VPS African-Australian Network

The African-Australian Network (AAN) is run by and for Victorian public sector employees of African descent.

Mission statement

To support and advocate for the personal and professional development of people of African descent who work across the Victorian public sector.

About the VPS African-Australian Network

The African-Australian employee network (AAN) is an initiative that supports the Victorian Government’s commitment and long-term vision for an inclusive, equitable and diverse workplace.

The AAN is committed to:

  • providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive community for members to connect
  • advocating for and contributing to the development of inclusive and equitable policies and practices
  • working on government initiatives to help improve attraction, recruitment, retention and representation of African Australians across the public sector
  • supporting career and leadership development for African-Australian employees
  • advising government departments and agencies to help strengthen engagement with African-Australian communities in Victoria.

Network champion

Our network champion is Nicola Brown, Deputy Secretary, Department of Justice and Community Safety.

Other executive leaders across the public sector also support the network.

Network partners

We work in collaboration with other Victorian public sector employee networks including the:

  • Victoria Police African-Australian employee network
  • Department of Education African-Australian employee network
  • Women of Colour Network
  • Enablers Network.

The network council

The network council makes decisions and manages network business on behalf of our members.

The network is led by 9 elected council members and is supported by the:

  • Department of Justice and Community Safety
  • Victorian Public Sector Commission
  • executive leaders of government departments and agencies
  • human resource departments
  • network champions across departments and agencies.

Members of the council include:

  • The Chairperson
  • Deputy Chairperson
  • Secretary
  • Deputy Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Communications and marketing officer
  • Events coordinator
  • Education officer
  • Membership officer.

How to become a member

Membership is free and open to all Victorian public sector employees of African heritage and descent.

Public sector employees who aren’t of African heritage or descent but identify with and want to contribute to the objectives of the network can become associate members.

Join the network

Resources

Updated