2025 Australia Day Honours
AusIMM proudly acknowledges the significant achievements and contributions that have led to the following members receiving Australia Day Honours:
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla MAusIMM
For distinguished service to science as an engineer and inventor, to sustainable materials research and technology and waste management.
Professor Sahajwalla's work as a Founding Director of the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre has been groundbreaking in transforming waste into green materials, helping address some of our industry’s biggest challenges - reducing waste and providing the critical minerals needed for the energy transition.
Prof Sahajwalla has been an AusIMM member for 30 years and was named the NSW Australian of the Year in 2022.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Geoff Sharrock HonFAusIMM CP(Ret)
For significant service to the mining industry, and to the community. Geoff was elected AusIMM President in 2013-14 and has served on the AusIMM Board and numerous committees.
As President, Geoff's dedication to our members was remarkable – particularly his efforts to personally engage with each Branch during his tenure. His work as Inaugural Chair of the Governance Committee was also instrumental in AusIMM's Royal Charter and By-laws review, helping modernise our organisation and positioning us for a period of sustained success.
Geoff has been a long-standing member since 1968, and his outstanding contribution to AusIMM was recognised with Honorary Fellowship in 2017.
Both Veena and Geoff have set a leading example for our entire community, and we are delighted to share and celebrate their achievements this Australia Day.