NSW Public Works’ Brad Fisher has won the 2023 NSW Public Servant of the Year Award at the NSW Premier’s Awards.

The top gong recognises Mr Fisher’s tireless commitment and exceptional work as a public servant, helping make a meaningful difference to NSW communities.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award,” said Mr Fisher, Senior Project Manager, Electrical, NSW Public Works. “I couldn’t have won this award without the NSWPW team.”

Mr Fisher led the electrical design works on the $500-million Cooler Classrooms Program (CCP) that provides public schools in the warmest parts of NSW with sustainable air conditioning and heating.

As the Technical Electrical Advisor, he was responsible for delivering air-conditioning systems, solar PV cells and electrical upgrades to approximately 1,200 schools. His determination, ability to work under pressure and willingness to go above and beyond led to the electrical design works being delivered $26 million under budget.

“The significant savings assisted the program to reach an additional 100 schools, benefiting more school students of NSW,” said Gavin Rea, a Project Director on the School Infrastructure NSW CCP team. “Brad Fisher [and his staff’s] perseverance and determination ensured the high voltage upgrade costs were minimised while still providing all aspects of the high voltage needed for the program.”

These efforts also won him the Think Differently (Individual) Award at the 2022 NSWPW Staff Awards, and the ‘Department of Regional NSW Individual Award’ 2023.

“His ingenuity and passion have saved clients considerably in time, and cost, and he has enhanced the quality of the project,” said NSWPW Executive Director Drew Varnum.

Mr Fisher joined NSW Public Works in 2018. “I wanted to serve my state and make a difference, perhaps leave a legacy,” he said of his reason for joining a government agency.

He first worked in Schools Electrical Compliance team for 18 months.

“However, the Cooler Classrooms Program (CCP) came along, and I was only too eager to assist. “Here I am, almost six years later, still working in the program with the same drive and passion I had when it first started.”

Another NSW Public Works employee, Clint Nittolo, was also nominated for his role as project manager on the Northern Rivers Temporary Housing Program.

Mr Nittolo’s commitment and drive to deliver program outcomes demonstrated his outstanding leadership and exemplary work, contributing to the delivery of 11 temporary house villages.

“As one of only six finalists in the NSW Public Servant of the Year Award, this is a massive recognition of Clint’s work,” said Mr Varnum.

Congratulations, Brad and Clint!