News
AusSeabed recognised for outstanding national collaboration at public service awards
Published:6 November 2026
Celebrating the AusSeabed win, from left: Hilary Thompson (Australian Hydrographic Office); Alex Proctor, Seabed Project and Engagement Officer (Geoscience Australia); Pip Bricher, Director National Seabed Mapping (Geoscience Australia); Patricia Kelly (Australian Institute of Marine Science); and David Robinson, A/g Chief, Place and Communities Division (Geoscience Australia).
The Geoscience Australia-led AusSeabed initiative has received the Kerry Kennedy Award at the 2026 IPAA ACT Spirit of Service Awards, recognising an outstanding national collaboration delivering significant benefits for Australia.
The Kerry Kennedy Award is a special award recognising ambitious initiatives led by smaller organisations, particularly those demonstrating excellence through collaboration, innovation and effective use of resources.
For AusSeabed, the recognition highlights the power of sustained collaboration across government, research and industry to transform how Australia collects, shares and uses trusted seabed mapping information.
A nationally significant collaboration
Led by Geoscience Australia in partnership with CSIRO, the Australian Hydrographic Office, the Australian Antarctic Division and the Australian Institute of Marine Science, AusSeabed brings together organisations across government, research and industry to build a coordinated national approach to seabed mapping.
By improving how seabed data is collected, quality assured, published and reused, the initiative is helping transform fragmented information into a trusted and accessible national resource.
This work supports better-informed decisions about marine management, maritime safety, offshore energy and infrastructure, while contributing to the sustainable development of Australia's blue economy.
AusSeabed demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations combine their expertise, resources and commitment to address shared national challenges.
Recognising the AusSeabed community
The Kerry Kennedy Award recognises the dedication and collaborative spirit of the AusSeabed community, whose sustained partnerships have been central to the initiative's success.
Geoscience Australia CEO Melissa Harris congratulated the team and its partners on this significant achievement.
‘I'm incredibly proud to see AusSeabed recognised with the Kerry Kennedy Award,’ Ms Harris said.
‘This award reflects the extraordinary commitment of our people and partners, who have worked together to build a nationally significant resource that is delivering real benefits for Australia.
‘AusSeabed demonstrates the impact that a relatively small organisation can achieve by bringing people, expertise and resources together around a shared national purpose.
‘It's a wonderful recognition of the entire AusSeabed community and the value of collaboration in delivering lasting public benefits.’
Positioning Australia recognised for national innovation
Geoscience Australia's Positioning Australia program was also recognised as a finalist for the Breakthrough Award, acknowledging its contribution to strengthening Australia's national positioning capability.
Through nationally coordinated infrastructure, advanced technology and partnerships, the program is transforming access to accurate, reliable and resilient positioning services across Australia.
This capability supports greater safety, efficiency and innovation across industries including agriculture, transport, resources and infrastructure, demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of investment in Australia's scientific infrastructure.
Geoscience Australia congratulates all recipients and finalists at the 2026 IPAA ACT Spirit of Service Awards.
Learn more about AusSeabed and Positioning Australia.