Customised Operational Planning

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) piloted a “mini” BRIDGE Workshop, running on 12 and 13 March, 2026. The new format meant the content was delivered virtually using Microsoft Teams, over two half days. The participants included the AEC’s International Engagement team, and nine other AEC staff from across the organisation.

The Workshop was focussed on Operational Considerations, and covered customised activities from the following BRIDGE modules:

1. Introduction to Electoral Administration
2. Operational Planning
3. Election Day and Results Management
4. Voter Registration
5. Financing of Electoral Processes

Participants valued the variety of techniques (breakout rooms, Menti activities, debates, sequencing tasks, quizzes, and energisers), which kept engagement high. Several participants noted that while face‑to‑face would be ideal, the online delivery supported learning effectively and felt like a high‑quality experience.

The content included activities focussing on:

1. Training for elections
2. The electoral cycle and operational framework
3. Media outlines and timelines
4. Core election tasks and functions of the electoral process
5. Budget management for electoral processes
6. Election day
7. Understanding institutional excellence

The facilitation team was ably supported by technical leads, a crucial requirement to ensure online activities and participant support are catered for in a virtual environment.

At the conclusion of the workshop, Danielle Paterson progressed to become a BRIDGE Workshop Facilitator in recognition of her excellent contributions to the preparation and delivery of the program. Congratulations, Danielle.

Participants comments included

1. “It was really well managed and engaging, and evident that a lot of forethought has been put in”.
2. “I really enjoyed the activities where people had the opportunity to think outside of the box and be creative”.

All participants indicated they wanted more!