On 21 November – as part of our Annual Forum in the beautiful Latrobe Valley – our partners and stakeholders gathered at the Narkoojee Winery to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of partners, collaborators, and PhD students.
The evening included the announcement of the inaugural CRC TiME Annual Awards for 2023.
Community Champion Award
Suzi Strapp from FAWNA – Fostering and Assisting Wildlife in Need received the Community Champion Award. Suzi’s commitment to community engagement and raising standards for post-mining land use and repurposing made her a standout nominee. Her extensive work with stakeholders, including the local community and Traditional Owners, exemplifies the role of a true Community Champion. Suzi, who made the journey from the South-West of Western Australia, expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared inspiring stories about FAWNA’s impactful work under her leadership.
Distinguished Journal Paper Award
Ebony Cowan from Murdoch University received the Distinguished Journal Paper Award. Her research paper, ‘Soil seed bank development of smoke-responsive plant species in a 23-year restoration chronosequence and implications for resilience to fire.’ explores a topic seldom touched upon, showcasing Ebony’s dedication to robust sampling design, data collection and modern statistical models. The recognition of Ebony’s work underscores the importance of her research in understanding the complexities of post-mining ecosystems.
Outstanding Student Award
The Outstanding Student Award was bestowed upon Fitsum S. Weldegiorgis from The University of Queensland. Fitsum’s work demonstrated not only academic prowess but also a remarkable ability to engage stakeholders and contribute value to regional areas through research. With a global focus and alignment with CRC TiME’s strategic objectives, Fitsum’s dedication shines through. Nominated by multiple colleagues, Fitsum took the stage to express gratitude and share insights into the journey that led to this prestigious award.
Distinguished Conference Paper Award
Professor David Williams from the University of Queensland received the Distinguished Conference Paper Award for his paper titled ‘Repurposing of the Genex Kidston mine site in Queensland, Australia.‘ David’s paper stood out for its comprehensive and well-written content.
Congratulations to Suzi, Fistum, Ebony and David.
We also thank the judging panel: Dr Bruce Kelley, CRC TiME Board Chair, Adjunct Professor Christine Charles, CRC TiME Board and Professor Tom Measham, CRC TiME Research Director.