Pearcey Foundation History |
From Pearcey
Contents |
The Formation of the Pearcey Foundation
A few days after Dr Pearcey's obituary appeared in the Melbourne Age, Ian Dennis, Managing Director of Whitehorse Strategic Group Ltd, and well known Australian I.T. industry figure, contacted Phillip Steele, then Victorian president of The Australian Computer Society and first suggested the idea of a commemorative award, named for Trevor Pearcey, to recognise the pioneering achievements of Australians in the IT industry.
The Australian Computer Society strongly endorsed the idea. Ian wrote to the Australian Information Industries Association shortly thereafter, with the strong support of AIIA Board Member John Gwyther, and received an equally positive response. Over the following months the original idea was translated into the establishment of a continuing Foundation.
Rationale
That Australia should continue to be at the forefront of innovation and application of ICT is self-evident to anyone who examines the economic and social dynamics of our age. Our work, our wealth, health, learning and entertainment are increasingly enabled by ICT. It is easy to take this for granted and see the industry in the image of a few international companies that have become the central powerhouses of industry growth, driven by a global agenda.
The visibility of the IBMs, Microsofts, Suns, News Corps and Ciscos tends to obscure the contribution of Australian researchers, innovators and managers to the success of these industry giants and to the achievements of the many Australian companies and individuals that bring the benefits of the technologies to bear on our personal and national needs
The Pearcey Foundation seeks to identify and reward the best of those individuals and help their example inspire more Australians to choose and excel in ICT careers.
Pearcey Foundation Membership
Initially, the Pearcey Foundation considered inviting members to support the Foundation and its aims.
- Companion of the Pearcey Foundation (CPF) - appointed by the Pearcey Board and including all existing Pearcey Medalists and Hall-of-Famers.
- Fellow of the Pearcey Foundation (FPF) - appointed by the Pearcey Board and including all existing Pearcey Award recipients and Pearcey Patrons.
- Member of the Pearcey Foundation (MPF) - nominated and appointed by the State Pearcey Committees.
However, the idea was dropped to concentrate on more specific Initiatives.
Website Acknowledgements
The Pearcey Foundation thanks all those who have contributed to this site, especially:
- Rick Harvey - webmaster, site design and hosting
- Tina Xydias - initial content
- Steve Forster - graphics