Fireproof paint to protect homes from bushfires, improving beach accessibility for people with a disability, and programs to build pipelines of teachers are some of the winning initiatives selected in the 2023 Shaping Australia Awards.
Launched by Universities Australia last September, the Shaping Australia Awards celebrate the contribution universities and the people within them make to the country each day.
Members of the judging panel of eminent Australians who have chosen four winners across the three awards categories encapsulating excellence in research, teaching and community service are:
- Lisa Paul AO PSM, University of Canberra Chancellor and former Secretary of the Department of Education
- Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), former Governor-General of Australia
- Ms Charlene Davison, CEO of the Go Foundation
- Mr Kurt Fearnley AO PLY, three-time Paralympic gold medallist
- Ms Michelle Gunn, editor-in-chief of The Australian
- Mr Nicholas Moore AO, special envoy for Southeast Asia
- Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS, former Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University and Nobel laureate.
Winners of the 2023 Shaping Australia Awards chosen by the judges are:
- Problem Solver Award: Revolutionary diabetes biosensor | University of Newcastle
- Future Builder Award: The Nexus Program | La Trobe University
- Community Champion Award (joint winners selected): U-Beach | CQUniversity and iFarmwell | University of South Australia
An additional three winners with the highest vote counts were selected by the Australian community through a people’s choice voting system. They are:
- Problem Solver Award: Fireproof paint | UNSW
- Future Builder Award: Transforming anatomy | University of South Australia
- Community Champion Award: Tax clinic initiative | Curtin University
Quotes attributable to Shaping Australia Awards judging panel Chair Lisa Paul AO PSM:
“Australia’s universities are amazing places that contribute so much to the country we’re proud to call home, and to the lives of all Australians, through cutting-edge research, teaching and service to the community.
“The judging panel had a very difficult decision to make given the calibre of the 18 finalists and their initiatives which have undoubtedly made a positive difference.
“Winning initiatives that had the edge ultimately came down to how the problem that needed a solution was communicated, and how wide-reaching the impact of the solution was.
“We congratulate all the winners and finalists on driving such important initiatives.”
Quotes attributable to Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy:
“Our higher education sector is an engine for economic growth, addresses inequality through access to education, educates about 1.5 million people each year, runs a multibillion-dollar export industry and supports more than 250,000 jobs.
“Australia is stronger for the transformative research, world-class teaching and the community spirit our universities support and deliver.
“The Shaping Australia Awards is all about celebrating the rich contribution universities make to the nation, and the work showcased through our finalists is worth applauding.
“On behalf of Universities Australia, I want to extend my congratulations to our seven winners and 11 finalists.
“We look forward to opening the 2024 Shaping Australia Awards later this year.”
A full description of the winning projects is available at shapingaustraliaawards.com.au.
The awards ceremony can be viewed here.
