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Engineering South Australia November 2011 www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa
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Contents
President’s message
President’s Message
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Division Group Update
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New PDP Agreements Industry Liaising
4-5
Members Profile
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Upcoming Events
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Division executives President Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd FIEAust EngExec Deputy President Gerry Doyle MIEAust CPEng Immediate Past President Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng Executive Director Caroline Argent Deputy Director Sarah Carey 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
Sponsors Division Partner
Division Supporters
This is my last message to you in my role as President for the Engineers Australia South Australia Division. In my first message in December last year I declared that one of my ambitions for my Presidency was to showcase the contributions of South Australian engineers to the wider community. As I look back on the year a highlight for me was the publication of the engineering bulletin in the Advertiser during Australian Engineering Week 2011. The ‘Engine Room’ showcased achievements across a wide spectrum of engineering. I hope that all of you have seen the publication and this has contributed to your pride in our profession. Another highlight for me was the release of Engineers Australia’s first ever Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which commits our organisation to actions which will assist our members to not only understand better the culture of the first Australians, but also to contribute to mutually beneficial working arrangement between our communities. With the recent announcements regarding Olympic Dam, as well as the increasing level of activity in other parts of the mining and resources sector, engineers are poised to make an even greater contribution to the growth of our state. Engineers Australia will continue to play an important role in supporting and promoting the profession to respond to the challenges of this growth. As this is my last newsletter I would like to extend my thanks to our Executive Director Caroline Argent and her wonderful staff, who have worked tirelessly to support the vast number of activities which have occurred throughout the year. Also, I would like to thank my colleagues on the South Australian Division Committee, and the other numerous volunteers who run the various technical committees across the organisation. Their dedication provides the opportunities for all of us to gain valuable professional development and build the relationships essential to our success. I strongly encourage all of you to be as involved as you can be with Engineers Australia. Your active participation not only supports the profession, but also contributes to your own professional development. With this in mind I look forward to seeing you all at the Christmas Networking Event and Annual Division Meeting on Thursday 1st December 2011. This is an opportunity to meet many active engineers, myself and the incoming Division President Gerry Doyle MIEAust CPEng. This will also provide a chance to hear a presentation from WGCDR Tobyn Bearman FIEAust CPEng about the role South Australian engineers are playing in Afghanistan. Looking forward to 2012, I am confident that President-Elect Gerry Doyle MIEAust CPEng and his new Division Committee will oversee the South Australia program of Engineers Australia with skill and commitment. The Year of the Regional Engineering Team is very appropriate in South Australia as we witness the growth and development of the mining and resources sector, and seek to deliver on our objectives embodied in the Reconciliation Action Plan. I look forward to supporting Gerry and his team in 2012. Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd FIEAust EngExec President Engineers Australia South Australia Division
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Engineering South Australia
Eminent Speaker Visits Adelaide On Monday 12th September 2011 Professor Sanjit Mitra presented to the Adelaide members regarding "Digital Signal Processing : Road to the Future". His presentation covered the evolution of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, industry and its application. He shared information of his past and present studies, research into the development of electronics technology. Professor Mitra provided a broad visibility of DSP principles, design applications benefits and advantages, fundamental techniques used in the industry to improve SNR. He talked about implementation of sophisticated signal processing times that allows interaction with systems all well illustrated by graphical demonstration of processors evolution. He described "The Microprocessors Interlocked Pipeline Stages (MIPS)" costs, illustrating performance trends, making clear where the technology is applied ranging
from Modem, Video Conferencing, HDTV and Real Time Imaging etc. He gave a visibility of the several Programmable DSP applications where 56% approximately is used in communications systems, 10.5% in automotive industry, 21% in computers and 4.5% in military / aero application. Professor Mitra closed his presentation with what he believes the future trends are in the technology industry. The South Australia Division and the South Australia ITEE Branch would like to thank Professor Mitra for his time, insight and guidance. Marcelo Botelho TMIEAust CEngT Chair, ITEE Branch Engineers Australia South Australia Division
World Leading Lean Specialists Speak At SA Division Manufacturing companies from small to large in Adelaide got together to attend a joint Engineers Australia Mechanical College and Enterprise Connect technical seminar on the evening of 26th September 2011. The joint seminar hosted two world leading lean specialists, Greg Lane and Neil Trivedi. Greg has 22 years of worldwide lean implementation experience across 31 countries with diverse types of organisations. He also personally bought and profitably transformed his own manufacturing company. He is the author of ‘Made-To-Order Lean’ and ‘Mr Lean Buys & Transforms a Manufacturing Company’. Neil is the Global business process excellence director with GKN. He is world leading in applying lean concepts outside the manufacturing shop floor into business processes. Providing deep insights into true lean implementation and continuous improvement programs in the manufacturing industry, Greg and Neil provided practical advice in embracing lean principals to increase productivity and profit. With the current trend in manufacturing in Australia, the topic of the seminar was an interest to anyone who works in manufacturing. How we can transform manufacturing companies to be more productive and engage in higher value add activities, are the answers to a long sustaining manufacturing industry in Australia. Left to Right: Neil Trivedi and Greg Lane
The seminar could not have happened without the support from Enterprise Connect, who brought the speakers to Australia. Enterprise Connect is an Australian government initiative to provide advice and network support to SMEs in Australia. They have a network of 12 centres located across the country that work with small and medium businesses in industries as diverse as manufacturing, clean technology, resources, defence and the creative sector by providing business improvement services. Michelle Shi-Verdaasdonk MIEAust
Young Engineers Continue To Bring The Stories Stories from the Field are short presentations organised by Young Engineers Australia – SA (YEA-SA) as part of Engineers Australia’s Year of Humanitarian Engineering. Each presentation aims to demonstrate different aspects of humanitarian engineering and the experiences of engineers in the field. The third Stories from the Field was held Wednesday 28th September 2011 and focused on short-term emergency and disaster relief work. The presenter, Garry Satterley OAM OFIEAust, was deployed by RedR (Registered Engineers for Disaster Relief) to East Timor in 2006 to assist with logistics and planning of temporary camps for displaced population. Garry spoke about his experiences in the field and presented helpful tips for young engineers who are interested in working in emergency relief. Garry also introduced RedR, their role in emergency relief work and how engineers can become a part of the RedR register for overseas humanitarian deployment. Mira Sembiring GradIEAust Committee Member, Young Engineers Australia - South Australia Engineers Australia South Australia Division
Left to Right: YEA - SA Chair Dr Cris Birzer MIEAust and Garry Satterley OAM OFIEAust
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Daly International NEWEST SA PDP Participants Daly International recently signed a local Professional Development Program (PDP) Contract with the South Australian Division, further deepening its existing relationship with Engineers Australia throughout the other states. "We value the Chartered Status of our engineers just as much as our clients do" stated SA/NT Manager Dom Coomber. "We are developing local engineers to work on local projects and the Chartered Status of our engineers is recognised as the highest level of engineering competency. The PDP platform instills ethical values and provides our engineers with the best possible catalyst for career advancement opportunities." Daly International is an Australian owned firm that specialises in providing professional services to the infrastructure and built environment sectors.
Left to Right: Dom Coomber, SA/NT Manager, Daly International and Division Deputy President Gerry Doyle MIEAust CPEng
More specifically, services include engineering design & documentation; town planning; property acquisition and project management consultancy. Clients are attracted to our in-house, single point of contact service that prides itself on satisfying all pre-construction design and approval needs. Current infrastructure appointments include working with Optus and Vodafone Hutchison Australian to acquire and design new base stations throughout SA & WA. Recently completed projects include design and documentation for the National Broadband Network's early release site in Willunga, SA Daly International also has engineering experience in the renewable energy, industrial, airport, correctional, health and education sectors. For more information about Daly's local services contact Dom Coomber SA/NT State Manager ph: 08 7111 0402 email: dcoomber@dalyinternational.com.au web: www.dalyinternational.com.au Jason Thornhill Industry Relationship Manager Engineers Australia South Australia Division
New Partnership Provides Professional Pathways ETSA Utilities recently launched a new partnership to further develop their Engineering Graduates through participation in Engineers Australia’s Professional Development Program (PDP). Engineers Australia’s PDP is the platform for engineers to achieve Chartered Status. The program is structured around an identified job and career path progression and includes work-based training. It can be tailored to match both the professional needs of employees and the business requirements of an organisation. ETSA Utilities operates a distribution network that stretches across South Australia, comprising thousands of kilometres of powerline and hundreds of substations. The key services they provide the South Australian community include delivering electricity from the high voltage network through poles and wires to properties or businesses, installing, maintaining and reading meters, providing an emergency response in the event of blackouts and repairing street lighting. Apart from the regulated side of its business, ETSA Utilities also provides electrical infrastructure project management, construction and maintenance services for other businesses and government. Left to Right: Mark Brownley FIEAust CPEng EngExec, GM Field Services, ETSA Utilities, Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd FIEAust EngExec, South Australia Division President and Doug Schmidt GM Network Management, ETSA Utilities.
The PDP forms part of ETSA Utilities’ existing Graduate Development Program and provides graduates with an opportunity to develop professionally and personally whilst improving their skills and gaining a broader understanding of ETSA Utilities and its business. As a partner organisation and employer of choice, ETSA Utilities provides a structured framework for staff development, delivering recruitment and retention benefits. Graduate employees will be able to access workshops and presentations, training, support and continuous assessment on the road towards status as a Chartered Engineer. ETSA Utilities’ General Manager Field Services Mark Brownley says that supporting their graduate workforce is the key to ETSA Utilities’ recruitment and retention strategies. “At ETSA Utilities we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, where they all have opportunities to make important and lasting contributions and are set up to achieve,” he said. “The Graduate Development Program provides an opportunity for graduates to put theory into practice. Working with graduates to assist them in reaching their full potential, we provide comprehensive and rounded opportunities for professional development and personal growth across our diverse and dynamic electricity network business”. Participation in Engineers Australia’s PDP is open to engineers across all fields and all types of enterprise. Currently, there are about 6,000 engineers and 300 organisations participating in Engineers Australia’s PDP. Jason Thornhill Industry Relationship Manager Engineers Australia South Australia Division
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Engineering South Australia
Gender Diversity – A business and an industry Priority
Women in Engineering National Committee On Friday 7th October 2011, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Engineers Australia Women in Engineering SA Committee ran a successful workshop on the theme “Gender Diversity – a business and an industry priority”. The keynote speaker for the workshop was Professor Carroll Seron, an internationally renowned scholar from the University of California. Carroll has undertaken significant research into the reasons why there is a persistent gender gap in engineering. The workshop was attended by 30 keenly interested representatives of some of South Australia’s largest engineering employers. It has developed a number of recommendations for Engineers Australia, employers and individuals, which will inform future actions by Engineers Australia’s national Women in Engineering Committee, as well as those present at the workshop. The following is an extract from the opening presentation, by Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd FIEAust EngExec, Regional Director, Parsons Brinckerhoff, and current President of Engineers Australia South Australia Division. “The business case for gender diversity “In the landmark McKinsey report in 2007 – ‘Women matter, gender diversity, a corporate performance driver’ the authors compared the performance of companies with a higher proportion of women in management with similar companies with a lower proportion of women in management. Their findings provide the fundamental business case; • Higher return on equity • Better operating profit • Higher growth in stock price. “But McKinsey found that to realise these benefits it is necessary to have at least 30% of women in senior management roles. “Former Deloitte USA Chairman Mike Cook coined the term ‘the stupid curve’ – referring to the business stupidity of companies drawing their senior leaders from only half the population – 90% of senior business leaders in the USA are male! “Although women join the workforce in roughly equal numbers, men have a 9 times better chance of reaching senior executive level than women.
Australian engineering workforce is only 6.2%. Few women are studying engineering and then the dropout rate from the profession is high. Another stark example of the ‘stupid curve’ in action! “And this needs to be considered in the current employment environment when engineers are in short supply, and this is getting worse as the population ages. For example, the unemployment of engineers in South Australia is exceedingly low (3%). “Gender diversity in Parsons Brinckerhoff “At PB, gender diversity is a top management priority. We have had a gender diversity program in place for nearly three years and we are already beginning to see some % outcomes. For example: • Participation of women in middle management has grown from 24% to 29% • Our female staff turnover rate has gone from being 20% higher than the male turnover rate, to 18% lower. “These are encouraging trends but we still have much more progress to make. For example, the participation of women in senior leadership is only 9%, albeit improving over the last three years from an even lower 6%. “The challenge for our profession “The 2009/10 APESMA (Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia) reported on a survey of over 1000 female members. The survey graphically illustrates that the biggest challenge to our profession is a cultural one. Women engineers understand this, but many men do not. Research shows that there is an unconscious bias amongst the predominantly male management hierarchy in organisations which works to maintain the status quo. “Events like the one today I hope will contribute to a greater awareness of the issues, amongst both men and women. More importantly, I hope today will help you understand better what you personally can do to contribute to increasing the participation of women in our profession, especially in leadership roles, and thereby deliver improved performance for the organisations you represent.” Parsons Brinckerhoff
“Gender diversity in our industry “The latest Engineers Australia statistical overview of the engineering profession in South Australia makes very sober reading: “The percentage of women doing engineering degrees in South Australia over the past decade has remained fairly static – at a disappointing 13.5-15.5%. Even worse, in the most-recently available census results (2006) the percentage of women in the South
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Concept2Creation continues to put the E in STEM Minister Weatherill recently launched the SA STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) Strategy. This begs the question, where is the “E” in school curriculum and what are the best ways of putting engineering back in the school spotlight, among other positive STEM outcomes. Therefore, it is timely to receive an update on the Concept2Creation program that uses engineering-based projects to generate real-world applications for STEM and other subjects. Since being awarded an excellence award by Engineers Australia South Australia Division in 2009, NAMIG (Northern Advanced Manufacturing Industry Group) has been busy improving the Concept2Creation program. This includes: Expanding the C2C suite of projects to create learning opportunities for students in the middle as well as the senior years of schooling; Expanding from its origins in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, to include schools in the southern and western suburbs, making up the current 26 schools and 2900 students who participate in the program; and Expanding student and community perceptions of what constitutes Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing in the 21st century. In collaboration with Anh Tran GradIEAust, NAMIG has developed an adaptation of the Engineers Without Borders (EWB) program for schools. This has presented engineering as a profession that requires project design and management, plus consideration of the wide ranging implications of projects. It has also identified a significant link between engineering and social justice. Both of these dimensions of the project have proven particularly appealing to female students and will generate broader appreciation of the
profession. In addition, the utilisation of engineering undergraduates, who have also undertaken EWB participation, as team mentors has further enhanced the experience for students. A second project has been developed in conjunction with GM Holden, Scalextric and PTC Software. It involves student teams being provided a very basic car kit that encourages them to analyse and develop improved assembly, design and economy in the vehicle. The overall project is intended to occur over Years 8-10 with separate challenges being staged to assess quality assembly and economy principles that are developed by the teams. This project has been greatly assisted by four young GM graduates and contributions from SAGE Automation, Baker Pattern Making, Acrylics Plastics, Sonnex Engineering and Southern Model Supplies. Besides developing projects for students, NAMIG continues to identify teachers as a vital cog in this education process. Professional development opportunities in Project Management, Systems Engineering, Lean and Quality Principles plus various forms of industry immersion are provided to support this group. NAMIG welcomes enquiries from other organisations who are interested in fostering further project opportunities for our next generation workforce. All enquiries can be directed to Bernie Fitzsimons 0427 123 131 or Bernie@concept2creation.com.au. Bernie Fitzsimons General Manager NAMIG Inc
KBR Wins AIPM NSW Project of the Year KBR recently announced that its project management of stage 4 of Australia’s largest wind farm has won the Australian Institute of Project Management’s (NSW) Project of the Year. KBR managed the project on time and within budget for Sydney-based client AGL Energy— Australia’s largest private owner, operator and developer of renewable energy assets. This is the third wind farm KBR has delivered for AGL, and KBR is currently managing construction of a fourth for AGL: the 420-megawatt, 140-turbine Macarthur Wind Farm in Victoria, which, when completed in 2013, is expected to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. “KBR used its experience on previous wind farms to effectively drive safety and innovation on the Hallett project,” said Paul Campbell, AIPM NSW President. “This attitude has led to KBR’s long-term relationship with AGL and ongoing involvement in its wind farm projects.” The project, which also won the category of Construction/Engineering in Excess of $100 million, added 63 turbines and 132 megawatts to the Hallett group of wind farms in South Australia, increasing capacity to 298 megawatts. The additional capacity could power 80,000 homes.
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“The Hallett program is a case study in lessons learned and how success can be achieved through a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork,” said Mark Stephens, AGL Head of Construction – Power Development. Colin Elliott, KBR President, Infrastructure & Minerals, said KBR had made a strong investment in sustainability initiatives in recent years, so the win for a wind farm was particularly pleasing. “I’m proud that our team delivered Hallett not only on time and under budget, but also with excellent risk and safety management. This outcome is testament to the effectiveness of a strong and cohesive team driven to achieve excellence in project management.” With a reputation for reliability and technical excellence, and an unswerving commitment to workplace safety, KBR has operated in the Asia Pacific region for more than 50 years. In Australia, the company services six key market sectors – defence, facilities, hydrocarbons, minerals, transport and water. For more information: Australia.kbr.com KBR is a global engineering, construction and services company supporting the energy, hydrocarbon, government services, minerals, civil infrastructure, power, industrial, and commercial markets. Sonia Green External Communications Manager, Asia Pacific KBR
Engineering South Australia
Member Profile Ken Schalk is the 2011 South Australian Professional Engineer of the Year. Ken has been regarded as the pre-eminent stormwater engineer in South Australia for the past 20 years. He is a trusted advisor to many local governments on stormwater issues. During his career Ken has consistently pushed the boundaries of stormwater management, including authoring guidelines for Urban Stormwater Master Planning. He is also a leading pioneer in water sensitive urban design.
Ken Schalk FIEAust CPEng Why did you decide to become an engineer?
What do you think you will be doing five years from now?
I always had an interest in building construction, was good at maths and physics, and decided that the best way of becoming involved in the construction industry was to become a civil engineer.
Probably much the same as I am doing now – but possibly I could also be contemplating retirement!
What do you like the most about the engineering profession?
If you could have worked on any engineering project, throughout history, what would you choose?
The diversity of projects and the challenges they present means that work life is never boring. What project(s) are you working on now? A number of Stormwater Master Plans for various parts of Adelaide. What do you see as one of the biggest issues facing the engineering profession? The need to continue to attract the most talented students from high school to pursue an engineering career.
As a Water Engineer, either Hover Dam or the Snowy Mountains Scheme. What is your motto? Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. Who would you most like to meet? Leonardo da Vinci
What are your hobbies? Doing small volleyball.
projects
around
home,
tennis
and
What advice would you provide to someone interested in becoming an engineer? I would encourage them to choose a field of engineering for which they have a passion and to pursue it.
Congratulations To Our Members! The South Australia Division would like to congratulate the following members on obtaining Chartered Status between 1st July 2011 and 30th September 2011: • Mark Brownley FIEAust CPEng EngExec; • Peter Jameson MIEAust CPEng; • Thomas Armitage MIEAust CPEng; • Vahid Bhaskaran MIEAust CPEng; • Simon Costanzo MIEAust CPEng; • Peter Keaney MIEAust CPEng; • Kim Kemeny MIEAust CPEng; • Rajan Koo MIEAust CPEng; • Andrew Petersen MIEAust CPEng; • and Alberto Sarnari MIEAust CPEng. Congratulations also to the following members on obtaining Fellow status during this quarter: • Paul Gay FIEAust CPEng; • Richard Twisk FIEAust CPEng; • Gregory Rice FIEAust; • and Angela Engelke FIEAust CPEng. We would also like to congratulate Jim Whalley CompIEAust on obtaining Companion status during this quarter. Finally the South Australia Division would also like to take this chance to welcome the 172 new members, 43 readmitting members and 33 members who have moved to South Australia. Are you interested in becoming a member? Contact Member Relationship Coordinator Nathan Jones via njones@engineersaustralia.org.au or by calling 08 8202 7170.
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Upcoming Events 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 the event for current information and updates. Please note the South Australia Division address is Level 11, 108 King William Street ADELAIDE SA 5000. Online registration, or how to register, is now available directly through the South Australia Division Website Events Section at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa/events (or www.eeaust.com.au for those events held by Engineering Education Australia) where ever a blue arrow is shown.
November
Tue 29th ~ 5.30pm
Tue 15th ~ 5.00pm JTP Electrical and Electronic Event Type: Technical Presentation Topic: The National Broadband Network - Why are we doing this and where is it up to? Thu 17th ~ 5.30pm
Royal Aeronautical Society Event Type: Technical Presentation Wed 30th ~ 12.15pm IET Retired Event Type: Technical Presentation Topic: Where and When - the GPS Reliant Society Wed 30th ~ 12.15pm
South Australia Division Footings Group Event Type: Technical Presentation Topic: Annual Division Meeting 2011
Engineers Australia Event Type: Eminent Speaker Presentation - Alistair Gibb Topic: Safe Offsite Enquiries: Megan Sam, Eminent Speaker Program Coordinator, via eminentspeakerseries@engineersaustralia.org.au
Mon 21st ~ 5.30pm Australian Geomechanics Society Event Type: Technical Presentation Mon 23rd ~ 5.30pm
December
Engineers Australia Event Type: Awards Night (National) Topic: Australian Engineering Excellence Awards Presentation Dinner Venue: The Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra Enquiries: Engineers Australia National Office via awards@engineersaustralia.org.au
Thu 1st ~ 6.00pm Engineers Australia Event Type: Christmas Networking Event and Annual Division Meeting Enquiries: Events Coordinator Sharryn Fensom via sfensom@engineersaustralia.org.au
Wed 23rd ~ 9.30am
Tue 6th ~ 5.15pm
South Australia Division Retired Engineers Group Event Type: Site Visit Topic: The Northern Expressway - Design Solutions and Benefits Venue: Adelaide Central Bus Station, 85 Franklin Street, Adelaide Thu 24th ~ 5.30pm Software Engineering and Architecture JTP Event Type: Technical Presentation Topic: What is Systems Engineering? Enquiries: ITEE Branch Committee Member Bill Malkin via bill@malkin.com
Engineers Australia Event Type: Chartered Workshop Presentation Topic: Prepare Your Chartered Status Application Enquiries: Member Relationship Coordinator Nathan Jones via njones@engineersaustralia.org.au Fri 23rd ~ 5.00pm to Mon 9th ~ 9.00am Engineers Australia South Australia Division Christmas Closure
2011 ADM
Annual Division Meeting and Christmas Networking Event Engineers Australia South Australia Division would like to invite you to attend our 2011 Christmas Networking Event to be held Thursday 1st December 2011. The Christmas Networking Event will be held at Next Generation, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide. The event will provide a chance for you to join us for networking opportunities and to celebrate the end of a successful year for the engineering profession. Refreshments and canapes will be served from 6pm to 9pm. You will also hear from Wing Commander Tobyn Bearman FIEAust CPEng on his experiences in Afghanistan. Prior to the Christmas Networking Event there will be a short Annual Division Meeting. For more details, online registration and payment please visit: www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa/events
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www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa Engineering South Australia