Science Week Dinner and Awards Night

Written by Paula McLay, FRACI.  Photo credits Luke McGuiness.

Published 1 October 2021

On 1 September the RACI WA Branch celebrated with the annual Science Week Dinner and Awards Night, once again held at the Bentley Pines Training Restaurant in Bentley.  About 60 people braved the cold and blustery evening to get together in the warm and friendly surrounds of the restaurant.  The first part of the evening allowed for people to catch up with old friends, network, gossip and enjoy drinks and a wonderful meal.

The more formal part of the evening was conducted by Tamsin Collins, the RACI WA Branch President.  People were welcomed and introduced and a number of well-deserved awards presented.

Dino Spagnoli, Chair of the Chemical Education Group thanked the Bayliss Youth Lecture presenters for the last two years; Georgina Sauzier (2020) and Gretchen Benedix (2021). Georgina was in attendance and was presented with a speaker gift.

Murray Chapman was presented with an Honorary Life Membership for 50 years of continuous RACI membership.

Luke McGuiness (current RACI WA Branch Treasurer) and Shane Koenig (former RACI WA Branch President) received 40 year membership awards.  Mark Ogden received his 25 year membership.

 RACI WA Branch presents annual prizes for the best student in the final year of a chemistry undergraduate degree.  The 2020 UWA prize winner was named as Amelia Antakusuman.  The 2020 Curtin University prize winner, Blake Armstrong, was in attendance at the dinner and introduced to those present.

Tamsin Collins presented the W. E. Ewers Citation Award (the Wilf Ewers Award) to Ferdie Ferrante. The citation recognises contributions made to furthering the profession of chemistry, particularly in WA and normally through the activities of the WA Branch. Ferdie, who was the previous Branch President (2018-2019) received the award for his extensive activities for the Branch and Groups over many years and his ability to obtain excellent event catering is highly regarded.  Ferdie currently organises the RACI WA Retiree Lunches. 

Tamsin concluded the formal part of the evening by thanking the RACI WA supporters this year, Rowe Scientific, Lord and Co and Walker Scientific; and also the Chemcentre, ECU, UWA and Curtin Uni for their in-kind sponsorship of Branch events and activities.

The evening concluded with some interesting desserts, coffee, and a lot more conversation, congratulations and laughter.