Jana Rockliff has been announced as the 2024 Mike Shield Award winner, recognising her exceptional performance in the Master of Planning program.
Named in honour of the late Michael Bowen Shield, a planner renowned for his contributions to environmental and recreation planning, the award celebrates the highest-achieving graduate in the Master of Planning program each year.
Dr Emma Little, Senior Lecturer in Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences and the course coordinator, praised Ms Rockliff’s remarkable achievements, particularly given the challenges of balancing work, study, and family life.
“Jana has been studying in the north of the state, juggling part-time online study with work as a Town Planner in Devonport and more recently for Meander Valley Council. Despite a hectic schedule, Jana has been actively participating in classes and has consistently offered clear insights,” Dr Little said.
“Her ability to consistently submit excellent work has been a marvel to behold. Jana is the magic combination of high emotional intelligence, a deep understanding of the discipline, and grit. She is a very deserving winner.”
Ms Rockliff said she was initially surprised by the recognition, recalling the moment she learned of her win.
“To be honest, I had to read the email several times to comprehend. It took a little while to sink in,” she said.
Balancing study with family life and work presented significant challenges, but Ms Rockliff said it made the achievement even more meaningful.
“I am extremely proud. I have enjoyed studying, but it was also very stressful at times, juggling everything I had going on in my life. With two little kids (now four-years-old and six-years-old) and a nearly full-time job, it was a very busy life. But I am so happy that all this hard work has paid off,” she said.
Having recently transitioned from the private sector to the public sector, Ms Rockliff said the Master of Planning program had shaped her professional direction and fostered her passion for the field.
“Studying at UTAS really awoke my desire to see ‘the other side’—and I couldn’t be happier. I am working with an amazing team and learning new details about our planning system every day,” she said.
“This degree provided me with the background and knowledge I need, and it helped shape my understanding through encouraging critical thinking. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey as a planner and hopefully being able to positively impact Tasmania’s landscapes.”
Ms Rockliff, who completed her studies remotely from Tasmania’s North-West, also encouraged others considering remote study to embrace the opportunity.
“Go for it! Don’t fear your learning might be of lower quality - it’s not. I couldn’t have studied if I couldn’t have done it remotely,” she said, adding that she felt well-supported throughout her studies.
This year’s Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning commendation was awarded to Kamala Roberts, acknowledging her excellence in academic and practical application.
The Mike Shield Award, established in 2004, has honoured graduates who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment to advancing planning practice. The commendation for Graduate Diploma students, introduced in 2019, further highlights the University’s emphasis on nurturing planners who contribute to the development of Tasmania’s built and natural environments.
Since its inception, the award has highlighted the achievements of outstanding graduates, such as inaugural winner Sean McPhail in 2004 and last year’s recipient, Lauren Cromarty. Both the award and commendation continue to celebrate the legacy of Michael Bowen Shield and his dedication to planning in Tasmania and beyond.
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