There is a real sense of momentum across the AITD community, with plenty of ways to connect, contribute and invest in your own development.
It was great to see so many members get involved in the AITD and Big Bloom L&D Career Pathways Hackathon last month. We’re now working through the ideas it generated. If you’d like to volunteer as a career mentor for fellow members, or have L&D career pathway information and ideas to share, please get in touch.
If you haven't already, a reminder to complete our National L&D Survey, which closes on 5 November. Completing it puts you in the running for a prize and, more importantly, helps steer the direction of our profession. We’ll share what we learn from the survey with you over the coming months.
Membership is the foundation of everything AITD does. If you’re not yet a member, or your renewal is due, now is the time to join or renew so we can keep investing in your future. If you haven’t heard from us for a while, take a moment to login to our membership portal, complete your profile and check that you’re receiving all your benefits. If have questions, or want to ensure you're making the most of your membership, reach to our member engagement officer Alex Macaulay via alexandra.macaulay@aitd.com.au.
Our communities of practice on LinkedIn are another great way to stay connected between events. And speaking of events, it’s been wonderful to see such strong turnout across our divisions, with our Christmas celebrations next on the calendar. Spaces are limited, so be sure book your place now.
Our courses continue to grow in popularity, with members enjoying discounts across all programs. This month we launched our first self-paced course: AI Fundamentals. This course is free for AITD members; you just need to apply a discount code at check out, which you can find via our website. There are more self-paced courses to come, including Making Learning Sticky.
The current issue of Training & Developmentmagazine (Spring 2026) is now available, exploring the theme Reskilling for a Changing World. Published by AITD and widely respected across the L&D and HR sectors, the magazine features contemporary thought leadership, practical insights, case studies and industry perspectives designed to keep professionals at the forefront of practice. Each quarterly issue is included with AITD membership, with members also able to access the digital edition.
If you haven't already, now is the time to complete AITD's National L&D Survey, which will close on Thursday 5 November.
As Australia’s peak body for L&D professionals, AITD wants to hear about your priorities, challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re an AITD member or part of the broader L&D community, we’d value your perspective.
Your survey responses will help inform:
Future AITD research and professional advocacy
The 2027 AITD National Conference
Professional development programs and self-paced learning
Capability Framework resources and certification pathways
AITD Membership benefits
Plus, as a thank you for completing the survey, you may enter the draw to win one of three $100 Prezzee vouchers. Entry is optional. Terms and conditions apply.
High-Performance Learning Teams: A Human First Approach
A big thank you to everyone who joined us in Melbourne recently for High-Performance Learning Teams – a Human First Approach. Our presenters Tina Paterson and Therese Joyce shared practical insights into what it takes to build learning teams that can perform at a high level without losing sight of the people within them. The conversation explored how L&D teams can create the conditions to thrive under pressure, focus their energy on the work that creates the most impact, and develop everyday leadership habits and ways of working that support sustainable performance.
AI Sensemaking for L&D
Tessa Kowaliw, Founder of Circle Round, led an interactive session in Adelaide on how L&D professionals can help their organisations separate useful insight from distraction (the signal from the noise) as AI becomes part of everyday work. Through knowledge sharing, facilitated discussion and hands-on activities, participants explored how to apply critical judgement to AI-generated outputs and how to support AI sensemaking and capability-building across their workforce. Attendees left with practical concepts and questions they can put to work immediately when guiding AI-related learning and conversations in their own organisations.
Re-learning to Play
Mei-Ling Chin, certified LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator and founder of Fair Play LSP, led a playful and powerful evening in Canberra, exploring how play gives L&D professionals permission to experiment, imagine and learn in different ways. Through a hands-on LEGO® Serious Play® experience, participants discovered how play can unlock ideas, encourage participation and spark new ways of thinking, while connecting with fellow practitioners and exchanging fresh ideas. Attendees left with a renewed appreciation for creativity and experimentation, and practical ways to bring purposeful play into their own learning and facilitation practice.
Parramatta Networking Breakfast
AITD’s first Parramatta networking breakfast brought L&D professionals together for a practical, peer-led conversation on AI in L&D: what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s worth trying next. Drawing on the collective experience in the room, participants compared how AI is being used across the profession, shared real examples of successes and setbacks, and unpacked the challenges getting in the way of more embedded adoption. Attendees left with a clearer benchmark of their own AI practice, sharper judgement about where AI adds value and where human expertise still matters most, and practical ideas to test or adapt in their own organisations.
Volunteer Spotlight:
Lukas Martens (MAITD)
This month we’re recognising Lukas Martens, a volunteer member of AITD’s Western Australian Divisional Council. Lukas joined the WA Divisional Council in 2025 and is now serving his second annual term. During that time, he has been actively involved in helping bring Perth’s L&D community together through local networking events and conversations with members and non-members.
Lukas brings more than 30 years of experience across secondary education, vocational education and training, educational leadership and staff development. He currently works at North Metropolitan TAFE, supporting both students and educators through teaching, mentoring and capability development.Thank you, Lukas, for the time, experience and energy you continue to give to AITD, and for the part you play in helping connect and strengthen our L&D community in Western Australia.
AITD courses offer practical, hands-on learning for every stage of your L&D career, delivered by experienced practitioners and focused on real-world tools, current industry practice and skills you can apply straight away — with options to learn in person, online or through tailored in-house delivery.
AITD events bring L&D professionals together to swap ideas, dig into what’s shaping the industry right now, and make connections that last well beyond the room. Members, non-members, colleagues you’ve been meaning to introduce to the community: everyone’s welcome. Join an online session from anywhere in the world, or drop into a face-to-face event wherever you are.
AITD Newcastle Community Building
4 November | 7.30am - 9.00am Hamilton, NSW
This casual meet-up is a fantastic opportunity for learning and development professionals and anyone passionate about capability building to connect, share ideas, and build community in the Hunter region. Whether you're an AITD member or simply curious about what we do, come along to help shape the future of AITD in Newcastle.
Beyond the Session: How to Turn Learning into Action
17 November | 5.30pm - 7.30pm Melbourne
How can we design learning experiences and organisational practices that make a difference long after a session ends? In this practical workshop, you’ll explore the habits and assumptions that limit learning’s impact and work with fellow L&D practitioners on a real challenge from your own practice to flip the script.
Join the AITD NSW Divisional Council for a relaxed and festive evening as we come together to celebrate the end of the year and the NSW learning and development community. Council members will be there representing AITD, making this a great opportunity to meet the team, connect with fellow L&D professionals, share experiences and make new contacts in a friendly, informal setting.
Join the AITD Canberra community for Christmas networking, trivia, and a little friendly competition as we wrap up another year of learning, connecting and sharing. Catch up with familiar faces, meet other learning professionals from across Canberra and put your general (and perhaps slightly questionable) knowledge to the test in our Christmas Trivia Night.
Enjoy good food, plenty of fun and the opportunity to connect with fellow L&D professionals, strengthen existing relationships and make some new ones. It’s the perfect chance to step away from the end-of-year rush, reflect on the year’s achievements and celebrate with the QLD L&D community.
