Celebrating the best and brightest of Victorian design, innovation and creativity
From health to the environment, the finalists for the 2023 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards show how the state’s design innovators are creating positive change.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today announced the finalists for the annual awards, which were established by the Victorian Government in 1996 to shine a light on Victorian designers, architects and businesses that are using design to improve the way we live, work, learn and interact.
“Good design has the power to change our lives and these finalists showcase the diversity of Victoria’s design industry – from vital medical advancements to products and services that are more efficient, safe and sustainable,” Brooks said.
“The Victorian Premier’s Design Awards recognise the incredible work and ingenuity of the designers, architects and design-led businesses that make our state a world-renowned leader in the field.”
Finalists include the new tourism infrastructure at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape; a revolutionary tool that tests food in minutes to reduce waste and improve food safety; a powerful bike light for off road riding; and a remote medical monitoring system to help support vulnerable people living at home.
The Umps Link is the world’s first safety-critical IoT platform enabling the delivery of any healthcare application at home.
This year saw a record number of finalists, with 118 innovative projects selected across the award categories including product design, fashion, architecture, service and strategy design, digital and communication design, and a dedicated category for Victorian tertiary design students.
In addition to demonstrating the wide range of careers and creative disciplines available in the design industry, the 2023 finalists showcase the ways design is being used to help tackle complex challenges such as climate change, recidivism, health, homelessness and social cohesion.
Change-making projects include a new service model providing integrated peer, health and employment support to people who have been recently released from incarceration; and an app that supports tradies to manage their mental health.
As well as the category awards, all finalists are now in the running to receive the prestigious Victorian Premier’s Design Award of the Year – the state’s highest design accolade.
Design is a major player in Victoria’s $38.4 billion creative industries. It employs close to 200,000 Victorians and injects over $6 billion annually into the state economy including $400 million in exports.
The 2023 Victorian Premier’s Design Award winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in March 2024.
View 2023 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards Finalists
Main Photo: Queenscliff Ferry Terminal. 2023 Victorian Premier’s Design Award Finalist, Architectural Design. Designed by F2 Architecture and Searoad Ferries.
