AAUS is proud once again to recognise individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to the Australian uncrewed systems industry.

As in previous years AAUS received an amazing number of nominations for the 2024 awards, highlighting the strength and level of innovation that is taking place in our industry  All the finalists made impressive reading and we thank everyone for takling the time to nominate, the high standards made judging very difficult.

The judging panel for 2024 consisted of Warren Ludwig, Sue Keay and Greg Ferguson. 

This years awards were presented at the AAUS Gala Dinner held at Hotel Realm Canberra on the evening of March 5th, 2024

We congratulate the AAUS Industry Champions 2024.

The Leadership Award recognises individuals or organisations that lead the way with advocacy work that strives to improve the commercial and / or technological viability of the unmanned system industry.

The 2024 winner is Brendan Williams, Boeing. Brendan is a technical leader in all regards. He is self-less and tireless in his efforts to advance the industry in Australia and on the global stage. His work has led to significant changes to policy and rulemaking, technologies and operations; with many of the regulations today connected to ideas, initiatives and engagements he has led over the last 15 years.

Brendan Williams (Boeing)

 

The Innovation – technology Award recognises organisations that have developed drone technologies including drone systems or sub-systems that has had a significant positive impact for end users or the broader uncrewed systems industry.

The 2024 winner is Wildlife Drones in recognition for the development of the world’s first robotic radio-tracking drone system prototype and subsequently into a viable product in production now in its second generation (called a payload which attaches to several off the shelf drones). The innovative technology empowers land managers and wildlife researchers to track small animal movements like never before offering a much needed alternative to traditional animal tracking technology.

Wildlife Drones

 

 

The Innovation – Operations Award recognises organisations or individuals that has developed novel and innovative operational capabilities to benefit customers. 

The 2024 winner is Sensorem, in recognition for developing an innovative solution to address the significant damage caused by birds at CBH grain storage sites in Western Australia. By utilising drone-in-a-box technology and conducting remote BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, Sensorem has successfully developed a ground-breaking solution to tackle the persistent issue of bird damage at CBH grain storage sites across the Wheatbelt in Western Australia.

Ed Boxall (Sensorem)

 

The Education & Safety Award recognises individuals or organisations who demonstrate leadership in educating the unmanned systems industry with particular emphasis of developing a safety-focussed culture.

The 2024 winner is FPV Australia in regcognition for their outstanding Chief Remote Training Program.  By embracing the principles of accessibility, comprehensiveness, and practical relevance, the program not only equipped Pilots with the necessary technical skills but also instilled in them the leadership qualities essential for steering drone operations towards success. 

John Fleming and Angel Wong (FPV Australia)

 

The Social Impact Award replaces the Humanitarian Achievement Award and recognises individuals or organisations who demonstrate a mission, capability or technology that has a positive impact on society or has focused on the betterment of the uncrewed industry as a whole.

The 2024 winner is AUAVS Shark Surveillance Program. SLSNSW Australian UAV Service's (AUAVS) Shark Surveillance Program, funded by NSW is of remarkable scale and has been instrumental in addressing a significant social and industry issue, while making a positive impact on the community. It has also been a true example of a lasting, community embedded UAV program, operated at scale by diverse members of the community.

Paul Hardy and SLSNSW Team (SLSNSW Australian UAV)

 

The NextGen Achievement Award recognises young individuals (under 35 yo) that demonstrate elite capability and leadership in their field within the uncrewed systems sector.

The 2024 winner is Isaac Palmer (DCCEEW). Isaac is an outstanding young professional who is being recognised for his advocacy efforts on behalf of industry

Isaac Palmer (DCCEEW)

 

The Diversity & Inclusion Award recognises individuals or organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to supporting diversity and fostering inclusion within the uncrewed systems industry.  

The 2024 winner is Sue Osborn (Skyshows/Mirragin) in recognition for her tireless efforts to create opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and under represented groups to access, participate and succeed in our industry.  

Sue Osborn (Skyshows/Mirragin)