1994
1994
Our Journey
Austin & Raymond Professional Alliance (ARPA) began with a shared belief: that collaboration and knowledge exchange are the foundations of professional excellence. What started as a small roundtable of consultants and academics has evolved into a national network connecting thousands of leaders across Australia.
Over the years, ARPA has become a hub for innovation, research, and community — empowering professionals to learn, lead, and make a lasting impact in their industries.
1994 – The Beginning
The story of Austin & Raymond Professional Alliance began in 1994 when two visionaries, Dr. Elaine Austin and Professor David Raymond, recognised the growing disconnect between academic theory and the realities faced by professionals in consulting and management. At a time when Australian firms were undergoing significant transformation, they saw the need for a collaborative space where industry leaders, consultants, and academics could share insights and support one another.
What started as an informal roundtable of twenty professionals in Sydney quickly became a movement built on shared purpose — helping professionals strengthen both their technical expertise and their leadership capabilities. The meetings were defined by open dialogue, mutual learning, and a strong sense of community. These early gatherings laid the foundation for the core values that would define ARPA for decades: integrity, collaboration, and excellence.
2005 – Growth and Recognition
By 2005, the roundtable had evolved into a national network. The organisation officially adopted the name Austin & Raymond Professional Alliance (ARPA) and established branches in Melbourne and Brisbane, marking the beginning of a nationwide expansion. The goal was to ensure that professionals across Australia could access the same opportunities for connection, education, and development that began in Sydney.
During this period, ARPA began hosting annual leadership forums, attracting hundreds of attendees from both corporate and consulting sectors. It also launched its first publication, The ARPA Review, featuring member research and industry commentary. These milestones positioned ARPA as a credible voice in Australia’s professional services community — not just a network, but a source of thought leadership and best practice.
2015 – Research and Digital Transformation
As the world entered the digital era, ARPA recognised that professional development had to evolve with it. In 2015, the alliance introduced its first national research initiative, The Professional Services Performance Index, a landmark study analysing key trends in strategy, finance, and operations across member organisations.
This initiative was followed by the launch of ARPA’s Digital Learning Hub, giving members on-demand access to webinars, whitepapers, and leadership modules. For the first time, members could engage with ARPA programs regardless of location, reinforcing the alliance’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. This digital shift marked a new chapter — one where technology and education converged to create a truly modern professional community.
2025 – Innovation and the Future
Today, ARPA stands as Australia’s leading professional alliance, representing over 6,000 members across every state and territory. The organisation’s Sydney headquarters remains its central hub, while regional and virtual branches continue to drive local engagement and innovation.
In 2025, ARPA celebrated three decades of growth by launching the Future Leaders Program, a national initiative aimed at equipping the next generation of professionals with the skills to lead in an ever-changing landscape. Through its partnerships, research, and community-driven programs, ARPA continues to uphold its founding belief — that when professionals collaborate, industries thrive.
The journey that began as a small gathering in a university seminar room has become a nationwide network shaping the future of professional leadership in Australia.