A new wave of passion and energy for the OH&S profession

A new wave of passion and energy for the OH&S profession

Educating for a Living Safely Culture was the theme at last Thursday's Safety Institute of Australia Inc Victorian Education Awards Dinner held at the Melbourne Museum, Birrarung Gallery. Acknowledging excellence in OH&S, Susan Heron, CEO Australian Institute of Management (VT) opened proceedings, highlighting the importance of Safety in all facets of everyday life.

Now into its third year, the Victorian Division of the Safety Institute of Australia Inc continues its program to award OHS graduates who have demonstrated high levels of achievement and initiative in the area of OH&S. Nominated by their educational institutions, these awards recognise students who have consistently displayed high academic standards, practical skills, commitment and involvement in OH&S.

“I am very proud and honoured to have been nominated and to have received this award. For me OH&S is a passion, not just a career. These Awards will take me a long way into my future. The diversity of the people in attendance shows a new wave of passion and energy for the profession and that there is still much to be learnt from the professional body of knowledge”, said Dan Harte, winner of the Diploma in OH&S.

Other key speakers throughout the evening included Susie O’Neill, Founder & CEO Kids Foundation who drew on the correlation between educating children in safety and young adults entering the workforce with a greater understanding of OH&S.

Professor Malcolm Sim, Monash University summarised the night by asking all to consider the importance of safety in all aspects of life, highlighting the need for continuous education and research in the field of OH&S.

Awards in Six categories were given to 12 graduates and an inaugural OHS Professional of Excellence award was decided from three finalists, with Kelvin Blackney announced as the winner.

Award winners, commendations and sponsors:

Category 1 Certificate IV OHS - TAFE sector

Sponsor: Zeal Group Pty Ltd

Winner: Sonja Buble (The Gordon TAFE)

Commendation:

Craig Walter (The Gordon TAFE)

Tracey Malloch – Swinburne TAFE

Category 2 Diploma and Advanced Diploma - TAFE sector

Sponsor: Piper Alderman

Winner: Dan Harte (Swinburne University TAFE)

High Commendation:

Graeme Arnold (Wodonga TAFE)

Julie Anne McKenzie (RMIT TAFE)

Category 3 Undergraduate Degree and Graduate Certificate – University

Sponsor: WorkSafe Victoria

Winner: Christopher Newnham (RMIT University)

High Commendation: Phillipa Maloney- Walsh (LaTrobe University)

Category 4 Graduate Diploma in OH&S or Hazard Management – University

Sponsor: Noel Arnold & Associates

Winner: Kevin Taylor (University of Ballarat)

High Commendation: Bill Fitzgerald (RMIT University)

Category 5 Masters of OH&S Management – University

Sponsor: WSP Risk Solutions

Winner: Herb Sirca (RMIT University)

Category 6 PhD and Doctorate programs - University

Sponsor: Douglas IPT

Winner: Rwth Stuckey (Monash University)

Doctor of Philosophy, Phd Thesis Occupational Light Vehicle Use

SIA OHS Professional of Excellence Award (Inaugural)

Sponsor: Enhance Solutions

Winner:

Kelvin Blackney

Social Operating Systems

Project: Engaging Communities in Living Safely Culture for Bushfire Risk Areas

High Commendation:

Tony Smith

East Gippsland Water & Victorian Water

Project: OHS Network to develop industry solutions to OHS Issues

High Commendation:

Paula Alan

St John of God Health Care

Project: Developed and implemented Safety, Health and Wellbeing programs in all areas.

-ENDS-

For additional information, please contact:

Kate Telfer, Marketing Communications on behalf of the SIA

Safety Institute of Australia

0433 224 249

The Safety Institute of Australia Incorporated (Inc) is the professional body for safety professionals and practitioners. The Institute believes that the distinctive advice of qualified and experienced safety and health personnel is a prerequisite to the specification and achievement of safety and health responsibilities of government, employers and community organisations.

The objective of the Safety Institute of Australia Inc is to promote the safety and health of people. We aim toward the highest possible standards of safety and health, at work, on the road, at play and at home.