News Engineers Australia Northern Division
August 2009
Survey House 14 Shepherd Street Darwin GPO Box 417 Darwin NT 0801 Telephone (08) 8981 4137 Fax (08) 8941 3449 Email nt@engineersaustralia.org.au Website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au
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President’s Report Engineering Week - Race Day - Launch - Fellows Luncheon - Highlights Director’s Report Technical Presentations CSIRO Science Fair SMART 2009 Launch MAKE IT SO Campaign Poole’s Ponderings Young Engineers Golf Day Hays Engineering Welcome as new sponsor Registration 2009 Engineering Excellence Awards Calendar of Events
From the President It has certainly been a busy time since our last newsletter. Engineering week has come and gone. A very busy time for all concerned. The Division sponsored a race on the Darwin Cup Day program getting national TV and oncourse coverage as well as local media coverage. All aimed at raising the profile of Engineers Australia. Feedback on members’ perceptions would be helpful in evaluating the success of the sponsorship. The launch of Engineering Week by Deputy Chief Minister Delia Lawrie was attended by 85 members. Well done. The Minister’s speech addressed the importance of the profession and its activities and empathised with the challenges we are facing and showed a sound understanding of the engineering profession. It was a pleasure to see Mike Burgess, the head of the Department of the Chief Minister and Secretary to Cabinet presented with his Fellow’s Certificate by the Minister. Mike made the point in his response that training and practising engineering knows no boundaries. Engineers can add value in any pursuit.
and A/Prof Ron Cox (Civil College), great presentations and added to previous presentations have been a valuable resource for the Division. Thanks to Nina Lenz (EA National) for organising speakers to visit the Division. The next major function will be our Engineering Excellence Awards on the 18th September, a gala dinner to celebrate the efforts of our profession. I urge you to attend. A public presentation of the entries was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Darwin Graeme Sawyer and was well attended. The judging is now complete, but you will have to wait until the 18th September to hear the results. Delivery of CPD to rural and remote based members is an issue of importance particularly to our Division. Peter Godfrey raises the issue in his column “From the President” in the July issue of Engineering Australia, and the current work of the Electronics Communication Committee and the Regional Committee. Next time you visit the Engineers Australia site find the link to makeitso or simply go to www.makeitso.org.au to see the latest Engineers Australia is asking of you to raise our
profile. Peter Hagan President
A Fellows luncheon was held as part of the celebration of Engineering Week with Professor Graham Pegg the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Science as the guest speaker. It is in this faculty that the School of Engineering resides. Additionally since the last newsletter I have attended presentations by visiting EA Eminent Speakers, Dr David Skellern (ITEE College)
Don’t forget to register for the 2009 Engineering Excellence Awards See registration details on page 11
Partners
Engineering Week First past the finish Line
Launch of Engineering Week
Northern Division’s 2009 Engineering Week was off and running at the Darwin Cup on Monday, 3rd August. The division sponsored Race 2 the “Engineers Australia Special Conditions Handicap”, with the outright winner past the finish line being “Two Sons”. Peter Hagan and Bronwyn Russell presented the trophy to its owner John (Foxy) Robinson, JJ Robinson, R Robinson, Mrs J Reidel, J Berryman and C James., second place went to “Party Crasher” and third place went to “Caraga Sunshine”.
hosted by Hon. Delia Lawrie, Deputy Chief Minister, MLA . The Hon. Delia Lawrie hosted the launch of Engineering Week in the Stranger’s Lounge at Parliament House on Tuesday, 4th August from 5:00pm
85 guests enjoyed the Minister’s hospitality, including Mike Burgess who was presented with his Fellows Certificate. Mike was invited to become a Fellow by the President of the Association, Over 30 members and guests enjoyed the hospitality on the day at Peter Hagan and he took the opportunity to thank the division. the Engineers Australia Corporate marquee track side which included a great buffet luncheon and a beverage or two, as well as the Division’s own Sweepstake. It was a little disappointing that members didn’t support this initiative as much as we would have liked with many phoning or coming into the office on the Thursday prior to the races requesting tickets which had already been sold to the general public due to lack of interest. The race kicked off a very busy week for the Division.
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Engineering Week Fellows Luncheon
Darwin High School Engineering Presentation
Saffrron at Parap – Wednesday, 5th August Fellows and companions were invited to join Prof. Graham Pegg, On Thursday, 6th August, an Engineering Week activity for for a Fellows and Companions luncheon which was held at Saf- 2009 included an Engineering presentation at the Darwin High fron in Parap on Wednesday, 5th August as a part of School Bullocky Point, Darwin. “Engineering Week” activities. The Director of the Northern Division Brownyn Russell and two Professor Graham Pegg is currently Dean of the Faculty of Edu- young Engineering members; Jacinta Kelly and Justin De Zylva cation, Health and Science at Charles Darwin University. He provided an inspirational session to students to inspire their holds a first class honours BSc Degree in Chemistry / Biochemis- imagination to consider engineering as a career choice in the futry and a PhD from James Cook University. His Research inter- ture. ests and International Publications have included Molecular Design and Synthesis, New Drug Discovery and Development, Over 300 children from Darwin High School attended this event. Natural Products Discovery, Vaccine Development, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Forensic Chemistry and Molecular Genetics. More highlights from Engineers Graham reflected in his role as Dean of the faculty for the past two years and highlighted the positive steps by Charles Darwin University to improve the universities standing in the community. He also provided some tips and recommendations on management styles.
Australia Darwin Cup Race Day
Graham and his wife Lindsey have five adult sons (including triplets), and his hobbies include fishing and boating, antique furniture restoration and red wine appreciation.
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Director’s Report was won by a group that included one of Darwin’s well known What a full time we have had in recent developers who uses the services of engineers on a regular basis! Bronwyn Russell weeks and still a lot to come for the year. I was privileged to be a spectator along with many Darwin residents at the welcome home march for 1st Brigade in Darwin streets recently where a number of our For National Assessor members were proudly marching. It is good to acknowledge the work done by our Ewan Hazeldine’s visit on the young engineers on deployment to places 9th to 13th of November… such as Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor. There is a project from Afghanistan in this year’s Engineering Excellence Awards.
Change of date!
Can I remind you that the Awards are coming up fast on 18 September with a fascinating number of entries this year! If you haven’t bought your tickets to the dinner yet please let Karen or Tara know. Also there is an opportunity to sponsor students from Charles Darwin University to attend the dinner. I am sure you can all remember being a poor student and this gives you a chance to meet some of these interesting young people who will be our next generation of engineers. The sponsorship of a race on Darwin Cup day during Engineering Week exposed us to more than 20,000 people at the races plus many more who watch the event on national television. The race
• Come along to Ewan’s workshop and find out how to complete your CER (Career Episode Report). • Alternatively, if you have already completed your CER’s, get them in now and be ready for your professional interview when Ewan comes to town. • Check with your firm. Does it have a PDP? Ewan can do an individual session with your firm if you have enough interested. Contact Karen on 89814137 for more information.
Darwin City Council Sponsors 2009 Engineering Excellence Awards Technical Presentations
Wanted… Young Engineers Australia Committee members Contact Tara on 8981 4137 or Andrew on 8947 4400 for more information
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The 2009 Engineering Excellence Awards Technical Presentations were held at Darwin City Council on 29th July 2009. All entrants into the Awards provided key people to speak and highlight the positive aspects of their project to the judges, members and the general public. With some project entrants travelling from as far as Sydney and Alice Springs to present it was a delight to hear from them all. A big thank you to Darwin City Council who supplied the function room, food and beverage for the presentations.
CSIRO Science Fair Engineers Without Borders, Young Engineers Australia and ACA participated in the 2009 CSIRO Science Fair from 18th – 20th August. Rana Everett, coordinator for the week said “ the response from the children was excellent. Their faces said so much from the activities that they got involved in and the information they received. The age of the children is the best age for them to start thinking about engineering and to know that the science and maths is achievable�. The children were amazed about the cool things that Engineers do! Rana expressed her concerns over the poor response from the volunteering potential in the engineering industry. She was embarrassed that the organisers had to assist her in covering the stalls when no volunteers were available. The division relies on its volunteers to assist with events such as this and we look forward to your support in 2010.
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Science Maths and Real Technology (SMART) 2009 A SMART RECIPE FOR SUCCESS The SMART (science, maths and real technology) remote tour took to the sky at the beginning of science week, August 2009, after much planning in the Engineers Australia Northern Division office. The recipe for the tour was the brain child of Director, Brownyn Russell and made possible by the generous assistance of ALPA (remote community store managers), the University of Newcastle, Engineers Australia Northern Division and the Federal Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Resources (DIISR). It was a recipe for success from the start. The ingredients: Take 10 remote Arnhem Land and Tiwi Island schools, 2 weeks of intrepid travelling,1 402 Cessna plane, a large bunch of smiling, dark haired, indigenous school students, 2 amazing and adaptable SMART show presenters, 2 helpful ALPA hosts, a range of pilots and 1 very overwhelmed tour organiser. (I'll explain later) The method: Start with a good Aussie bush story and include isolated airstrips, red dusty troupes, camp dogs, kilometres of travel, loads of science give-aways (a cuppla midgies or 3) and what do you have? ...A fabulous, well received and exciting opportunity for students in the remote communities to gain a positive educational experience to entice them to choose science, maths, engineering or technology as their future career pathway. The blend of expertise from University of Newcastle, Dr Terry Burns and his co-presenter Mr Chris Hendry made the show interesting for the students and helpful to the schools. There was a fair amount of dust and heat in the air that gave rise to a perfectly formed series of shows that catered for the needs of everyone (including the amazed tour organiser - more later). The tour primarily consisted of entertaining science 'magic' demonstrations that were entertaining and interactive. The shows were followed by a very busy student and or teacher workshop to encourage hands on tasks for everyone. The students experienced success and the teachers were engaged in new ideas to add to the classroom. ...So, why was the tour organiser so amazed? She (aka Rosemary O'Reilly - that's me) saw firsthand how generous and accepting the people in the remote communities were as the SMART team received the hospitality of Gapuwiyak, Galiwinku, Milingimbi, Ramingining, Delisavile, (Tiwi Islands) Nguiu, Pirlangimpi, Minjilang, Warruwi and Gunbalanya schools. Phew! I dare you to memorise THOSE names by the end of this article. The 'proof is in the pudding'. I encourage you to share this recipe with your friends and colleagues and pass on the Engineers Australia Northern Division office number (08 8981 4137) to anyone 'remotely' (no pun intended) interested in finding out more about the SMART program. It's a recipe for success.
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WE WANT YOU! Members of Engineers Australia to volunteer to assist students with Sunchase 2009. What is Sunchase? Sunchase is a fun and interactive program where students build their own Solar Kit Cars and race them against their fellow students. It’s an opportunity for the students to learn about science, engineering, and a vehicle that can be powered only by the sun. Interested? Please contact Rosemary O’Rielly on 8981 4137 or email rorielly@engineersaustralia.org.au
Launch of the MAKE IT SO campaign by Engineers Australia
!!CONFERENCE ROOM AVAILABLE FOR RENT!! Hire The conference room be hired out for: • Half days at $110 • Full days at $220 • Evenings at $165
Equipment White board, TV, DVD/Video and OHP are free to use but the following cost money to use: • Data projector is $220 per day • Laptop is $88 If data projector is being used for three days or more it will be charged at half price. All prices are Negotiable Cleaning
It is the responsibility of the hirer to set up and clean the room. We have a vacuum cleaner in the server room. We recommend that you bring a jacket.
Catering The conference room has a kitchen with fridge, oven, stove, microwave and dishwasher. We charge a minimum of $30.00 per day for continuous tea & coffee for any number under 20 people and $1.50 per person for numbers over 20.
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Poole’s Ponderings - David Douglas Smith (DD Smith) In the last article, the engineering activities of DD Smith (DD) featured. In this article we will look at some family, supplementary and peripheral activities of DD. The information for this article was sourced from the Northern Territory Archives Service, George Redmond’s “A History of Public Works in the Northern Territory, the Australian War Memorial and the “Northern Territory Dictionary of Biography, Charles Darwin University. DD’s father George emigrated from Scotland to NSW in 1888; over the next twenty three years he was employed by the NSW, WA and Tasmanian Railways, progressing from ganger to Commissioner. George married Jean Lindsay from Wollongong in 1894. DD was the second of seven children, having four brothers and two sisters. DD married Margaret Murray of New Town Tasmania on 16 April 1925; they had five children, three boys and two girls. They divorced in 1967. DD married Dylis Hurst in 1969.
tracks were considered to be in excellent condition if motorists could average 25km/hr. Roads were seen as being for dry season use only with the need for minimal use during the wet season; this philosophy lasted well into the 1950’s when early discussion on beef road standards proposed that minimal funding for draining works be incorporated into budgets. On one trip DD rolled his vehicle near Tennant Creek fracturing bones in both arms, he lay injured by his vehicle for 26 hours only gaining access to his water tank by operating the tap with his feet. The construction of improved roads in the NT was one of the DD.’s ambitions. He consequently overspent his budgets. Equipment was basic initially fire ploughs, camels and labour intensive low productivity equipment. The gold rush at Tennant Creek in the 1930’s resulted in an upgraded track from Alice Springs. Further to the north of Tennant Creek reconnaissance survey, centre line pegging, clearing and construction was occurring. This preliminary work was of great value when the initial upgrade of the track was undertaken by the military in 1940. The management of activities in the NT was continually changing, DD at various times reported to the NT Administrator and an NT officer to the bureaucracy in Canberra.
The first work undertaken in the Territory by DD was the 1926/7 survey of proposed railway lines through the Barkly Tablelands The appointment of “Southern” and Victoria River Districts. He Engineers from the State Road left his wife and infant daughter Authorities to co-ordinate and in Tasmania whilst he undertook oversee the construction of what this work. He bought his family became the Stuart Highway was to Alice Springs in 1928 seen by many locals as a when he was appointed slight on the abilities of Resident Engineer for Description: Seventh ? Legislative Council - standing, l to r, - K.C. WaDD. Central Australia. ters (Arnhem), D. Hogan (Clerk Assistant), B.F. Kilgariff (Non Official), F.W. Drysdale (Nightcliff), W.M. Curteiss (Director of Agriculture), The construction activities The family lived in a tent R.C. Ward (Port Darwin), D.D. Smith (Stuart), H. Chan (Fannie Bay), H. for WWII resulted in the on a site on the corner of Brennan (Elsey), C.F. Adams (Director of Mines), A.L. Rose (Alice infrastructure that DD and Parsons and Hartley Springs), R.J. Withnall (Crown Law Officer), J.H. Whittem (Director of others had only dreamt of Streets while they conAnimal Industry), D.N. Mathieson (Non Official) F.H. Walker (Clerk); becoming a reality. After structed a house. It was seated, l to r - L.H. Purkiss (Barkly), H.C. Giese (Director of Welfare), the war the task became suggested at one stage R.B. Nott (President and Administrator), H.C. Barclay (Director of one of maintenance. during the 1930’s depresLands), W.J. Fisher (Non Official). sion as a cost saving measIn 1949 DD became a pasure, that DD be sacked toralist as he had for Terrifrom his position and his house converted to a post office thereby tory infrastructure. DD had plans for Central Australian pastoralsaving on the cost of building a proposed new post office. The ising. He became a part owner of Mount Allan Station where his site is now a park which bears DD’s name. business plan was to turn a profit off yearling cattle for fattening in the south. The development of Mount Allan required fencing, DD travelled extensively throughout the Territory. It is reported bore and yard construction. that he covered up to 50,000km in a per. This was at a time when
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Poole’s Ponderings cont……..
Young Engineers Golf Day 23 July 2009
DD’s son who was a partner in the station provided an interest- The annual YEA golf day went ahead on the 23rd July 2009 and ing description of the years in his oral history, including hand was once again a success, showcasing some of Darwin’s best cutting 40,000 timber fence posts. (and worst) golfing talent!! About 30 people in 9 teams of 3 or 4 competed in an ambrose format for the fun one day event at the (Mt Allan was sold to the Aboriginal Land Fund Commission. Palmerston Golf and Country Club. This matter also makes interesting reading in the oral history records). DD also had interest in Central Mt Wedge Station and a Several local engineering firms and contractors were repreproperty in S.A. sented on the day but as sunset approached it so happened that DD retired from the Government in 1957. His public service did not end though as he maintained an interest in the Race Club, Scouts and Guides. He was involved in the construction of the John Flynn Memorial Church and the Old Timers Home and was a Justice of the Peace for fifty two years.
the team from Douglas Partners was setting the pace, closely followed by a team representing Macmahon Contractors.
‘Awesome Hot Guys’ from Douglas Partners, represented by Jim Hollebone, Yidir Chaachoua and Mick Owen eventually took first place and were closely followed by ‘3 Old Farts and 1 DD was elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Council for Girl’, from Macmahon Contractors. After some luck with the one term in 1962-65. The Council of the time was comprised of dice, third prize went to the guys and girls from GHD. Official (appointed) bureaucrats and elected members. All in all it was a great day with everyone enjoying a relaxing DD’s service to the NT and its citizens were recognized by him end to the working week with a few beers (the drink buggy bebeing awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1981 and a ing expertly driven by Kye and Trent) and a ‘wee’ bit of exercise state funeral following his death on 7th July 1984. DD died aged in typical beautiful Darwin dry season weather, followed by a 87 following complications from surgery for a broken hip. BBQ catered by the Palmerston Golf and Country Club. The NT has had several Engineers who left a mammoth legacy of This great event would not be possible without the support from improvements to our way of life. local sponsors (see below), the players and of course the YEA committee members and EA staff who helped the day run smoothly. On behalf of YEA I’d like to express our thanks and gratitude and look forward to continued support in the future.
Works and Service Branch, Department of the Interior. Darwin Back row L-R: W.West, Works Supt Darwin. W.Nuttall, Asst Works Supt Darwin. E.G.Copley, Field Asst Canberra. W.V.Lancaster, Asst Accountant Canberra. A.C.Fleetwood, Eng Water & Sewerage Canberra. T.Nulty, Clerk Canberra. D.D.Smith Resident Engineer Alice Springs. J.H.Hays Electrical Section Canberra. Front row LR: A.Brewster Clerk Darwin. H.Hollins Chief Eng Canberra. G.Moss Temps Asst Darwin. P.West Manager Darwin. J.B.Watts Assistant Darwin.
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Welcome aboard to our newest sponsor Welcome to Hays Engineering as our newest sponsor for 2009. John Robertson from Hays can answer all of your requirements for recruitment and we ask our member organisation and individuals to support our sponsors.
Code of Ethics Seminar with Bob Nairn should adopt.
R J Nairn BE, BEc, CPEng, EngEx
Bob also discussed the awareness of the roles Engineers play that are centrally linked to ethics, and how to deal Northern Division took the opportuwith coplaints against EA members.
nity to ask Bob Nairn to present to members on the Engineers Australia “Code of Ethics” during a recent visit Peter Hagan thanked Bob for conducting this very importo Darwin. Bob’s son was playing in tant issue for Northern Division members. the Darwin Symphony Orchestra for the Masquerade Ball being held at Skycity.
Over 25 members and heard Bob speak on the “code of ethics” to assist members with knowledge and to outline the standards that all Engineers Australia members
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2009 Engineering Excellence Awards - Register Today!
2009 Engineering Excellence Awards Registration Form Darwin Convention Centre Friday 18th September 2009 Cost $140.00 per person Students $100.00 per person (includes food , champagne, wine, beer and soft drinks)
Contact Details Engineers Australia Northern Division Survey House 14 Shepherd Street Darwin
Company Name: _____________________________ Contact Name: ______________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Email: ____________________________________
Phone (08) 8981 4137 Email tkeogh@engineersaustralia.org.au
Return Via Fax on: (08) 8941 3449 Booking Details
RSVP: FRIDAY 4th September 2009
Total No of Participants ________ @ $140.00 (incl GST) per person
Sponsor a Student _____@$100.00 (inc GST) per person
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TAX INVOICE Where an individual registration is for less than $1000 (incl GST) this document becomes a tax invoice for GST purposes upon completion and payment. ABN 63 020 415 510.
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Calendar of Events Date
Event
Speaker/Venue
11th September
Sunchase
Alice Springs
18th September
Engineering Excellence Awards 2009
Darwin Convention Centre
25th September
Careers Fair
Charles Darwin University
7th October 4:00pm to 6:30pm
Estimating Sea-Level Rise in an Uncertain Future - seminar An overview for policymakers and owners of major coastal infrastructure
Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems Novotel, Esplanade Darwin
8th October
Eminent Speaker - Ron Cox
Engineers Australia
22nd October
Sunchase
Darwin
6th—7th November
National Electrical College Meeting
Darwin (venue TBA)
9th—13th November
Ewan Hazeldene, National Assessor Visit
Engineers Australia
17th—18th November 9:00am to 5:00pm
Estimating Sea-Level Rise in an Uncertain Future - seminar 2 Designed specifically for planners, engineers and other stakeholders
3rd December
Annual General Meeting
Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems, Novotel, Esplanade Darwin 14 Shepherd Street, Darwin
2009 Engineering Excellence Awards Celebrating 90 years of Engineering Excellence Looking Forward Looking Back
Young Engineers Northern Division monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at Lizards Bar, 5:30pm. All Young Engineers are welcome to come along and get involved.
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