Communities of Practice

This 12-month Community of Practice pilot provides a forum for learning, discussion and the forming professional communities that underpin best practice and promote connection among APOs across Victoria. 

Sessions are led by APOs, for APOs. Meet the APO Leads.

The Community of Practice program complements the APO e-Manual as one part of a broader professional-development program funded by the Victorian Senior Practitioner’s Office to support the Victorian APO workforce. 

The Communities of Practice meetings combine State-wide (all-APO) and Regional meetings in different formats between July 2026 and June 2027.

Register

Registration will soon open for approaching Community of Practice sessions. The Victorian Senior Practitioner will email all APOs to announce when registration is live.

Understanding and owning the APO role

11am - 12pm Tuesday, 19 August (all-APO session) - registration opening soon

What makes a quality behaviour support plan?

11am - 12.20pm Tuesday, 20 October - registration opening soon

1pm - 2.20pm Tuesday, 20 October - registration opening soon

11am - 12.20pm Wednesday, 21 October - registration opening soon

1pm - 2.20pm Wednesday, 21 October - registration opening soon

What is the least restrictive option?

11am - 12.20pm Tuesday, 16 February - registration opening soon

1pm - 2.20pm Tuesday, 16 February - registration opening soon

11am - 12.20pm Wednesday, 17 February - registration opening soon

1pm - 2.20pm Wednesday, 17 February - registration opening soon

Working with others: Communicating with key APO stakeholders

11am - 12pm Wednesday, 21 April - registration opening soon

Implementing restrictive practices and fade-out plans

11am - 12.20pm Tuesday, 15 June - registration opening soon

1pm - 2.20pm Tuesday, 15 June - registration opening soon

11am - 12.20pm Wednesday, 16 June - registration opening soon

1pm - 2.20pm Wednesday, 16 June - registration opening soon

What is the difference between all-APO and Regional sessions?

The all-APO sessions include presentations and guest speakers. They focus on information that will inform discussion in the regional sessions.

Regional sessions are discussion-based and build on the information presented at the all-APO sessions. However, please attend even if you couldn't make the all-APO session!

These sessions focus on talking through key issues to problem-solving collaboratively. 

Regional sessions repeat topics, enabling smaller groups than all-APO sessions. While meeting other APOs in your area is a key benefit and you are encouraged to attend the region that best relates to your main work location(s), you can also choose to register for the session that best suits your schedule.

By registering, you will receive session reminders, Zoom details and key questions to inform discussion (for regional sessions).

Meet the APO Leads

The APO Leads hold a leadership role for APOs around Victoria, planning and facilitating the Communities of Practice sessions, working closely with the team from the University of Melbourne.

They are central in building, developing and delivering this one-year pilot program and connect with the Victorian Senior Practitioner's Office to support APOs development through this initiative.

Andi McQueen

National Manager: Specialist Services, Able Australia 

I have worked alongside people with multiple and complex disabilities as a speech pathologist for many years. 

I see all behaviour as communication, and is passionate about listening, responding with respect, and safely reducing the use of restrictive practices.

Through this Community of Practice, I am looking forward to meeting other APOs and learning from each other.

Leah Denton-Francke

Authorised Program Officer, Aruma

I am an Authorised Program Officer at Aruma and a Sergeant with St John Ambulance NSW.

Drawing on experience in quality, compliance and governance, as well as emergency management leadership, I am passionate about helping APOs navigate complexity, build confidence in decision-making, and strengthen safeguards through shared learning and reflective practice.

Sarah Frost

Authorised Program Officer (APO) Coordinator, Aruma

As an APO with almost 6 years’ experience, I am passionate about translating legislation into practical, person-centred outcomes. 

I am excited to lead conversations that encourage collaboration, challenge thinking, and share real-world strategies that strengthen practice and improve the lives of people with disability.

Sian Dingley

Authorised Program Officer, Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH)

I have over 13 years’ nursing experience, which led to my role as an Authorised Program Officer (APO). 

For the past five years, I have combined clinical knowledge with 
person-centred NDIS support, focusing on human rights, reducing restraint, and building client skills. 

I work across multiple settings and look forward to contributing to and learning from this Community of Practice.

APO Victoria Professional Development Program Evaluation

Find out more about the professional-development evaluation conducted by the University of Melbourne, what information is collected, how the information will be used, how to opt out and who to contact for more details.

Questions? Contact apo-vic@unimelb.edu.au

This project is supported by the Victorian Government and delivered by the University of Melbourne.