Drumroll please

There were a few delays and obstacles to overcome – namely a global pandemic – but the AIRAH Awards 2021 Gala took place in Sydney earlier this year.

You could tell that attendees at the AIRAH Awards Gala held a little while back in Sydney were simply happy to be out and about socialising, chatting with industry peers.

Let’s face it: it had a been a while.

With the 2020 Gala held virtually, this was the first occasion in more than two years where the HVAC&R industry could celebrate its achievements face to face.

The black-tie event brought leading figures from Australia’s HVAC&R building services industry together to raise a toast to the sector’s standout people, projects and products.

The winners, selected across 13 categories, exemplify the industry’s efforts to make our built environment more sustainable, safe, healthy and inclusive. Through the James Harrison Medal, AIRAH’s highest honour, the awards also celebrate lifetime contributions. On this occasion, Paul Bannister, F.AIRAH, received the Medal for his work improving energy efficiency in buildings, particularly through NABERS and the National Construction Code.

AIRAH CEO Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH, says the event, rescheduled due to the pandemic, was worth the wait.

“We appreciate the importance of meeting in person,” says Gleeson, “especially for an event like the AIRAH Awards, where the aim is to applaud the best and brightest of our industry, and raise a glass in their honour. This year in particular you could feel the anticipation. It was the first time many of us had seen each other face to face for almost two years, and we all had much to share.”

James Harrison Medal recipient Paul Bannister, L.AIRAH

Future Leader winner Iain Stewart, Affil.AIRAH

This article appears in Ecolibrium’s June-July 2022 edition

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