Nicholas Kinports

Sportsbet Engages ‘Security Champions’ to Drive Shift-Left Approach

Nicholas Kinports on June 29, 2025

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Sportsbet’s Shift-Left Security Approach

Quick Overview

Sportsbet introduces a ‘security champions’ initiative featuring 42 senior employees.
The concept is influenced by AWS’ security guardians program.
Security champions function as advocates, encouraging early threat modelling.
The initiative seeks to integrate security into all delivery teams.
An initial pilot with 10 engineers yielded positive outcomes.
The program intends to minimize last-minute security evaluations.

Overview of Sportsbet’s Security Approach

Sportsbet has taken a notable step towards improving its cybersecurity stance by enlisting 42 senior personnel as ‘security champions’. This initiative aims to incorporate security considerations at the project’s onset, a method known as ‘shift-left’.

Sportsbet hires 'security champions' in shift-left strategy

Insights from AWS

The initiative is inspired by AWS’ security guardians program, which highlights the importance of frequent and early security evaluations. These guardians work collaboratively with central security teams to enhance security standards while enabling quicker product launches.

The Function of Security Champions

Mirroring AWS’ methodology, Sportsbet’s security champions are responsible for executing threat modelling and posing essential security inquiries during the development phase. This forward-thinking method seeks to avert last-minute security approvals and ensure effective security protocols are established prior to product launches.

Formalizing Security Initiatives

Before the program’s inception, Sportsbet operated with informal security methods across its 25 delivery teams. The organization identified an opportunity to formalize these actions and broaden them across all teams. The objective is to promote consistent threat modelling and secure mindset throughout the project design stages.

Pilot Program Observations

The pilot program, launched in the third quarter of the previous year, engaged 10 engineers acknowledged as ‘security friends’. These individuals naturally identified security issues and assisted their teams with secure methodologies. The pilot aimed to officially support and widen these natural behaviors.

Outcomes of the Pilot

Security solutions consultant Paul Johnson highlighted the favorable results of the pilot. Champions dedicated two hours each week to the program, participating in onboarding and communicating with fellow champions through a specific Slack channel. The initiative aligns with the STRIDE threat modelling framework and has resulted in innovations such as custom plug-ins for threat modelling.

Evaluating Success

While quantitative indicators like time savings in security evaluations are apparent, qualitative factors, including enhanced team involvement and greater willingness to raise security concerns, are also vital signs of the program’s success.

Confronting Challenges

Obstacles emerged, such as the necessity to clearly outline the champions’ roles to prevent them from being perceived as mere extensions of the security team. Johnson stressed the significance of effective communication regarding the responsibilities of champions.

Conclusion

Sportsbet’s security champions initiative aims to integrate security considerations early in the development process, reducing last-minute security challenges and promoting a secure mindset. Influenced by AWS, the program has already shown positive outcomes, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and is set to become a critical element of Sportsbet’s cybersecurity strategy.

Q & A

Q: What is the goal of Sportsbet’s security champions initiative?

A: The initiative aims to incorporate security early in the development cycle, fostering proactive threat modelling to avert last-minute security challenges.

Q: How does the initiative take cues from AWS?

A: It follows the AWS security guardians approach, ensuring early and consistent security considerations to enable quicker and safer product delivery.

Q: What were the results of the pilot initiative?

A: The pilot generated innovations like custom threat modelling plug-ins and showcased time savings in security evaluations, alongside improved team collaboration.

Q: How are security champions selected?

A: Champions are senior personnel acknowledged for their proactive security approach, guiding their teams and participating in secure methodologies.

Q: What challenges surfaced during the initiative?

A: Significant challenges included clarifying the champions’ roles to prevent them from being viewed as an extension of the security team and ensuring transparent communication about their duties.

University of Adelaide Reveals State-of-the-Art Digital Infrastructure

Nicholas Kinports on June 28, 2025

Adelaide University Transforms Digital Engagement

Brief Overview

Adelaide University results from the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
The updated digital infrastructure is designed to improve student enrollment and participation.
Adobe Experience Platform serves as the backbone of the university’s digital initiatives.
The institution aims to welcome students in 2026.
Partnerships with Deloitte and Adobe emphasize the project’s ambition and intricacy.

Adelaide University: A Fresh Chapter in Digital Interaction

Adelaide University Unveils Next-Gen Digital Infrastructure

Creating a Future-Ready Digital Environment

In a significant merger, Adelaide University, established through the combination of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, is leading a digital evolution. This venture, described by Head of Digital Marketing Emily Primavera as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” focuses on building a comprehensive digital framework to transform student enrollment and interaction.

Utilising Adobe Experience Platform

The Adobe Experience Platform is the foundation of the university’s digital redevelopment. Primavera articulates that this platform supports the development of prospective students until they fully assimilate into the university environment. Essential elements such as Adobe Experience Manager grant a cohesive and smooth digital journey throughout the university’s website and interfaces.

Obstacles and Cooperation

Even without legacy systems, which provides a clean start, the project encounters certain challenges. Primavera points out the difficulties in determining the essential data points needed for effectively engaging an international demographic. Furthermore, the university is leveraging existing strengths from the merging institutions to enhance the comprehensive digital structure.

Surpassing Student Expectations

The university’s digital strategy prioritizes crafting a unified and user-friendly experience for students. Primavera conveys that consolidating all digital services into a singular technological platform guarantees a fluid user interface. A customer-focused methodology through personalisation is a significant priority, striving to adapt digital interactions to meet unique student requirements.

The Magnitude of the Initiative

Characterised as a “considerable initiative,” the venture illustrates the intricacies involved in merging two unique educational institutions. The collaboration with Deloitte and Adobe highlights the scope and goals of this digital overhaul. Primavera remarks on the continuous work to establish a strong digital groundwork that promises meaningful returns on investment and improves student recruitment methodologies.

Conclusion

Adelaide University’s digital transformation represents a bold initiative aimed at redefining educational engagement. By incorporating advanced technologies and strategic collaborations, the university seeks to establish a new benchmark in digital experiences for its upcoming students.

Q: What is the purpose of the new digital infrastructure at Adelaide University?

A: The purpose is to enhance student enrollment and interaction by delivering a cohesive and individualized digital experience.

Q: What technology underpins Adelaide University’s digital transformation?

A: The Adobe Experience Platform stands at the core of the university’s strategy, providing tools like Adobe Experience Manager and Customer Journey Analytics.

Q: When will Adelaide University begin admitting students?

A: The university intends to open its doors to students in 2026.

Q: Who are the primary partners in this digital transformation project?

A: Adelaide University collaborates with Deloitte and Adobe to enhance its digital capabilities.

Q: What makes personalisation a key aspect of Adelaide University’s digital strategy?

A: Personalisation guarantees that students receive experiences tailored to their specific needs, boosting engagement and overall satisfaction.

Q: What are the primary challenges encountered by Adelaide University in rolling out the new digital stack?

A: The primary challenges involve gaining insights into necessary data points and coordinating teams from the merging institutions.

Queensland Reveals $1 Billion Strategy for Extensive Overhaul of Government Technology

Nicholas Kinports on June 24, 2025

Queensland’s Bold Tech Revitalization

Quick Overview

$1 billion funding for IT harmonization.
Introduction of the Queensland Government Digital Fund.
Aiming to unify disparate IT systems across 19 sectors.
Emphasis on shared platforms while allowing some departmental uniqueness.
Possible revamp of the 30-year-old TRAILS technology.
Integration of AI and APIs for improved service outcomes.

Queensland's $1 Billion Tech Transformation

Launch of the Queensland Government Digital Fund

The Queensland Government has initiated a $1 billion plan aimed at transforming its technology services across 19 departments. This ambitious effort is led by the newly formed Queensland Government Digital Fund, designed to encourage a consolidated strategy for IT investments and systems.

Departmental Integration

Managed by the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business, the funding intends to remedy the disjointed state of technology systems. Minister Steve Minnikin pointed out the drawbacks of operating separate systems for essential tasks such as email, payroll, and customer relationship management (CRM) across various departments.

Updating Outdated Systems

The state budget for 2025-26 details this tech enhancement, which may include the significant upgrade of old systems like TRAILS—a transport registration framework that has been in place for three decades and currently operates on an IBM z16 mainframe. The goal of this initiative is to integrate API capabilities and harness artificial intelligence to boost livability and service quality.

Encouraging Commonality Alongside Individuality

While the intention is to establish shared platforms for enhanced productivity, the government ensures that the distinctiveness of departments will still be supported where applicable. This strategy aims to make fiscal sense, optimizing processes without undermining specific departmental requirements.

Conclusion

The Queensland Government’s $1 billion technology overhaul marks a major commitment to modernizing and unifying IT systems throughout its departments. By creating the Queensland Government Digital Fund, the state seeks to merge separate systems and utilize cutting-edge technologies like AI, all while balancing commonality with individuality.

Q&A Session

Q: What is the main objective of the Queensland Government’s tech investment?

A: The primary objective is to unify IT investments and systems across 19 departments to enhance efficiency and service quality.

Q: What is the Queensland Government Digital Fund?

A: It is a newly launched fund focused on facilitating a coordinated whole-of-government strategy for technology investments.

Q: How will older systems like TRAILS be handled?

A: Older systems may be revamped, with plans for integrations such as API functionality and AI improvements to enhance service quality.

Q: Will departments retain their uniqueness under the new initiative?

A: Yes, although common platforms will be encouraged, the distinctiveness of departments will be preserved where it is practical.

Q: What is the timeline for the implementation of this technology overhaul?

A: The strategy is outlined in the state budget for 2025-26, with a phased implementation expected following the distribution of funds.

Adairs Introduces State-of-the-Art Technological Framework to Transform Supply Chain

Nicholas Kinports on June 21, 2025

Adairs Revolutionizes Supply Chain with Advanced Technology

Quick Overview

Adairs has transitioned from a third-party logistics framework to managing its supply chain directly.
This change brings enhanced oversight of costs, efficiency, and customer interactions.
Implemented Manhattan Scale warehouse management solution over the past year.
Realized a 24% boost in ecommerce order fulfillment rates.
Handled 17% more inbound volume, supplying one million additional units to retailers.

Adairs’ Strategic Transformation in Supply Chain Management

The Australian homewares and decor retailer Adairs has made a significant move by shifting from a third-party logistics (3PL) framework to overseeing its supply chain internally. This strategic alteration aims to improve operational oversight, cost efficiency, and customer service.

Adairs implements technology framework in supply chain overhaul

Image credit: Adairs

The Impact of Manhattan Scale

To support this transition, Adairs adopted the Manhattan Scale warehouse management system over a 12-month timeframe, going live in July of the previous year. This system has been crucial in optimizing operations, enhancing inventory management, and adapting to peak demand.

Noteworthy Achievements and Cost Efficiency

Post-transformation, Adairs has reported an additional one million units delivered to retail locations compared to the prior year. Ecommerce order fulfillment surged by 24%, and the volume of inbound goods processed increased by 17%. Centralizing order fulfillment in a single distribution center has also resulted in considerable cost efficiencies.

Conclusion

Adairs’ initiative to regain oversight of its supply chain has proven to be transformative, delivering enhanced efficiency, notable cost reductions, and improved customer satisfaction. By utilizing state-of-the-art technology, the retailer has positioned itself to more effectively meet customer needs and manage increased demand.

Q: What was the main reason for Adairs altering its supply chain model?

A: The main reason was to gain improved operational oversight, enhance efficiency, and elevate the customer experience.

Q: Which technology did Adairs adopt to facilitate this change?

A: Adairs adopted the Manhattan Scale warehouse management system to assist the transition.

Q: What advancements were noticed following the supply chain transformation?

A: Adairs reported delivering one million additional units to stores, a 24% rise in ecommerce fulfillment, and a 17% increase in processed inbound volume.

Q: How has this change affected Adairs’ cost savings?

A: By fulfilling orders from a single distribution center, Adairs has realized substantial cost savings.

Q: When did the new warehouse management system become operational?

A: The system became operational in July of the previous year after a year-long deployment.

Q: How has the customer experience benefitted from the transition?

A: The transition has enabled Adairs to enhance inventory management and streamline operations, thereby improving the overall customer experience.

Q: What is the function of the single distribution center in Adairs’ updated supply chain model?

A: The center centralizes order fulfillment for all channels, resulting in cost effectiveness and improved operational efficiency.

South32 Employs AI to Predict Employee Achievement

Nicholas Kinports on June 19, 2025

South32 Adopts AI for Improved Employee Insights

Brief Overview

South32 employs AI to improve employee safety, performance, and cultural evaluations.
The organization revamped its engagement systems in 2021 for enhanced real-time insights.
AI intends to offer predictive metrics throughout the employee journey.
South32 aims to pinpoint critical metrics that foster superior performance.

Improving Employee Experience with AI

South32, a leading mining and metals company located in Western Australia, is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen forecasts concerning safety, performance, and cultural aspects of its workforce. With personnel located globally in cities such as Perth, Singapore, London, and Vancouver, as well as in more remote regions, the company is actively transforming its employee engagement strategies.

South32 implementing AI for predicting employee success

Revamping Engagement Systems

In 2021, South32 restructured its employee engagement and evaluation systems. Previously dependent on traditional methods such as standard surveys, the pandemic underscored the demand for more immediate insights. This transition seeks to harness AI for improved predictive analytics, providing a deeper understanding across the employee lifecycle.

Concentrating on High Performance and Core Values

At the Qualtrics X4 conference in Sydney, Dave Vile, South32’s head of culture and capability, emphasized the power of AI to uncover hidden insights. “Everyone’s addressing AI … what can it reveal that is unknown to us?” he remarked. The aim is to identify leading indicators that can forecast future results.

Lincoln Cox, general manager for HR strategy performance and culture, reaffirmed South32’s dedication to evolving into a high-performance, values-driven organization. “We assess numerous aspects. We implement several filters. The subsequent step is to determine what genuinely influences change,” Cox mentioned.

Conclusion

South32 is pioneering the integration of AI within its employee management strategies, aiming to extract actionable insights that can improve safety, performance, and cultural coherence. By transforming its engagement platforms, the organization is set to utilize predictive analytics for optimized workforce management.

Q&A

Q: What does South32 aim to accomplish with AI?

A: South32 seeks to enhance predictions regarding employee safety, performance, and cultural dimensions using AI.

Q: Why did South32 upgrade its engagement platforms?

A: The upgrade was motivated by the need for immediate insights, particularly emphasized during the pandemic.

Q: In what way does AI assist in forecasting employee success?

A: AI provides predictive metrics that can help anticipate future employee performance and outcomes.

Q: What is the company’s focus concerning employee performance?

A: South32 is focused on evolving into a high-performance, values-driven enterprise.

Q: What significant challenges is South32 addressing with AI?

A: The organization is aiming to uncover metrics that meaningfully quantify and influence performance.

Canva Introduces Text-to-Video AI Utilizing Google’s Veo 3 Model, Offering Up to 1080p Quality

Nicholas Kinports on June 19, 2025

Quick Read

Canva launches a new AI-driven video creation tool utilizing Google’s VEO-3 model.
This tool enables users to fabricate high-quality video segments from textual descriptions.
Accessible to paid Canva members, including Pro, Teams, and Enterprise subscriptions.
Initial cap of five video clips per month, with intentions for future enhancement.
Pro subscribers can export videos at resolutions extending to 4K.

Canva’s Foray into AI Video Creation

Canva has recently unveiled an innovative feature that allows users to produce video clips just by entering a text description. This tool, called “Create a Video Clip,” harnesses the sophisticated capabilities of Google’s VEO-3 model. As the inaugural commercial use of VEO-3, this integration represents a significant leap in rendering high-quality video creation attainable for everyone, particularly aiding marketers, content creators, and small enterprises in Australia.

Create Video from Text

The primary function of Canva’s new feature lies in its capacity to interpret a user’s textual prompt to generate a customized eight-second video clip, inclusive of audio. Powered by Google’s VEO-3 model, this tool can comprehend intricate instructions, providing flexibility over the video’s topic, action, and style, be it cinematic, animated, or stop-motion.

Users have the option to detail aspects like camera movements and lighting, while the built-in audio can deliver synchronized dialogue and accompanying music, enhancing the video’s realistic appeal.

Comprehensive Editing Suite

Once a video clip is created, it smoothly integrates into your Canva design. Users can trim, split, and arrange it on the timeline, utilizing Canva’s extensive array of editing features. This includes overlaying text, adding branding components, incorporating further clips, and accessing Canva’s vast library of graphics and music. Canva Pro subscribers can also benefit from AI-enhanced tools like background removal and audio enhancement.

Canva's AI video creation tool utilizing Google's VEO-3 model

High-Quality Output

The AI-generated video clips are rendered in a 1920×1080 resolution, assuring sharpness and suitability for a range of applications from social media to professional presentations. While the AI generates at 1080p, Canva Pro users can export their projects in resolutions reaching up to 4K, ensuring the highest quality for compatible platforms.

Subscription Information

The “Create a Video Clip” feature is available to paid Canva members, including those subscribed to Pro, Teams, and Enterprise plans, as well as Canva for Nonprofit clients. Initially, users can produce up to five video clips per month, but this restriction is anticipated to increase. In Australia, a Canva Pro subscription is priced at A$164.99 annually for an individual, whereas Canva for Teams begins at A$135 per user per year, with a minimum of three users.

For additional details, visit Canva’s AI Video Generator.

Conclusion

Canva’s rollout of the “Create a Video Clip” tool signifies a notable achievement in AI-assisted content creation. By collaborating with Google’s VEO-3 model, Canva presents users with a novel method to easily generate high-quality videos. This feature is poised to revolutionize how marketers, content creators, and small businesses undertake video production, providing an effective solution that caters to the increasing demand for dynamic visual content.

Q: What is the key feature of Canva’s newly introduced tool?

A: Canva’s new tool enables users to generate video clips from text descriptions using Google’s VEO-3 model.

Q: Who has access to the “Create a Video Clip” feature?

A: The feature is accessible to paid Canva members, including those subscribed to Pro, Teams, and Enterprise plans.

Q: How many video clips can users create initially?

A: Users are allowed to create up to five video clips per month initially, with future expansion planned.

Q: What is the resolution of the AI-generated video clips?

A: The video clips are generated at a resolution of 1920×1080, with Pro users permitted to export up to 4K.

Q: How does the editing process function with the generated clips?

A: The clips seamlessly incorporate into Canva designs and can be modified using the complete suite of editing tools offered by Canva.

NSW Nationals Shift to Discard Net Zero and Withdraw from Paris Agreement

Nicholas Kinports on June 16, 2025

NSW Nationals Alter Their Position on Climate Policy

Quick Read

NSW Nationals opt to drop net zero emissions goal.
Party aims to retract from the Paris Agreement.
Worries regarding the economic effects of existing climate policies.
Possible political consequences within the Coalition.
Grassroots initiative emphasizes Australian priorities.

NSW Nationals’ Climate Policy Revision

In a significant development, the NSW Nationals have voted to relinquish their pledge to net zero emissions and support Australia’s pullout from the Paris Agreement. This determination was reached at their yearly conference in Coffs Harbour, mirroring a rising feeling among party members that existing climate frameworks do not adequately serve regional Australia.

Economic Issues Propel Policy Change

Supporters of the new path assert that the pursuit of net zero has heightened living expenses, affecting prices related to food, energy, and transportation. They argue that Australia’s pledge has yielded no discernible environmental advantages and that the nation’s rich resources should permit some of the lowest costs for food and energy in the world.

Consequences for Employment and Industry

The emphasis on net zero has allegedly resulted in job reductions as businesses relocate to nations with laxer environmental standards. The party’s choice highlights a call for the Australian government to focus on domestic prosperity over global obligations.

Exiting the Paris Agreement

After the net zero vote, the NSW Nationals endorsed a resolution calling for the Federal Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Members contend that international climate treaties place undue economic pressure on Australia, impeding its growth potential.

Political Fallout

This policy alteration may heighten scrutiny on the federal leadership of the National Party and the larger Coalition, revealing a divide between urban and regional beliefs regarding climate policy. As Senator Matt Canavan remarked, it is time for the “AUSTRALIAN government to prioritize AUSTRALIANS.”

Summary

The NSW Nationals’ choice to forsake net zero objectives and the Paris Agreement signifies a crucial change in Australian climate policy, spurred by economic concerns and a wish to emphasize national interests. This action has the potential to transform internal party relations and sway discussions in forthcoming federal elections.

Q: What prompted the NSW Nationals to discard net zero?

A: The choice was motivated by worries concerning the economic ramifications of current climate policies, such as increasing costs for food, energy, and transport.

Q: What are the consequences of exiting the Paris Agreement?

A: Departing from the Paris Agreement could free Australia from global climate responsibilities but may draw criticism from environmental advocates and international allies.

Q: How could this decision impact the Coalition?

A: It may foster discord within the Coalition, shedding light on disparities between regional and urban viewpoints on climate policies.

Q: What is the wider political consequence of this decision?

A: The decision might shape future federal election battles, with climate policy emerging as a crucial topic of discussion.

For more details, visit the NSW Nationals website.

NSW Nationals Advocate for the Repeal of Net Zero Goals and Departure from the Paris Agreement

Nicholas Kinports on June 14, 2025

NSW Nationals Climate Policy Change: Moving Away from Net Zero and Paris Agreement

Summary Overview

NSW Nationals vote to forgo net zero emissions targets.
Party supports leaving the Paris Agreement.
Decision highlights worries regarding regional economic outcomes.
Discussion surrounding living costs and energy prices in Australia.
Possible ramifications for federal politics and the Coalition’s standing.

Change in NSW Nationals’ Climate Policy

The NSW Nationals executed a notable change in their climate stance today, with party members voting to reject the commitment to net zero emissions and supporting a withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. This action, declared during their annual gathering in Coffs Harbour, signifies a break from the bipartisan agreement on climate initiatives in Australia.

Image depicting the NSW Nationals' climate policy change

Economic Impact Concerns

Supporters of the resolution contended that pursuing net zero has adversely affected the cost of living for ordinary Australians, driving up prices for essentials like food, energy, and transport. They argue that Australia, rich in resources, should offer some of the lowest prices globally for these commodities. Nonetheless, the obligation to achieve net zero is perceived as escalating costs without providing substantial environmental advantages.

Regional and Metropolitan Views

There was a shared feeling that the emphasis on net zero has led to job losses in Australia, with jobs being relocated to nations with less stringent environmental regulations. The dominant message called upon the Australian government to prioritise the needs of its own populace above international commitments.

Focusing on Australians

The resolution to move away from net zero was approved by a decisive majority, reflecting a strong grassroots movement advocating for a shift in the party’s climate strategy. This choice highlights a widening gap between urban and regional viewpoints on climate policies and their economic effects.

Image related to NSW Nationals and the Paris Agreement

Exit from Paris

After the net zero vote, a second resolution was accepted that urges the Federal Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. This mirrors a profound belief among the NSW Nationals’ members that international climate accords do not serve Australia’s best interests and are imposing an undue burden on the nation’s economy.

Political Repercussions

The successful passage of these resolutions is sure to exert pressure on the national leadership of the National Party and the wider Coalition. It is yet unclear how the federal leadership of the Nationals and their Liberal counterparts will react to this strong message from the NSW division. This decision is expected to become a major point of debate as the next federal election approaches.

Conclusion

The NSW Nationals’ choice to abandon net zero targets and withdraw from the Paris Agreement has ignited considerable discussion regarding Australia’s climate policy. This action reflects regional apprehensions about the economic effects of existing climate strategies, revealing a divide between urban and rural viewpoints. The decision is poised to shape federal politics, carrying significant ramifications for the Coalition.

Questions & Answers

Q: What prompted the NSW Nationals to abandon net zero targets?

A: The NSW Nationals contend that pursuing net zero has escalated living expenses and adversely affected regional economies without providing substantial environmental returns.

Q: What economic consequences could arise from this decision?

A: Advocates suggest that it may lead to reduced energy and food costs by emphasizing local priorities, though opponents caution that it may harm Australia’s environmental reputation and future sustainability.

Q: How could this decision impact federal politics in Australia?

A: It may create friction within the Coalition and affect future elections, as lawmakers grapple with the trade-off between economic growth and environmental duties.

Q: What concerns are there about withdrawing from the Paris Agreement?

A: Detractors argue that it could harm Australia’s global standing and impede collective efforts to tackle climate change.

Q: Will this decision influence Australia’s renewable energy sector?

A: Potentially, as it might redirect focus to conventional energy sources such as coal and gas, which may impact investments in renewable energy projects.

Q: How does this decision reflect the divide between regional and metropolitan views?

A: It underscores regional worries about economic repercussions and job losses, contrasting with metropolitan areas that might emphasize environmental sustainability.

Benchmark Sections: Transforming Education and Learning

Nicholas Kinports on June 12, 2025

Fast Overview

The educational landscape in Australia is embracing digital change.
CIOs and IT executives are essential in pushing educational technology forward.
TAFE and universities are leading the way in digital advancements.
The 2025 Education Champion acknowledges remarkable achievements.

Digital Change in Education

In the current fast-changing technological environment, Australia’s education sector is experiencing a major digital shift. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies, schools, universities, and TAFE institutes are upgrading their systems to improve learning experiences.

Revolution in Education and Learning

The Importance of CIOs and IT Executives

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and IT executives are vital to this shift. They hold the responsibility for executing strategic digital projects that keep educational institutions competitive and progressive.

TAFE and Universities at the Forefront

Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and universities are driving digital progress. By embracing new technologies, they establish standards for others to emulate and are crucial in determining the future of education in Australia.

Honoring the 2025 Education Champion

The 2025 Education Champion award highlights exceptional achievements in educational technology. This recognition is given to individuals or groups who have showcased remarkable leadership and innovation.

Conclusion

The Australian education sector is currently amidst a digital shift, with CIOs and IT executives leading the effort. The 2025 Education Champion acknowledges those making significant impacts, especially within TAFE and university environments, ensuring the country’s education system stays at the forefront of technology.

Q&A Segment

Q: What is propelling digital transformation in education?

A: The drive to improve learning experiences and stay competitive globally is propelling digital transformation in education.

Q: Who are the main contributors to this transformation?

A: CIOs and IT executives are the main contributors, overseeing the implementation and management of digital strategies in educational institutions.

Q: In what ways are TAFE and universities aiding this transformation?

A: TAFE and universities are incorporating new technologies to foster innovative learning settings and establish educational benchmarks.

Q: What does the 2025 Education Champion award represent?

A: The award signifies exceptional contributions to educational technology, honoring achievements in leadership and innovation within the field.

Ingenia Improves Payroll and Scheduling with HR Boost

Nicholas Kinports on June 11, 2025

Brief Overview

Ingenia has effectively incorporated Dayforce to enhance HR and payroll operations.
The rollout replaced four previous systems, including Preceda.
Dayforce enables Ingenia to swiftly address staffing demands in its tourism sector.
The platform facilitates payroll processing eight hours sooner than prior.
Continuous feedback from users and ongoing improvements have been key to the project’s success.
Ingenia employs Power BI dashboards for immediate payroll insights.

Modernizing HR and Payroll Systems

Ingenia, an ASX-listed frontrunner in the holiday and residential community industry, has made notable progress in enhancing its HR and payroll procedures by implementing Dayforce. The transition, finalized in August 2023, involved merging four distinct systems into one unified platform.

Ingenia enhances payroll and scheduling with HR boost

(L-R) Rebecca Ford, Hayley Nuttall (both Ingenia), Dan Stewart (Magnisol).

Reason for Change

The motivation for adopting Dayforce stemmed from two factors: the looming retirement of Ingenia’s current payroll software, Preceda, and a need to simplify HR interactions for frontline employees. Head of people and culture, Hayley Nuttall, highlighted the necessity of reducing complexity in employee roles to allow more time for engagement with residents and guests.

Employee-Focused Implementation

Ingenia’s strategy was notably inclusive, involving frontline staff in the decision-making process for technology selection. After evaluating options between Dayforce and SuccessFactors, employees were invited to vote on their preferred features, ensuring the selected system aligned with their needs. This collaborative method has been crucial in fostering user acceptance.

Implementation Hurdles and Optimization

The deployment of Dayforce began as a minimum viable product, permitting Ingenia to refine operations following implementation. HR systems lead, Rebecca Ford, noted the continued challenge of adjusting to ongoing changes. Ingenia’s rapid expansion had surpassed its systems, necessitating a strategic pause to realign priorities and processes.

Enhanced Payroll Efficiency

Since the introduction of Dayforce, Ingenia’s payroll processing has become more streamlined, with payments issued eight hours sooner than with Preceda. The previous system’s lack of integration required repetitive data entry, a challenge now addressed by Dayforce’s efficient operations.

Data-Driven Decision Making

The integration of Dayforce with Power BI offers Ingenia’s holiday park leaders timely insights into payroll and staffing requirements. This real-time data enables the company to modify staffing levels based on tourist demand, optimizing operations and minimizing unnecessary wage expenses.

Conclusion

Ingenia’s shift to Dayforce marks a considerable technological upgrade in its HR and payroll procedures. The initiative highlights the significance of employee engagement and flexible strategies in successfully implementing new systems within an organization.

FAQ

Q: Why did Ingenia opt for Dayforce instead of other platforms?

A:

Ingenia chose Dayforce for its extensive features and alignment with the company’s requirements, as validated through employee feedback and preference voting.

Q: In what ways has Dayforce enhanced payroll processing for Ingenia?

A:

Dayforce has improved payroll processing efficiency, permitting payments to be completed eight hours earlier and removing the redundant data entry previously needed by the old system.

Q: What challenges did Ingenia encounter during the Dayforce implementation?

A:

Ingenia faced complications linked to rapid growth and the imperative for continuous optimization of processes, necessitating adjustments to align systems with changing business requirements.

Q: How does Dayforce support Ingenia’s tourism efforts?

A:

Dayforce delivers real-time payroll information through Power BI integration, enabling Ingenia to adapt staffing levels in response to tourist demand and manage operational expenses effectively.

Q: How did employee feedback influence the system selection?

A:

Employee feedback played a vital role in the selection process, ensuring that the chosen platform fulfilled the needs of its most frequent users, thus enhancing user buy-in and facilitating smoother implementation.