The late Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis AC MBE was deeply committed to WaterRA and its values since its inception. Appointed Chair of the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment from 1995 until 2008, she maintained her involvement through the Education Program and on the Scientific Advisory Committee throughout her career.
A microbiologist of international repute, Nancy made enormous contributions in agriculture, environmental protection, medicine and engineering. As a researcher, she was at the forefront of recognising the importance of clean water and led the development of techniques to treat industrial wastewater.
In 1977, Nancy became a Member of the British Empire (MBE) and in 1990 was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).
From 1980 – 2000, Nancy chaired the Federal Government’s generic engineering surveillance committees (RDMC and GMAC), which established guidelines that have become models for other countries in our region.
Nancy broke new ground for Australian women in science when in 1992 she was appointed the first female Chancellor of La Trobe University.
An avid supporter of WaterRA, she sat on judging panels every February during student presentations. A sharp, witty and singular individual, Nancy is an icon in the water sector and this award is in honour of her tremendous contributions.