The Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters (AICLA) has opened nominations for this year’s Carey Bird Scholarship.

Entrants must submit an essay of 1500-3000 words based on a scenario involving “a heavy vehicle impact to a shop in a multi-complex shopping centre”.

The award is open to AICLA members up to the age of 40, plus older members who are completing modules for the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance’s Diploma of Loss Adjusting.

AICLA President Michael Cooke says the competition lets members demonstrate their skills as loss adjusters.

The award was launched last year in memory of former Marsh employee and AICLA member Carey Bird, who died in the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

The winner can attend either the Claims Convention in Sydney or the Asian Claims Convention, with airfares, accommodation and out-of-pocket expenses covered.

Last year’s winner, Richard Mayne of Cerno, will attend this year’s convention next month. Submissions close on May 31.