The President’s Award program recognises the important contribution made by the active engagement of younger and/or early career professionals in the cultural heritage field. In 2020, we received a high calibre of nominees. The judging panel had a difficult job and were impressed with all applicants who demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm in their chosen field.
Australia ICOMOS is pleased to announce the winners and commendations for the 2020 Awards in the video below.
Congratulations to our winners and commendations! Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination.
HERITAGE PROFESSIONAL WINNER
Meher Bahl
The judges were impressed with Meher’s initiative, innovation and achievement in developing and managing the Building Technology Heritage Library Scanning Project. Her professionalism and dedication to the project as well as throughout her career is a great example for other young and emerging heritage professionals.
HERITAGE TRADESPERSON WINNER
Minh Huynh
The judges were impressed with Minh’s drive to learn specialist trade skills in stonemasonry. His work and contribution to large conservation and restoration projects provides a tangible outcome and fantastic contribution to the heritage industry. Overcoming hardship to learn these new skills and to directly contribute to the conservation of significant places in Australia is a great example to set for other young and emerging trade professionals.
HIGH COMMENDATIONS
Pauline Fowler
The judges appreciated Pauline’s personal commitment to the cultural heritage industry and her work in developing photogrammetry scanning at significant heritage sites. The judges also acknowledged Pauline’s efforts in professional development and developing guides to help inform her colleagues. Pauline’s volunteering, field work and community engagement are great examples of her initiative and contribution to the heritage industry and the judges believe she sets a great example for other young and emerging heritage professionals.
Tamarind Taylor
The judges were impressed with Tamarind’s high standard of architectural work, technical skills and contribution to the conservation and adaptive reuse of significant heritage places. Her personal commitment to the heritage industry is acknowledged and recognised, particularly her support to junior colleagues.
Freya Keam
The judges were impressed with Freya’s personal and professional dedication, skills and contribution to the heritage industry, particularly in regard to advocacy and interpretation. Her work samples demonstrated high quality and attention to detail, with volunteer work in particular illustrating Freya’s commitment to heritage and personal learning.
About the Awards
The Australia ICOMOS President’s Award recognises the important contribution made by the active engagement of younger and/or emerging heritage practitioners in Australia. ICOMOS already acknowledges experienced heritage professionals with Honorary ICOMOS membership (both national and international). This initiative is to encourage and recognise those earlier on in their career, including heritage practitioners who are not Australia ICOMOS members.
The establishment of the President’s Award was initiated by Elizabeth Vines (President, 2013-2015) and Kerime Danis (President, 2016) and has continued to encourage and support those early on in their career. The award is open to Australia ICOMOS members and non-members.
There are two categories for the President’s Award:
1. A student / young / emerging heritage practitioner who has made an outstanding contribution to heritage practice; and
2. A trainee / apprentice or emerging tradesperson who has made an outstanding contribution to heritage practice.
