Why I Say Yes to Judging Awards

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work on projects that have been recognised through industry awards. Some have been shortlisted, others acknowledged, and it’s always rewarding to see great work recognised by your peers.

Sometimes that recognition has even come after I’ve moved on from an organisation, such as the ongoing success of the award-winning City of Perth Christmas Lights Trail. It’s a reminder that the best ideas can continue to make an impact long after the people and teams who created them have moved on.

These days though, I get just as much out of being on the other side of the judging table. Whether I’m judging the WasteSorted Awards or the Australian Marketing Institute Awards, I see it as one of the best ways to keep learning.

Every entry tells a different story. Different challenges. Different audiences. Different ways of thinking. You quickly realise there isn’t one right answer, and that’s what makes it so valuable. Judging gives me a chance to see fresh ideas, smart thinking and bloody clever innovation from across the industry. Some ideas are big. Others are brilliantly simple. Both teach you something.

It also reminds you that the best work isn’t always the biggest or the most expensive. It’s the work that’s grounded in clever ideas and insight, solves a real problem and delivers meaningful results for everyone.

Most importantly, judging keeps me curious.

Our industry is always changing, and I never want to assume I’ve seen it all. Every judging panel is an opportunity to learn something new, challenge my own thinking and bring fresh ideas back to my work.

Awards celebrate great work - Judging helps me keep learning from it.