Awards and Recognition
It’s lovely to be recognised!
Whilst winning awards isn’t a reason I pursued this work, and can feel a little awkward – I’ve come to appreciate their important role in promoting sustainability, connecting people, creating space for reflection, and, in writing the applications, showing you that things can, and do, change!
And for those of us ‘mid-career’, showcasing leaders energises, inspires, and demonstrates accountability to the next generation.
Winner
Australian Circular Leader Award 2023
I was thrilled to be named the inaugural Australian Circular Leader, at Planet Ark’s Australian Circular Economy Awards.
The award recognises those demonstrating inspirational leadership and lived experience in progressing Australia’s transition to a more circular economy, particularly those who have moved beyond advocacy to deliver meaningful, real-world change while continuing to accelerate what comes next.
Reflecting over 25 years’ achievement, advocacy and influence across government, corporate and community, the judges noted my history of doing, not just talking about circularity – including:
- Practices dating back to being a teenager - reusing Horse Race TAB paper from my pub job to write Uni notes, and ensuring BBQ chickens at my deli job were sold and not binned
- Being among the first corporate circular economy managers globally, including for the London School of Economics, The GPT Group, Australia Post and ALDI Stores AU
- Taking personal action – gradually reducing my personal waste footprint from a red bin to a Tupperware, which I empty every 2 weeks
- Translating and inspiring millions globally, to reduce waste via regular media appearances in print, radio and TV
Finalist - PKN Women in Packaging Awards - Sustainability Leader Category
I was honoured to be selected as finalist in the Sustainability Leader category of the PKN Women in Packaging Awards, delivered by Packaging News (PKN).
The awards recognise leadership, innovation and impact by women across the Australasian packaging value chain, and help address under-representation of women in senior, technical and operational roles.
Reflecting over 25 years’ achievement, advocacy and influence across government, corporate and community, achievements included Australian firsts, including:
- Office reusable coffee cup system at the GPT Group
- Public place reverse vending machines for the City of Sydney, a catalyst for NSW Government container deposit legislation
- Soft plastics recycling in regional Australia Post and ALDI retail outlets
- Publishing the life-cycle packaging assessment underpinning Australia Post’s strategy
