Digital Futures conference 2021
Digital Futures events aim to inspire more Territory women to pursue careers in the digital sector.
The highlight of the 2021 program was the Driving Digital Innovation webinar, which featured inspirational Australian and Territory women sharing their experiences, challenges, and successes in the digital space.
On Wednesday 25 August, more than 175 attendees tuned in to hear from four accomplished digital leaders. Their stories ranged from the use of drones to deliver medical supplies to remote communities, to the creation of a property‑management app. They also spoke candidly about navigating COVID‑19, raising children while working from home, and the broader impact of these challenges on their businesses.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the opportunity to connect with such inspiring speakers.
Events
With the wide‑ranging impacts of COVID‑19, the 2021 Digital Futures program shifted to a series of smaller virtual and in‑person events rather than one major gathering.
A total of 4 events were delivered throughout the year:
- Women in Tech - The Perception Gap in the Time of Pandemic, held as part of International Women’s Day.
- Driving Digital Innovation - a free webinar featuring four keynote speakers and the panel session Business as Unusual.
- The Digital Age and Content Creation, presented by Sarah Davidson during October Business Month.
- Progression of Women in ICT Award, sponsored by Digital Futures at the 2021 Digital Excellence Awards.
The Driving Digital Innovation webinar remained the standout event of the program.
Women In Tech – the Perception Gap in the Time of Pandemic
As part of the International Women’s Day 2021 celebrations, attendees heard from Jo Stewart-Rattray – an advocate for women in tech.
The Women in Tech event aimed to inspire, educate and support women in ICT.
Held on Thursday 4 March 2021, the event received positive reviews from attendees.
Jo Stewart-Rattray, Director of Technology and Security Assurance at BRM Advisory and ACS Communities Vice President, is an advocate for women in tech. In 2018, Jo spoke at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
At this event, Jo spoke about the effect the COVID pandemic has had on women, highlighting:
- the importance of a more inclusive culture in the tech sector
- the under-representation of women in tech
- how female ICT’s professionals can advance their career to the next level.
It was an opportunity for ICT women to expand their networks and connect with fellow women in tech.
Read more about Jo.
Driving Digital Innovation
Digital Futures events aspire to encourage more Territory women to take up digital careers.
The Driving Digital Innovation webinar gave access to inspirational Australian and Territory women who shared their stories.
On Wednesday 25 August, over 175 attendees donned their headphones and streamed the Driving Digital Innovation webinar. They heard from 4 successful 'digital women' who shared their ideas and experiences, challenges and successes.
The topics were interesting and diverse; from drones delivering medical supplies to remote communities and the creation of a property-managing app, the keynotes’ stories were engaging and compelling.
Our speakers also discussed their journeys through COVID, raising kids and working from home, and the effect on their businesses.
Feedback and comments were positive with many thankful for the opportunity to engage with such inspiring women and hear their stories.
Keynote speakers
This years keynote speakers were:
- Vanya Bosiocic, Charles Darwin University
- Harriet Mellor, Your Sales Co.
- Bel Cook, Digitally Buzzed
- Yvette Adams, The Creative Collective.
The digital age and content creation
As part of the NT’s October Business Month in 2021, Digital Futures sponsored Sarah Davidson to virtually present ‘The digital age and content creation’ to Darwin and Alice Springs.
Sarah began her working life as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer at a leading international law firm. Sarah has hung up her suit and heels to be a full-time funtrepreneur.
Read more about Sarah.
Digital Excellence Awards 2021
The NT Digital Excellence Awards formally celebrates individuals and organisations for outstanding digital achievement and innovation in the NT. It’s the premier Information Communication and Technology (ICT) event of the year.
The awards are a wonderful example of how the NT ICT sector works together towards a more vibrant and thriving community. The concept of the awards is based on the peak bodies National Awards, with NT awards nominees going through to nominations for National awards.
The Department of Corporate and Digital Development’s (DCDD) Digital Futures sponsored the Progress of Women Award at the 2021 Digital Excellence Awards.
The 2021 winner was Peta Hine.
Peta is a long term Territorian who has been working in the Training and Vocational Education and Training (VET) field for the last 15 years.
Executive Director Digital Government, Ewan Perrin presented the Progression of Women Award to Peta Hine.
For the last 4 years Peta has been working with NEC as the Traineeship Program Manager. Running programs that assist Territorians to engage in ICT as a career choice.
Peta has a passion for ensuring that young women are aware of the great opportunities that a career in ICT can offer. Tailoring programs that target women returning to the workforce or those leaving school.
With a new partnership between NEC and Stars Foundation those opportunities look to grow.