LAST week many in the Australian maritime and logistics industry gathered in Sydney to eat, drink and celebrate the achievements of the past year.
This year, Jillian Carson-Jackson, president of the Nautical Institute, was inducted into the Australian Maritime Hall of Fame.
Throughout her long career, Ms Carson-Jackson has been (and continues to be) a passionate advocate for the maritime sector in general and particularly diversity and inclusion within the sector.
She has continuously held roles within the Nautical Institute dating back to 2008, which led to her taking on the role of president in July 2020, after holding the senior vice president’s position for two years.
Jillian’s expertise has been recognised through the award of fellowship with both Royal Institute of Navigation (FRIN) and the Nautical Institute (FNI).
Taking home the Women in Shipping & Maritime Logistics Award was the indomitable Jacqui McCombie, managing director of Globelink International.
Ms McCombie built the Globelink company from scratch over the past 25 years.
The award not only recognises Ms McCombie’s business acumen, but also her leadership, passion and commitment to the industry.
For a full list of award winners and highly commended recipients see the DCN story here.
New South Wales minister for planning and homes Anthony Roberts gave an address at the beginning of the proceedings.
He spoke about the importance of the logistics industry – which came into particular relief over the past two years.
The evening wasn’t just about the awards, it was also an opportunity for colleagues and friends to gather together, chat, eat and drink.
An atmosphere of tremendous excitement and joy pervaded the evening.
As the proceedings continued through the evening and attendees made their way through the splendid dinner, conversation unfolded and at times spilled into the official program, eliciting the occasional, if furious, tapping of cutlery on wine glasses.
When the official event ended, many stayed around to enjoy a final drink (or two [or three]) and a last bit of conversation before heading off. As guests made their way into the night and their next destination – whether that be a pub in the Rocks or home – they were farewelled with a lolly bar, or candy bar, where they could fill a paper bag from a wide selection of lollies (sponsored by Cusack & Co, of course).
The next DCN awards night will be in November 2022 in Melbourne.
