included project management and controls expert Cameron Mills; project, programme and portfolio management professional Daniela Kellett; corporate services consultant Nuria Delle Chiaie; Katie Southway, Associate Principal at Arup; strategy and transformation executive Rob Loader; and Lady Garzon Fernandez, founder of GAFER CAD Solutions.
They were joined by APM Victoria Network Lead Colin Taylor and Deputy Lead Andrew Fox.
Chartership and professional standards in focus
The event provided attendees with an introduction to APM’s global standards and explored the relevance of Chartered Project Professional status within the Australian project management profession.
Chartered professionals shared their experiences, alongside practical perspectives on leadership and human-centred project delivery.
A second panel focused on people, leadership and project decision-making, examining leadership behaviours, relationships between clients and suppliers and the disciplines needed to make effective decisions in complex delivery environments.
The event also provided an opportunity for project professionals in Victoria to contribute to the development of the emerging network ahead of its formal launch.
Taylor said: “This was a fantastic start for the APM Victoria Network, and an important step in building the project profession in Australia with the standards, confidence and community it needs.
“Thanks to all our fantastic speakers and to everyone who attended, contributed, volunteered and supported the event; to the regional committee and the team at APM for helping make it happen, and to EnergyAustralia for hosting us.
“Here’s to building an even stronger, more connected project profession across Victoria.”
Australian network set for November launch
The Victoria Network represents a further expansion of APM’s international professional community, providing a forum for project professionals in the state to share knowledge, build professional connections and engage with APM standards and development routes.
Its establishment also provides APM with a platform for increasing awareness of Chartership and its wider professional framework within the Australian market.
The first event marks the initial stage of that development, with the official launch of the APM Victoria Network scheduled to take place in November 2026.
