Grants and Awards
Table of Contents
The Weed Society of NSW Kelvin Green Student Prize
Weeds cost the Australian economy billions of dollars annually, so it is appropriate that universities adequately train future agriculturalists and environmental managers on the diversity of weed species, their adaptation and impact, and management.
These complexities cannot be learned from just a few first year lectures. Eligibility for the award is based on a 2nd and/or 3rd year module of at least one term of lectures on weeds as the minimum requirement.
The Weed Society of New South Wales Inc. supports an annual award to under-graduate students at participating universities who teach a weed science course, who have been recognised by the Faculty for excelling in this subject.
The Society offers a $250 prize with the award but this only will be provided if the weeds course is sufficiently comprehensive to warrant support. Nominations are made by the participating institutions.
Previous recipients
| 2016 | Tanisha Shield | Charles Sturt University |
| Brittany McVicar | University of New England | |
| 2015 | Joash Parker | Charles Sturt University |
| 2014 | Chloe Roberts | Charles Sturt University |
| Harry Pye | University of New England | |
| 2013 | Nicolle Frost | Charles Sturt University |
| 2012 | Leah Garnett | Charles Sturt University |
| 2011 | Paul Tulk | Charles Sturt University |
| 2009 | Richard Burbury | Charles Sturt University |
| 2008 | Hollie Webster | University of New England |
| 2007 | Peter McEntee | Charles Sturt University |
| 2006 | Rebecca Haling | University of Sydney |
| 2004 | Murray Smith | University of New England |
| 2003 | Mathew Dwyer | University of Sydney |
| Craig Muir | Charles Sturt University | |
| David van Ryswyk | University of New England | |
| 2002 | Nicola Cottee | University of Sydney |
| 2001 | Sarah O’Brien | University of Sydney |
| Keith Pengilley | University of New England | |
| Russel Grinter | Charles Sturt University | |
| 1999 | Mark Trotter | University of New England |
| Alison Fattore | Charles Sturt University |
Society Medal
- major contributions to the technology or practice of weed management,
- that their contribution has been recognised by peers as exemplary,
- the nominee has had a positive impact on the work of others,
- and their contribution has been over a substantial period.
Past Recipients
| 2023 | Michael Walsh |
| 2018 | Kim Hignell |
| 2013 | Peter McMaugh |
| 2011 | Warwick Felton |
| 2010 | Jim Swain |
| 2010 | Rex Stanton |
| 2007 | Lawrie Greenup |
| 2004 | Alan Murphy |
| 2003 | Mike Barrett |
| 2002 | Alec McLennan |
| 2001 | Hugh Milvain |
Society Travel Assistance Grant
Limited travel funds are available to be allocated each year as a Travel Assistance Grant to assist eligible members with national and/or international travel. A maximum of $1000 is available per member for assistance in travel expenses, to be used at the discretion of the successful applicant for payments such as registrations, accommodation, fares and/or meals. Preference may be given to members who will be presenting at the event.
Eligibility
- The Society welcomes applications from as wide a range of members as possible, including fieldworkers and technical staff as well as scientists.
- Applicants must be over the age of 18 year old
- Applicants for the Travel Assistance Grant must have been a financial member for two consecutive years including the current financial year.
- Applications are required to be lodged in advance of travelling and funds must be used within one (1) year of being approved. Successful applicants will be notified in writing (within one month of applications closing) of the agreed amount of funding to be provided by the Society
- Current members of the Weed Society of New South Wales Inc. Executive Committee may apply but are excluded from the Awards panel.
- Where applicable, applications must be signed by the employer/manager to indicate that the application is a true record and the applicant will have approval to travel.
- Rarely will the grant meet all of the travel expenses so the applicants are expected to demonstrate that the balance of funding is available from other sources. Funding is NOT available for local travel within 250 kilometres of the applicants’ usual workplace.
- Payment will be made to successful applicants upon receipt by the Society of the Grant and Awards Refund Form (attached page 3), together with copies of receipts verifying expenses exceeded the grant and a one page report (preferably with photos) for the Society newsletter detailing the benefits derived from the event. This must be received within 4 weeks of return from travel.
Application process
Applications must be received by 26 June 2024.
- Download an application form.
- The Awards Sub-committee of the Weed Society of New South Wales will screen all applications to ensure all eligibility criteria are met. The sub-committee will make recommendations to the Society Executive Committee based on benefits to The Weed Society of New South Wales with preference for those applicants who have had less opportunity for travel in previous years. A decision will be made on successful applications within one month of the closing date.
Applications are to be forwarded to:
The Secretary
Weed Society of New South Wales Inc.
PO Box 6
MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333
Email: secretary@wsnsw.au
Previous Recipients
| 2018 | Xiacheng Zhu |
| Husham Al-Qaderi | |
| Husam Khalaf | |
| 2015 | Terry Inkson |
| 2015 | Laura Williams |
| 2014 | Barry Shepherd |
| 2007 | Vinod Kumar Chejara |
| 2005 | Emilie-Jane Ens |
| 2001 | Clare Murphy |
| 1999 | Mark Gardener |
| 1997 | Greg Madafiglio |
| 1996 | Richard Medd |
| 1994 | Brian Sindel |
| Deirdre Lemerle | |
| Peter Dowling | |
| Malcolm Campbell | |
| 1993 | Chris Nazer |
| Mike Barrett | |
| Peter Michael | |
| 1992 | Alex McLennan |
| 1991 | Brian Sindel |
| Andrew Leys | |
| 1988 | Deirdre Lemerle |
| Richard Medd | |
| 1987 | Don Pollock |
| 1984 | Andrew Read |
Weed Society of New South Wales Life Membership MedalLife membership is a special honour given to recognize outstanding commitment, service, and support to the society for a long period of time.
The following criteria for life membership were ratified in 2002:
- Membership of the society for 30 years.
- Served on the executive committee for at least 5 years.
- Held a position of President, Secretary, Treasurer, CAWS delegate, or Newsletter Editor, for at least 2 years.
- History of support for society activities/functions.
Buerckner Award
The NSW Buerckner Local Government Weed Professional Award is a biennial prize awarded to recognise an outstanding contribution to the on-ground control of weeds in New South Wales.
The Buerckner and Stephenson Awards honour Parkes Shire Council Weed Officers, Mal Buerckner and Ian Stephenson who were tragically killed on the job in a helicopter accident in 2006, along with the pilot Shane Thrupp. The Awards acknowledge the work of NSW Local Government Weed Professionals and their outstanding contribution towards protecting NSW from the impacts of weeds.
Nomination Process
- Download and complete the Nomination Form, ensuring that the Eligibility and Judging criteria, as below, are clearly addressed.
- Make sure all sections of the Nomination Form are completed and the contact details for the nominee and the person nominating are included in the application. Please note, the person nominating may be contacted during the judging process.
- Answers must be written within the space supplied. Electronic or hard copies will be accepted.
- Send completed nominations by 30 June in years when a NSW Biennial Weeds Conference is held to:
Local Government Weed Professional Awards
The Secretary
Weed Society of New South Wales
PO Box 6
MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333
Email: secretary@wsnsw.net.au
Eligibility and Judging
- Any weed professional (weed officer or project officer) working for local government in the management of weeds in NSW. Nominees will have made a significant impact managing weeds in their area through planning, physical removal or community education.
- Nominees should be in a role that is involved with the on ground control of weeds.
- Past nominees and finalists are eligible to be nominated in recognition of new significant contributions to weed management.
- Nominees can only be nominated for one award category (Buerckner Award or Stephenson Award).
- All nominations are to be submitted by the closing date of 30 June in the year of the NSW Biennial Weeds Conference. Nominees will be notified by mail of their nomination for the Award and presented with a Certificate of Acknowledgement.
- A panel of judges will meet to review the nominations and may request more information or documents to support the application. The judges will be looking for evidence regarding the nominee’s professionalism, achievements, and willingness to take on extra responsibilities, professional development, and technical expertise.
- Finalists and the winner of the Award will be announced and presented at the NSW Biennial Weeds Conference.
Prizes
The winner of the Buerckner Award will receive a presentation medal.
The NSW Weeds Officers Association Inc. and The Weed Society of New South Wales Inc. have each generously donated $500.00 to the winner* to be used towards travel costs to attend the subsequent Australasian or NSW Biennial Weeds Conferences.
*To claim the $500 prize of the donating Society, the winner –
- Must be a current financial member of the donating Society (The NSW Weeds Officers Association or The Weed Society of New South Wales Inc), and continuously been a financial member for more than one year.
- The total prize value is $1,000 if the winner is a member of both organisations.
- The winner must gain their employer’s approval to attend the conference. If the employer does not grant approval the money may be used towards training costs.
To apply for membership to the NSW Weeds Officers Association contact Doug Campbell email
To apply for membership to The Weeds Society of New South Wales Inc. visit Weed Society Membership, or contact secretary@wsnsw.net.au
Past Recipients
- 2023 Matthew Savage, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council
- 2022 Matthew McGrath, Wagga Wagga City Council
- 2019 Andrea Fletcher, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council
- 2017 No Award
- 2015 James Browning, New England Weeds Authority
- 2013 Neil Boyd, Orange City Council
- 2011 Chris Clausen, Clarence Valley Council
- 2009 Tony Martin, Illawarra District Weeds Authority
- 2007 Don McKenzie, Bourke Shire Council (inaugural Buerckner & Stephenson Award)
Stephenson Award
The NSW Stephenson Local Government Weed Professional Award is a
biennial prize awarded to recognise an outstanding contribution to
planning and coordinating weed management programs in New South Wales.
The Buerckner and Stephenson Awards honour Parkes Shire Council Weed
Officers, Mal Buerckner and Ian Stephenson who were tragically killed on
the job in a helicopter accident in 2006, along with the pilot Shane
Thrupp. The Awards acknowledge the work of NSW Local Government Weed
Professionals and their outstanding contribution towards protecting NSW
from the impacts of weeds.
Nomination Process
- Download and complete the Nomination Form, ensuring that the Eligibility and Judging criteria, as below, are clearly addressed.
- Make sure all sections of the Nomination Form are completed and the
contact details for the nominee and the person nominating are included
in the application. Please note, the person nominating may be contacted
during the judging process. - Answers must be written within the space supplied. Electronic or hard copies will be accepted.
- Send completed nominations by 30 June in years when a NSW Biennial Weeds Conference is held to:
Local Government Weed Professional Awards
The Secretary
Weed Society of New South Wales
PO Box 6
MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333
Email: secretary@wsnsw.net.au
Eligibility and Judging
Any weed professional (weed officer or project officer) working for local government in the management of weeds in NSW. Nominees will have
made a significant impact managing weeds in their area through planning, physical removal or community education.
Nominees should be in a role that is involved with the planning or management of local, regional or state weed management programs.
Past nominees and finalists are eligible to be nominated in recognition of new significant contributions to weed management.
Nominees can only be nominated for one award category (Buerckner Award or Stephenson Award).
All nominations are to be submitted by the closing date of 30 June in the year of the NSW Biennial Weeds Conference. Nominees will be notified by mail of their nomination for the Award and presented with a Certificate of Acknowledgement.
A panel of judges will meet to review the nominations and may request more information or documents to support the application. The judges
will be looking for evidence regarding the nominee’s achievements, integrated approach to weed management, strategic planning, engagement
of project partners, technical expertise and industry recognition, willingness to accept extra responsibilities, mentoring of staff and
peers, and professional development.
Finalists and the winner of the Award will be announced and presented at the NSW Biennial Weeds Conference.
Prizes
The winner of the Stephenson Award will receive a presentation medal.
The NSW Weeds Officers Association Inc. and The Weed Society of New South Wales Inc. have each generously donated $500.00 to the winner* to
be used towards travel costs to attend the subsequent Australasian or NSW Biennial Weeds Conferences.
*To claim the $500 prize of the donating Society, the winner –
- Must be a current financial member of the donating Society (The
NSW Weeds Officers Association or The Weed Society of New South Wales
Inc), and continuously been a financial member for more than one year. - The total prize value is $1,000 if the winner is a member of both organisations.
- The winner must gain their employer’s approval to attend the
conference. If the employer does not grant approval the money may be
used towards training costs.
To apply for membership to the NSW Weeds Officers Association contact Doug Campbell email
To apply for membership to The Weeds Society of New South Wales Inc. visit Weed Society Membership Form, or contact secretary@wsnsw.net.au
Past Recipients
- 2023 Philip Price, Hawkesbury River County Council
- 2022 Paul Martin, Eurobodalla Shire Council
- 2019 David Pomery, Illawarra District Weeds Authority
- 2017 Mel Wilkerson, Snowy Valley Council
- 2015 Terry Inkson, Great Lakes Council
- 2013 Doug Campbell, Upper Hunter Weeds Authority
- 2011 Les Tanner, Inverell Shire Council
- 2009 Paula Bosse, Riverina Weeds Committees
- 2007 Don McKenzie, Bourke Shire Council (inaugural Buerckner & Stephenson Award)
Industry Award
The Award acknowledges the work of Weed Professionals and their outstanding contribution towards protecting NSW from the impacts of weeds.
Nomination Process
- Download and complete the Nomination Form, ensuring that the Eligibility and Judging criteria, as below, are clearly addressed.
- Make sure all sections of the Nomination Form are completed and the contact details for the nominee and the person nominating are included in the application. Please note, the person nominating may be contacted during the judging process.
- Answers must be written within the space supplied. Electronic or hard copies will be accepted.
- Send completed nominations by 16 June in years when a NSW Biennial Weeds Conference is held to:
Weed Professional Award
The Secretary
Weed Society of New South Wales
PO Box 6
MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333
Email: secretary@wsnsw.net.au
Eligibility and Judging
Any weed professional working in weed management in NSW (eg. State Government, Local Land Services, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Landcare, private enterprise, etc) is eligible to apply.
Nominees should be in a professional role that is involved with the management of weeds in NSW at a local, regional or state level. Nominees will have made a significant contribution in managing weeds in their area through planning, coordination, weed control or community education.
Past nominees and finalists are eligible to be nominated in recognition of new significant contributions to weed management.
All nominations are to be submitted by the closing date of 30 June in the year of the NSW Biennial Weeds Conference. Nominees will be notified by mail of their nomination for the Award and presented with a Certificate of Acknowledgement.
A panel of judges will meet to review the nominations and may request more information or documents to support the application. The judges will be looking for evidence regarding the nominee’s achievements, integrated approach to weed management, strategic planning, engagement of project partners, technical expertise and professional development.
Finalists and the winner of the Award will be announced and presented at the NSW Biennial Weeds Conference.
Prizes
The winner of the Award will receive a presentation medal and will hold a perpetual trophy for the following two years.
The Weed Society of New South Wales Inc. has generously donated $500.00 to the winner* to be used towards travel costs to attend a conference of their choice.
*To claim the $500 prize of the donating Society, the winner –
- Must be a current financial member of The Weed Society of New South Wales Inc, and continuously been a financial member for more than one year
- The winner must gain their employer’s approval to attend the conference. If the employer does not grant approval the money may be used towards training costs.
To apply for membership to The Weeds Society of New South Wales Inc. visit Weed Society Membership Form , or contact secretary@wsnsw.net.au
Past Recipients
- 2023 Hillary Cherry, NSW National Parks and Wildlife
- 2022 Birgitte Verbeek, Department of Regional NSW
- 2019 Mel Hall, Office of Environment & Heritage
- 2017 Pete Turner, Office of Environment & Heritage
- 2015 Lorna Adlem, Hunter Local Land Services
Council of Australasian Weed Societies (CAWS) Medal
The Council of Australasian Weed Societies (CAWS) recognises outstanding contributions to weed management in Australasia through the award of the CAWS Medal for Leadership. This is a prestigious award with, on average, no more than one medal being awarded each year.
The award recognises a contribution to the science, technology and practice of weed management through research, teaching, administration, extension and implementation of programs, which is:
- outstanding, in that the contribution is recognised by peers to be exemplary in substance, objectives, methods and results;
- influential on the work of others;
- sustained over a long time, perhaps ten years or more;
- substantial in that the contribution is broadly based across several categories listed above; and
- national in its impact. (It should be noted here that locally outstanding contributions may be recognised by Member Societies of CAWS.)
The medal is administered by the Awards Committee of CAWS, comprising the CAWS President, Immediate Past President and one other person appointed by CAWS. The Awards Committee, through CAWS, calls for nominations at times which anticipate events where the medal(s) maybe presented.
Nominations should be made to the CAWS secretary. Forms are available from the CAWS website.
Past recipients from New South Wales
The following have received CAWS Medals since the inception of the award in 1984.
- 2010 Prof. Jim Pratley
- 2004 Mr Geoff Sainty
- 1998 Dr Deirdre Lemerle
- 1993 Mr James Swain
- 1992 Mr Warwick Felton
- 1990 Dr Bruce Auld
Dr Malcolm Campbell
Dr Dick Medd
Dr Leon Smith - 1987 Dr Peter Michael
- 1984 Mr Arthur Nelson Johnson
Mr Alan Mears
The Council of Australasian Weed Societies offers a range of Awards.
Further details and application forms are available from the CAWS website, and completed forms should be submitted to the CAWS secretary by 1st May each year, unless indicated otherwise. Travel awards will be made by 1st July for travel during the following 12 months.
CAWS Student Travel Award
Applications are invited from students to attend national or international conferences, or for specific overseas study tours of a short duration. The award is made available annually, or less frequently depending on the standard of the applications.
This award is made to undergraduate, Master, PhD or other postgraduate students, or those who have completed their studies in the previous twelve months at the date of application. The early career travel award is available for those who have completed their studies less recently. Those studying in the fields of agriculture, botany, biology, ecology, horticulture and forestry or related subjects, with some focus on weed science are encouraged to apply. The award is open to anyone residing in Australia or New Zealand, but members of Societies affiliated with CAWS may be given preference. The committee may at its discretion award more than one award for each category.
CAWS Early Career Travel Award
Applications are invited from early career weed scientists to attend national or international conferences, or for specific overseas study tours of a short duration. The award is made available annually, or less frequently depending on the standard of the applications.
Applicants must have, at the date of application, completed their last degree (undergraduate, Master, PhD or other postgraduate degree) within the last five years. Applicants should also have commenced employment in any branch of weed science. The award is open to anyone residing in Australia or New Zealand, but members of Societies affiliated with CAWS may be given preference. The committee may at its discretion award more than one award for each category.
CAWS Australasian Weeds Conference Travel Award
Applications are invited from people working with weeds for an award to assist with their travel to the Australasian Weeds Conference (AWC). The award is intended to support people physically working with weed control in roles such as noxious weeds officers, local government staff, weed control contractors and coordinators of community weed control initiatives. The award is made available in those years that an AWC is being held.
The award is open to anyone residing in Australia or New Zealand, but members of societies affiliated with CAWS may be given preference. Likewise, those applicants that indicate that they will be presenting a poster paper or oral presentation at the AWC may also be given preference. Applicants should state how they will benefit from attending the AWC. Nominations for this award close March 1.
