Engineers Australia eNews contains the latest news from Engineers Australia and
a calendar of events.
2008 – Year of the Engineering Team
17 November 2008
News
Energy efficiency specialist receives PNR award
Engineers Australia past national president Martin Thomas has been awarded the Engineers Australia Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal, the institution's most prestigious individual award, for his notable contributions to energy conservation, renewable energy and sustainability, governments and the profession.
He
has devoted his career to improvements in energy efficiency and the
delivery of new technologies in electrical engineering.
Among the many positions he has held, Thomas has served as chair of the NSW Electricity Council and was a member of the prime minister’s Uranium Mining, Processing and Nuclear Energy Review Taskforce in 2006.
He was Engineers Australia's national president in 1991.
Fellows declared
Engineers Australia has announced four honorary fellows for this year.
They are Stephen Golding, Owen Peake, David Skellern and Bill Wild.
The awards will be presented at Engineers Australia's annual general meeting at Canberra's Old Parliament house this Thursday.
Recognised for serving the profession
Dedicated volunteer: Norm Himsley, receiving the Engineers Australia Medal.
Norm Himsley has been awarded an Engineers Australia Medal.
The
award recognises Himsley's efforts as a Sydney Division office bearer
and his services to the profession over many years. It was made on the recommendation of the Sydney Division Committee and several past Division and National Presidents
A
member of Engineers Australia since 1971, Himsley has been chair of the
Education and Assessment Subcommittee for the past eight years.
He
has been chief judge for the Engineering Studies High School
Competition and the Senior Bachelor Engineering Student Thesis Report
Competition, chair of Discover Engineering and is a neighbourhood
engineer which takes him into high schools promoting engineering to
students from years 10 to 12.
He was Sydney Division President in 2006.
South Australia Division wants education reform
A report released by Engineers Australia South Australia Division
has warned that, with school students losing interest in the science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas of study, there
will not be enough engineers in the state to carry out South
Australia’s Strategic Plan.
The report titled “Technically speaking”
was presented by Bill Filmer, the president of South Australia
Division, at a breakfast forum in Adelaide last week.
While
acknowledging that the state's education system performs well under
international comparisons, the report said schools must improve the
STEM ability of students.
Among the major issues identified in the report was the tendency to include engineering under the general umbrella term of "science”, which can mask the function of engineering and the career opportunities available.
Filmer recommended a joint approach by Engineers Australia and the federal government to improve STEM education in the state.
To download a pdf (547KB) of the full report, click here.
100-year-old hydroelectric scheme recognised
As part of its Australian Historic Engineering Plaquing Program, Engineers Australia has awarded an Historic Engineering Marker to the Cassilis Hydroeelectric Scheme in Victoria.
This marker is a bronze plaque which gives
public recognition to previous generations of professional engineers
and to engineering works of heritage significance.
One hundred years ago, the Cassilis Mining Company switched on the hydroelectric powerstation on the banks of the Cobungra River west of Omeo.
The scheme was built to overcome the shortage and expense of firewood to fuel the boilers of the company's treatment works at Tongio West. It predated the State Electricity Commission’s first scheme at Rubicon Falls by 18 years.
The
mine was closed in 1916 and most of the hydroplant was purchased at
auction by the Magnet Silver Mine in Tasmania where it was operated
until 1940.
Notices
Partners wanted for member benefit program
Engineers Australia is seeking partners to add to its Member Benefit Offers Program.
Any
proposed member benefits and services must add value to the membership
of Engineers Australia by providing financial and/or exclusive benefits
to the 80,000+ members.
It is envisaged that the initial contract period will be for the 2009/2010 financial year.
Proposers
will be required to demonstrate experience in the delivery of member
benefit products and services and a track record of timely and quality
delivery of such products on a national basis.
The current suite of Member Benefit Offers can be found by clicking here.
Engineers Australia improving member records
In
October, Engineers Australia began the first phase of a data cleansing
process which will continue into February 2009. The objective is
to verify members' details, including date of birth, postnominals,
address, landline and mobile phone numbers, email address and to record
their areas of interest and privacy choice preferences.
On 17
October, Engineers Australia staff began contacting members by email,
whose subscriptions are overdue for the 2008/2009 financial year. Last
week, Engineers Australia staff phoned members remaining in arrears.
It is anticipated that Phase One of this process will be completed by
early December and the Second Phase will begin in February 2009.
Abstracts invited for conference
Abstracts
are due 31 January 2009 for the 7th international urban watershed
management conference which will be held in Auckland 21-24 February
2009. For further information, email apd2010@auckland.ac.nz or visit the website at www.iahr-apd2010.com.
Nominations open for AGM Michell Award
Nominations
are open for the AGM Michell Award which is the most prestigious
individual award from Engineers Australia's Mechanical College.
The award is presented for outstanding service to mechanical engineering through either of the following:
- a highly significant contribution, or contributions, through technical innovation relating to the science or practice of mechanical engineering
- longstanding eminence in mechanical engineering science or practice
- notable and sustained leadership pertaining to mechanical engineering, within Engineers Australia.
Unsuccessful nominations in the current year remain valid for another two years and are again considered with any new nominations received in those following years.
The award is named after Anthony George Maldon Michell, an outstanding consulting engineer in the field of hydraulics and pump design.
To download the nomination form, click here. The closing date for nominations is 28 November.
Call for female technologists and associates
Engineers Australia is calling for applications for Women in Engineering representatives to the National Committee for Engineering Associates and National Committee for Engineering Technologists.
These are newly created positions with a tenure from January 2009 to November 2010.
The positions are intended to foster the involvement and visibility of women in the engineering profession at the national level.
They are leadership roles that promote professional development of female associates and technologists. The representatives are expected to foster communication between the national committees and encourage the development of programs that will attract and support women in the engineering profession.
Interested members are invited to apply with their curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) with information on qualifications, experience and contributions they have made to the engineering profession and to the activities and programs of Engineers Australia. These positions are not open to students.
Applications should be sent to the National Committee of Women in Engineering administrator, Katrina Chisholm at kchisholm@engineersaustralia.org.au. Applications close 30 November.
Salary survey now open
Independent research company New Focus is conducting Engineers Australia's sixth annual online salary survey. The survey is targeted at engineering employers in the public and private sectors, which provide information on engineers' salaries, conditions and benefits.
The survey should be filled out by HR officers/managers, as it gathers information across a variety of different grades and types of engineers.
The nominated person who completes the survey will automatically go in the draw to win a weekend getaway (two nights) valued at $750 in an executive suite, including breakfasts and dinner at a top class hotel in their nearest capital city.
Last year 143 employers completed the online survey. Their responses reflected the salary, benefits and working conditions of approximately 13,000 employees.
Jenny O’Donovan, Engineers Australia’s national manager for careers, said: "This year we are keen to increase the number of respondents from public organisations and companies employing chemical, IT, telecommunications, environmental and mining engineers". She is particularly interested in benchmarking salaries by engineering discipline across states.
The survey will be open until 28 November and can be completed by clicking here.
If this does not work, due to your browser's security settings, click here.
New journal out now
The latest issue of the Australian Journal of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, vol 5 no 1, is now available from Engineers Australia.
The journal has papers on hydro generator high-voltage stator windings, optimal design and modelling of a photovoltaic-wind hybrid system and synthesis of single phase DC/AC inverters, among others.
To purchase a printed copy, email Pam Chenery at Engineers Media or phone 02 9438 1533.
To purchase individual papers, visit the Engineers Media website and click on the "Technical Journals" section. Click on Non-subscriber Access and then on the relevant cover and paper title.
If you are already a subscriber to the journals, you can access the papers at the Engineers Australia website by clicking on Member Services > Library Services and Subscription Library Services (e-Pubs)
Meeting to discuss possible merger
A special general meeting of the Manufacturing Society of Australia to be held in Melbourne has been called by the National Council in accordance with the constitution, to debate and vote on the following resolution:
"That the Manufacturing Society of Australia merge with the Society of Australian Industry and Employment."
It is anticipated that there will be a significant debate. An action plan arising from the meeting will be formulated.
The meeting will be on Wednesday 3 December at Engineering House, 21 Bedford Street, North Melbourne at 6pm.
Please email acceptances with details to John Blakemore masc@blakemore.com.au or call 0414 970758.
Notice of annual general meeting 2008
The 88th annual general meeting of Engineers Australia will be held in the Members Dining Room 2 of the Old Parliament House in Parkes on 20 November.
Electronic voting for Division elections
Following a successful trial last year, Engineers Australia is providing electronic voting for all division elections in 2008.
Voting is now open for members of Sydney Division and Victoria Division. Voting will close on 21 November for Sydney Division and 26 November for Victoria Division.
Voting information has been sent to eligible members of these divisions by email. They will be able to vote online. Postal voting information has been sent to eligible members who are not able to be reached by email.
Check and update your member contact details online now, to ensure that you can vote online. Look for “update your contact details” on the Engineers Australia home page.
Publications
Engineers Australia Diary 2009
Complete dairy: $45 + GST = $49.50
Set of refills: $25 + GST = $27.50
Plus personalising: $15 + GST = $16.50
This
leather-bound style comes in black only, has a wiro binding so it lies
flat when opened and all components can be removed and updated. It is
embossed with the Engineers Australia logo without the date so you just
buy a refill for the next year.
Components: A week to an opening
calendar diary - separate telephone/address book - note book - business
card pockets - monthly and yearly planners. An extensive information
section includes: Engineers Australia contacts and code of ethics, a 3
year calendar, conversion tables, Australian and international holidays
and dialling.
Size: 185mm x 250mm
EA BOOKS is a print and digital publisher with a number of new and established programs for which we are seeking authors and reviewers. Your contribution can range from a book review to preparing a podcast or possibly writing a book.
Our blog hosts reviews of new engineering titles. Written by engineers for engineers you will review the latest from publishers all over the English-speaking world. If you’re interested in reviewing a book we have titles available on the following subjects: Project Management, Avionics, Structural Engineering, Green HVACR, Concrete, Engineering Systems, and Sustainability/Accountability.
Podcast your book review or perhaps a commentary on a recent project and raise your profile in the industry as your fellow engineers seek more relevant content in an increasingly crowded World Wide Web.
There’s an old saying that we all have one book inside of us! Whether you are still at the thinking stage, have already started writing, or perhaps have a manual you prepared for your staff or customers, EA Books would like to work with you to share that knowledge.
Please contact Robert Barber, rbarber@engineersmedia.com.au, or phone 02 9438 5355 if you would like to be published.
Calendar
Engineering Education Australia will run the following short courses:
- Contract management (2 days) Brisbane 24 Nov, Perth 8 Dec, Adelaide 15 Dec
- Financial management (2 days) Melbourne 24 Nov
- Managing cultural differences (1 day) Melbourne 24 Nov, Adelaide 8 Dec
- Creating and managing networks for successful business relationships (2 days) Adelaide 24 Nov, Brisbane 2 Dec
- Mentoring (1 day) Melbourne 25 Nov, Adelaide 9 Dec, Perth 2 Dec
- Coaching skills for leaders (2 days) Perth 25 Nov, Adelaide 2 Dec
- Relationship management in project delivery (2 days) Perth 25 Nov, Sydney 2 Dec
- Breakthrough strategies for women engineers (1 day) Townsville 26 Nov
- Risk and liability management (2 days) Adelaide 26 Nov
- Writing winning technical documents (2 days) Sydney 26 Nov, Brisbane 10 Dec, Melbourne 4 Dec
- Personal time management (1 day) Brisbane 26 Nov, Adelaide 10 Dec, Perth 3 Dec
- Project management (2 days) Brisbane 27 Nov, Adelaide 18 Dec, Perth 11 Dec
- Electrical engineering practice module 5 – inspection, testing, commissioning and contract management (2 days) Sydney 27 Nov
- Relate to Aussies (1 day) Brisbane 1 Dec
- Managing self and others (2 days) Brisbane 1 Dec, Darwin 15 Dec, Perth 4 Dec
- Time management (1 day) Brisbane 3 Dec, Melbourne 1 Dec, Perth 8 Dec
- Stormwater management (2 days) Adelaide 4 Dec
Abstracts are due 21 November for the Newcastle Division Regional Convention: Transport and communication; Australia’s backbone past, present and future which will be held in Newcastle 12-13 June 2009. The conference will discuss how advancements in transport and communication have affected regional Australia. Inquiries: email lanfaxlabs@bigpond.com.au
The conference of the Australian Earthquake Engineering Society will be held in Ballarat 21-23 Nov. Inquiries: Sharon Anderson 0414 492 210, srj@bigpond.net.au, web www.aees.org.au
The National Final and Awards Ceremony for Re-Engineering Australia will be in Canberra 24-26 November. Inquiries: 1300 554 503, email contact@rea.org.au.
Seminars on Do-it-yourself investing – more smart ideas and strategies will be held by 2020 Directinvest in Brisbane 25 Nov, Newcastle 27 Nov. Inquiries: 1800 352 021, email seminars@2020directinvest.com.au, web www.2020directinvest.com.au/seminars
The Christmas Networking Event and annual general meeting for Engineers Australia South Australian Division will be held in Adelaide 27 Nov. Inquiries: Norma Cowan, fax 8239 0932, email ncowan@engineersaustralia.org.au.
The 2008 Australasian Association for Engineering Education conference will be held in Yeppoon 7-10 Dec. Inquiries: web www.events.rockhamptoninfo.com.au/aaee2008
Abstracts are due 31 January 2009 for the 7th international urban watershed management conference which will be held in Auckland 21-24 February 2009. Inquiries: email apd2010@auckland.ac.nz, web www.iahr-apd2010.com
Abstracts for industry papers are due 12 Dec for the 20th Australian software engineering conference which will be held on the Gold Coast 14-17 Apr 2009. Inquiries: email aswec2009@itee.uq.edu.au, web aswec2009.itee.uq.edu.au
The 13th Australian international aerospace congress will be held in Melbourne 9-12 Mar 2009. Inquiries: email aiac13@wsm.com.au, web www.aiac13.com
The 2009 technical tour to Japan will depart 14 March and visit cities including Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Osaka. Inquiries: Maria McNamara 02 6270 6568, mob 0402947725, email pmcnamara@engineersaustralia.org.au
The 6th international water sensitive urban design conference will be held in Perth 5-8 May 2009. Inquiries: email enquiries@keynotewa.com, web www.keynotewa.com/wsud09
Energy 21C will be held in Melbourne 6-9 Sep 2009. Inquiries: web www.energy21c.com.au
Coasts and ports 2009 will be held in Wellington 14-18 Sep 2009. Inquiries: email coastsandports2009@avenues.co.nz, web www.coastsandports2009.com
Chemeca 2009 will be held in Perth 27-30 Sep 2009. Inquiries: web www.chemeca2009.com
The 32nd hydrology and water resources symposium 2009 will be held in Newcastle 30 Nov-3 Dec 2009. Inquiries: web www.h2009.org.au
The 5th civil engineering conference in the Asian region and Australasian structural engineering conference 2010 will be held in Sydney 8-12 Aug 2010. Inquiries: web www.cecar5.com
The 15th international conference for women engineers and scientists will be hosted by Engineers Australia National Committee for Women in Engineering and the International Network for Women Engineers and Scientists in Adelaide 19-22 July 2011. Inquiries: web www.icwes15.org
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The statements made or opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of Engineers Australia.