Welcome to

The Pearcey Foundation

The Pearcey Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in 1998 in memory of a great Australian ICT pioneer Dr Trevor Pearcey. The Foundation operates broadly across the Australian Information Computing and Telecommunication (ICT) technologies sector, from celebrating achievements through national and state awards, to being involved in debate and public policy on critical national issues such as productivity, the digital economy and national infrastructure.

Discover more Discover more

AUSTRALIA 4.0

The Consumers' Grid

Australia 4.0 is a constructive space for all stakeholders to discuss the challenges, opportunities and solutions for the transition of Australia to a Net Zero energy system.
Review 2025 Debates
Review 2025 Debates

Downloads:

2024 Communiqué ........... 2025 Communiqué ............. White Paper

Download Download Download Download Download Download

This is our 27^th year of awards, focussed exclusively on outstanding individuals drawn from across our vast geography.

We present 12 awards each year, and have done so for a long time - recognising over 245 Australian ICT luminaries and entrepreneurs, as highlighted on this website.

Latest News

Dec 17, 2008

Proposal for an ICT Economics Institute 2008

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY' The Digital Economy impacts upon all sectors of the economy, but in Australia the economic and workforce impact and outcomes of the digital economy are not well measured or understood as efforts to date have been fragmented and uncoordinated.

Read More Read More

Nov 11, 2008

2008 Qld Award

The 2008 Queensland Pearcey Award was won by Raeleen Gillett, CEO and Founder of Octahedron Pty Ltd. The presentation was made by Mr Tony Waters Deputy Director General of the Queensland Dept of Public Works at a gala dinner held on the 11th of November 2008 at the Sebel Hotel, King George Square, Brisbane. As Ms Gillett happened to be in New York city at the time, the presentation was made across a VOIP link involving Skype video.

Read More Read More

Sep 11, 2008

2008 NSW Award

The 2008 NSW Pearcey Young Achiever's Award were presented to two young entrepreneurs Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, co-CEO's of Atlassian Software Systems by the NSW Minister for Education & Training, the Hon. John Della Bosca. The presentation occurred on the 11th of September 2008 as part of the 2008 National Pearcey Event in Sydney at the Westin Hotel.

Read More Read More

Sep 11, 2008

2008 Pearcey Medal

On Thursday 11th September 2008, Neville Roach AO was presented the 2008 Pearcey Medal by Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

Read More Read More

Sep 11, 2008

2008 Pearcey Oration

The 2008 Pearcey Oration as delivered by Dr Terry Cutler. During 2007-8 Dr Cutler conducted a comprehensive review of Australia's National Innovation systemon on behalf of the Federal Government. In the first public statement on the findings of this review, Dr Cutler outlined what was learnt and what recommendations were made to the Prime Minister.

Read More Read More

Sep 11, 2008

2008 Pearcey Hall of Fame

Inducted into the Pearcey Hall of Fame for 2008 was Neville Roach AO, Dr Neil Weste, and Clive Finkelstein.

Read More Read More

Sep 11, 2008

2008 Innovation Roundatable

The 2008 Pearcey Foundation National Roundtable was themed "Innovation - The Role of ICT" and was focussed on the Federal Government's National Innovation Review.

Read More Read More

Sep 2, 2008

2008 ACT Award

On Tuesday 2nd September 2008 the inaugural ACT Pearcey Award was presented to Mathew Purcell by ACT Chief Minsiter, the Hon Mr Jon Stanhope, at the Regatta Point Business Centre in Canberra. The Canberra Branch of the Australian Computer Society joined forces with the Pearcey Foundation to select Matthew Purcell alias "The Silicon Kid", as the winner. Thanks to strong financial support from the ACT Government, the Pearcey foundation has been able to extend its highly competitive peer recognition award process to ICT professionals in the ACT.

Read More Read More

Aug 1, 2008

2008 Vic Award

The 2008 Victorian State Pearcey Award was presented to Mr Mike Giuffrida at an award ceremony held on Friday 1st August at Melbourne High School. It was held on the opening night preceding the Victorian IT Teachers Association ICT and Careers Expo all part of a National ICT Careers week organized nationally by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Read More Read More

Dec 6, 2007

2007 NSW Award

The winners of the 2007 NSW State Pearcey Award were Pia and Jeffrey Waugh, a husband and wife team who work in their jointly owned software design and consulting business based in Sydney. This is the first time a joint award has been made and the recognition of their joint contribution to the Australian ICT industry makes their award all the more meaningful. They were presented with their certificate at a ceremony held on 6th December 2007 at the Australian Maritime Museum in Sydney. This presentation was made at the conclusion of the VC Connect conference at the Museum and was made by Mr Ian Dennis, Chairman of the Pearcey Foundation.

Read More Read More

Nov 1, 2007

2007 National Award

The 2007 Pearcey National Award for Young Achievers was presented to Brett Hooker at the Pearcey National event dinner, Carlton Crest Hotel King George Square in Brisbane.

Read More Read More

Nov 1, 2007

2007 Qld Award

At the annual Pearcey Foundation Awards event held this year in Brisbane on the 1st of November 2007, Ms Tammy Halter was awarded the 2007 Pearcey State Award from fellow finalists Kirsty Garrett and Joanne Jacobs. The award was presented by Mr Peter Grant, CIO, Queensland State Government.

Read More Read More

Nov 1, 2007

2007 National Pearcey Debate

A debate was held prior to the dinner, the subject of which is "ICT is a great career choice - true or false?". The debate was moderated by Ms Agnes King, the ICT editor of the BRW. The target audience for this event was students from both high schools and universities/TAFEs to address the issues relating to ICT in not being able to attract enough students to meet demand as well as articulating the great career potential open to graduates and skilled ICT professionals.

Read More Read More

Nov 1, 2007

2007 Pearcey Hall of Fame

Inducted into the Pearcey Hall of Fame for 2007 was Roger Allen AM, Dr Rob Newman, and John Puttick.

Read More Read More

Oct 31, 2007

2007 Pearcey Medal

On Thursday evening 1st November 2007, Roger Allen AM was presented the 2007 Pearcey Medal by Senator the Honorable Helen Coonan, Minister for Information and Communications Technology and the Arts at the annual Pearcey Foundation Awards evening in Brisbane attended by more than 130 ICT professionals. Fellow finalists Dr Rob Newman and John Puttick were admitted to the Pearcey Hall of Fame.

Read More Read More

Aug 27, 2007

2007 Vic Award

An audience of nearly 100 ICT luminaries warmly applauded the presentation of the Victorian Pearcey Award 2007 to Ashley Herring, and Pearcey Victoria Commendations to Dr. Stan Skafidas and George Parthimos, at a cocktail party in central Melbourne on 27th August 2007.

Read More Read More

Nov 20, 2006

2006 Qld Award

The 2006 Queensland Pearcey Award has been won by Mr Brett Hooker, CEO of Sauce Software. The presentation was made on Thursday 2nd November 2006 at the Carlton Crest Hotel in Brisbane.

Read More Read More

Nov 10, 2006

2006 Tas Award

The 2006 Tasmanian Pearcey Award was won by Mr Ian Cumming, founder of Insight4. The award was given at a joint Pearcey and ACS function on Friday 10th November 2006.

Read More Read More

Sep 28, 2006

2006 Pearcey Medal

The 2006 Pearcey Medal was presented to Fiona Balfour at Pearcey National event, 28th September 2006 in Melbourne. The Award was presented by Senator The Hon Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

Read More Read More

Sep 28, 2006

2006 Vic Award

The 2006 Victorian Pearcey Award was presented to Dr Anthony Overmars.

Read More Read More

Sep 28, 2006

2006 Pearcey Hall of Fame

Inducted into the Pearcey Hall of Fame for 2006 was Fiona Balfour, Dr Cyril Brookes, and Max Burnet OAM.

Read More Read More

Sep 28, 2006

2006 National Award

The 2006 National Pearcey Award for Young Achiever has been awarded to Luke Bereznicki of Tasmania. This national award recognises a particularly outstanding winner of the State Pearcey Award Winners from 2006.

Read More Read More

Sep 13, 2006

2006 NSW Award

The 2006 NSW Pearcey Award has been won by Dr. Matt Barrie. Dr Barrie is currently the CEO and Founder of Sensory Networks and still maintains time to lecture at the University of Sydney.

Read More Read More

Nov 29, 2005

2005 Qld Award

The co-founder of Brisbane company Sundata and chairman of Software Queensland, Kon Kakanis, has been named recipient of the 2005 Queensland Pearcey State Award.

Read More Read More

Nov 5, 2005

2005 Tas Award

The 2005 Tasmanian Pearcey Award presented to Luke Bereznicki on 5th November 2005.

Read More Read More

Oct 14, 2005

2005 Pearcey Medal

The 2005 Pearcey Medal was presented to Emeritus Professor John O'Callaghan AM at the Pearcey National Event on Friday 14th October 2005 by the Hon Marsha Thomson - Victorian Minister for Information and Communication Technology.

Read More Read More

Oct 14, 2005

2005 Vic Award

The 2005 Victorian State Pearcey Award was presented to Graeme Huon. The presentation was made by the Victorian Minister for ICT, Marsha Thomson during the National Pearcey Banquet on Friday 14 October 2005.

Read More Read More

Oct 14, 2005

2005 Pearcey Hall of Fame

Inducted into the Pearcey Hall of Fame for 2005 was Dr John O'Callaghan, Ashley Goldsworthy, and John O'Neil AO.

Read More Read More

Oct 14, 2005

2005 National Award

At the 2005 National Pearcey Dinner the inaugural presentation of the National Award for Young Achiever was presented to Luke Howard. Finallists were drawn from the previous year State Award winners from NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria.

Read More Read More

Aug 31, 2005

2005 NSW Award

The 2005 New South Wales Pearcey Award was presented to James Dalziel by The Hon. John Della Bosca, Minister for Commerce. The presentation was made at the Pearcey Cocktail Function at the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo. The Award forms part of the ICT Outlook Forum initiated by CSIRO, DSTO, NICTA and the ICT Council of CRC's.

Read More Read More

Dec 1, 2004

2004 SA Award

The 2004 South Australian Pearcey Award was presented to Dr Ross Williams. The award was presented by the Hon. Trish White, who is also a State patron of the Pearcey Foundation.

Read More Read More

Nov 26, 2004

2004 Qld Award

Adrian Di Marco, founder and executive chairman of Technology One, one of Australia's largest publicly listed software companies, is this year's winner of the prestigious Queensland Pearcey Award.

Read More Read More

Nov 12, 2004

2004 Tas Award

The 2004 Inaugural Tasmanian Pearcey Award presented to joint winners Chris Dalton & Anthony Scotney. The presentation was made by Lara Giddings, Tasmanian Minister for Economic Development and the Arts, at the Tasmanian ICT Industry Awards in Hobart, on the evening of 12th November 2004.

Read More Read More

Nov 4, 2004

2004 Pearcey Medal

The 2004 Pearcey Medal was presented to Emeritus Professor John Bennett AO by Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

Read More Read More

Nov 4, 2004

2004 NSW Award

The 2004 NSW State Pearcey Award was presented to Hugh Durrant-Whyte, by Loftus Harris, Director General of the NSW Department of State and Regional Development, on behalf of Minister John Della Bosca.

Read More Read More

Nov 4, 2004

2004 Pearcey Hall of Fame

Inducted into the Pearcey Hall of Fame for 2004 was Emeritus Professor John Bennett AO, Ormonde Browne, Ren Potts and Bob Bishop.

Read More Read More

Nov 4, 2004

2004 Pearcey Colloquium

The Pearcey Foundation Inc. welcomed over 100 colloquium participants from an original invited list of eighty, for a workshop discussion that was intended to help chart the future for Australian ICT as we approach a new year, with a new national government term, a new and developing international trade framework and the continuing challenge of new technology and new global industry dynamics.

Read More Read More

Sep 3, 2004

2004 Media Award

On Friday September 3 2004 the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, presented National Pearcey Media Award to John (Jack) Costello, former editor of Computerworld and Computer Weekly.

Read More Read More

Sep 3, 2004

2004 Vic Award

Marsha Thomson, Victorian Minister for Information & Communication Technology, presented the 2004 Victorian Pearcey Award to Luke Howard, CEO of PADL Software, before an audience of 200 IT luminaries and guests in the Great Hall of the National Gallery Victoria on Friday evening.

Read More Read More

Dec 4, 2003

2003 SA Award

The 2003 SA Pearcey Award for Information Technology was awarded to Adelaide innovator Dr Simon Ronald.

Read More Read More

Oct 25, 2003

2003 NSW Award

On Tuesday 25th November Lyndsey Cattermole, National Pearcey Medallist for 2003, presented the 2003 NSW Pearcey Award to Dr. Ted Dunstone, Managing Director of Biometix. The award was presented at the NSW State Library.

Read More Read More

Sep 1, 2003

2003 Pearcey to the PC - History Conference

On 1st September 2003, the Pearcey Foundation held a Conference to celebrate 50 years of computing. The afternoon event drew a wide selection of speakers that traced the significant events of computing in Australia, from the first digital computer built by Dr Trevor Pearcey to the modern computing platforms.

Read More Read More

Jul 22, 2003

2003 Pearcey Medal

Prominent technology professional Ms Lyndsey Cattermole was awarded the 2003 Pearcey Medal by the Federal Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston. The announcement was made at the Pearcey National Event gala dinner in Brisbane on 22 July 2003, attended by many of Australia's leading technology identities.

Read More Read More

Mar 22, 2003

2003 Vic Award

On Saturday March 22nd Ms Liz Beattie MLA, Parliamentary Secretary for Education on behalf of the Hon. Marsha Thomson MP, Minister for Information & Communication Technology presented the 2003 Victorian Pearcey Award to Alec Umansky, founder of Defence Communications Industry.

Read More Read More

Mar 18, 2003

2003 Qld Award

Mr David Barbagallo (AM) was awarded the inaugural 2003 Queensland Pearcey Award for his contribution to the State's ICT industry.

Read More Read More

Dec 16, 2002

2002 SA Award

The inaugural 2002 SA Pearcey Award was presented to Dr. Jonathan Baxter.

Read More Read More

Nov 11, 2002

2002 NSW Award

The 2002 NSW Pearcey Award was presented to Alex Hartman, by NSW Minister for Information Technology, Kim Yeadon, on 11th November 2002. The award was presented at the gala dinner for the Moving Towards The Knowledge Economy Conference held in Homebush Bay, Sydney.

Read More Read More

Sep 6, 2002

2002 Pearcey Medal

The 2002 Pearcey Medal was presented to Professor Bill Caelli AO by The Hon Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts, on behalf of Senator Richard Alston, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, before a distinguished audience of 180 State and Federal Ministers, senior politicians, bureaucrats and I.T.T professionals, Pearcey Medallists and Pearcey Award winners, from every State and Territory, at a celebratory Dinner at the Hilton Hotel, Melbourne on 6th September 2002.

Read More Read More

Mar 23, 2002

2002 Vic Award

On Saturday March 23 the Minister for ICT, the Hon Marsha Thomson MP, presented the 2002 Victorian Pearcey Award to Jonathan Zufi, Founder and Director of UDU World Pty Ltd, a software company selling products into Australia, the United States and South Africa.

Read More Read More

Nov 12, 2001

2001 NSW Award

The 2001 NSW Pearcey Award was presented to Derek Renouf, of Adaptive Arts, by NSW Minister for Information Technology, Kim Yeadon, on 12th November 2001.

Read More Read More

Nov 9, 2001

2001 Pearcey Medal

Industry stalwart, Tony Benson, was awarded the 2001 Pearcey Medal in recognition of his life-time commitment to the Australian IT industry. The highly prestigious award was presented to Mr Benson by the NSW Minister for Information Technology, Kim Yeadon, at a special dinner in Parramatta on Friday 9 November 2001.

Read More Read More

Awards

The Pearcey Foundation's annual awards recognise and celebrate outstanding individuals in Australian ICT.

National Awards • State Awards • Nominations

The Heritage Project

The Pearcey Foundation intends to extend the Heritage Project well beyond Phase One (the book) – with the aim to become ‘the’ central repository – hosting a ‘virtual museum’ of Australia’s computing artefacts, documents and oral histories from key players.

The Project

Kind Words

Australians have all too often seen themselves as observers rather than participants in the digital revolution, but that does not do justice to our history. The Pearcey Foundation plays a very important role in highlighting the real contributions Australians have made in the past, and in so doing will help inspire the next generation of Australian digital innovators.

Charlie Day
Former CEO, Innovation and Science Australia

The Pearcey Foundation’s project to document Australia’s achievements in the computer age is a critically important endeavour. A central repository, that documents the central role of our universities and CSIRO and the individual contributions of academics and entrepreneurs, will be an essential resource for future policy makers and for students, research workers and entrepreneurs.

Alex Zelinsky AO
Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Newcastle

Australians are a nation of storytellers. Stories make us laugh and they make us cry, they remind us who we are and they inspire us, and let us celebrate our successes and failures. Australia has much to celebrate when it comes to the digital age, from pioneering work in computer science through to innovative cloud services. The Pearcey Foundation Heritage Project will be an inspiration to future generations of Australians.

Founder
Australian Ocean Lab and Former Engineering Director, Google Australia

Initiatives

The Pearcey Foundation is actively involved in many initiatives to help promote and accelerate the Australian ICT industry.

Thought Leadership • Australia 3.0 • Australia 4.0 • ICT Heritage • Pearcey Institute

Discover more Discover more

In memory of

Dr Trevor Pearcey

The Pearcey Foundation Inc. was established in 1998 to raise the profile of the Australian Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Industry and profession. It was created in the memory of one of the greatest pioneers of the Australian ICT industry, Dr Trevor Pearcey.