VLC Senior Data Scientist Tessa Cleugh has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to VLC by being awarded the 2026 Chris Turvey Memorial Award.

The Chris Turvey Memorial Award, named in memory of former VLC team member Chris Turvey, recognises a VLC employee who has demonstrated outstanding collaboration, commitment, innovation and leadership over the past year.

Tessa was recognised for her leadership in developing and continually enhancing VLC’s Road Traffic Data and Foot Traffic Data products, as well as her willingness to support colleagues and take ownership of complex challenges.

“Tessa is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Chris Turvey Memorial Award,” said VLC Executive Director (Digital) Ali Inayathusein.

“Her leadership in developing and continually improving VLC’s Road Traffic and Foot Traffic Data products demonstrates both technical innovation and excellence, while her willingness to support colleagues and take ownership of complex challenges makes her an outstanding contributor to our business.”

Tessa Cleugh award winner
Tessa receiving the 2026 Chris Turvey Memorial Award with (left to right) Executive Director (Digital) Ali Inayathusein, QLD State Director Mark Iliffe and Executive Director (Technical) Tim Veitch.

 

For Tessa, the award was particularly meaningful because much of her work takes place behind the scenes.

“It honestly means a lot,” Tessa said.

“A lot of the work I do is fairly internal and often quite solo, so people don’t usually see the amount of time spent investigating problems, trying different approaches, or the number of dead ends before something finally works.

“Receiving this award made me feel really appreciated and seen and knowing that my colleagues recognised that effort is incredibly meaningful.”

One of Tessa’s proudest achievements over the past year was helping bring VLC’s Road Traffic Data product from concept to reality.

“The highlight for me was working on Road Traffic Data,” she said.

“I really enjoyed being involved from the very beginning, starting with an idea, developing the methodology from scratch, and seeing it all the way through to a released product that people are genuinely happy with.

“It’s really rewarding to watch something go from a concept to something that’s delivering value.”

Through her technical expertise, problem-solving mindset and commitment to supporting those around her, Tessa embodies the values at the heart of the Chris Turvey Memorial Award and has played a key role in strengthening VLC’s growing data capabilities.

Congratulations to Tessa on this well-deserved recognition.