The Ripple Award
NOMINATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE 2026 RIPPLE AWARDS
The Ripple Awards recognise Fellows for their outstanding contribution to the purpose and principles of the Peter Cullen Trust and the Fellows Network through their work and engagement within the water sector and the Peter Cullen Trust.
The 2026 Ripple Awards
Nominations are OPEN for The 2026 Ripple Awards.
There are two Award categories and Fellows are invited to nominate other Fellows for either or both of the Awards.
This year we have introduced an online Nomination Form and new Ripple Award Guidelines to support and simplify the nomination and the assessment processes.
The 2026 timeline is as follows:
- 28 September: Nominations CLOSE
- 1 October: Fellows Committee consider Nominations
- 5 October: All Nominators advised of the outcome; successful Nominees advised of the outcome
- 12 November: 2026 Ripple Awards presented at the Graduation event in Canberra .
About the Ripple Awards
First awarded in 2016, the award was split in 2022 to recognise two distinct categories of achievement. In 2026 the guidelines for achievement in each of these categories have been aligned with the PCT Principles and the key objectives of the Fellows Network, as follows:
1. The Ripple Award for Water and Environment Leadership recognises Fellows who continue Professor Peter Cullen AO’s legacy by exemplifying courageous leadership within the sector. Referencing the Trust’s Principles, the following are examples of what this might look like; they are a guide and are not prescriptive:
- Speaking truth to power – advocating for water and environment with credibility and integrity;
- Being led by Country – advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s pursuit for justice and equity, particularly in the management of water and environment;
- Using knowledge wisely – bridging science, policy, practice and Indigenous knowledge systems to tackle complex challenges;
- Forging new paths – driving innovative solutions and systemic change in water and environmental management.
2. The Ripple Award for Fellows Network Leadership recognises Fellows who strengthen the activities, professionalism, collegiality and impact of the Fellows Network. Referencing the Trust’s Principles and key objectives of the Fellows Network, the following are examples of what this might look like; they are a guide and are not prescriptive:
- Leading together – fostering collaboration within and the impact of the Fellows Network
- Holding space for courageous conversations – creating safe environments for all voices to be heard in the discussions that matter
- Championing the Trust – enhancing the Trust’s reputation and advancing its purpose through their leadership
- Empowering Fellows to be courageous leaders
Previous Ripple Award Recipients
The outstanding Fellows who have been recognised by their peers are:
- 2025: Monique White 2015, Dr Andrew O’Neill 2017, Professor Katherine Daniell 2010
- 2024: Trent Wallis, Fellow 2017; Jason Wilson, Fellow 2022; and Professor Ross Thompson, Fellow 2014
- 2023: Matthew Fullerton, Fellow 2013 and Dr Kathleen Broderick, Fellow 2014
- 2022: Dr Paul Frazier, Fellow 2012 and Associate Professor Bradley Moggridge, Fellow 2018
- 2021: Kaye Cavanagh, Fellow 2011
- 2019: Chris Arnott, Fellow 2010
- 2018: Kirsten Shelley, Fellow 2011
- 2017: Sarina Loo, Fellow 2010
- 2016: Susie Williams, Fellow 2011
