Recognising ACS’s History Makers – Ashley Goldsworthy AO OBE KSS KM FACS HLM
Highlights
- Recognition is a cornerstone of the Australian Computer Society (ACS), achieved through various programs such as Professional Certification and Awards. One of the most prestigious recognition programs is the Fellows Program. A Fellow of ACS is an individual who has made a distinguished contribution to the field of ICT in Australia and is a member of the professional division.
Article by Mathew Eames MACS Snr CP; Chair, ACS Queensland Branch Executive Committee
Recognition is a cornerstone of the Australian Computer Society (ACS), achieved through various programs such as Professional Certification and Awards. One of the most prestigious recognition programs is the Fellows Program. A Fellow of ACS is an individual who has made a distinguished contribution to the field of ICT in Australia and is a member of the professional division.
On January 20th, I, along with the Chair of QLD Fellows, Nick Brant, had the honour of meeting and recognizing one of the very first Fellows, Ashley Goldworthy. Ashley is a legendary figure in the industry and ACS, with a long and distinguished career, including:
- Founder Member, Queensland Computer Society (QCS) 1962
- Executive Committee, QCS 1965
- Foundation Member, ACS 1966
- Qualifications Committee, ACS 1968-73
- National Council, ACS (27 years) 1968-94
- Chairman, Queensland Branch 1969, 1970, 1973, 1974
- Elected a Founding Fellow, ACS 1969
- Fellows Committee, ACS (20 years) 1969-89
- Chairman, Social & Economic Implications Committee, ACS (17 years) 1970-87
- National Vice President, ACS 1971, 1972, 1973, 1980
- Finance Committee, ACS (6 years) 1971-77
- National Management Committee, ACS (11 years) 1971-78, 1980, 1982-85
- Chairman, 5th Australian Computer Conference, Brisbane 1972
- National President, ACS 1974, 1975, 1982, 1983
- Chairman, 8th World Computer Congress, Melbourne, (1980) 1975-82
- Elected as one of the first three Honorary Life Members, ACS 1977
- ACS representative to International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) (18 years) 1980-98
- Vice-President of IFIP (10 years) 1983-85, 1991-92, 1992-95, 1995-98
- World President, IFIP 1986-89
- Executive Director and CEO, ACS 1990-94
- Chairman, 14th World Computer Congress, Canberra,(1996) 1991-98
- Member, Program Committee, 21st World Computer Congress, Brisbane, (2010) 2008-10
- Author of several leadership books, most notably Ordinary Bloke, Extraordinary Life
Reflecting on the rich and strong roots of ACS since 1966, I feel humbled to carry the flag and represent ACS QLD. As members, we have achieved so much and should be proud of our heritage. I encourage new members to learn and understand our history. In listening to a Ashley, a man who has achieved so much and holds strong convictions was truly inspiring. He reminded me that the most important things in life are love and family, with his most treasured memories being those with family and loved ones.
Keeping this perspective as we develop our careers is crucial. I appreciate that ACS provides members with the unique opportunity to connect across generations and learn from each other. In our ever-evolving industry, understanding how to adapt and maintain perspective is invaluable. I encourage you to seek out and engage with someone from a different generation at our next face-to-face event. Let's connect and learn from each other.