Finalist in 2018 NSW Women of the Year Awards

HOVER UAV FOUNDER JACKIE DUJMOVIC

HOVER UAV FOUNDER JACKIE DUJMOVIC FINALIST IN 2018 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

A Salamander Bay woman and “trailblazer” in the emerging field of drone technology has been recognised in the 2018 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Jackie Dujmovic, who three years ago founded Hover UAV with husband Mark Dujmovic, is one of just four women from around the state named as a finalist in the NSW Business Woman of the Year category.

Jackie Dujmovic, centre, with Wollongong City Council Lifeguards Matt McKeon and Mark Norris at North Beach, Wollongong where Hover UAV conducted shark surveillance in 2017. Picture: Georgia Matts

“This is a really good opportunity for me,” Mrs Dujmovic said. “It has the opportunity to benefit others, especially other women and girls who are interested in drones and STEM.

“It can help girls decide to explore drones and STEM subjects. It’s also really good for our industry, which is such a new industry.”

Mark and Jackie Dujmovic from Hover UAV at Redhead Beach near Newcastle conducting shark surveillance. Picture: Simone De Peak

NSW Business Woman of the Year is one of five categories in the annual awards run by the NSW Government. Winners are decided by a public vote, which can be done online.

The category recognises excellence in business and leadership, as well as how the finalists inspire other women to succeed.

Mrs Dujmovic is recognised as a leader in technology and innovation. She currently one of just a small handful of female drone pilots in the world.

Jackie Dujmovic, second from the left, promoting the She Flies program.

In 2015 the Dujmovics founded Hover UAV, a company that provides photography and videos services – what drones are most commonly associated with – aerial mapping and surveillance, conservation monitoring and asset inspections.

Later that year Hover UAV joined the NSW Government’s drone shark detection trial. Part of the $16 million Shark Management Plan, Hover UAV travel up and down the NSW coastline providing aerial surveillance of sharks. From this, the Dujmovics created an industry first – the drone shark alarm.

Beyond her work in the shark trial, Mrs Dujmovic works with not-for-profit organisations. She contributes whale research gained through aerial surveillance, and has her sights set on tackling the global problem of ocean plastic.

In collaboration with The Plastic Tide, Mrs Dujmovic is providing training imagery to develop an algorithm that detects plastics on beaches. The data collected raises awareness, empowers citizens to participate in the solution and will help governments take action.

Passionate about empowering and mentoring young women into STEM careers, Mrs Dujmovic is a She Flies instructor where she works with girls to code and fly drones in real-life scenarios.

Jackie Dujmovic with Sarah Beardmore, the founder of Dorsal.

The winner of the 2018 NSW Business Woman of the Year award will be announced on International Women’s Day, March 8. Mrs Dujmovic and other category finalists will attend a breakfast in Sydney with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Tanya Davies, the Minister for Women and Ageing, and other members of parliament.

Source: Port Stephens Examiner