Lighting stars celebrated at industry awards

Stellar contributions to the Australian lighting industry have been recognised at this year’s National Awards for Excellence in Lighting, hosted at the Sheraton in Sydney by Lighting Council Australia.

Winners included a transformative public lighting project, a small business that illuminates famous public buildings, and a veteran of the lighting industry.

Selected across 10 categories, this year’s winners demonstrated the cutting-edge products and projects that are currently being produced by the industry in Australia.

“The Australian lighting industry is at the forefront of the innovative technology and products being developed and the 2024 award winners and nominees reflect that,” said LCA CEO Malcolm Richards.

“The awards cover areas ranging from sustainability, innovation projects, best small business and right through to individual awards that recognise true industry champions.

“I’m in awe at the technological savviness and cutting-edge innovation taking place in Australian lighting and it’s fair to say the entire industry shone brightly at this year’s awards night,” Richards said.

Vinci Energies’ Omexom Australia netted the Public/Street Lighting Award for an initiative that dims streetlights during off-peak times. The project has cut light pollution by more than 50% and is likely to be replicated in other parts of Australia.

The Best Small Business Award went to DANSON Electronics, whose projects have included illuminating landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Luna Park, RAAF Tindal and several prestigious universities.

Tony Todaro won the Life Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long contribution to the industry. Since purchasing Clevertronics in 2001, Todaro has turned the company into a leading specialist in emergency lighting. He has also served on the LCA board since 2007 and been chair for the past eight years.

The full list of award winners is as follows:

• Sustainability Award – Michael Arieni, Solar Bollard Lighting
• Lighting Control & Integration Award – Haneco Lighting and KASTA Technologies
• Public/Street Lighting Award – Vinci Energies/Omexom Australia
• Smart Luminaire Award – David Rafferty, Dialight ILS Australia
• Overall Innovation Award – Edwin Sargeant, Xero Linear Lighting
• Engagement with Industry Award – Gavin Woodford
• Best Small Business Award – DANSON Electronics
• Young Achievement Award – Jaskaran Singh, Azoogi LED Lighting
• Contribution to Standards Award – Michael Duce, Clevertronics
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Tony Todaro, Clevertronics
   

Image credit: iStock.com/Dimitris66