Engineering
Visit www.makeitso.org.au for more information on Australian Engineering Week 2010
Contents A Message from the President . . . . . . . . . . 2 News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Membership Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Your Professional Development †. . . . . . . . 8
www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa
June 2010
8th August South Australia, 2nd-8th
South Australia
A message from the President Sponsors Division Partners
Division Supporters
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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IMPORTANT – YOU MUST READ THIS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. That’s because the members of Congress are currently considering a proposal to update the By-Laws under which Engineers Australia exists and operates. At a special meeting in late July 2010 your Congress will decide if it will put the proposal to a full member vote. We currently have four South Australia Division members who are members of Congress. Firstly, I am the Division Committee representative and Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd FIEAust EngExec is the Division representative. We are also fortunate that our 2007 Past President Bronte Strout FIEAust CPEng is a representative through being a National Vice President and Michelle Shi-Verdaasdonk MIEAust is the Women in Engineering representative. One year ago Congress met in a special session to consider a draft report and recommendations from the 2009 By-Laws Committee. Engineers Australia is governed under a Royal Charter and By-Laws that are difficult to change and have become increasingly outdated since first written over 90 years ago. The By-Laws Committee concluded that they are not serving us well as they no longer reflect the current scope of our membership, activities and organisation. Legal advice was obtained from barrister Tony Lang, a specialist in “not for profit” organisations. Two further serious defects concerning delegations and our tax exempt status were discovered. Extensive discussions took place and the Congress noted the draft report from the Committee and requested now Immediate Past National President Peter Godfrey FIEAust CPEng EngExec to form a steering committee to conduct a review and re-write of the Charter and By-Laws during 2010. In essence, the rewrite is to be total. In barrister Tony Lang’s words, “the weaknesses of the current constituent documents I have described are so fundamental that they should, in my opinion, be re-written completely in plain language.” That July 2009 Congress also recommended that Council direct Chief Executive Peter Taylor FIEAust CPEng FASCE FIPWEA to plan a program of consultation and communication for the rewrite of the Royal Charter and ByLaws. We are now in the middle of that consultation and communication program. Your South Australia Division Committee members have copies of the most recent, but still changing, proposed new documents. Changing the Royal Charter and our ByLaws has been a difficult and controversial process amongst our members in the past and in particular there was a failed membership ballot in 2005. This time, in
order to make sure that any controversial issues do not upset the need to modernise our By-Laws, the drafting guidelines were simple. The drafting team were told to only change what is necessary to create a modern document – DO NOT CHANGE MATTERS OF SUBSTANCE. Any issues that have previously been controversial such as membership, voting rights, eligibility to stand for office and similar are deferred to some future time. The question being put to Congress is simple – do we want to propose the Draft By-Laws to the Members of Engineers Australia to decide by means of an electronic vote? I am aware that many members will not be engaged by this issue. But you must be! In order to move our By-Laws forward there must be a majority of votes in favour. The chance to ask questions of your Congress representatives is now - so don’t let the chance to influence your By-Laws go by. In this message I also want to briefly mention that the South Australian Infrastructure Report Card (IRC) will be launched on Tuesday 29th June 2010. We started briefing key Government and Opposition stakeholders on the purpose and process in mid May but all details of the findings are embargoed until the launch. The Report is a very interesting document, over two hundred pages, and every member should drop into the office sometime after the public release to keep a copy. We only do the IRC every five years, so get your reference copy as soon as possible. I would like to thank all of the members of the Steering Committee and the many chapter reviewers for their wise counsel, direct input and moral support as we undertook the assessment.
Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng President Engineers Australia South Australia Division
South Australian member reaches major milestone On 3rd October 2009 Robert Kilminster reached a significant milestone as an engineer having completed 70 years of Engineers Australia membership. He joins just two other South Australian members who have more than 70 years membership. Engineers Australia, then The Institution of Engineers Australia, was just 20 years old when Robert joined in 1939. Robert was aged 25 having just graduated with a BE in electrical engineering from the University of Western Australia in the year before. He was elected MIEAust in 1943. He began his long career in professional engineering with the City of Perth in their electricity and gas department followed by a period in local government at Geraldton WA. Tasmania then beckoned with Robert joining Hydro Tasmania working on the design of several schemes. While he would have liked to be involved with the Snowy Mountains scheme, Robert and his family moved yet again - this time to South Australia - joining ETSA in 1956. Employed firstly in the substation design office, he then moved to power station design with the Playford B station at Port Augusta and the Torrens Island station being fondly remembered highlights in his career. Robert was drawing office manager when he retired in 1977. Robert spent his formative years growing up on a farm in the wheat belt of Western Australia and recalls well how farm life then underscored many of the same problems facing family and country communities that still challenge engineers today. Not surprising to Robert is that the supply and distribution of precious water, shortages of power for certain hours of the day, and ensuring sufficient road, rail and communications infrastructure still tax the time and minds of our practicing engineers some 80 or 90 years later. Robert has many experiences and numerous stories of his engineering career and selected colleagues who helped to build South Australia over the past 50 years. Outside of engineering Robert’s special interests included athletics and sports in which he excelled. Only three years ago he stopped playing croquet which he
Deputy President Jeff Walsh FIEAust CPEng presenting the certificate of recognition to Robert Kilminster BE MIEAust CPEng
enjoyed with his wife Doris [now with 72 years of married bliss !], the game having taken them from the Warradale and Grange clubs to attend interstate and national competitions around Australia. Jeff Walsh (Deputy President SA Division) and Deane Kemp (SA Chair of the Retired Engineers Group) thoroughly enjoyed the April morning that they spent with Robert and Doris. At the end of the visit, Robert was presented with a Certificate by Jeff Walsh recognising his long membership and contribution the profession and the community. It was a privilege for us to share in this local celebration where a national engineering career, and 70 years of professional membership, were recognised. Deane Kemp FIEAust CPEng [ret] Chairman Retired Engineers Group Engineers Australia South Australia Division Jeff Walsh FIEAust CPEng FAIM CPMgr GAICD NPER(aerospace) Deputy President Engineers Australia South Australia Division
South Australian young engineers recognised Young Engineers Australia put out a call late last year for Australia’s Most Inspiring Young Engineers, as part of the 2010 Year of Engineering Leadership.
The South Australia Division would like to extend a special congratulations to two South Australian Young Engineers who received High Commendations.
They were looking for motivated, inspirational engineers who display technical excellence, creativity or innovation; exceptional leadership or mentorship; or have made an outstanding contribution to the profession or society. The search highlighted the breadth of talent of Australia’s young engineers and celebrated their achievements.
These two inspiring young engineers are:
The judging panel was impressed with the calibre of the 72 applications received for the award. The judging panel were looking for young engineers with: * Inspirational achievements utilising engineering skills; * Meaningful contribution to the engineering profession;
• Ashley Kingsborough MIEAust and • Julian O’Shea MIEAust CPEng The South Australia Division looks forward to seeing the career of these two young engineers progress, along with the careers of all those they might inspire in the future. Nathan Jones Membership Officer Engineers Australia South Australia Division
* Demonstrated leadership and initiative; * Contribution to society; and * Demonstrated outstanding communication skills. Winners of the Australia’s Most Inspiring Young Engineers Awards were announced in the Engineers Australia magazine and the nation wide e-news in May 2010.
Young Engineers
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www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa
Robert Kilminster BE MIEAust CPEng
GHD wins national Safe Work Award Workplace health and safety is a top priority at GHD. Our health and safety management system was recently awarded the 5th Annual Safe Work Australia Award for “Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System – Private Sector.” The awards, in their fifth year, recognise excellence in work health and safety and acknowledge organisations who demonstrate leadership and innovation in their workplace.
GHD’s winning health and safety management system is a worldwide system ensuring that necessary safety analysis and reporting is implemented in all projects. The global system, backed by extensive training of all staff has led to significant improvements in the workplace including substantial reductions in the occurrence of Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) and Medical Treatment Injuries (MTIs). From the earliest planning stage throughout the design, construction, and commissioning phases, safety is our number one priority. Whilst having a recognised safety management system is imperative, GHD proudly nurtures a safety culture that extends into every aspect of our people’s lives. GHD’s clients benefit from our “safety in design” approach and high degree of safety awareness influencing the design solutions we develop. GHD’s award winning system has delivered: • 3.5 Million Hours LTI free; • 67% reduction in LTIs since June 07; and • 69% reduction in MTIs since June 07.
Clayton Harris, GHD Health and Safety Manager, Andrew Cooper, GHD South Australia Health and Safety Manager, and Tom Phillips AM, Chair Safe Work Australia Council.
Finalists in the private sector for 2010 included Crowne Plaza Australia (ACT), Perth Clinic (WA), Rio Tinto Alcan (TAS), S&N Civil Constructions Pty Ltd (QLD), Transfield Services (NSW) and GHD (SA).
GHD is committed to maintaining a strong health and safety culture and delivering leading practice health and safety initiatives that benefit our staff, clients and stakeholders. GHD's focus on safety culture promotes the delivery of our safety objectives - "Safe You, Safe Me, Safe GHD". GHD Pty Ltd
The award was won through the optimum application and development of the system in the GHD South Australia office.
Find more information at http://www.amcouncil.com.au/icoms.html
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www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa
Update from Mps People Solutions
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Hansen Yuncken renew professional commitment to staff Signed by SA Division President, Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng and Peter Salveson, Hansen Yuncken Manager SA, on the 13th May 2010 the renewed Hansen Yuncken Professional Development Program (PDP) undertakes to enhance Hansen Yuncken’s strategic capacity to deliver a wide range of project delivery methods within the construction industry.
million, Hansen Yuncken have completed over 4000 projects since its inception in 1918. Hansen Yuncken can tailor various procurement strategies to meet the specific needs of clients and their projects. Delivery methods are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated. Hansen Yuncken is positioned at the forefront of such innovation and are regularly invited to work with clients in developing delivery methods. Specialist staff, qualified and experienced across a range of delivery methods, have developed comprehensive procedures and operating systems to manage particular needs and to assist clients in making informed decisions. Hansen Yuncken can demonstrate cost competitiveness and efficiency in the implementation of all delivery methods. Hansen Yuncken has experience and expertise in the following delivery strategies: development packaging; public private partnerships (ppp); alliance/relationship contracting; managing contractor; project and construction management; design and construct/turnkey; and fixed price contracts. Hansen Yuncken encourage their clients’ involvement in the project delivery process, to the extent of their desire, expertise and availability. Mature Experienced Engineers Pathway
Peter Salveson, Manager SA; Caroline Argent, Engineers Australia SA Division Executive Director; Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng, SA Division President; Greg Baumann, Construction Manager
Hansen Yuncken is one of Australia's largest privately owned construction companies with offices in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland. Directly employing over 600 staff and having a current annual turnover exceeding $800
to
Lyndley King Chartered Status Industry Relationship Manager SA/NT Engineers Australia South Australia Division
I recently attained my Chartered Professional Engineering Status with Engineers Australi off, to complete my CPEng for several years, but had never quite got around to finalising arranging the interview. With 17 years of engineering experience I had no technical con Engineering Practice Report (EPR), but it was going to take precious time and would invo employers for their verification of some Career Episode Reports (CERs).
However, I am happy to report that attaining my Chartered Status was not nearly as diffi first thought. The main reasons were the availability of the Mature Experienced Enginee Status and the support and guidance of the staff at Engineers Australia.
Mature Experienced Engineers Pathway to Chartered Status I recently attained my Chartered Professional Engineering Status with Engineers Australia. I had been trying, on and off, to complete my CPEng for several years, but had never quite got around to finalising all of the paperwork and arranging the interview. With 17 years of engineering experience I had no technical concerns with completing a full Engineering Practice Report (EPR), but it was going to take precious time and would involve going back to previous employers for their verification of some Career Episode Reports (CERs). However, I am happy to report that attaining my Chartered Status was not nearly as difficult and time consuming as first thought. The main reasons were the availability of the Mature Experienced Engineers Pathway to Chartered Status and the support and guidance of the staff at Engineers Australia. By following the Mature Experienced Engineers Pathway I was able to demonstrate my competency against the required units and elements with a smaller number of less comprehensive project reports, comprising a Statement of Experience (SoE) - as opposed to the full EPR.
By following the Mature Experienced Engineers Pathway I was able to demonstrate my c
The advice I received helped me to understand the level of detail required units and elements with a smaller number of less comprehensive project repor that Engineers Australia required for the SoE. Once I developed my of Experience (SoE) ‐ as opposed to the full EPR. first project report the SoE was relatively easy to generate. Having The process included developing a detailed resume of my experience and the identificati completed my SoE, the remaining items to be completed were the units to be demonstrated. The advice I received helped me to understand the level of de Continued Professional Development (CPD) activity statement, required for the SoE. Once I developed my first project report the SoE was relatively easy application form and attending my Professional Interview.
completed my SoE, the remaining items to be completed were the Continued Profession
activity statement, application form and attending my Professional Interview. The whole process from start to finish took little more than two months and was completed while working full time.
The whole process from start to finish took little more than two months and was comple
In summary, I would encourage other mature engineers with over 15 In summary, I would encourage other mature engineers with over 15 years engineering e years engineering experience to talk to the team at Engineers Australia team at Engineers Australia about the Mature Experienced Engineers Pathway to Charte about the Mature Experienced Engineers Pathway to Chartered Status. Nat Campbell MIEAust CPEng
Nat Campbell MIEAust CPEng Sinclair Knight Merz Sinclair Knight Merz
The process included developing a detailed resume of my experience and the identification of the key competency units to be demonstrated. Chemeca 2010 will be held in Adelaide from 26th - 29th September 2010. Chemeca 2010 will bring together industrial chemists, chemical technologists, chemical & process engineers, energy technologists and materials engineers from across the world to present, discuss and debate key challenges facing humanity, including how we may best address the big environmental challenges of this century whilst continuing to maintain economic growth. Chemeca 2010 will not only be a showcase for new knowledge but also a forum to discuss current issues. It is an excellent opportunity to listen to and share our vision with leaders of the profession from industry and academia. For more information about Chemeca 2010 visit http://www.chemeca2010.com or email chemeca2010@icms.com.au 6
Deane Kemp FIEAust CPEng (Retired)
to retract my rejection of his offer of employment and starting my career as a Consulting Engineer.
Why did you decide to become an engineer?
The greatest engineering achievement is?
By default in a way! Medicine seemed attractive but, having gone part through high school without Latin, that option seemed to be closed. From my earliest days being inquisitive and always making and modifying things [like converting a bicycle generator into an electric motor] engineering then seemed to be the way to go. And so with a Commonwealth Scholarship I enrolled as an undergraduate for a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electrical Engineering. Thoughts of medicine were cast aside without any regrets. What project are you working on now? Now retired from employment and unable to pass a CPD audit, I am not working in the usual sense... However currently I am engaged in a voluntary capacity on the restoration and recommissioning of the servants’ bell system in The University of Adelaide’s Urrbrae House. Built for Peter Waite and completed in early 1892, this building shows the innovative and pioneering character of its owner. His house was “all electric” and well prior to any reticulated public electricity supply. It incorporated one of South Australia’s largest electrical installations with the house still containing significant remnants of the 1892 installation. I am implementing one of the recommendations of a report of mine prepared several years ago! What do you like the most about the engineering profession? The challenge to make a difference, the opportunity to apply engineering skills for the benefit of the community, the creativity involved and the satisfaction on completion of a successful project. Finding a simple low cost solution to an engineering problem not obvious at the outset is most rewarding. [I had an experience where the alternative solution developed in response to the client’s brief resulted in a great cost saving, no further work for the consulting engineer and a very satisfied client!] What do you see as one of the biggest issues facing the engineering profession? With the increasing demand for responsible engineering solutions to the issues surrounding the world’s and the community’s needs, attracting more people into the profession has to be high on the list. Who has provided you with the greatest amount of inspiration in your career? Not one person in particular. I guess one learns from a range of colleagues at different times and in various situations. Learning from one’s mistakes and near mistakes can be quite inspirational! But I do have to thank the late Colin Taylor FIEAust for convincing me
The comparison of the significance of engineering works across different eras is not all that straightforward. Several of Australia’s major engineering achievements have received Engineers Australia’s ultimate accolade, a National Engineering Landmark. Such works include the East West Telegraph from Adelaide to Perth, The Engineering Works on the River Murray from the Barrage at Goolwa to the Hume Reservoir, The Snowy Mountains Scheme and many more all of which have contributed or are still contributing to the development and wealth of Australia for the benefit of its people. What are your hobbies? History, photography, furniture restoration, exploring engineering heritage, motoring to name but a few.
our
What do you think you will be doing five years from now? Living and working in Antarctica. It is too late now with the opportunity long passed. But I did consider it at the outset of my career. If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? While on a study tour in the USA some 30 years ago I was offered employment at Colonial Williamsburg. While Virginia is delightful I am still quite happy living in Adelaide What is your motto? Learn something every day. [To make up for what I forget?] Who would you most like to meet? I often think of Colonel William Light as I move around the city in which we live and the herculean task he confronted in the site selection and planning of the City of Adelaide. He completed the task in the almost impossibly short time frame thrust upon him and his staff. The pressure upon him must have been immense. It would have been nice to be able to thank the founder of Adelaide and congratulate him.
Chartered Status Workshops A FREE Chartered Status Workshop will be held for Members and Non Members interested in submitting an application for Chartered Status on Wednesday 23rd June 2010. The next workshop will be held Tuesday 3rd August 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. 7
www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa
Membership Profile
Your Professional Development June 2010 - July 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 registration for many events is now available directly through the South Australia Division Website Events Section at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa
June 2010 Date
Time
Host Australian Geomechanics
Event
Contact
Technical Presentation
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Chartered Workshop
Nathan Jones
njones@engineersaustralia.org.au
Technical Presentation
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Catherine Chamberlain
cchamberlain@engineersaustralia.org.au
cchamberlain@engineersaustralia.org.au
Monday 21st
5.00pm
Tuesday 22nd
5.30pm
Wednesday 23rd
5.30pm
Tuesday 29th
5.30pm
Royal Aeronautical Society
Tuesday 29th
12.00pm
Engineers Australia
Wednesday 30th
6.00pm
Engineers Australia
South Australia Division Premises Launch
Catherine Chamberlain
Date
Time
Host
Event
Contact
Thursday 1st
5.30pm
Cairns Tilt Train Accident
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Monday 5th
5.00pm
Technical Presentation
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Tuesday 6th
5.00pm
ZeroGen Project
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Wednesday 7th
5.30pm
Technical Presentation
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Wednesday 7th
7.00am
Leadership Development Series Session 8
Catherine Chamberlain
cchamberlain@engineersaustralia.org.au
Thursday 8th
6.00pm
Technical Presentation
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Tuesday 13th
5.30pm
JTP Mechanical
Motor Vehicle Lecture
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Wednesday 14th
12.00pm
Retired Engineers Group
Development of the Rocket Range
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Thursday 15th
8.00am
Concrete Institute of
SERVICEABILITY: Design for Deflection and Crack Control
Concrete Institute of
Australia (CIA)
Venue: Adelaide Pavilion, South Terrace, ADELAIDE
Australia
Monday 19th
5.00pm
Technical Presentation
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Tuesday 20th
5.30pm
JTP Electrical
Paul Godden
pgodden@engineersaustralia.org.au
Thursday 22nd
5.30pm
Engineers Australia
Nina Lenz
nlenz@engineersaustralia.org.au
Society
Patently Obvious - Biomedical Engineering Excursions into
JTP Biomedical
the Intellectual Property Maze
Engineers Australia South Australia Division
Infrastructure Report Card Launch and Fellows Luncheon Venue: Ballroom, Sebel Playford, North Terrace ADELAIDE
July 2010
Railway Technical Society of Australasia Australian Geomechanics Society The Electric Energy Society Of Australia Joint Chemical Engineering Committee CELM SA Society of Building Services Engineering
Australian Geomechanics Society
Developing training simulators - a software engineering perspective Eminent Speaker - Chris Dann, Civil Engineer of the Year 2009
nsw@concreteinstitute.com.au
Articles Welcome Do you have feedback about the Engineering South Australia newsletter or an article you would like included? We would love to hear from you! Feedback and articles can be submitted to Nathan Jones Membership Officer via njones@engineersaustralia.org.au or by phoning 08 8202 7170
South Australia Division
• 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
8 The views expressed in Engineering South Australia News are not necessarily those of Engineers Australia South Australia Division.