The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) has announced the winners of the 2025 Australasian College of Road Safety Awards at the Australasian Road Safety Conference Gala Dinner in Perth, Western Australia.
These awards recognise exceptional leadership, research, and innovation in road safety, highlighting individuals and organisations committed to reducing road trauma across Australasia.
ACRS President, Teresa Williams addressed the ceremony, commending the achievements of nominees and acknowledging the critical role road safety professionals play in saving lives.
Teresa Williams said: “Despite our collective efforts, road trauma rates are rising, with devastating impacts felt in every community. Now more than ever, we must be resilient and continue to champion evidence-based approaches, invest in innovation, and support the dedicated professionals who are working tirelessly to reverse these trends and save lives.”
2025 Australasian College of Road Safety Awards – Winners at a Glance
- Women in Road Safety Award (Sponsored by Austroads) – Ms Judy Williams, iRAP – honoured for inspiring more than 34,000 partners worldwide and championing women leaders in road safety.
- Fellowship Award – Professor Stuart Newstead, Monash University Accident Research Centre – recognised for global leadership in road safety research and vehicle safety innovation.
- Road Safety Reporting Award – Elias Visontay, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age – awarded for Guardian Australia article titled: “Australians are obsessed with SUVs and huge utes, but experts say they are making our roads deadlier”, about exposing the safety risks of large vehicles and raising national awareness.”
- Young Leaders Oration Award (Sponsored by Transurban) – Dr Joanne Bennett, Australian Catholic University – acknowledged for groundbreaking projects protecting vulnerable road users and mentoring emerging professionals.
- Excellence in Road Safety Award (Sponsored by Acusensus) – Mornington Peninsula Shire – recognised for pioneering rural compact roundabouts, delivering low-cost, life-saving infrastructure.
- Excellence in Road Safety Award – Highly Commended – MotoCAP and CRASH Safety Ratings – honoured for independent safety ratings of helmets and protective gear.
- Excellence in Road Safety Award – Highly Commended – Auckland Transport and New Zealand Police – commended for enforcement campaigns that cut alcohol-related road deaths by 51% and serious injuries by 26%.
The ACRS congratulates all the winners and highly commended recipients for their dedication to improving road safety. Their work continues to make a significant impact, saving lives and creating safer roads for all.
Pictured below – 2025 ACRS Award and Highly Commended Recipients:
Back Row L to R: Mathew McQuinn (Mornington Peninsula Shire), Professor Stuart Newstead (Monash University Accident Research Centre), Brett Whitwam (Mornington Peninsula Shire), Elias Visontay (Sydney Morning Herald and The Age – awarded for Guardian Australia), Stephen Greally (New Zealand Police), Tom Whyte (Transport for NSW).
Front Row L to R: Ping Sim (Auckland Transport), Dr Joanne Bennett (Australian Catholic University), Judy Williams (iRAP), Sandra Pangestu (Transport for NSW)
