The Pearcey Foundation was proud to present many events and awards in 2018 including the National Awards, State Awards, Special Pearcey Day, 2018 Pearcey Oration and a Special ICT Heritage Event in Ballarat.
Dr Alex Zelinsky is to take up the position of Vice Chancellor at NSW's University of Newcastle in November 2018. Alex, 2013 Pearcey Medallist, is currently Chief Defence Scientist in Canberra heading up the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group.
Our 2005 Pearcey Hall of Famer, John O'Neil AO, passed away on 21 August 2018 aged 83. John was best known for his work at Control Data and close working relationship with the late Trevor Robinson AM, our 1999 Pearcey Medallist. We send our condolences to John's wife Dr Jo O'Neil and their family.
A very brave Australian stalwart of the ICT industry has left us. Brenda was a pioneer in promoting women in ICT by example. Based in Adelaide, she influenced our national and international reputation over a sustained lifetime of commitment including a two year role as President of the Australian Computer Society (2013-2015).
The Father of the Internet, Dr Robert Kahn, accompanied by his wife, was in Melbourne as the guest of the Australian Digital Commerce Association. Visiting from Washington DC, he spoke at a luncheon on Wednesday 14th March 2018 at the Melbourne Town Hall.
Former WA deputy premier and 2012 Pearcey Medalist Mal Bryce has been remembered as "ahead of his time and a champion of innovation and technology" after the long-serving Labor stalwart died at the age of 74, on the 3rd March 2018.
On Australia Day 2018, Robin Eckerman was recognised as a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for "for significant service to the telecommunications industry through roles in broadband infrastructure and network development, and to the energy supply sector".
The Pearcey Foundation's own chairman, Wayne Fitzsimmons, was awarded an OAM in the Queen's Birthday 2018 Honours List. Wayne was recognised for his service to information technology, covering a career lifetime in senior executive positions and helping to advance Australia's ICT capabilities.
