A trailblazer in WA's technology sector, Jan’s extraordinary contributions to the ICT industry, particularly in accessibility and mentoring, have inspired countless professionals and set a high standard for the industry.
Jan Kornweibel is announced as a 2024 Pearcey Hall of Fame inductee at the Brisbane gala dinner. Photo courtesy of the
Pearcey
Foundation
The Pearcey Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 1998 to raise the profile of the Australian Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry and profession.
The Pearcey Hall of Fame was established in 2004, and to date has inducted 67 Australian ICT contributors and leaders.
Jan's achievements were celebrated at the 2024 Pearcey Foundation National Awards at a gala dinner held in Brisbane on 19 November.
WAITTA President Con Polkinghorne said Jan's recognition was something the entire state of Western Australia was celebrating.
"On behalf of WAITTA, I’m delighted to congratulate Jan Kornweibel on her well-earned place in the Pearcey Hall of Fame.
"Jan’s remarkable career and dedication to innovation, accessibility, and supporting others have made a lasting impact on Western Australia’s ICT industry. Her leadership and passion inspire us all, and we’re proud to celebrate her as a standout example of excellence in our community."
WAITTA and the Pearcey Foundation are long-standing industry partners, with WAITTA's annual INCITE Awards recognising technology entrepreneurship through the Pearcey WA Entrepreneur of the Year honorary award.
Jan’s journey into the world of computing began in 1965 in London, where she started working with computers before accepting a programming role with IBM at TAB in Perth. Her early involvement in technology coincided with the growth of the West Australian Computer Society, of which she was an active member. When the society merged with the newly established Australian Computer Society (ACS) in 1967, Jan became an inaugural member, marking the beginning of her lifelong association with the ACS.
Over 16 years, she served on the WA Branch Executive Committee, earning recognition for her leadership and vision. A highlight of her service was coordinating the first ACS National Conference in Western Australia in 1989, a landmark event that showcased WA’s growing prominence in the national ICT landscape.
Jan’s legacy extends far beyond her leadership roles. From the mid-1970s, she was a pioneer in advocating for the use of computing to assist people with disabilities. She established the first Special Interest Group within the ACS focused on computing for disability, laying the groundwork for the early recognition of accessibility challenges in Western Australia.
Her work was further recognised in 1981 when she was awarded a Churchill Fellowship. This prestigious scholarship enabled her to conduct groundbreaking research in Europe, exploring the emerging potential of ICT to support people with disabilities. Her efforts not only raised awareness but also inspired practical solutions that continue to benefit the community.
Jan’s passion for mentoring and advocacy is reflected in her more recent work at the Curtin University-based Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA). At AASQA, she played a pivotal role in supporting students on the autism spectrum to achieve International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) certification. Her dedication to fostering talent has led to remarkable successes, with several students earning outstanding results in their certifications.
As a Fellow and Honorary Life Member of the ACS, Jan Kornweibel’s contributions to ICT are widely celebrated. Her work has inspired countless young professionals, advanced the cause of accessibility in technology, and empowered women in ICT.
Jan’s induction into the Pearcey Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a lifetime of achievement and service. Her story exemplifies how one individual’s vision, dedication, and advocacy can transform an industry and improve countless lives.
Learn more about the Foundation and Pearcey Hall of Fame on the Pearcey website.