The industry award was created in 1988 to honour Ms Bolin following her death while she was the careers adviser at Carlingford High School and assistant secretary of the Careers Adviser Association.

In accepting the award, an excited Mr Lee, a former student of the school who has worked as a careers adviser for 13 years, thanked the many people who had provided support over the years.

"I particular want to mention my colleagues at Irrawang High and Tomaree High ... the three of us have a strong working relationship."

"I am extremely humbled to win the award. I know many of the past winner so it is an honour to have my name on the winners' list."

Ms Bolin was extremely committed to the development and extension of career education in its many guises and a quiet achiever who worked diligently both in her own school and behind the scenes at many a careers event.

Part of the award criteria included displaying skills to developing an understanding and knowledge in career education with students and teachers; being involved on a professional level outside the school for services to other careers advisers and to the CAA; and being selfless in their approach while showing commitment to hours beyond normal expectations to ensure worthwhile outcomes for students and teachers.