Australia’s first Public Sector Week is underway, with over 80 events being conducted across Victoria to showcase the diverse and essential work of the Public Sector.

The week is an initiative of the Victorian Division of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA).

The week-long celebrations have a serious side, providing opportunities for professional development for staff and promoting the role and achievements of government work in the broader community.

The Victorian Government Information Hub is open from 9am to 5pm in the Swanston Street Forecourt of Melbourne’s Federation Square, where it is showcasing the work of Victorian Government Departments and also offering information about career opportunities in the Public Sector.

A Meet the Secretaries event is on on Friday from 2.30pm to 4pm at Deakin Edge, Federation Square.

It will feature; Deputy Secretary, Water and Catchments, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Emily Philips; Secretary of Department of Premier and Cabinet, Chris Eccles; Secretary of the Department of Education and Training, Gill Callister; and Secretary of Department of Justice, Greg Wilson.

The work of Victoria’s Indigenous Public Administrators as seen through the lens of Wayne Quilliam is on display in The Atrium, Federation Square, throughout the week.

The largest Indigenous photographic display ever held in the Southern Hemisphere, the exhibition is the first of its kind to recognise and celebrate the role played by Indigenous people in the Public Sector.

The Alick and Merle Jackomos Oration scheduled for Friday, from 9.30 to 11.30am at Deakin Edge, Federation Square, features Kerry Arabena, who will speak about the role of Public Administration during the reconciliation process.

The Oration is given in honour of the Jackomos, who together made an immense contribution to Indigenous communities in Victoria and around Australia.