The Gigari MG Excellence in Sea Country Award recognises the outstanding contribution or leadership potential of an Indigenous marine scientist, ranger, communicator, or educator to the advancement of marine science and knowledge in Australia. The award aims to increase Indigenous representation in AMSA by facilitating attendance at our annual conference, as well as provide AMSA Members with diverse perspectives about marine science, including Sea Country. This prize serves to emphasize the valuable contribution to marine science made by Indigenous peoples throughout our history and continuing today. It was inaugurated at the 2022 conference in Cairns.
This award is named in honour of Gigari MG George, a Wulgurukaba saltwater woman of Yunbenun (Magnetic Island). She was integral in establishing recognition for the leading role First Nations people must play in land and sea science and management, locally, nationally and internationally. Gigari MG was one of the first to publish on co-management and Indigenous-science partnerships. She held many roles, from within grass-roots community-based projects protecting and managing land and sea, through to senior executive and governance roles that set new policy and led all of us into a whole new era. Read more about her life and achievements here.
Annual Call for Nominations - Closes 15th March each year (extended to 1st April for 2023)
The following criteria will be considered when awarding the prize:
- Identification as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person;
- Exceptional contributions leading or supporting marine research or Sea Country programs, relative to opportunity;
- Demonstrated engagement, and future potential to engage with, both the marine science and Indigenous communities; and
- Willingness and availability to attend the annual AMSA conference.
The recipient of the award will be reimbursed for registration, travel and/or accommodation costs associated with their attendance at an annual AMSA conference. They will be acknowledged in a short conference address. Information on the award winner will be published in the AMSA Bulletin and website after the award has been made.
A completed nomination pack should consist of one PDF document including the following:
1. Completed nomination form (download here)
2. CV for the nominee
3. Statements of support (optional)
Note a cover letter is not necessary.
Nominations must be received by the due date.
Late applications will not be considered.
Email your nominations to the AMSA Secretary
Download the Gigari MG Excellence in Sea Country Award nomination form