ICT industry consolidates national awards

Peter Dinham
Thursday, 02 June 2011 15:40

IT Industry - Market

The Australian ICT industry's three peak bodies have joined forces to bring their respective national awards under the banner of the well known iAwards program, created by the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) in 1995.

AIIA CEO, Ian Birks said today the AIIA, The Australian Computer Society (ACS) and the Pearcey Foundation had consolidated their individual awards under the iAwards banner, and will now present a 'consistent set of awards to individuals and companies from across the nation each year.'

'All three peak groups are very excited about this development. The Australian technology sector can now celebrate every level of achievement within the industry at a single gala dinner and through a uniform process of nomination, judging and assessment.

'This is something the whole of the ICT sector can readily support including industry, academia and most importantly government.'

Birks said the consolidation of the awards would also provide external stakeholders from business, industry, government with a clear view of the people leading ICT in Australia and the quality of innovation being produced.'

The first consolidated event to recognise the scope of ICT achievement in Australia will be held this year on 4 August at the Crown in Melbourne as the 17th Annual iAwards.

The president of the ACS, Anthony Wong said the consolidation of the awards 'genuinely overcomes the long recognised fragmentation of awards across our diverse industry,' and he added, 'Continuing to attract the best and brightest into ICT careers is our highest priority and this is a significant step towards achieving that.'

The Chairman of the Pearcey Foundation Mr Wayne Fitzsimmons said the consolidation delivered a 'truly national event where the heroes of the ICT industry can be recognised for their sustained efforts in ensuring Australia is seen domestically as well as internationally as an innovative and creative nation capable in all aspects of science and technologies.'

The iAwards is recognised internationally, providing a gateway for Australian companies to compete each year at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards, to be held in Thailand in November this year.