Engineering South Australia
2010 South Australian Engineering Excellence Awards Presentation Dinner
July 2010
Friday 10th September 2010 The Hickinbotham Hall, National Wine Centre Corner of Hackney and Botanic Roads, Adelaide For more information see the August edition of Engineering South Australia
Contents A Message from the President . . . . . . . . . . 2 News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 Membership Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Your Professional Development †. . . . . . . 12
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A message from the President Sponsors Division Partners
Division Supporters
Recently we launched our Infrastructure Report Card (IRC) for South Australia. This has been a very successful project and we have gained a lot of attention and credit for the quality of the Report and the information and analysis that it contains. The Report finds that the overall state of our infrastructure has improved since 2005 but remains under stress in a number of key areas. Congratulations to the Steering Committee, Chapter Reviewers and especially the Division staff who had to organise the IRC launch events in the same week as National President Doug Hargreaves FIEAust CPEng EngExec was visiting. Obtaining a copy of the Report should be a priority for all members so download one directly from our website or take the opportunity to drop in to the office and collect a hardcopy. In fact, I would like to remind all of our members that as part of the move to the new premises we set up an “internet cafe” style drop in area. It’s ideal for members that might have a few spare minutes in the city and would like to check their emails or do a bit of quick internet searching. Catch up with the latest goings on in the Division and grab a cup of coffee or tea at the same time.
Division Executive President Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng Deputy President Jeff Walsh FIEAust CPEng Treasurer Gerry Doyle MIEAust CPEng Executive Director Caroline Argent Deputy Director Sarah Carey
Preferred Suppliers Sothertons Chartered Accountants Accounting Services
Produced By Engineers Australia South Australia Division Level 11, 108 King William Street Adelaide South Australia 5000 tel 08 8202 7100 fax 08 8211 7702 www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa
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On 28th-29th July there is going to be a special meeting of your Congress to decide if a new draft of the Engineers Australia Royal Charter and By-laws will be put to a member vote later in 2010. Since mid June there has been a member accessible wiki site for you to review and comment on the second consultation draft and I hope that many of you have. Congress will be provided with the outcome of the wiki consultation process and will consider member views in its decision. Our Royal Charter and By-laws have become very difficult to work within and contain some key flaws that we must correct as I explained last month. So make sure that you are engaged and informed now and ready to vote later this year should Congress decide to propose the revised documents to the membership vote. During our latest Division Committee meeting we reviewed and re-endorsed our current Committee structure as the first step towards our next electoral cycle. This year all the Division elections across Australia will be held in the same timeframe. Our Committee structure has been in place for three years now and appears to be serving us well so we have confirmed it for another two years. The Committee consists of three executive positions (President, Deputy President, and the Immediate Past President), six positions directly elected by the Division members and up to five appointed positions. The appointed positions are invited to the Committee by the consensus of the first two groups to achieve balance of representation. For example,
to represent younger members, women, disciplines or industry sectors. Obviously this can only occur after the elections. During this year we have had four invited appointed members including Bronte Strout FIEAust CPEng, currently a National Vice President and Council member. (Recall that Council is the equivalent of a Board). Soon we will be calling for nominations for the six elected Committee positions. Last year we had ten members offer themselves for election and after invited appointments eight of the nominees have been serving your interests during 2010. As with most activities in life Committee service is what you make of it. Being involved with the Division Committee is a concrete demonstration of your commitment to your profession. But more importantly it gives you an opportunity to grow your network and career into another dimension and exposes you to a deeper understanding of how Engineers Australia works. I would encourage your nomination. Even if you don’t nominate yourself then consider prompting one of your colleagues who might just be looking for some encouragement to step forward. Moving on to the Division Committee is a leadership step that I and many others before me have found extremely rewarding. Nomination dates are included on page 4 of this month’s Engineering South Australia so start thinking and talking to your colleagues now! Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng President Engineers Australia South Australia Division
Volunteer Opportunities Available Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management - call for mentors
CELM SA provides a Leadership Development Series (LDS) running over two years to assist in the development of these competencies. CELM SA is facilitating the provision of mentors to those participating in the LDS to maximise the benefits for the series CELM SA are seeking senior engineers (who are members of Engineers Australia) to act as a mentor to an LDS participant. Mentoring in this case would be a private arrangement normally undertaken outside of normal working hours. There are great benefits both for those being mentored and those providing the mentoring. If you have any queries or issues you would like to discuss, please contact Events Manager Catherine Chamberlain on cchamberlain@engineersaustralia.org.au or via phone on 8202 7140. Joint Chemical Engineering Committee call for Committee Nominations JCEC urgently needs Chemical Engineers from Engineers Australia who can reliably come to the monthly committee meetings and contribute to the planning of JCEC activities. Technical meetings, including plant visits, are usually held on the first Wednesday of the month and Committee meetings on the second Wednesday. An idea of the types of technical meetings can be gained from reading the JCEC May 2010 newsletter on their homepage. If you would like more information please visit the JCEC web page under the new South Australia Division’s “Division Groups, Branches and Technical Society” web page at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/divisions/south-australia-division/groups/groups_home.cfm or contact Technical Program Coordinator Paul Godden via pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au or by calling 08 8202 7110. Opportunities available to promote engineering and polish your public speaking skills Engineers Australia is always on the look out for engineers willing to promote engineering to the potential next generation of engineering leaders and innovators. In particular Engineers Australia has upcoming opportunities to speak during 2010 Australian Engineering Week. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Membership Officer Nathan Jones via njones@engineersaustralia.org.au or by calling 08 8202 7170.
EngQuest - Help Us Spread The Word EngQuest is Engineers Australia’s free primary school outreach program designed to get students excited about engineering, whilst also linking to school’s curriculum in maths, science and technology. The 2010 EngQuest site contains new and exciting features, including a new flash animation student-entry point, games and quizzes, 3D photo galleries and the site is 100% compatible with interactive white boards used in classrooms. EngQuest, for the first time, is expanding to include middle schools - years 7 and 8. Help us promote the program by introducing it into your local primary school or perhaps your child’s school? The EngQuest team are able to assist Engineers Australia’s members in conducting school visits allowing engineers to interact with the students, helping them design and construct innovative engineering models. To find out more on how you can promote the program in your local school, email the EngQuest team at engquest@engineersaustralia.org.au
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In the long run, EngQuest aims to provide students with an insight into the dynamic profession of engineering, which will hopefully one day lead to them choosing a career in engineering - helping to lessen the serious skills shortage within Australia.
For enquiries contact the National Coordinator: Sara Ross
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Students will ach ieve learning outcomes in mat hs, science and technology
Members of Engineers Australia are able to volunteer to visit schools, help assess online submissions or answer questions on the ‘Ask an Engineer’ forum. Volunteers are asked to visit the EngQuest site to register.
EngQuest ends October 27th 2010
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3D entry animation
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‘Ask an engineer’ forum connects teachers and students directly with engineers
Request an engineer to visit your school
www.engquest.org.au 3
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The Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management South Australia (CELM SA) provides the opportunity for practising engineers to develop the competencies that will enable them to successfully transition to leadership roles within the workplace.
Call for Nominations In accordance with Royal Charter Bye-Laws and Division Regulations, Engineers Australia, South Australia Division calls for nominations for the positions below. All participants in the election process shall be members of the Division. A ballot will be held for positions contested by more than one candidate.
National Congress Representative Division Delegate
South Australia Division Committee Six elected positions exist on the Division Committee for a one year term.
A vacancy exists from the first Meeting of Congress in 2011 for a two year term.
2011
2011-2012
College Boards Vacancies exist for South Australia Division Members on the following College Boards for a two year term: Biomedical Environmental
Civil ITEE
Electrical Structural
2011-2012 Nominees, proposers and seconders shall be members or affiliates of the relevant college.
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Update from fromMps MpsPeople PeopleSolutions Solutions Little is known about biotechnology and the connection with engineering. This subgroup of engineering is gradually becoming more prominent in mainstream engineering and is significantly growing in importance within South Australia.
Brant Lang – Consultant Technical & Engineering
Biotechnological engineering or biological engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on biotechnologies and biological science. Bioengineers study living systems and apply that knowledge to solve various problems. They study the safety of food supplies, keep desirable organisms alive in fermentation processes, and design biologically based sensors. Where as Biomedical Engineering is the application of engineering techniques to the understanding of biological systems and to the development of therapeutic technologies and devices. Kidney dialysis, pacemakers, synthetic skin, artificial joints, and prostheses are some products of biomedical engineering.
Biotechnology is a relatively smaller group of engineering however it has been identified as an area for substantial growth in South Australia. South Australia has a dynamic bioscience industry based on a strong tradition of medical and agricultural research that drives commercial opportunities. To build on these opportunities, the South Australian Government established Bio Innovation SA, a bioscience industry development organisation that provides technology, business development, finance, infrastructure and marketing assistance. As a part of this, the SA Government established and built Australia’s first dedicated bioscience incubator “the BioSA Incubator” in Adelaide and was opened for business in June 2008 to fast-track the growth of local companies. This state-of-the-art, purpose-built building provides modular office and laboratory space to accommodate six early stage bioscience companies. Its mission is to enable the creation of 50 new bioscience companies and 2500 jobs by 2010 making South Australia a biotechnological centre of excellence. The increasing number of biotech enterprises is likely to create a need for bioengineers in the years to come. Many universities throughout the world are now providing programs in bioengineering and biotechnology (as independent programs or specialty programs within more established engineering fields). This skills shortage is a concern and if you are interested to hear more about career opportunities in the biotechnology industry, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your options by contacting either Engineers Australia or Mps People Solutions.
Reference Checks If an employer is preparing to make a big investment in hiring you, they want to make sure they have all avenues covered with information gathering. One of the biggest sources of information can be gained from a job seekers referees, however this is an area of importance that is usually overlooked. Here are some general points to keep in mind when selecting your referees that can make the difference between gaining a position and not: • The best references are from people know who you are, what you can accomplish, and what you want to do in the future. You don’t want a referee that does not know the work and accomplishments you made whilst in a role. • It should never be assumed that a past employer will be a referee. • Too often employers contact references who have no idea they were detailed as a referee and may not be happy or comfortable providing information. • You should always obtain the permission of a referee before giving out their details and/or inform them of the impending contact. • Contacting your referee prior will also be a good time to brief them on the role that you are being considered for so that they are better equipped to answer questions regarding your skills and experience suited to the position. • Employers want to able to able to contact and communicate (via phone or email) with your referees and not read a “letter of recommendation”. This allows an employer to go into greater detail specific to the role you are applying for. • Regardless if a referee is contacted, you should thank them for their help once your current job search is complete. These are people willing to help you and thanking them is a common courtesy. Never underestimate the power of your references!
Did You Know? lications have led to Industrial biotech app t produce less waste cleaner processes tha and water in such and use less energy chemicals, pulp and industrial sectors as energy, and metals and paper, textiles, food, y mple, most laundr minerals. For exa tain con ia tral Aus in detergents produced enzymes. biotechnology-based
Mps People Solutions Level 9 | 55 Currie Street Adelaide SA 5000 P | 08 8210 8585 F | 08 8210 8500 mpsgroup.com.au
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Focus on Biotechnology
Australian Engineering Week 2010 About Australian Engineering Week (AEW) Australian Engineering Week is a public awareness and education campaign that aims to highlight the role and achievements of the engineering profession in Australia, and to promote engineering as the career of choice. Working towards these aims will benefit the entire engineering profession. Engineers influence all aspects of our lives – they are the people in the team that make it happen. Australian Engineering Week provides an opportunity for the community to see just how important engineers are to us all. The engineering team is well educated, bringing intelligence and vision to bear, to create products and environments for people. 2010 Australian Engineering Week for South Australia will be held from 2nd – 8th August 2010. Members, students and the general community will be invited to participate and see how engineers have improved our quality of life. This year the South Australia Division, with the help of our supporters, will hold over 10 events with over 300 registrations. We hope that you will be able to participate in some of the events on offer in 2010. Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng President Engineers Australia South Australia Division
Monday 2nd August 2010 Traffic Management Centre 10.00am - 11.00am Australian Plant Phenomics Facility 10.00am - 11.30am Tuesday 3rd August 2010 SAGE Automation 10.00am - 11.30am United Water 11.00am - 12.00pm Coca-Cola 1.00pm - 2.00pm Salisbury Wetlands 3.00pm - 4.30pm Student Careers Night 6.00pm - 8.00pm Wednesday 4th August 2010
For more information, or to register, visit the AEW website at www.makeitso.org.au or contact Events Manager Catherine Chamberlain by calling call 08 8202 7140 or via cchamberlain@engineersaustralia.org.au
Adelaide Desalination Plant 9.00am - 12.00pm Coca-Cola 1.00pm - 2.00pm Traffic Management Centre 2.00pm - 3.00pm Thursday 5th August 2010
Traffic Management Centre
This site visit will show participants that the Adelaide traffic system is not driven by a magical black box but by one of the most sophisticated traffic signal systems in the world, and is responsible for the smooth flow of traffic through more than 820 sets of coordinated traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, the Heysen Tunnels, Southern Expressway and the Port River Expressway bridges. Traffic management systems are a complex network of computer, video and communication technology that allows operators to monitor and control traffic flow, and quickly respond to incidents and alarms 24 hours a day. The sophisticated advanced data gathering system, includes SCATS, CCTV and other systems. To find out more about the Traffic Management Centre and what all these acronyms mean join us on one of the visits. The tour includes: • An overview of the automated traffic sign system. • Demonstrations - including how the signals can be accessed remotely to control situation. • An overview of the systems in the Heysen Tunnels, the reversible Southern Expressway and the Port River Expressway bridges. • Viewing real time images from cameras throughout Adelaide.
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SAGE Automation
SAGE Automation is Australia’s leading Independent Systems Integrator, specialising in Industrial Control and Automation. SAGE helps organisations across the Defence, Manufacturing, Mining, Infrastructure, and Utilities sectors to operate more safely, more efficiently, more economically and with improved quality. SAGE employs over 250 people nationally and is the only Australian company certified to the global quality benchmark of the Control System Integration Association (CSIA). With more than 100 engineers, in 7 locations, over 5 industry sectors, our talented team provide intelligent automation and control systems which, quite simply, Deliver Certainty. During your tour of SAGE, you will visit the panel construction workshop and multi-million dollar Didactic Training facility.
ETSA Utilities 10.00am - 11.30am United Water 11.00am - 12.00pm Coopers Brewery 3.30pm - 5.00pm Friday 6th - Sunday 8th August 2010 Science Alive! Now in its 4th year, Science Alive! is one of the premier events in SA. Science Alive is held from the 6th - 8th in the Stirling Angus Hall at the Wayville Showgrounds. For more information about Science Alive contact: Events Manager Catherine Chamberlain P: 08 8202 7140 E: cchamberlain@engineersaustralia.org.au
Adelaide Desalination Plant
Adelaide's desalination plant is one part of the South Australian Government's Water for Good plan to ensure sustainable water supplies for our future. The plant will: • Ensure water even in times of low or no rainfall • Ensure community confidence in supply • Provide the highest standards of environmental performance. The $1.83 billion plant will deliver up to 300 million litres of water each day - or about 100 billion litres per year - using reverse osmosis technology. The plant will incorporate intake and outlet pipelines to draw raw seawater into the facility and return discharge concentrate to the sea.
Coopers Brewery Salisbury Wetlands
The City of Salisbury's investment in a unique and diverse series of wetlands has provided significant economic, social and environmental benefits to the local community and the wider region. As well as forming vital habitats, wetlands are nature's way of filtering storm water before it reaches the ocean. In the construction and operation of its wetlands, the City of Salisbury has been working to provide flood mitigation, reduce environmental pollution, restore natural habitats and provide passive recreational opportunities. Cleansed and recycled stormwater now provides another tremendous resource for the community. More than 20 schools, 62 sporting fields, thousands of homes and numerous commercial customers now receive a reliable 'fit for purpose' water supply, helping Adelaide reduce it's mains water consumption and lessen the impact on the River Murray.
United Water Glenelg Wastewater Treatment Plant
The need for the right water solutions to sustain us in the years ahead is being discussed with equal vigour among politicians and industry professionals, and by families and friends at the dinner table. In a challenging time for the water industry, United Water is ideally placed to help governments and water authorities guarantee future water supplies, cater for future population growth, and deliver solutions for efficient use and reuse of water and wastewater.
Coca Cola Plant
Australian Plant Phenomics Facility
One of the world's most sophisticated plant research facilities, set to make huge advances in international agricultural sustainability and deliver significant benefits to Australia's agriculture and horticulture industries, opened in Adelaide on Thursday 28th January 2010. Based at the University of Adelaide's Waite Campus, the $30 million facility known as The Plant Accelerator is the largest and most advanced public facility of its type in the world. The "super greenhouse" features a series of 50 high-tech glasshouses and laboratories housing more than 1km of conveyor systems that deliver plants automatically to state-of-the-art imaging, robotic and computing equipment. The Plant Accelerator is the national headquarters of the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility and has been jointly funded by the Commonwealth, the SA Government and the University of Adelaide under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) and the Education Investment Fund.
Student Careers Night
Interested in how things work? What makes submarines so quiet, bridges that are graceful yet able to hold so much weight, electricity possible in the middle of the desert or even how machines can work inside the human body? Then a career in engineering might just be for you! This FREE session provides essential information about the exciting and diverse opportunities a career in engineering can offer. The program features young dynamic engineers from various industry sectors such as consulting, defence, mining and construction - speaking about their careers in engineering.
ETSA Utilities Network Operations Centre
ETSA Utilities operates a distribution network that stretches across South Australia, with more than 87,000 kilometres of line and 400 substations. ETSA Utilities is a national leader in cost-efficiency and safety and achieves high levels of customer service and reliability. The key services ETSA Utilities provides the South Australian community include: • Building and maintaining the electricity distribution network • Delivering electricity from the high voltage network through poles and wires to your property or business • Installing, maintaining and reading meters • Providing an emergency response in the event of blackouts • Repairing street lighting.
Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) is the largest bottler of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages in the Asia-Pacific region and one of the top five Coca-Cola bottlers in the world. In the past 7 years CCA has diversified its portfolio of products to include water, sports drinks, fruit juices, coffee, ready-to-drink teas, packaged ready to eat fruit and vegetable products and premium alcoholic beverages. The South Australian operation moved to its current Port Rd plant in 1952. This plant produces close to 16 million cartons of drinks annually (384 million bottles), producing carbonated beverages, sports drinks, fruit juices, ready-todrink teas and alcoholic beverages. The tour of the facility will take in: • The complete beverage production cycle • Hot-fill process / pasteurisation • Recycling, Environment & Sustainability • Influence that the production staff have on the finished product
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Coopers Brewery at Regency Park is one of the most modern breweries in Australia. Officially opened in November 2001, it replaced Coopers' old Leabrook brewery, which after 120 years of continuous use had outgrown its site in a residential setting. Over three years, the design and construction of the new brewery was supervised by Dr Tim Cooper, who was able to select state-of-the-art equipment in brewing, processing and packaging. The objective has been to reduce water and energy use, and to enhance recycling and the elimination of certain wastes. The brewery that operates today not only produces some of Australia's favourite beers, but it does so with the least possible consequence to the environment.
Nominations Are Invited For The John Monash Medal For Engineering Heritage Engineers Australia has established the John Monash Medal as an award to recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals towards increasing the awareness and conservation of Australia's engineering heritage. The Medal is awarded by Engineering Heritage Australia (a Special Interest Group of Engineers Australia). Any person or organisation is invited to nominate an individual they feel has made, over a considerable period of time, an outstanding contribution to engineering heritage in Australia through one or more of the following:
This award is open to members and non-members of Engineers Australia. Nominations are to be in original hard copy signed by the person (or a representative of the group) making the nomination. Photocopies of non-original material should be legible and suitable for scanning. A "How to Nominate" guide is available from the Administrator of EHA and on the Engineers Australia website Four copies of the nomination and supporting material should be mailed to the Administrator, Engineering Heritage Australia, 11 National Circuit, Barton, ACT 2600, (Tel 02 6270 6525).
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The raising of awareness of engineering heritage within the profession;
Four copies of the electronic version of the nomination is also required. This version should preferably be a Microsoft Word or PDF file on a CD and mailed as above, or sent by email to the Administrator HSlat@engineersaustralia.org.au
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The promotion of engineering heritage within the community;
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The recording and documentation of engineering heritage;
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The conservation of engineering heritage;
Nominations and the supporting documentation should reach the Administrator by Thursday 31 August 2010.
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Such other contribution to engineering heritage as Engineering Heritage Australia may consider worthy of recognition.
Helen Slat Administrator, Engineering Practice Engineers Australia
First 6 star green rating for Adelaide education building The University of Adelaide’s new $100 million Innova21 building has achieved Australia’s first 6 Star Green Star Design, Education v1 environmental rating for an education building. The nine level, state-of-the-art building has achieved the unique rating under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Education v1 Tool, which assesses the environmental attributes of new and refurbished education facilities in Australia. “We are delighted that Innova21, the flagship building in the University’s facilities expansion, has been recognised for environmentally sustainable design leadership,” said the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha. Innova21 will house the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences offering improved student amenities including a cafe, computer labs, exhibition area, teaching spaces and 24-hour, seven-days-a-week access to major resources and support facilities. It will be in use by Semester 2, 2010. “Innova21 will not only deliver contemporary staff accommodation and computer aided teaching facilities, but will do so following strict environmental quality criteria established by the Green Star Education v1 Tool. “The completion of this building to such a high standard is an important step forward for the University, which is on track to deliver more than $400 million in state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities by 2011,” Professor McWha said. The building incorporates innovative environmental initiatives such as active slab technology (hydronic cooling loops within the concrete floor) combined with an under-floor air distribution system utilising 100 per cent fresh air ventilation, providing a healthy and comfortable internal environment. 8
Rainwater will be collected via an extensive underground rainwater harvesting system and stored in a 500,000 litre capacity tank. The rainwater will be used in the building’s cooling towers, for toilet flushing and irrigation within the building. The building’s exhibition space on ground level has an Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene (ETFE) inflated roof membrane, providing insulation and natural light The Innova21 Building penetration at the same Photo Courtesy of ASB Creative time. These features are complemented by a low E (low emission) double-glazed curtain wall and a programmable (DALI) lighting system. The building also contains a Tri Generation Plant located at roof level which produces electricity, heating and cooling, while saving energy and utility costs and a digital Building Management System (BMS) to reduce energy consumption. “The technologies within the building are monitored via the BMS, allowing us to use the building as a teaching tool,” said the University’s Executive Dean of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences Professor Peter Dowd. “The data from the BMS will be available to students in real time via a central media wall, which will display information about energy use efficiency and the performance of structural elements.” Olivia Jones Account Director Fuller
An innovative water reclamation plant in Coffs Harbour that meets the irrigation needs of the region, thereby conserving drinking water supplies, recently received the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (NSW) award for Recovering, Recycling and Reusing. The $96m Coffs Harbour Water Reclamation Plant was jointly financed by Council and the NSW Department of Water and Energy. It was delivered through an alliance contract comprising Abigroup, John Holland and the Coffs Harbour council with consulting firm GHD as a sub-alliance partner. The project provides up to 21 megalitres of reclaimed water daily for use in the local region. David Ellis, GHD Manager of Water (SA) said, “This project highlights the advantages for both the client and end users. Innovative solutions were applied to upgrade existing water infrastructure to optimise the use of one of our most precious resources. GHD incorporated global experience in water treatment into the local team to develop the final design solution and to provide assistance during construction under the alliance contract.” The new plant was optimised by reusing existing storage facilities for screened sewerage and for the storage of secondary effluent. The oxidation ditch’s aeration system was designed to operate intermittently during wet weather through use of the oxidation ditch for sludge storage, allowing optimisation of the clarifier. “The excellent levels of nutrient removal have produced reclaimed water of a very high standard, maximising the availability of water for reuse, whilst minimising nutrient release into local water catchments.”
“The award recognises our approach to minimising environmental impact during construction and operation. The new reclamation plant is adjacent to the existing plant and incorporates the existing ponds and lagoons. It demonstrates practical ways that we can make greater use of water and is highly applicable to South Australia,” he added.
The $96m Coffs Harbour Water Reclamation Plant
Currently, there are 44 users of the reclaimed water including nurseries, sports ovals and complexes, golf courses, the race course, a school, six small primary producers, two hydroponics growers and 18 farms. For further information, please contact David Ellis, GHD Manager of Water (SA) on 8111 6682. David Ellis GHD Manager of Water (SA) GHD Pty Ltd
Given the plants proximity to residences and the local airport, detailed modelling of potential odour impacts and the implementation of suitable mitigation measures was also a key component of the project.
A survey on the Next Generation of Family Business Over the past few months, Family Business Australia has been working with KPMG to develop a report into the Next Generation of Family Business in Australia. Throughout March, more than sixty participants shared with us their perspective on the inter-generational transfer, and a series of focus group sessions were held to further develop the survey findings. Some key findings include:
challenge business strategy from a solid foundation. We are very pleased with this report and believe it is a great endorsement of the Next Generation Group within FBA – a group that we are very passionate about developing and supporting as they prepare for succession and its many challenges. We hope you find the report an interesting read. If you should wish to discuss any of the findings, please feel free to contact either of us at any time. Philippa Taylor Dominic Pelligana
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Two-thirds said that working in the family business is where they always wanted to be
CEO, Family Business Australia
Partner, KPMG
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More than 60 percent believe their leadership style is different to the incumbent generation
03 9867 5322
03 9288 6386
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More than one third will focus on business strategy as their priority for change
Electronic version of the survey at: www.fambiz.org.au/Next Generation
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Sixty percent say they will implementing changes to the current governance structure
Issued by Family Business Australia (SA Chapter) – contact Heather Dowling on 8376 5598
www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa
GHD Partners to Reclaim Water
Overall, the optimism of findings from the survey have positively reinforced the impression that many family businesses possess characteristics and qualities that set them apart from other organisations. Our survey has shown that in the future, this advantage will be augmented by a Next Generation of more educated and experienced leaders, who will enhance the role of governance and
A survey on the Next Generation of Family9 Business
Over the past few months, Family Business Australia has been working with KPMG to deve
Engineering Heritage Recognition The challenges and problems of supplying communities with water were the themes that linked engineering heritage activities over the June long weekend. National Deputy President Merv Lindsay FIEAust CPEng presented an Engineering Heritage Marker at the Umberumberka Dam on Friday 11th June 2010. Accepting the marker, Guy Chick from Country Energy thanked Engineers Australia for the heritage award and noted the importance of the waterworks which opened in 1914 and still serve the Broken Hill district. On Sunday 13th June 2010 Merv presented an Engineering Heritage National Landmark at the Cobdogla Irrigation & Steam Museum recognising the Humphrey pump. Accepting the award on behalf of SA Water, Peter Forward (who was involved in the restoration of the pump in 1986) paid tribute to the effort of the volunteers at Cobdogla who continue to operate the pump – the only working example left in the world – several times a year.
Denis Wasley (Cobdogla Steam Friends Society), Peter Forward FIEAust CPEng (SA Water), National Deputy President Merv Lindsay FIEAust CPEng and Division President Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng following the presentation of the Engineering Heritage National Landmark
Representatives of engineering heritage groups from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia were present at both ceremonies and also visited other water management sites including the Chaffey scheme at Mildura and the salt interception scheme at Rufus River near Lake Victoria. Richard Venus MIEAust Engineering Heritage & History Branch Engineers Australia South Australia Division
(Above) Nigel Ridgway FIEAust CPEng EngExec, Guy Chick (Country Energy) and National Deputy President Merv Lindsay FIEAust CPEng following the presentation of the Engineering Heritage Marker at the Umberumberka Dam, Broken Hill (Left) Martin Lambert FIEAust CPEng, National Deputy President Merv Lindsay FIEAust CPEng, Division President Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng and Richard Venus MIEAust standing by the combustion chamber of the Humphrey Pump at Cobdogla [photo: Eamon Lambert]
Northern Resources Trip The Retired Engineers Group (REG) have organised a field trip to explore some aspects of engineering development in Northern South Australia. The field trip is open to all members and friends. Travelling by modern coach the field trip will encompass both engineering and alternative activities. With expert guides your field trip will include: •
Port Augusta Power Stations (from coal in, to electricity out) and alternate visit to the Wadlata Museum.
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Roxby Downs Township Tour of the ever expanding township and aspects of its engineering infrastructure hosted by BHP and Roxby Council. A brief visit to nearby Andamooka or alternatively checkout Roxby shopping etc.
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Olympic Dam Mine Tour (by coach) of surface workings and site of mine expansion. Four lucky people will have the privilege of an underground tour (Selected by lucky draw but you miss out on surface tour).
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Whyalla Solar Thermal demonstration power station to see solar dishes under construction. Mt Laura Homestead Museum (includes Telecommunications display from telegraph to satellite and extensive engine and equipment collection).
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Woomera Village Explore this Australian icon and it’s heritage.
When: 20th to 24th September 2010. The Cost: Approximately $600 per person twin share including transport, motel accommodation and most meals. These costs will be confirmed by the Retired Engineers Group in the coming months. Pickup Points: Adelaide, Port Wakefield and Port Augusta. More Information and Registration: Technical Program Coordinator Paul Godden at pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au or phone 8202 7110 for a Registration Package. Registrations will open during July, closing early August and will be accepted in order of receipt up to the limit of 46 persons.
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Woomera Test Range and Airfield Exclusive tour of this nationally and internationally significant facility.
Deane Kemp FIEAust CPEng (Retired) Chair Retired Engineers Group Engineers Australia South Australia Division
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Membership Profile Michelle is National Chair of the Women in Engineering Committee and works as the Continuous Improvement Lead for PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand. Why did you decide to become an engineer? I have always loved problem solving growing up. When I fixed the ceiling fan control at home when I was six, I knew I was onto something. I also have deep fascination with Space, that’s why I ended up studying Aerospace Engineering. What project are you working on now? I am currently setting up the lean manufacturing program at PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand. Working in the food industry is quite new and exciting for me. What do you like the most about the engineering profession? The diversity of work you are capable of doing! Just look at me, I am an aeronautical engineer working in the food industry. The skills an engineer has can be applied almost everywhere. What do you see as one of the biggest issues facing the engineering profession? Sustainable development / growth.
many different people and it really depends on the situation I am in at the time. The greatest engineering achievement is? Clean and accessible drink water! Otherwise, we would still be drinking ale or wine… What are your hobbies? I love hiking and travelling. Mt. Kilimanjaro is next on the agenda. (with a number of practise hikes elsewhere, of course). Where would your ideal holiday be? Somewhere I could hike and meet the locals. Food needs to be good too. South America is one of my favourite destinations. What was the last book you read? “Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. It’s a book about how women around the world turn oppression into opportunities to create a better life for their families and communities. What is your favourite animal? I have to say I am a dog person. (don’t tell my cat!)
Who has provided you with the greatest amount of inspiration in your career?
Who would you most like to meet?
I can’t really think of one particular person. I get inspirations from
Galileo Galilei and ask him where he got the strength from to keep on flighting on the truth he believed in.
Chartered Status Workshops FREE Chartered Status Workshops will be held for Members and Non Members interested in submitting an application for Chartered Status on Wednesday 4th August 2010 and Wednesday 22nd September 2010. Our National Assessor Ewan Hazeldine will conduct the Chartered Workshop, which will feature invaluable information regarding Engineers Australia, Chartered Status accreditation and tips on writing Career Episode Reports (CERs) and putting together your Chartered Status application. Further dates for workshops can be obtained via the Engineers Australia South Australia Division website at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa or by contacting Membership Officer Nathan Jones on the details below. Registration is essential. Please contact Nathan Jones on 08 8202 7170 or njones@engineersaustralia.org.au to register your attendance.
Engineers Australia Announces New Agreement of Cooperation On 13 May 2010, an Agreement of Cooperation between Engineers Australia and Engineers Without Borders (EWB) was launched in Canberra. th
It is very pleasing to formalise the relationship between Engineers Australia and Engineers Without Borders. Engineers Australia has long been a supporter of the great humanitarian engineering work undertaken by Engineers Without Borders and they will now be officially recognised as an Engineers Australia Technical Society. In turn Engineers Without Borders will now be recognising Engineers Australia as an Industry Partner. Keep an eye out for the official launch of the new partnership in South Australia on the South Australia Division website at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa or in an upcoming edition of Engineering South Australia. For more information about Engineers Without Borders visit their website at www.ewb.org.au or call their head office via 03 9696 9040.
Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Founder Daniel Almagor GradIEAust, Chief Executive Peter Taylor FIEAust CPEng FASCE FIPWEA and EWB CEO Lizzie Brown MIEAust
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www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa
Michelle Shi-Verdaasdonk MIEAust
Your Professional Development July 2010 - August 2010. Unless published otherwise all presentations are scheduled for the Engineers Australia South Australia Division Office. Event details are subject to change. Please check our website prior to event for current information and office location updates. Please note the South Australia Division has relocated premises. Our new address is Level 11, 108 King William Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 Online registrations for many events are now available directly through the South Australia Division Website Events Section at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa
July 2010 Date
Time
Host
Event
Contact
Wednesday 14th
5.30pm
ZeroGen Project – Queensland’s Geosequestration Project
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Monday 19th
5.00pm
Technical Presentation
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Tuesday 20th
5.30pm
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Thursday 22nd
5.30pm
Engineers Australia
Nina Lenz
nlenz@engineersaustralia.org.au
Tuesday 27th
5.00pm
Royal Aeronautical Society
Cessna 422 Life Extension
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Date
Time
Host
Event
Contact
Monday 2nd - Sunday 8th
Various
Engineers Australia
Australian Engineering Week 2010
Catherine Chamberlain
cchamberlain@engineersaustralia.org.au
Wednesday 4th - Thursday 5th
8.00am
Wednesday 4th
12.00pm
IET Retired
Wednesday 4th
5.30pm
Engineers Australia
Wednesday 4th
5.30pm
Thursday 5th
5.30pm
Wednesday 11th
5.30pm
Thursday 12th
6.00pm
Tuesday 17th
5.00pm
Wednesday 18th
8.00am
Thursday 19th - Friday 20th
8.00am
Thursday 19th
5.30pm
Electrical Energy Society of Australia Australian Geomechanics Society JTP Electrical and
Developing training simulators - a software engineering
Electronic
perspective Eminent Speaker Tour - Chris Dann, Civil Engineer of the Year 2009
August 2010
Engineering Education Australia
Workshop: Risk Management
Vehicle Crash Reconstruction Techniques & Applications Chartered Workshop - Prepare your Chartered Status Application
The Institution of
Fire Engineering for Structures and a brief overview of the
Structural Engineers
Eurocodes
Railway Technical Society
Tests with various wheel profiles and PN decision to go back
of Australasia
to ANZR-1
Joint Chemical Engineering Committee Society for Building Services Engineers IEEE
Engineering Education Australia Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Nathan Jones
njones@engineersaustralia.org.au
Online Registrations Only
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Technical Presentation
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Technical Presentation
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Site Visit: Adelaide Traffic Management Centre Venue: Adelaide Traffic Management Centre
Engineering Education
Workshop: Breakthrough Strategies for Professional
Engineering Education
Australia
Women
Australia
Engineering Education Australia Footings Group
info@eeaust.com.au
Engineering Education
Workshop: Earthworks
Australia
Technical Presentation
Paul Godden
Enter
info@eeaust.com.au
info@eeaust.com.au
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
• Preferred rate for members • Free telephone accounting advice • Free first tax return for student and newly graduated members • Free first interview for members Contact Jim McKenzie or Alex Reade Ph 8223 7311
12 The views expressed in Engineering South Australia News are not necessarily those of Engineers Australia South Australia Division.