Learn about the Secretary – what inspires and motivates them.

Is this event for you?

Do you want to hear the Secretaries vision as a new leader of DCS?

Do you want to understand about the diverse work of the sector and what it takes to be a leader?

Join Elizabeth Mildwater, Secretary of the NSW Department of Customer Service (DCS), for an open and engaging conversation exploring the experience and influences that shape her leadership and vision for customer service in NSW.

Elizabeth returns to On the Couch as the newly appointed Secretary of DCS. Join this exclusive opportunity to hear how her perspective has evolved as she steps into one of the NSW Government’s most customer-focused portfolios.

Appointed in January 2026, Elizabeth brings more than 30 years’ experience across, legal, governance, compliance, risk, HR, customer service and operations. She previously served as Secretary of the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (formerly the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade), and before that was CEO of the Greater Cities Commission. Her career also includes previous senior leadership roles at Transport for NSW, as well as experience across the not-for-profit and private sectors. 

Passionate about collaboration and innovation, Elizabeth champions stakeholder engagement and the use of technology to deliver exceptional services for the people of NSW. She is a Board member of IPAA NSW, an IPAA National Fellow, and a member of Chief Executive Women and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

What will you gain?

You’ll gain insights from a leader with deep cross-sector experience and a strong governance lens. This is your opportunity to hear how stepping into the Secretary role has sharpened her priorities, what has shifted since we last heard from her, and how she is positioning DCS for the future — with the chance to ask your own questions as part of the discussion.

To ensure the conversation is frank and honest, we do not record these events.
 
Register now to hear Elizabeth’s exclusive insights for yourself.

This online program includes live chat functionality and optional automated captioning, which attendees can enable during the session. If you have any accessibility requirements or require additional assistance to participate, please contact [email protected] prior to the event and we will do our best to support your participation.

This event sponsored by: 





How to register

If you are a NSW public sector employee, you are eligible for membership free of charge. Join IPAA today.

A link to the event will be sent to those who have registered the day before the event.

Event Details

Be at your best, for NSW.

Register now to secure your spot.