Pearcey Foundation
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. (October 2008) |
The Pearcey Foundation is an Australian organisation dedicated to raising the profile of the Australian Information Technology and Telecommunications industry. The foundation was formed in 1998 and is named after Trevor Pearcey, an Australian engineer who led the team that created CSIRAC, Australia's first and one of the world's earliest digital computers.
As part of its work, the Pearcey Foundation presents the Pearcey Awards each year. The Foundation awards the Pearcey Medal to the Australian who has made the most outstanding lifetime contribution to the Australian ICT industry, and each state committee makes an annual award to the ICT professional in that state who has made the most outstanding professional, innovative or business achievement in the field of ICT.
References
The Formation of the Pearcey Foundation
A few days after Dr Pearcey's obituary appeared in the Melbourne Age, Ian Dennis, Managing Director of Whitehorse Strategic Group Ltd, and well known Australian I.T. industry figure, contacted Phillip Steele, then Victorian president of The Australian Computer Society and first suggested the idea of a commemorative award, named for Trevor Pearcey, to recognise the pioneering achievements of Australians in the IT industry.
The Australian Computer Society strongly endorsed the idea. Ian wrote to the Australian Information Industries Association shortly thereafter, with the strong support of AIIA Board Member John Gwyther, and received an equally positive response. Over the following months the original idea was translated into the establishment of a continuing Foundation.
Rationale
That Australia should continue to be at the forefront of innovation and application of ICT is self-evident to anyone who examines the economic and social dynamics of our age. Our work, our wealth, health, learning and entertainment are increasingly enabled by ICT. It is easy to take this for granted and see the industry in the image of a few international companies that have become the central powerhouses of industry growth, driven by a global agenda.
The visibility of the IBMs, Microsofts, Suns, News Corps and Ciscos tends to obscure the contribution of Australian researchers, innovators and managers to the success of these industry giants and to the achievements of the many Australian companies and individuals that bring the benefits of the technologies to bear on our personal and national needs
The Pearcey Foundation seeks to identify and reward the best of those individuals and help their example inspire more Australians to choose and excel in ICT careers.
