The Educational Computing Association of WA (Inc.) is delighted to announce announce Petra Trinke as the recipient of the ECAWA Leader of the Year Award for 2024,

Petra is recognised for her outstanding leadership, vision, and long-term commitment to advancing the use of technology in education both within Western Australia and internationally.

Throughout her career, Petra has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering innovation in teaching and learning. As a Principal Consultant with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), Petra has played a key role in shaping curriculum reform and supporting schools to deliver high-quality Technologies education. Her leadership has extended to international education, helping schools abroad implement the Western Australian curriculum and expand opportunities for students to pursue Technologies pathways.

Petra’s impact is far-reaching. She has collaborated with universities and industry to build programs that inspire students to explore computing, cybersecurity, and engineering fields—most notably through her involvement with Edith Cowan University’s “Making IT w/ Science” initiative. As a judge for the Game Changer Awards, WiTWA Awards, and the Governor’s STEM Awards, Petra has championed programs that strengthen connections between education, business, and government, driving forward initiatives that prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital economy.

An active contributor to professional associations, Petra has served as a Vice President and long-time committee member of ECAWA, representing the association in collaborations with the Department of Education and the STEM Consortium. She also contributes to Women in Technology WA’s Techtrails subcommittee, promoting STEM careers to young people—particularly girls—and helping schools embed design thinking, entrepreneurship, and technology into their teaching practice.

Petra’s influence as a leader, mentor, and advocate is evident through her work in curriculum development, teacher professional learning, and international education leadership. She continues to exemplify the values of ECAWA through her collaboration, innovation, and commitment to excellence in Technologies education.

Congratulations, Petra, on being named ECAWA Leader of the Year 2024. Your tireless efforts to empower educators and inspire students embody the very best of our community.

This text was summarized from the award recipient’s nomination documents.