The Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) announced the winner of the 2017 WMAA Women in the Environment Award at the Victoria Branch Christmas Dinner last night. The dinner was well-attended with representation from across the waste sector, it was great opportunity to come together and celebrate the end of year with industry colleagues.
The award began as an initiative of the WMAA Victoria Branch, and recognises the achievements of women in the environment industry. In 2015, the award - sponsored by Blue Environment - was opened nationally to all eligible women who have made a significant contribution to environmental sustainability in Australia over the past five years. This year a record number of nominations were received, many of which reflected significant experience in the waste industry.
"It's pleasing to see the depth and number of nominations reflecting the important role of women in changing the face of the waste management industry," said Christine Wardle from Blue Environment.
We are pleased to announce that this year's recipient was Jade Barnaby. Jade has played a significant role in product stewardship issues at Sustainability Victoria, including helping to launch Paintback, the national scheme for collection and recycling of waste paint, and managing the Victorian battery take-back program. She also helped expand the National Product Stewardship List to include photovoltaic systems. Currently she is developing a world-first verification process for cradle to grave recycling of tyres in her role as National Accreditation and Compliance Manager with Tyre Stewardship Australia.
"Continued cooperation and collaborative work across all sectors of industry and Government, as well as trying different approaches and risking failure, is required if we are going to tackle the increasing complex challenges of waste management and other environmental and sustainability issues," said Jade.
"I would also like to thank WMAA and Blue Environment for this award and their continued support of women working in the waste and resource recovery industry."
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