Diversity & Inclusion Award
Felicity Dennis
Felicity Dennis is a graduate of RMIT with an Honours Degree in Applied Science specialising in Surveying. She joined PHS in July 2022 and has been a driving force in promoting diversity and inclusion within the spatial sciences. She played a key role in forming the ‘Women in Spatial Working Group’ at PHS and is an active participant in both the Women in Geospatial Science Network and the Southwest Pacific Empowering Women in Hydrography groups. As an ambassador for ‘Making Her Mark’, Felicity has inspired the next generation through her involvement in UniSA’s STEM Girls Academy and her presentations at St Peters Girls’ ‘Girls in Tech’ expo. Her efforts have not only increased the visibility of women in the field but have also earned her praise from the judges, who commended her for embodying the fresh energy of the geospatial community, and making significant contributions to a more inclusive industry.
Educational Development Award
Scott Allen
Scott Allen has been a dedicated surveying educator at the University of South Australia since 1997. Over his 27-year career, Scott has made substantial contributions to the surveying profession by promoting it as a viable career path, excelling in teaching, and producing impactful publications. Beyond the classroom, he has also led numerous post-tertiary training sessions and workshops, sharing his extensive knowledge and skills with the next generation of surveyors. His efforts have provided many professionals with the strong foundation needed to build successful, meaningful careers. Judges commended Scott for his remarkable academic leadership and enduring impact in the field of surveying and spatial sciences.
Undergraduate Student Award
Natarsha McPherson
Natarsha McPherson is a PhD student at the University of Adelaide, and is making significant strides in the field of geospatial science through her innovative research. Her honours project utilised remote satellite warren detection and species distribution modelling to analyse the spatiotemporal trends of the southern hairy-nosed wombat and European rabbit in response to climate change. With a digitised dataset of 33,364 wombat and 7,367 rabbit warrens across the Nullarbor Plain, her work offers valuable insights for wildlife management and monitoring in Australia’s remote rangelands. Since 2023, Natarsha has balanced her time between research, fieldwork, and teaching various geospatial courses. Judges commended her for making geospatial science more accessible through the use of Bing Maps and Google Earth Imagery, noting that her techniques have broad applicability across different domains.
Future Leader of the Year Award
Dr. Claire Fisk
Dr. Claire Fisk is a dedicated geospatial professional who shines in her dual roles as a project manager and Earth observation data scientist at FrontierSI. In her role as a project manager, Claire skilfully unites multidisciplinary teams to deliver top-tier technical solutions tailored to client needs. As an Earth Observation data scientist, she draws on her extensive expertise in geospatial data and the natural environment to develop innovative solutions and train users. Her calm demeanour, generosity, and compassion make her a trusted leader among both clients and colleagues. Judges applauded Claire for her proactive approach and the exceptional reputation she has built through her commitment and excellence, highlighting the impact of confident young women in the field.
Professional of the Year Award
Joe D’Aloia
Joe D’Aloia, a Licensed Surveyor since 2002 with over 30 years of dedicated service at Fyfe, is a highly respected figure in South Australia and beyond. His extensive contributions to the industry include volunteering in various roles on the Surveyors Board of South Australia and the SSSI/GCA regional committee. As Chair of the Surveyors Board, Joe played a pivotal role in launching the new Bachelor of Surveying course at Flinders University, safeguarding the future of surveying in South Australia. His expertise is recognised on an international level, with invitations to present at numerous global and local events. Judges praised Joe for his exemplary service to the community and the profession, his leadership in multiple chair roles, his mentorship, and his passionate support for young professionals. His instrumental role in expanding educational opportunities in South Australia marks him as a standout in the industry.
Community Impact Award
The City of Adelaide for City Plan 2036
Adelaide’s City Plan 2036 is pioneering a spatial-first approach to reshaping the city’s future, as it prepares for a projected population surge to 50,000. Over a dynamic two-week period, community stakeholders gathered at the innovative City Plan Studio, a platform driven by a comprehensive spatial view of Adelaide, to collaboratively transform the city’s urban landscape. The Council strategically utilised geospatial technology to streamline planning processes, foster inclusivity, and gather valuable feedback, offering deep insights into community needs and aspirations. Judges praised City Plan 2036 for exemplifying geospatial excellence through its innovative use of GIS technology, its collaborative approach, and its significant impact on urban planning and organisational practices.
Environment and Sustainability Award
Green Adelaide and Department for Environment and Water, in partnership with other state government agencies and 18 councils across Adelaide, for its Urban Heat and Tree Canopy Mapping Project
Led by Green Adelaide and the Department for Environment and Water, this groundbreaking project mapped metropolitan Adelaide’s tree canopy cover, green spaces, built environments, and urban heat with unparalleled precision using LiDAR technology, satellite-based multispectral imagery, and airborne thermal imagery. The initiative was a model of collaboration, involving over 20 state and local government agencies, along with expertise from multiple industry partners. The insights gained now provide essential evidence for strategic planning, supporting sustainable urban development and enhancing climate resilience, ultimately contributing to a better future for Adelaide’s residents. Judges commended this project for its significant contribution to the spatial data infrastructure of the Adelaide metropolitan area, highlighting how collaboration and funding co-contributions can transform spatial data into a valuable asset for environmental and climate change management.
Innovation Award – Medium to Large Business
Department of Treasury and Finance, Office for Data Analytics, SA State Emergency Services, SA Country Fire Service, SA Metropolitan Fire Service, SA Police, SA Ambulance Service, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission, SA Department of Environment and Water, SA Department of Infrastructure and Transport, SA Attorney Generals Department, SA Department for Education, SA Department for Health and Wellbeing for The Situational Awareness for Emergencies Data Platform
The Situational Awareness for Emergencies (SAFE) platform is a cutting-edge unified data platform designed to enhance emergency management response across South Australia. In its latest phase, the SAFE program advanced through two key deliverables: first, the development of a unified data platform for assessing the impact of emergencies, enabling SA government agencies to better plan and initiate recovery efforts; and second, the creation of a proof-of-concept integration with data stored in a PROTECTED Environment. Judges applauded this initiative as a prime example of innovative thinking, and crucial for applying lessons from the past to improve situational awareness in emergencies. By making multiple data sources accessible, the SAFE platform empowers frontline operations to make informed decisions, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders.
Technical Excellence Award
Office of the Surveyor-General – SA, Department for Housing & Urban Development – Planning & Land Use Services for PlanSA
PlanSA, Australia’s first fully integrated and comprehensive digital planning platform, revolutionises the planning and development process by delivering a spatially enabled, modern system that shapes the communities of today and the future. By integrating the spatially defined online Planning and Design Code with the South Australian Property and Planning Atlas (SAPPA), and the Development Application Processing system (DAP), PlanSA provides a 24/7 digital planning system with all essential tools in one place. Judges commended the project for prioritising the end-user experience, a remarkable achievement for an initiative of such complexity, making it a standout in digital innovation and urban planning.
Workforce Development and Inclusion Award
The Surveyors Board of South Australia for SurveyingSA
SurveyingSA, a sub-committee of the Surveyors Board of SA, has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of geospatial tertiary education pathways, addressing the critical skills shortage in the sector. One of the biggest challenges when discussing career options with students is the lack of awareness about what geospatial professionals do. SurveyingSA is determined to change that. Through a series of innovative initiatives, including interactive workshops and participation in over 26 career fairs and expos since early 2023, SurveyingSA, alongside industry volunteers, is actively promoting the diverse education pathways available to aspiring geospatial professionals. Judges praised the initiative for its innovative approach and growing impact, noting that it is making waves not only in South Australia but also on a national level.
Congratulations to all our award winners!
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