The University of Melbourne Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration (CSDILA) has launched a new leadership award, The Gary Nairn Medal for Leadership, named in recognition of the Honourable Gary Nairn AO (1951–2024).
Nairn, who passed away in June, had a long association with the geospatial sector, having served as Chair of SIBA, and as chair of the Association of Consulting Surveyors Australia prior to that. He was an Honorary Fellow of SSSI (now the Geospatial Council of Australia, GCA) and also served as Chairman of CSDILA’s International Industry Advisory Group for more than a decade.
He also had an illustrious career in state, territory and federal politics, rising to hold senior roles in the Howard Government.
A state memorial was held for Nairn on 22 November at the Mulloon Institute’s Home Farm in Bungendore, New South Wales.
Speaking at the memorial, CSDILA Director Prof Abbas Rajabifard praised Nairn’s visionary leadership, their friendship and his significant contribution to public life.
The Gary Nairn Medal for Leadership will be awarded annually by the University of Melbourne to recognise an individual who has demonstrated leadership and excellence in the service of the geospatial industry.
