Senior Geography Teacher from Ormiston College, Mrs Roz Minnikin, was recently invited to participate at the Federation of International Surveyors (FIG) Working Week 2025 / Geospatial Council of Australia's Locate25 national conference. This recognition not only highlights her dedication to spatial education but also underscores the role of educators in shaping the future of geospatial talent.
Mrs Minnikin presented and also participated in a panel discussion alongside industry experts, surveyors, and geospatial professionals, a rare opportunity for a high school educator. Her participation marks a notable shift, acknowledging that the key to building a stronger geospatial workforce starts in schools. Her presentation was supported by Geospatial advocate, ally and attendee, Head of Humanities, Mr Ian Burgess.
Sponsored by She Maps, Mrs Minnikin attended the week-long event during the school holidays, enabling her to connect directly with industry leaders, surveyors, and university representatives, deepening collaborations between education and the geospatial sector.
Mrs Minnikin’s impact has not gone unnoticed, and she has been recognised in the She Maps Awards where she was named a 2024 finalist and received a 2025 Highly Commended in the Innovative Geospatial Teacher category, sponsored by FIG and the Geospatial Council of Australia. These accolades acknowledge her commitment to forge stronger connections between classrooms and industry.
Mrs Minnikin’s work shows the potential of strategic partnerships between schools and industry to drive student engagement in spatial technology. Her presence at this forum signals a shift toward valuing teachers as key contributors to the future of the geospatial landscape. The next generation of surveyors, spatial analysts, and GIS professionals are being inspired by educators like Mrs Minnikin.
