Helen Newton Turner Trust

Helen Newton Turner Trust

The Helen Newton Turner Trust was established in 1993 following an anonymous donation to the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit to perpetuate the memory of Helen Newton Turner and to encourage and inspire those engaged in animal genetics.

The Trust provides two awards every two years that are named in honour of Dr Helen Newton Turner  who had an outstanding career with CSIRO that was deidcated to the research into the genetic improvement of sheep for wool production.

The first award is the prestigious Helen Newton Turner Medal to recognise significant achievement and outstanding contribution to advances in animal genetics in Australia.

The second, a new award established in 2021, the Helen Newton Turner Bright Futures Award, recognises the achievements of an up-and-coming individual who is showing evidence of establishing a reputation for excellence in the field of animal genetics within Australia.

A biography of Dr Helen Newton Turner AO OBE can be found on the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG) website.

The Helen Newton Turner Medal

*Nominations are now open for the 2025 Helen Newton Turner Medal*

Nominations

Nominations are invited for the Helen Newton Turner Medal for 2025.

Nominations are open to individuals who have rendered distinguished service in animal genetics in Australia through research, implementation, or innovation.

The nominee must have contributed to animal genetic through one or more of the below points:

• Shown a major contribution in the field of animal genetics through research, implementation or innovation.
• Conducted scientific research that has advanced the opportunities for animal breeding in Australia.
• Implemented innovative breeding approaches in Australia.
• Helped to communicate and promote research and/or adoption of animal genetics and breeding within Australia.
• Fostered the development of young scientists and/or practitioners in the field of animal genetics and breeding.
• Have the ability to deliver an oration of significant standing at the AAABG Conference.

Nominees must have demonstrated a record of high achievement within one or more of the above nominated categories and contributed over and above what might reasonably be expected through paid employment.  Their contribution should stand out from others who may have also made a valuable contribution.

Download the nomination form for the 2025 Helen Newton Turner Medal here.

Nominations can be made through the Secretary of the Helen Newton Trust.

Nominations close 11:59pm Sunday 4 May 2025 by email to:

Ms Jacqui Barden
Secretary, Helen Newton Turner Trust
jacqui.barden@dpi.nsw.gov.au

The Helen Newton Turner Bright Futures Award

The Helen Newton Turner Bright Futures Award recognises the achievements of an up and coming individual who is showing evidence of establishing a reputation for excellence in the field of animal genetics within Australia.

The award consists accommodation and attendance to the 26th Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding & Genetics (AAABG) which will be held in New Zealand 24-26 June 2025 or a $500 cash prize.

Nominations for the Medal recipient are sought from across Australia and the winner will be chosen by the members of the Helen Newton Turner Trust.

How can I nominate?

Download the nomination form for the 2025 Helen Newton Turner Bright Futures Award here.

Nominations can be made through the Secretary of the Helen Newton Trust.

Nominations close 11:59pm Sunday 4 May 2025 by email to:

Ms Jacqui Barden
Secretary, Helen Newton Turner Trust
jacqui.barden@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Assessment Criteria for the Helen Newton Turner Bright Futures Award

Exceptional achievement may be evidenced by:

• Demonstrated evidence of beginning/continuing to establish themselves in the field of animal genetics through scientific research, innovation, influence or other work.
• Completion of a PhD that expands the knowledge of animal genetics through a thesis, dissertation or other method.
• Demonstrated promotion of animal genetics throughout Australia.
• Promise in their critical thinking toward research and/or adoption of animal genetics.
• Initiative and promise in beginning to establish themselves in their field relating to animal genetics.

Further information on how to nominate

Should you have issues with the online forms or require further information regarding nominations for the Helen Newton Turner Medal please contact:

Jacqui Barden
Executive Officer Boards & Committees
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Ph: 0461 377 611
Email: jacqui.barden@dpi.nsw.gov.au

The 2023 Helen Newton Turner Award Winners

^{(Left to Right: Brad Walmsley, Steve Miller and Mark Mortimer)}

Congratulations to Mark Mortimer and Brad Walmsley who have been selected to receive the Helen Newton Turner awards for 2023 that were presented at the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG) Conference in Perth today.

Mark has been awarded the prestigious Helen Newton Turner Medal for his major contributions to Australia's livestock genetics research and development through his work with his family owned business Centre Plus Merino. His status as one of Australia's leading genetic practitioners is well known and he is included on many industry advisory groups including the Sheep Genetics Advisory Committee and MLA's National Livestock Genetics Consortium. As part of his award he gave an oration at the conference about his career in genetics starting at the age of 16, the importance of having strong mentors and peer support, and how people think about genetic data.

Brad has been awarded the Helen Newton Turner Bright Futures Award for being recognised for his immense promise and substantial strides in advancing and understanding the implementation of improved practices in genetics in the beef industry.

These awards help to highlight the depths of talent we have in Australia in the field of animal genetics and breeding which is of great value in making stronger primary industries.

Trustees of the Helen Newton Turner Trust are:

• Mr Darren Bayley - Chair, A/Executive Director Agriculture, NSW Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD)
• Prof. Brian Kinghorn - Member, University of New England (UNE)
• Dr Steve Miller - Member, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) UNE
• Mr Ian Locke - Member, Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG)
• Currently Vacant - Member, National Farmers Federation (NFF)