The ACT Chapter Council’s role is to advance the profession and practice of internal auditing in ACT. As the Council in the heart of the nation’s Capital, the Councillors come from both private and government organisations. We work with our members to promote the profession, provide member services that matter to you and arrange events and programs for ACT members. We organise monthly member meetings of various technical topics, manage the Chief Audit Executive Forum, manage the mentoring program, organise the Young IIA calendar, and organise the Public Sector Conference each year. We also perform roles to build professionalism and advocate for our members.
As Chair of the ACT Chapter Council, I encourage you to make the most of your membership, support the profession through participation in our activities and reach out to your local Councillors. The Council currently has 11 members, all of whom are experienced in Internal Audit and dedicated to serving our ACT members. Our Council meetings have an open door policy for our members, so if you are interested in learning more about the Council, helping informally or joining the Council we look forward to hearing from you.
Alissa Irgang, GDLP M.Comm LLB(HONS) B.ACT.STUD GDLP AMIIA
Chair, ACT Chapter Council
Suggestions for Member Meeting Topics
The Chapter Council is more than happy to take your suggestions on possible Member Meeting topics and/or speakers. They are your meetings after all! Please email us with any suggestions.
IIA-Australia ACT Chapter Mentoring Program
The IIA-Australia ACT Chapter Council Mentoring Program is committed to providing valuable advice and insights to young internal auditors. We aim to provide services to match Mentors with Mentees and support them in their relationship during the term of the program. If you are interested in either being a Mentor or a Mentee, more information and contact details are available in the Charter.
Favourite Links
Here are some of the Chapter Council’s favourite sources of news and discussion affecting the profession.
LinkedIn Groups
Twitter
Websites
ACT Chapter Councillor Bios
Chair: Alissa Irgang GDLP M.COMM LLB(HONS) B.ACT.STUD GDLP AMIIA
Alissa is the Canberra Protiviti Internal Audit Lead. Alissa is also the Chair of the Institute of Internal Auditors - ACT Chapter Council and is the Vice Chair of the ANU Young Alumni Council. Alissa is an internal audit and risk and compliance specialist. Alissa has led the provision of advisory services to over forty entities, including federal and local government, and the financial services industry.
Alissa has a Master of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Prior to this Alissa graduated with a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Australian National University. Alissa also has her Advanced 2 Vocational Qualification in Classical Ballet with the Royal Academy of Dance. Alissa has been admitted as a lawyer in the ACT Supreme Court, is a PRINCE2 Practitioner and her work on Corporate Governance has been published.
Did you know: Alissa’s dog Lily loves to fundraise for the RSPCA and Lily is amazing at the Million Paws Walk (her human Alissa also does ok at the walk).
Connect on LinkedIn 
Vice Chair: Wendy Preston PMIIA CIA CGAP
Wendy is currently the Acting Chief Internal Auditor at the Department of Education and Training. Prior to that she worked as an Audit Manager at the Department of Health. Her positions have included the responsibility for the development and delivery of the internal audit work program, Audit Committee Secretariat, development, introduction and roll out of a Control Self Assessment Tool, compliance, IT governance and performance audits.
In addition to her internal audit qualifications, Wendy holds a Bachelor of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Special Education, and worked as a teacher from 1992 to 1999.
Did you know: Wendy shaved her head and raised over $1000 for the World’s Greatest Shave.
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Chris Puschak PMIIA CIA CGAP
Chris Puschak has been a member of the IIA in Melbourne and Canberra for over 15 years and regularly presents webinars and training courses on behalf of the IIA. A Chapter Council Member from 2008-2014 and re-joining in 2016, Chris is an Audit Partner at Oakton, leading the audit and risk services provided to local, Territory and Commonwealth Government organisations.
Did you know: Chris is also a Cub Scout Leader and active bushwalker with the Birralee Scout Group.
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Russell Eade PMIIA CIA CGAP CRMA
Experienced audit, governance and risk professional, focussing on government agencies. Demonstrated record of achievement providing timely, accurate, appropriate and quality policy advice to achieve government objectives and priorities, both domestically and overseas. Russell has extensive experience working with senior government executives and stakeholder groups, and a deep understanding of the importance of strong governance, accountability, sound internal control environments and program management.
Previously the Chief Audit Executive – Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department, currently Audit Manager – Commonwealth Department of Education and Training, Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Governance Institute and Macquarie University. Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA), member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Economics Society of Australia, Risk Management Institute of Australia and Toastmasters International.
Did you know: Russell is also the Non-Executive Director - Canberra Potters’ Society (incl. Watson Arts Centre) and part-time PADI DiveMast
. Connect on LinkedIn 
Narelle Sheppard PFIIA CIA CGAP CRMA
Narelle is Chief Internal Auditor at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. Narelle started her career in financial statement auditing in the private sector, before moving on to senior accounting roles in the professional services field. Upon relocating from Sydney to Canberra, Narelle joined the public service, working in a number of agencies including the Australian Taxation Office, Department of Defence and Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Narelle has approximately ten years’ internal audit experience in federal government and is a strong advocate for the internal audit profession.
Did you know: Narelle is an artist. She paints watercolours and acrylics and has sold a number of paintings over the years.
Julia Haremza AMIIA
Contact Us
For more information about the ACT Chapter Council and how to get involved, contact:
Alissa Irgang AMIIA
Chair, ACT Chapter Council
E: enquiry@iia.org.au