2006 winners
The spotlight shone brightly on Queensland women at a glittering awards ceremony at Parliament House hosted by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Women, Linda Lavarch.
This year's awards have once again uncovered some of Queensland's unsung heroes and rising stars.
The winners this year are working on a range of diverse projects from reducing nitrogen in stormwater, uncovering therapies for renal disease and running biotech laboratories, to measuring tyre-road noise.
A 68% jump in nominations from 2005 shows that Queensland women are recognising the value of public recognition for their projects. The new category included for 2006, 'Women in Engineering', generated many high quality nominations.
Most of the judges have been with the awards program for the full four years it's been running. They continue to be impressed when the bar is raised each year.
Winners of Smart Women - Smart State Awards 2006
Secondary School Student - sponsored by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts
Zoe Brown, Somerville House, Brisbane
Zoe Brown is a year 12 student who has undertaken two cutting edge biology research projects in her final year of schooling. 'Cutting edge cancer research' required her to work closely with the Mater Medical Research Institute (MMRI). Zoe's work on conditioning regimens on Graft-versus Host response, has met legitimate aims for the MMRI. It is envisaged Zoe's research will benefit all patients requiring transplantation to attempt the cure of leukaemia or cancer. 'Zonation of epiphytic mangrove algae' was undertaken with the University of Queensland. Research centred on the algae being used as an indicator of nutrient levels, contributing to a greater knowledge of a mangrove ecosystem ultimately allowing for better management of the areas.
Undergraduate Student - sponsored by the Department of Queensland Transport and the Department of Main Roads
Rachelle Willis, Griffith University, Nathan
As waterways throughout the world become increasingly polluted creating ecological imbalances, Rachelle's investigation into nitrogen speciation, removal processes and stormwater quality improvement devices has identified solutions to reduce nitrogen in stormwater flowing into waterways in South East Queensland and Moreton Bay, thus protecting dugongs and sea grass forests and maintaining the fisheries and other marine life. Rachelle's findings will also assist organisations comply with environmental regulations. Rachelle actively promotes studies of engineering, science and technology through her involvement in awards programs, representation on professional societies and committees and as student ambassador to the Griffith University Science and Technology Group.
Postgraduate Students - sponsored by The University of Queensland
Naomi Diplock, The University of Queensland, Gatton
Naomi Diplock, a PhD student at the University of Queensland Gatton, is investigating the use of a naturally occurring fungus as a potential biological control agent for Parkinsonia, one of Australia' top 20 weeds, with promising results. Parkinsonia is a threat to Australia due to its invasiveness to other ecosystems and already covers 1 million hectares of land. Naomi has shared her findings through posters and presentations at symposiums and conferences in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
Award accepted by Naomi's mother, Lin Fielding, as Naomi was on a field trip and unable to attend.
Research Scientist - sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Professor Melissa Little, The University of Queensland, Brisbane
To progress the research of alternative treatments for chronic renal disease, Professor Little established a national collaborative and multidisciplinary research team which constitutes the Renal Regeneration Consortium. During the past five years, Melissa has defined six possible long-term therapies that may be pursued to treat renal disease. Melissa has a strong philosophy that scientists must communicate with and engage the public and she demonstrates this through her addresses ranging from international audiences to primary school children.
Women in Business - sponsored by the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation
Janine Garrett, Brisbane
While working with the preparation of chemotherapy, Janine Garrett realised there was room for operational errors in cancer care practices with negative flow-on effects to patients. Janine undertook a Masters of Information Technology at Bond University to give her the knowledge to create a tool that improves communication; performs automated, repetitive and time consuming tasks; and handles the complex rules and clinical requirements of oncology and haematology. Janine is now the CEO of Toowong-based Charm Health Pty Ltd. The result of her studies, 'Charm', is an oncology information management solution designed to support the multi-disciplinary team involved in the care of patients with cancer. The Charm system automatically generates a complete treatment calendar with all doctor appointments, pathology/radiology orders, pharmacy and day unit requirements mapped out for the patient's entire treatment schedule. Charm also collects and archives all data required by cancer registries and interfaces with hospital systems.
Women in the Community - sponsored by the Department of Emergency Services
Samantha Faint, Clermont
Samantha works in Clermont's Multi Purpose Health Service, however, her impact in the local community, goes well beyond her paid role with Queensland Health. In early 2005, Sam identified that the Indigenous community were experiencing day-to-day difficulty due to the lack of basic ICT skills; ability to recognise and capitalise on their natural resources; and capacity to bring their products or talents to the marketplace. Sam discovered that formal courses available in the region did not suit the needs of the local Indigenous community and set about structuring a program that was flexible and suited participants. Held in familiar and comfortable surroundings and funded by local organisations, Sam opened the program to all Clermont residents and students.
Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities have melded in a common interest of learning basic ICT skills and painting and exhibiting their art. As a result there has been a softening of cultural and social barriers, community capacity building, employment, completion of further studies, exhibitions and sale of art works.
Women in the Public Sector - sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency
Felicity Roberts, Townsville
North Queensland Biotechnology Education Centre (NQBEC), the dream of Head of Science at Kirwan State High School, Felicity Roberts, transforms the traditional science classroom into an interactive laboratory. The Centre, running at the High School in Townsville, enables students to witness real-life research, experience 'hands on' science in the fully equipped laboratory and engage in ethical debates with key community members. This Centre was realised after Felicity was successful in applying for funding through the Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics project. Through the creation of the Centre, which is available to all state schools in the North Queensland region, Felicity has established important partnerships and created many positive outcomes for students, teachers and the community.
Women in Engineering - sponsored by TrackStar Alliance
Gillian Adams, Spring Hill, Brisbane
Gillian Adams is Managing Director of ASK Consulting Engineers in Springhill which specialises in acoustics and air quality. Gillian's project 'Road Ear' has seen the development of Australia's first Close Proximity (CPX) method test rig for dynamic measuring of tyre-road noise which has a big impact on the lifestyle of roadside communities. The CPX procedure isolates noise emitted from the interaction between a tyre and the road surface excluding other noise sources. Due to the lack of direct surface/tyre measurements in the past, road authorities have tended to address noise generation through the use of noise barriers. The Road Ear will assist in many relevant environmental planning related activities including a reduction of the necessary height and extent of acoustic barriers thereby reducing other adverse issues such as visual, light and airflow amenity.
Student Encouragement Award - sponsored by Queensland Treasury
Bronwyn Galletly, The University of Queensland, Brisbane
Marine pollution is a significant global problem and one that particularly resonates with the Queensland community. Ecotoxicology is a vital part of understanding the direct effects of pollution on plants and animals. Bronwyn's project is unique in that it will help us to understand if animals in the marine environment can evolve in response to environmental pollutants commonly found along coastal regions of Queensland. Bronwyn's project has investigated the underlying genetics of pollution resistance and the potential of marine organisms to evolve in response to varying levels of copper pollution. The results of Bronwyn's research will enlighten many government agencies and authorities and assist them in making more informed decisions on antifoulant regulations.
Professional Acknowledgement Award - sponsored by Department of State Development, Trade and Employment
Roeina Edmund, Manunda
In 2005, Roeina Edmund completed her Certificate Four in Aeroskills through Aviation Australia, graduating with the AAA (Attitude and Adaptability Award) and becoming Australia's first Indigenous woman to graduate as an aircraft mechanic. Born on Palm Island, Roeina now works for Aero Enterprises in Cairns, where she lives and raises her five children. Roeina is currently completing a four year aircraft maintenance engineering apprenticeship with Aero Enterprise and hopes to eventually work with the Defence Force on military aircraft. Roeina has become a role model in her community, inspiring young women to consider careers in the aviation industry.
Last updated: 8 April 2008
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