VIC Ballarat Network

Join the AHRI Ballarat Region Network for a practical and engaging forum focused on the HR profession and the people shaping it.

Whether you are looking to deepen your practice, grow your career, stay current in a changing profession, or strengthen your influence within organisations, this session is for HR professionals who want to keep evolving their capability and impact.

The morning will commence with an overview of the AHRI HR Capability Framework by Matt Connell, exploring how HR professionals can be more intentional in building their capability, career pathways, and professional impact. Matt will also highlight the value of professional connections and ongoing development through the HR profession and the AHRI community.

The session will then move into a facilitated panel discussion and interactive conversation circles led by experienced HR leaders from across sectors. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in small-group discussions focused on practical challenges, reflective prompts, and peer discussion, with participants able to join at least two conversation circles throughout the morning.

Together, we will explore:

• Building HR capability – staying contemporary in practice, navigating career pathways, and continuing professional growth

• Elevating the HR profession – building credibility, influence, and securing a meaningful voice at the leadership table

We look forward to welcoming HR professionals from across Ballarat and the broader region for a valuable morning of professional conversation, insight, and connection. 

The Ballarat AHRI Network committee thank the Sovereign Hill Museum Association for hosting the event.

Target Audience  

HR professionals across all career stages and specialisations, the forum aims to create genuine professional conversation, practical insight, and meaningful connections with peers across the region.

Speaker: Matt Connell: Matt Connell is the General Manager, People & Culture of the Australian HR Institute.  Matt has worked in senior HR/People Culture roles in various values-based industries, mostly in the Geelong area. He has an MBA majoring in Strategic HR Management and has worked in several start-ups and merging organisations, and has developed and implemented people & culture functions, leading highly engaged teams to manage complex IR/ER issues in challenging industries and environments. He is an AHRI Fellow Certified HR Practitioner.

Speaker: Claire Woods: Claire Woods is Chief People Officer at Grampians Health, where she works closely with leaders to tackle everyday workforce challenges, support teams through change, and keep things running smoothly across a large regional health service. She’s known for her practical, people-first approach and isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves to get things done.

Speaker: Jenny Brice: Jenny Brice is a highly regarded organisational development consultant and founder of a successful practice specialising in the future of work. She partners with executives, organisations and communities to navigate workforce challenges arising from technological disruption, delivering executive coaching, strategic facilitation and keynote presentations.

Speaker: James Thyer: James Thyer is a highly regarded People and Culture leader with extensive experience leading HR functions across the public, commercial and for-purpose sectors. Currently HR Branch Manager at the State Revenue Office, Victoria, James is known for his positive leadership style and his ability to deliver practical, strategic workforce outcomes that drive organisational performance.

Other Event Information 

Please arrive at 9:45am, ahead of the session start at 10:00am.

You will obtain 2 CPD points for this forum.

Fees to attend:

– $10 AHRI Member

– $20 Non-member

Venue Information: 

The Australian Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades

Ballarat, Wadawurrung Country. Central Victorian Goldfields.

383 – 389 Bradshaw St, Ballarat VIC 3350

Follow the signs towards Sovereign Hill and look for the building located opposite the Sovereign Hill visitor carpark. Ballarat locals may recognise this as the former Gold Museum. Please note that Google Maps may, on occasion, incorrectly direct you to Magpie Street. Click here for more information.

Registration Information 

Registration close: Monday 5 October 

Having trouble registering? Contact Us or phone 1300 811 880.

By confirming your registration, you agree to AHRI’s Event Terms & Conditions.