The first recipients of the Gary Nairn Leadership Medal have been announced during a ceremony held at a recent global geospatial leadership forum in Melbourne.
The Medal honours the memory and enduring legacy of the Honourable Gary Nairn AO (1951–2024), and will be awarded annually by the University’s Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructure and Land Administration (CSDILA) to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and excellence in the geospatial sector.
The Medal will be awarded annually by the University’s Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructure and Land Administration (CSDILA), to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and excellence in the geospatial industry.
The year’s presentation took place during the Geospatial Leadership Training and Global Forum for the Next Generation of Sustainability Agenda, held at the University of Melbourne.
And while the award will be presented to a single individual annually going forward, in this inaugural year three recipients were announced.
The first is Drew Clarke AO PSM FTSE (Australia), former Secretary of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. His medal recognises his exceptional leadership and contributions to advancing geospatial information management and policy both within Australia and internationally.
The second recipient is His Excellency, Dr Eng. Mohammed AlSayel from Saudi Arabia, who was recognised for his instrumental role in establishing a new United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management Centre of Excellence in Data Ecosystem in Riyadh, as well as for being the chair of UN-GGIM Arab States and for the lasting impact he has had at the regional level as well as in wider Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s geospatial community.
The third recipient is Professor Qin Yan from China, who was honoured for her groundbreaking advancements in 3D Real Scene and remote sensing mapping technologies, as well as her role in FIG as Vice President and for her active role in leading the Chinese Academy of Surveying and Mapping and for shaping national and global policy and research initiatives.
Present at the ceremony was Mrs Rose Nairn, widow of the late Gary Nairn, along with Professor Abbas Rajabifard, Director of the CSDILA.
Gary Nairn was a licensed surveyor, an Officer of the Order of Australia and a Member of Parliament for Eden-Monaro. He held the position of Special Minister of State in the Howard Government and made significant contributions to the fields of surveying, geospatial information and community service.
He also was a member of the CSDILA and served as the chair of its international advisory group.
