From the President

As Consult Australia President I had an immense sense of pride to hear about the extraordinary ways in which our industry is impacting clients, the community, being innovative, and advancing technology.

Back in January this year whilst I was holidaying in Hawks Nest with my family, Nicola, Consult Australia CEO, and I spoke on the phone to discuss the options for the OneConsult Conference, 70th anniversary celebration and Awards for Excellence given the Covid uncertainty at the time. It was one of those moments, I am glad that we took the gamble to go ahead and bring together our industry in a much needed chance to be together and of course celebrate!

The OneConsult conference theme of ‘Collaboration is the New Competition’ showcased thought leadership and case studies, demonstrating what we all innately know, that collaboration will be the way in which we will be able to lead through these unprecedented times in our industry. Collaboration has been a core theme for a lot of Consult Australia’s advocacy on procurement reform, Champions of Change initiatives and creating a mentally healthy workplace.

It was wonderful to reflect and celebrate Consult Australia’s 70th anniversary, showcasing our past Presidents. It was eye opening to learn about the challenges and highlights faced over the years, but the resilience and resolve of our industry has been strong to maintain an industry association that our members truly value.

After nearly two and a half years of not being able to get together in person it was so wonderful to feel the excitement with over 350 people in the room at the OneConsult Gala Dinner, the sense of joy and pride from a lot of hard work being shared was palpable. As Consult Australia President I had an immense sense of pride to hear about the extraordinary ways in which our industry is impacting clients, the community, being innovative, and advancing technology.

I am always inspired by the talent in our industry, in particular those in our FutureNet groups and the Future Leader’s nominated for our Awards. At the OneConsult Conference we had the pleasure of hearing from the FutureNet Business Leaders Program teams who presented their project, a feasibility study for a new Public School in Meadowbank, Ryde in partnership with NSW Schools Infrastructure. These leaders are applying holistic thinking to problems considering sustainability, diversity, community and indigenous aspects to design.

We were also lucky enough to have the FIDIC President Anthony Barry present Dick Kell with the prestigious FIDIC Prangey Award, The Louis Prangey Award, named after the founding President of FIDIC

Established to be presented from time to time to a person who has rendered significant service to the Federation and/or to the profession of independent consulting engineering, and who exemplifies the objectives of the Federation. How great to have Dick, representing Australia at this level!

One of the key pillars of our 2021-2023 Strategy which advances us towards our Vision - to be the leading voice for a vibrant and prosperous industry supporting consulting businesses in design, advisory, and engineering is ‘growing our profile’. We have had some recent media coverage in the AFR, the Fifth Estate and the Guardian. Identifying and seizing opportunities to showcase our advocacy, contribution, potential and achievements in our industry is a role we can all play.

Finally, may I reiterate my heart felt Congratulations to all who entered the awards.

There is so much to celebrate, excite and entice – let us all go forth and showcase our value to the industry!

Rowenna Walker

President