Dr Steve Brown, Head of Tourism at Flinders, has been given an award for his lifetime career contributions to event management at the 2012 Community Achievement Awards.

Dr Brown received his award and a cheque for $2000 from Mr Alister Haigh, Chief Executive of Haigh’s Chocolates, which sponsored the Career Achievement Award.

The gala event was attended by 350 guests, including the Premier, Mr Jay Weatherill. Dr Brown’s award and nine other category winners from South Australia’s outstanding community contributors were announced.

Dr Brown was acknowledged as a world recognised leader in the academic field of event management, particularly for his creation of the undergraduate and postgraduate festival and event design management programs at Flinders.

His history of successful professional involvement in event management was also cited: he has either helped establish, or taken a major role in, long-standing events that include the Adelaide Festival, Barossa Under the Stars and WOMADelaide.

“The event industry in South Australia is full of remarkable individuals among whom hard work, commitment and innovation is the norm rather than the exception, so I feel particularly honoured by this award,” Dr Brown said.

“I would like to thank Flinders University who have supported and made possible my transition to practitioner-academic, and also the students whom I have had the opportunity to mentor each year. It is their enthusiasm and passion that inspires me.”