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LATEST ACS RESPONSE TO COVID-19

The ACS Technology and Innovation hubs in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane are open to staff and members. However, members are advised to review respective state rules and restrictions before they visit (links provided below). Although face masks are not mandatory in many of our hubs, they are encouraged when you are unable to maintain social distancing. For the Melbourne Hub, during events (and where hospitality is involved), members need to be vaccinated, or medically exempt, and evidence for the same can be verified as a condition of entry.


NSW: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/business/rules-guidance/nsw-rules

VIC: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-sector-guidance-office-workplaces

QLD: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions

ACT: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/management

Latest Updates & Information

 

Updates & Latest Information From ACS

 

Restrictions Eased: ACS Technology And Innovations Hubs And River City Labs Open To Staff And Members

5 MAY 2022

 

The ACS Technology and Innovation hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are open to staff and members.

Members are advised to review respective state rules and restrictions before they visit (links provided below).

Although face masks are not mandatory in any of our hubs, they are encouraged when you are unable to maintain social distancing.

If you are unwell or are showing COVID symptoms, you should get tested and continue to isolate if positive.

If you test positive and have come into ACS offices or events recently, please reach out to our Quality and WHS Manager – Reza Arif ([email protected]).

NSW: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/business/rules-guidance/nsw-rules

VIC: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-sector-guidance-office-workplaces

QLD: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions

ACS Technology & Innovations Hubs And River City Labs Open To Staff & Members

14 MAR 2022

The ACS Technology and Innovation hubs in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane are open to staff and members. However, members are advised to review respective state rules and restrictions before they visit (links provided below). Although face masks are not mandatory in many of our hubs, they are encouraged when you are unable to maintain social distancing. For the Melbourne Hub, during events (and where hospitality is involved), members need to be vaccinated, or medically exempt, and evidence for the same can be verified as a condition of entry.

NSW: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/business/rules-guidance/nsw-rules

VIC: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-sector-guidance-office-workplaces

QLD: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions

 

 

ACS technology & Innovation Hub in Barangaroo closed today, Thursday 23 December 2021

23 Dec 2021

Someone who was at the Sydney Hub on Level 27 on Friday 17 December has test positive for COVID. As per the ACS procedures, we are therefore closing the Hub to disinfect and clean Level 27 today. If you were on Level 27 on Friday 17 December, we recommend you get a COVID test and check the NSW Health website for current ‘close contact’ requirements.

The office will remain closed to members until Monday, 10 January 2022. If you have tested positive for COVID, or get a positive result over the next few days, do please let us know ASAP. Please be assured that we will treat all such information with the strictest confidence.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. The safety of our staff and members are our highest priority. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

 

 

ACS technology & Innovations Hubs and River City Labs opens to members

11 Nov 2021

The ACS Technology and Innovation has opened to fully vaccinated staff and members on Wednesday, the 10th of November, 2021 in Sydney and on Thursday, the 11th of Novmeber in Melbourne. River City Labs in Brisbane is open with restrictions in line with government advice. Masks are required indoors in Melbourne but not mandatory in Sydney & Brisbane.

 

 

Restrictions on the usage of ACS QLD Office and River City Labs

30 Sep 2021

In line with the recent update from Queensland Government about few Queensland LGAs entering stage 2 restrictions, ACS has implemented a reduced capacity in its River City Labs facility from 4pm AEST 30 September 2021.

  • Indoor – 1 person per 4 square metres or 75% capacity with ticketed and allocated seating
  • Eating and drinking must be seated
  • You must wear a face mask at all times when you are indoors, including workplaces unless you are alone in an office or meeting room with the door closed, you are eating or drinking or it is unsafe to wear a mask
  • Capacity for usage has also changed for boardroom (10 pax), meeting room 1,2 &3 (2 pax), event space (36 pax seated or 75% of allocated seated ticketed events) & kitchen (2pax).
  • In casual desk areas, seating is only allowed in places with blue signage.

If you have any queries, please contact RCL at +61 (0) 7 3316 5777

 

 

ACS Queensland office & River City Labs open

23 Aug 2021

With South-East Queensland and Cairns Regional Council and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council coming out of lockdown, ACS office as well as River City Labs are now open and employees are encouraged to exercise caution while stepping out. Employees, members and RCL residents using the office premises must continue to carry a mask at all times and wear a mask in indoor and outdoor spaces. 

 

 

ACS Melbourne Office, Tech & Innovation Hub, And Bay City Labs Office Closure Extended; Canberra enters 7-day lockdown

12 Aug 2021

ACT Government's announcement of a 7-day lockdown, has prompted ACS to change some events/plans in Canberra. More updates on the restrictions here.

Following the extension of the lockdown in Victoria, ACS has extended the closure of its Melbourne office, Tech & Innovation Hub, and Bay City Labs, for an additional week to Thursday 19th August 2021. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep taking actions to ensure the safety of our members and staff as the situation evolves..

 

 

ACS Queensland office & River City Labs open

10 Aug 2021

With the eleven LGAs in South East Queensland coming out of lockdown, ACS office as well as River City Labs are now open. Some restrictions will continue to apply for the next 2 weeks in line with government advice to ensure the safety of everyone using these premises. Details on restrictions can be found.here.

 

 

ACS Melbourne Office, Tech & Innovation Hub and Bay City Labs to be Closed until until Thursday 12th August

5 Aug 2021

Following the announcement of a seven-day snap lockdown in Melbourne starting 8pm on 5th August, ACS has closed its office, Tech & Innovation Hub and Bay City Labs to comply with government advice. ACS continues to monitor the situation and will constantly take actions to ensure safety of its members and staff.

 

 

 

ACS Extends Closure of Queensland office and River City Labs until 9th August

02 Aug 2021

Following the extension of lockdown in South- East Queensland, ACS has extended the closure of its office and River City Labs until 4pm, Sunday 9th August 2021. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep taking actions to ensure the safety of our members and staff as the situation evolves. 

 

 

ACS Queensland office and River City Labs to be closed until 3rd August

31 Jul 2021

Following Queensland Government’s announcement of a 4-day lockdown in South East Queensland, ACS has closed its offices and River City Labs with effect from 4:00 pm Saturday 31st July to 4:00 pm Tuesday 3rd August. We are constantly monitoring the situation and will continue taking actions to ensure the safety of our staff and members and compliance with latest government advice.

 

 

ACS offices to open in Victoria & South Australia

27 Jul 2021

With lockdown lifting in Victoria and South Australia, ACS will be opening its offices in both the states tomorrow. Both offices will be operating at minimum capacity. Bay City Labs residents can return to the facility as well without any limitations, as the size of the facility complies with the advised density limits. ACS Tech and Innovation Hub in Melbourne will be closed to members until further notice.

 

 

ACS office closure extended in Victoria & South Australia

20 Jul 2021

In line with latest health advice, ACS has extended the closure of its office, Innovation Hub and Bay City Labs in Victoria by another week. ACS office in Adelaide will also be closed at least until 27th July to follow government advice about a 7-day lockdown. 

 

 

ACS Melbourne Office, Tech & Innovation Hub and Bay City Labs to be Closed in Melbourne until Tuesday 20th July

15 Jul 2021

Following the recent announcement of a 5 day snap lockdown in Victoria, ACS has announced that its Melbourne office, Tech & Innovation Hub and Bay City Labs will be closed effective 11:59pm tonight until 11:50pm on Tuesday 20th July. The safety of our staff and members being paramount, we are actively monitoring the situation and following government advice around COVID-19 to ensure timely responses & actions to the developing situation.

 

 

ACS Extends The Closure of Its Office and Tech and Innovation Hub

09 Jul 2021

In the interest of safety of our members and staff, ACS has further extended the closure of its office, Tech and Innovation Hub and Harbour City Labs in Sydney until further notice. We are monitoring the situation as it develops and will keep members updated about further actions as the situation evolves.

 

 

ACS Opens Office and River City Labs In Brisbane

05 Jul 2021

Following the removal of lockdown in Queensland, ACS has opened its office and River City Labs in Brisbane with reduced capacity the below restrictions to ensure safety of our staff & members.

We request our staff and members using ACS office and River City labs to follow government advice on wearing a face mask at all times, unless:

  • you are eating or drinking
  • you are at your usual workplace and can physically distance from others at a distance of 1.5m
  • it is unsafe.

 

 

ACS Closes Office and River City Labs In Brisbane

29 Jun 2021

Following Queensland government’s announcement of a three day snap lockdown in Brisbane, ACS will close its office and River City Labs for the next three days, effective 6pm Tuesday, 29 June 2021.  We are closely monitoring the situation as it develops and will continue to ensure that we take necessary actions for the safety of our staff, members and volunteers.

 

 

ACS Extends The Closure Of Its Tech And Innovation Hub in Sydney

28 Jun 2021

To ensure the safety of our staff and members following the latest government directive, ACS has decided to extend the closure of its offices and Technology and Innovation Hubs until at least Friday 9th July 2021. Harbour City Labs will also be closed until at least 9th July. We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep members updated about any further developments. 

 

 

ACS To Open Its Office and Tech And Innovation Hub In Melbourne

25 Jun 2021

ACS will open its office and Technology and Innovation Hub to members in Melbourne on Monday, 28 June with capacity restrictions in line with latest government guidelines.

Members and staff using the space will be required to follow the below safety practices :

  • Mandatory contact tracking check-in when entering the office and hub space.
  • Please wear masks when in the office and hub space.
  • Social distancing required at all time.
  • Stay home if you’re unwell

The safety of our members, partners, staff and other stakeholders are paramount and we will keep actively monitoring and responding to the Coronavirus pandemic.

 

 

ACS Takes Further Actions as a Response to the increasing COVID-19 cases in Sydney

25 Jun 2021

To ensure the safety of our members, staff and volunteers, ACS is taking the below actions as a response to the fast-changing situation of the COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney.

  • Our Technology and Innovation Hub in Sydney will remain closed to all members and visitors until further notice;
  • Planned ACS physical events in Sydney for members and guests have been postponed until the end of next week ( 2nd July 2021). For future events, we'll update impacted stakeholders and attendees if any changes were to occur due the evolving situation;
  • Harbour City Labs has been closed for the residents until end of next week (2nd July)

We’re monitoring the situation closely and will keep you updated on the actions being taken by us to ensure the safety of everyone who uses our office and tech hubs.

 

 

ACS Closes its Office and Tech and Innovation Hub in Sydney

21 Jun 2021

Due to recent confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sydney and a retail outlet within Barangaroo being classified as a COVID-19 close contact venue, we are closing the Sydney office and our Technology and Innovation Hub until further notice. We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of our staff, members and volunteers.

 

 

ACS Closes its Office and Tech and Innovation Hub in Melbourne

26 May 2021

In light of recent confirmed COVID-19 cases in Victoria, ACS has closed its office and Tech and Innovation Hub in Melbourne until further notice. The safety of our staff, members and volunteers is paramount and we are monitoring the situation closely as it develops. 

 

 

ACS Opens its Tech and Innovation Hubs in Sydney & Melbourne

13 Mar 2021

ACS has opened its Technology and Innovation Hubs to members in Sydney and Melbourne. To ensure the safety of members, staff and lab residents, standard precautions should be taken when visiting the hubs and using meeting rooms such as hand hygiene & social distancing.  More details and booking guidelines can be found on the Technology and Innovation Hubs page.

 

 

ACS Extends the Closure of its Tech and Innovation Hubs

16 Nov 2020

To ensure the safety of our staff and members, ACS will continue to extend the closure of its Tech and Innovation Hubs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to all members and visitors until further notice. We are working towards a return to work plan for ACS staff, each state and territory we will be guided by the Government recommendations of the time to ensure their safety. 

 

 

ACS Extends the Closure of its Offices and Tech and Innovation Hubs Until 2 November

13 Oct 2020

ACS continues to take steps to ensure the safety of our staff, members and volunteers, ACS has decided to extend the closure of its offices and Technology and Innovation Hubs till Monday 2nd November 2020. ACS has been working on a phased return to work plan while ensuring that social distancing is followed, and will keep members updated about any further developments.

 

 

ACS Reviews Approach On Use of Offices, ACS Labs And Tech And Innovation Hubs

28 August 2020

Keeping in mind to ensure the safety of our staff, members and volunteers while reducing impact on critical business activities, ACS has reviewed its approach on use of offices, ACS Labs and Tech and Innovation Hubs. Key takeaways include:

  • Plans for a phased return to work have been pushed back to be reviewed on 6th Oct 2020
  • ACS Victoria technology & innovation lab is closed to all staff and visitors including Bay City Labs
  • Staff in all other States may continue to visit offices for critical business activities, but wherever possible, staff are strongly encouraged to work from home and minimize time in the offices
  • Our Labs in Sydney and Brisbane are open for residents and staff but not visitors

 

 

ACS Extends the Closure of its Offices and Tech and Innovation Hubs

27 July 2020

In an effort to ensure the safety of our staff, members and volunteers, ACS has decided to extend the closure of its offices and Technology and Innovation Hubs till Monday 7th September 2020. Offices are closed for all visitors, members and volunteers until further notice. ACS has been working on a phased return to work plan while ensuring that social distancing is followed, and will keep members updated about any further developments.

 

 

ACS Extends the Closure of its tech and Innovation Hubs

29 June 2020

ACS has taken a conservative approach to its phased return to work plan

  • All offices and Hubs across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney will remain closed to members and visitors
  • Wherever possible, staff are strongly encouraged to work from home.The office is only open for critical business except for Victoria where they remain closed.
  • No staff to travel interstate by plane
  • ACS Labs in Sydney and Brisbane are open. As per Victorian advice, those who have been working from home should continue to stay at home. Bay City Labs falls into this category.

 

 

ACS Partners With Sky News To Deliver Tech Perspectives

24 June 2020

Over the course of five weeks ACS partnered with Sky News to deliver four Tech Perspectives programs which aired on Sunday evenings at 5pm. These programs focused on the recovery and innovation that is taking place in the ICT sector post COVID-19, highlighting the various Australian tech businesses who are at the forefront of leading our economy to recovery. Each show was a four person panel, moderated by Andrew Johnson, CEO, ACS and featuring industry leaders from a variety of different industries including start-ups, small business, multi nationals, education and government.

In addition to this, ACS also delivered the Industry Insights Leaders Series, aimed at the continued development of its members and ICT Educators Development Series, aimed to provide support to ICT educators.

 

 

Sharing COVID-19 Data Safely

21 June 2020

The NSW government is sharing COVID-19 case data with the help of a world first framework developed by the ACS Data Sharing Committee. Designed to protect user privacy, the initiative has been led by ACS President Ian Oppermann, who has described the process of developing the framework in this article.

 

 

ACS Changes Migration Skills Assessment

12 June 2020

ACS is making changes to its migrations skills assessment, effective from 1 July. Under the updated scheme, cyber security will be assessed as its own occupation discipline under ANZSCO Unit Group 2621. Further changes to ACS skills assessment include removing the eligibility of non-digital electronics qualifications and a formal process for assessing qualifications recognised through the Seoul Accord. Applicants who want to be assessed under the Seoul Accord must provide sufficient evidence that their qualification is recognised. Details of the changes are on the Information Age website.

 

 

ACS  Launches Learning Accelerator to Help Members Upskill and Reskill

08 May 2020

To continue assisting our members in keeping their skills current and help in their career journey even amidst the COVID-19 crisis, we have launched the ACS Learning Accelerator. We have transformed our digital learning experience and this new learning platform combines technical and professional courses and assets.

The ACS Learning Accelerator will give members access to new courses that were previously not available, prescribed learning journeys for current and future roles, vendor certification practise tests, certifications on completion and assessment of courses and recommendation for continual learning and skills development. Find out more.

 

 

ACS CEO Andrew Johnson speaks about supporting innovation during COVID-19

6th May 2020

ACS CEO Andrew Johnson was interviewed on Sky News' program 'The Innovation Forum' where he provided his insights on how organisation can continue to be innovative during crisis. He discussed  #flattenthecurvehack, a Hackathon organised by ACS to provide innovative solutions to the problems arising due to COVID-19. ACS has had several initiatives to support its members during the challenge of COVID-19.

Watch the interview here.The full episode can be viewed by clicking here.

 

 

ACS Introduces ICT Educators Virtual Development Series To Support Educators

24 APRIL 2020

As the professional association for the ICT sector, ACS continues to focus efforts on introducing a range of valuable initiatives to support our educators, members and network through professional development during this unusual time.

Today we announce the release of eight online events, ACS’ ICT Educator Virtual Development Series. The series will provide pedagogy focused learning and development for educators to continue to teach the Digital Technologies Curriculum whilst juggling the challenges and experience due to COVID-19 and remote learning.

Find out more.

 

 

ACS Takes The Tech And Employability Skills Half Day Conference For Emerging Professionals Online

16 APRIL 2020

ACS is committed to assisting those who are entering the technology workforce, and as part of our continuing response to the COVID-19 crisis we have transformed our Tech and Employability Skills Half Day Conference to be delivered online.

Many technology students, graduates and emerging professionals previously attended the quarterly Tech and Employability Skills Conferences to hear from ICT experts, HR professionals and business professionals on how to secure a role within the tech workforce. ACS has prioritised moving these events online, making the decision to live stream these nationally on a monthly cycle. Concurrently, ACS has also made the decision to relax the Professional Year program requirement of attending one physical event to enable all students to acquire their Professional Year CPD hours through attending ACS virtual events, webinars and accessing resources through the ACS digital library, until the COVID-19 situation eases. For more information please visit the Tech and Employability Skills Half Day Conference event page.

 

 

ACS Provides Complimentary Professional Certification Assessments For Associate Members Who Apply Before 30 June 2020

15 APRIL 2020

ACS has made the decision to provide complimentary professional certification assessments from today until 30 June 2020 to ensure ACS members are best placed to navigate a labour market highly disrupted due to COVID-19.

ACS Associate members will be able to apply to have their skills and experience assessed, independently validated and recognised by the ACS. Members that are successfully assessed will be able to add this to their resumes so they are well positioned and placed for any opportunities as we emerge and recover from this crisis. Those members attaining a Certified Professional status will also have additional benefits such as being recognised by Commonwealth and State Governments under the Professional Standards Scheme, additional personal protection capping liability under this Scheme and increased insurance cover under ACS’ member insurance policy for those eligible.

 

 

ACS Organises Hackathon To Help #FlattenTheCurve

14 APRIL 2020

ACS proudly organised the #flattenthecurvehack to rally the tech sector to find solutions to problems arising from COVID-19. Over 2,000 competitors participated in the 48-hour hackathon over the Easter long weekend, aiming to find unique and innovative solutions to the 5 challenges presented.

The hackathon received massive support from individuals and organisation across the tech sector, participating as competitors, volunteers, mentors, challengers and partners. The full list of winners can be found on the #flattenthecurvehack page and the amazing solutions created by the finalists can be found on the ACS Youtube channel

 

 

ACS' EAP Extended To Members Until 31 December 2020

6 April 2020

ACS is proud to announce that we are extending complimentary access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services to our members through until 31 December 2020.

EAP is a voluntary and professional confidential counselling service that is independent from the ACS. The service is provided to assist when personal, family or work related concerns are impacting health or quality of life as well as providing guidance on professional and or personal goals. Members can find more information on the benefits and accessing the program by clicking here.

 

 

ACS Launches Career Platform to Connect Members and Opportunities

2 April 2020

Now more than ever, it is important that ACS supports our members to connect with career and employment opportunities across our networks - with industry and our Professional Partners.

The ACS Career Platform - techcareers.acs.org.au - provides access to career advice, job seeking content, profiles of working with specific organisations, and available opportunities with employers across the tech sector. ACS members can access the new ACS Career Platform by signing in to the ACS website.

For employers, the ACS Career Platform will provide access to an unrivalled network of students, graduates, mid-level, and senior technology professionals seeking to advance their career. Existing partners can on-board by talking to their ACS contact, other organisations can connect via the ACS website.

 

 

ACS provides complimentary 6-month membership extensions in response to COVID-19 crisis

30 March 2020

As the nation navigates through uncertain times with the global spread of COVID-19, ACS has made the decision to practically support our members by providing 6-month extensions to all members that were active financial as of 1 March 2020. This provides our members with one less thing to worry about at this time.

As an ACS member, we will automatically process this additional 6-months by the 30th of April. This will enable you to continue utilising your ACS membership to develop your skills and knowledge so that you are well positioned during this challenging period, and are well placed for any opportunities as we emerge and recover from this crisis. Further information on ACS membership can be found on the ACS Membership site.

 

 

ACS Cyber Security Information for Small Businesses

26 March 2020

ACS in conjunction with NCC Group designed cyber security guides to inform and guide organisations of all sizes and levels of digital maturity. These cyber security guides provide information and actionable recommendations necessary to ensure businesses remain secure and resilient, particularly when operating in exceptional conditions.

The three guides include:

  • Cyber Basics for Individuals and Micro Businesses
  • Cyber Essentials for Small Office/Home Office 
  • Cyber Ready intended for Small to Medium Enterprises

These guides can be found on the ACS Resources to Assist During COVID-19 page.

 

 

ACS Supports Small to Medium Businesses to Work From Home

25 March 2020

To support small to medium businesses with advice that optimises working from home arrangements across all industries to minimise contagion and protect Australian jobs, we released;

“10 Tips for Small Business to Work from Home” that has been circulated to ASC Members ACCI, AIG, Ministers offices of Andrews and Fletcher, COSBOA, every state and territory government.

 

 

ACS playing our part in supporting small business

20 March 2020

On Monday this week, we announced precautions and actions that ACS was taking to play our role in limiting the potential for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to spread. This included cancelling planned ACS physical events up to Easter, and temporarily closing access for all members and visitors to our Technology and Innovation Hubs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane also through to Easter.

The number one objective of precautions for COVID-19 is public health. We understand though, that this has an impact on business.

To play our part in supporting small business, through to 30 June 2020, we have made the commitment to pay all invoices of small businesses including independent contractors on 7 days of receipt, rather than the normal 30 days terms of trade.

In a small way, we hope this assist with cash flow and helps supports keeping capability in our economy.

Thank you to all our partners for your support of ACS.

 

 

ACS commits to limiting the potential spread of COVID-19

16th March 2020

To limit the potential for the virus to spread so that the most vulnerable in our communities have the best access to Australia’s world leading health system, ACS;

  • Temporarily closed the ACS innovation labs and offices to members until after Easter.
  • Cancelled all physical events in the lead-up to Easter.
  • Encouraged a working from home policy.

This meant that as of close of business that same day, Monday 16th March through to the end of Easter Tuesday 14th April, ACS announced to members that we would be:

  • Closing all our Technology and Innovation Hubs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to all members and visitors; and
  • Cancelling planned ACS physical events for members and guests through until Easter, with further information is being worked through for virtual events to continue