News Engineers Australia Northern Division
August 2010
Survey House 14 Shepherd Street Darwin GPO Box 417 Darwin NT 0801 Telephone (08) 8981 4137 Fax (08) 8941 3449 Email nt@engineersaustralia.org.au Website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au
In this issue ... • • • • • • • • • • • • •
President’s Report Engineering Excellence Awards Darwin River Dam Site Visit New PDP Company Director’s Report Make It So Update EngQuest Engineering Week Activities Thesis Synopsis Meet N Greet Owen Peake Engineering Education Industry Input Seminar Calendar of Events
President’s Report Well we have managed to make it through to August. As you are reading this, Engineering Week will have come and gone and I hope all of our members took advantage of the many events which have been planned such as the Heritage Bus tour, Sunchase and the Young Engineers Larrakeyah site visit. Our Engineering Excellence Awards were held on 22 July and the feedback I have received indicate that most people who attended think this year's awards dinner was the best ever. I congratulate all our winners and especially our major winner Power and Water Corporation for their Water Reuse in Alice Springs project which will be showcased in the national awards in Canberra in November. I also congratulate our Professional Engineer of the Year, Ernie Wanka and our Young Professional Engineer of the Year Elisha Harris. Both of these people are worthy recipients and will also travel to Canberra later this year to feature in the National awards. I am a little unhappy that we didn't have any Engineering Technologists or Associates nominated for this year's People awards. A lot of people, both locally and nationally, are working very hard to give you the recognition you deserve as part of the engineering team. We need you however to play your part and nominate for these award and also for divisional representation. I attended a special meeting of Congress on 27 and 28 July to vote on the proposed new Royal Charter and By-laws and the new Code of Ethics. Both of these documents will bring us into the 21st Century. Following a number of amendments, Congress overwhelmingly voted to accept the new documents. A membership ballot to approve the new Royal Charter and Bylaws will now be held in October and we urge
all corporate members to vote in support of the new document. Expect to hear more on the upcoming ballot shortly. The new Code of Ethics will come into effect on 1 September 2010, and will trigger the development of an ethics awareness program for members. Len Chappell President Northern Division
2010 Engineering Excellence Award Project Entrants
2010 Engineering Excellence Award Winners - Water Reuse in Alice Power & Water Corporation, and NT Government
Partners
2010 Engineering Excellence Awards - Health, Tourism and Entertainment Big Winners!!! Engineers Australia Northern Division would like to thank their much valued sponsors including our Partners, Nilsen Electrics, Northern Territory Government, Charles Darwin University, Power & Water Corporation, Townes Chappell Mudgway, ERA, GHD, Macmahon, Housing in the Territory, Wallbridge & Gilbert, BMD Constructions, CAT Projects, Airducter and Darwin The Engineering Excellence Awards which celebrated its 28th Year City Council. in 2010 was held at Darwin Turf Club in the “Skyline” marquee. The venue proved a hit with over 300 members, guests and digni- Many of the winners will now be invited to the National Awards taries who attended the event. We were honoured to have Hon. which will be held in Canberra later in the year. Rob Knight, Minister for Business and Employment, Mr Willem Westra Van Holthe, MLA, Mr Gerry Wood, MLA, Mr David Toll- Congratulations to all the winners of the evening. Thanks must ner, representing the Leader of the Opposition along with the also go to all the project entrants for making the effort to enter the awards, these included: Boc Helium Plant entered by Nilsen Lord Mayor, Graeme Sawyer attend. Electrics, Victoria Highway Flood Plain Upgrade, entered by DeGuests were entertained by La Prima – this Operatic Group in- partment of Construction and Infrastructure and Steelcon, HMAS cluded a rendition of Queens Bohemian Rhapsody. The “Vocal Coonawarra Fuel Facility entered by John Holland. Structures Award” presented to Paul Hughes had the crowd wondering but all was revealed once they began singing. The projects submitted this year were of excellent standard and very diverse in nature. The judges certainly had a difficult task in assessing the projects and much vigorous debate was had during their visits to the projects.
This year’s premier Award was presented to Power and Water Corporation who worked collaboratively with the Federal and Territory government departments on the Alice Springs Stablisation Ponds. The President’s Award was presented to Charles Darwin University and the Northern Territory Government for the Bachelor of Engineering Co-Op, which has been designed to address the shortage of professional engineers in the Northern Territory by specifically targeting high achieving high-school leavers. Small Business Ventures and Project Award was presented to Framelock Structures for their crowd control barrier system which has already been picked up at entertainment, and other venues across Australia and internationally, and currently has patent pending internationally. The Structural Innovation Award was won by Wallbridge & Gilbert Consulting Engineers and Halikos Group for their state-ofthe art installation of the radiation oncology facility at Darwin Hospital. The Highly Commended Community Engagement Award was presented to Sinclair Knight Merz and Macmahon Contractors for the Talinguru Nyakuntjaku project in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park providing new tourism infrastructure for tourists including viewing platforms and a walking track network. A very deserved award was presented to Ernie Wanka from the Department of Lands and Planning for Professional Engineer with Young Professional Engineer being presented to Dr. Elisha Harris from GHD and a Highly Commended award to Nathan Johns of BOC Gases.
Partner
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2010 Engineering Excellence Awards - Photographs of the Night of Nights sion
Northern Divi-
wel-
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Sponsor
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Darwin River Dam Re-Visit 27 July 2010
New PDP Company - Sitzler
Following on from a previous Sitzler staff recently pictured at a meeting with Engineers site visit in 2009, Engineers Australia Australia staff as they develop their new Professional Developwas once again invited to see the ment Program. progress of the Darwin River Dam upgrade in July 2010. Sitzler is the latest company to become part of the PDP as they strive to develop their young engineers and provide continuThe Power & Water Corporaing professional development for its entire technical staff. tion is nearing completion of a major upgrade of Darwin River Dam and were Engineers Australia hosts for this site visit. Work to raise the height of the dam has already been completed, including placing rock protection and construction of a low concrete wave deflection wall. The visit was conducted by Daniel Lobley from Power & Water. The main focus of the tour was the new concrete spillway. The spillway is ogee shaped with a higher crest than the existing concrete weir. Most of the concrete segments have been completed but the design and method of construction was clearly apparent from the work taking place on the remaining segments. A detailed description of the problems faced in batching and placing the concrete was of particular interest and demonstrated careful attention to detail. Mix choice, cooling of the aggregates and placing at 3:00 a. m. were among the quality measures in use. With completion of the spillway expected shortly the only remaining significant task will be modifying the intake tower to accommodate the new peak water levels. Among those attending was Emeritus Speaker, Chris Dann, the 2009 John Holland Civil Engineer of the Year. Chris is manager of the Stage 3 works on Hinze Dam in SE Queensland and was in Darwin as an eminent speaker. Chris also conducted a seminar for Engineers Australia the following day.
Welcome to Sitzler, our newest PDP company
Are you an Engineer Living in Alice Springs? Would you like to know more About CPEng and National Registration?
Chris Jenkins BE MEngSci FIEAust CPEng National Assessor will be hosting a seminar in Alice Springs on Thursday, 9th September 2010 from 5:00pm Venue to be advised at a later date If you are interested or for further details, please contact: Keely Quinn by email on kquinn@engineersaustralia.org.au Or Telephone (08) 8981 4137
Youth Programs Sponsors
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Director’s Report The past two months have been a hive of activity for members and staff alike. The Engineering Excellence Awards for 2010 have happened amidst much fanfare and frivolity. Congratulations to all of our winners both in the personal awards and projects. The entertainers took many by surprise but were richly received by the audience. Good to see that Territorians enjoy opera especially when it is performed in such an inclusive manner. Please start thinking about what projects you have that might be possible entries for next year. It is likely that we will Matchmaker of Engineerhold the event around the same time ing Love at the Northern Division’s recent Excel- as this year which means that if you start now, you will be ready in plenty lence Awards of time! Many, many thanks once again to our sponsors who make this event possible each year. We have had quite a flow of eminent speakers this year and there are more to come. We are grateful to Engineering Practice for keeping us on the list for these speakers and for the Colleges for supporting it. Please continue to support these events as it is critical to maintain these opportunities. Many of the speakers are of interest to members outside the College Discipline that they
represent also. There is potential for a speaker to have a session in Alice Springs shortly so keep a look out for this. A reminder that we have Barry Grear speaking in both Alice Springs and Darwin in October. Barry is the past president of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations and resides in Adelaide. He is a past National President of Engineers Australia and will have much of interest for all of us. Engineering Week has had some successes and some not so well attended events. The highlights have been the heritage tour of engineering sites around Darwin capably commentated by Peter Poole and Sunchase solar cars and boats for schools. The launch by Minister Gerry McCarthy at Parliament House was well attended and members had a chance to talk to both the Minister and the Administrator of the Northern Territory. Sadly both of the site visits were cancelled, one for lack of numbers and the other because other VIPs pushed us out! We have had some staff changes. Amanda Verhoeven has started with us so she will be the voice you will mostly hear on the end of the phone. She is on a fast learning curve with all of the information that is needed in this organisation so please be patient!
Bronwyn Russell Director
!!CONFERENCE ROOM AVAILABLE FOR RENT!! Hire The conference room hire is:: • Half days at $110 • Full days at $220 • Evenings at $165
Equipment White board, TV, DVD/Video and OHP are free to use but the following charges for us of the following: • Data projector is $220 per day • Laptop is $88 If data projector is being used for three days or more it will be charged at half price. All prices are Negotiable
Catering The conference room has a kitchen with fridge, oven, stove, microwave and dishwasher. We charge a minimum of $30.00 per day for continuous tea & coffee for any number under 20 people and $1.50 per person for numbers over 20.
Cleaning
It is the responsibility of the hirer to set up and clean the room. We have a vacuum cleaner in the server room. If you would like further details please contact Amanda by email to averho-
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Make It So Update
More than 100,000 members of the Australian public were engaged in the first phase of the ‘Make it so’ campaign, submitting almost 7,000 ideas since it first launched in February this year. However, one simple concept has captured Engineers Australia’s imagination and it has been selected to be made into a reality. ‘Make it so’ developing communities can reuse their agricultural waste to create bio-gas for cooking and heating The selected ‘Make it so’ idea was announced to National media during Australian Engineering Week and was contributed by Abdul Al-Dasooqi, an undergraduate student in South Australia. Abdul was inspired to submit the idea after studying energy proficiencies in bio-gas in first year of university. Abdul is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) and is only 19 years of age, showcasing the young talent and ingenuity that will undoubtedly be seen in the profession in years to come. This humanitarian ‘Make it so’ idea will work two-fold – it will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of developing countries whilst providing them with the innovative technologies to improve their daily lives. The announcement of the ‘Make it so’ idea comes during Australian Engineering Week, and coincides with the news that 2011 is set to become the Year of Humanitarian Engineering. The purpose of the ‘Make it so’ campaign is to raise awareness of the contribution the engineering team makes to the community by engaging both the engineering profession and the Australian public in an ‘ideas’ generation discussion. The engineering profession, with its know-how and creativity, has the right people to assist in tackling some of these difficult issues. Engineers Australia will partner with Engineers Without Borders to bring this project to fruition. To follow the progress of the ‘Make it so’ project visit www.makeitso.org.au.
Help us Spread the word www.engquest.org.au
Members of Engineers Australia are able to volunteer to visit schools, help assess online submissions or answer questions on EngQuest is Engineers Australia’s free primary school outreach the ‘Ask an Engineer’ forum. Volunteers are asked to visit the program designed to get students excited about engineering, EngQuest site to register. whilst also linking to school’s curriculum in maths, science and technology. In the long run, EngQuest aims to provide students with an insight into the dynamic profession of engineering, which will The 2010 EngQuest site contains new and exciting features, in- hopefully one day lead to them choosing a career in engineering cluding a new flash animation student-entry point, games and helping to lessen the serious skills shortage within Australia. quizzes, 3D photo galleries and the site is 100% compatible with interactive white boards used in classrooms. EngQuest, for the EngQuest ends October 27 2010 first time, is expanding to include middle schools - years 7 and 8. Enquiries contact the National Coordinator: Sara Ross Help us promote the program by introducing it into your local (02) 62706596 primary school or perhaps your child’s school? The EngQuest Or email engquest@engineersaustralia.org.au 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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More photos from the 2010 Engineering Excellence Awards Dinner
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2010 Engineering Week Activities - July 27th to August 11th
Launch of Engineering Week The Launch of Australian Engineering Week was hosted by the Hon Gerry McCarthy Minister for Lands and Planning, Transport and Construction. Over 70 members and dignitaries, including the Administrator, Tom Pauling, enjoyed the Minister’s hospitality and the ambience of Parliament House. Bryan Mower was also presented with his NPER (National Professional Engineer Register) certificate by the Minister (see picture left). Bryan Mower MIEAust This event officially launches CPEng presented with Engineering Week which included NPER by Hon. Gerry events such as a Heritage Bus tour and barbecue kicking off at the Old Qantas Hangar in Parap and the Sunchase Solar Boat and Car Challenge (see articles). It has been a busy week for the Division with many members, general public and guests enjoying the Week’s activities.
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2010 Engineering Week Activities - July 27th to August 11th
Heritage Bus Tour The Heritage Bus Tour which was held on Wednesday, 4 August was attended by members and the general public. This was a trial for Engineering Week activities in 2010 and was a great success. The tour commenced at the Old Qantas Hangar in Parap. Commentator Extraordinaire and Heritage Guru, Peter Poole provided an insightful description and history on the sites visited which included, Darwin High School Tank, East Point Boom net and war precinct, NAR Railway, Charles Darwin Park and back to the Qantas Hangar. Comments received on the event included “that was exciting and I never knew Darwin had so many heritage sites�. There were many young people on the tour and they were enthralled by the history of Darwin. Members and guests were then invited back to join in a barbecue (which was cooked by master Chef Keely Quinn from Engineers Australia) and drinks. They also had the opportunity to take a walk around the Qantas Hangar and see all the old heritage items. Engineers Australia would like to thank Leo Izod from Qantas Hangar, Trevor Horman and members of the Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (MVEC) who kindly supplied their barbecue and support for the event. The Heritage Bus Tour will be again included in our activities in 2011 but it would be great to see more members support this initiative.
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Engineering Week Activities - 27 July to 11 August 2010
Fun in the Sun - Sunchase 2010 This years SunChase was held in early August, deviating from the normal October time to coincide with Engineering Week, and while it was a challenge to get all the cars and new category boats ready after the mid year holidays, the students made a valiant effort with some great results. As 180 students plus teachers descended upon the Royal Darwin Show Grounds, our volunteers helped set up our track and newly designed boat pool, and the NT Fire Service lent a hand, and hose, to fill it. A special mention should be given to Ray Colley and the team at Nortruss, who year after year supply everything for the tracks, and re-design each year to make the competition faster and fairer for all. In addition to the new category of boats and the new steering mechanism for the Kit Cars, there was also the introduction of the ‘Pit Lane’, manned constantly by Bryan Vanderstelt from Power & Water. As the designated ‘fixer’ of vehicle problems, Bryan was kept busy all day with boats that wouldn’t move, cars that wouldn’t run and just plain old mechanical wonky wheel problems. Demand was so high for his services that Power & Water volunteers William and Santos had to help out as well! After some assistance at the Pit Lane, many boats got their first run in the water, some with great results, some, not so great, but every student involved worked hard with modifications and enthusiasm to get their vessel into the finals. The cars brought out the same enthusiasm in all involved and just plain screaming, jumping excitement in some as the timed trials kicked off. After 2 timed heats, the fastest cars were selected for the semi finals, where 3 knock out rounds left the Leprechauns, the Eyes of the Tiger and the Solar Buddies to battle it out for the top prize. A big thank you to the major sponsors, Power & Water, who make the SunChase event possible, and Nortruss, who make the racing possible! CHEERS to our volunteers from Power & Water, GHD, WorleyParsons, Wallbridge & Gilbert, The Rotary Club of Nightcliff, and our student volunteer, Shannon Morgan. A great day was had by everyone involved and we have already had 2 volunteers confirm for next year! Upper Primary Kit Cars 1st- Leprechaun (Good Shepherd Luther College), 2nd - Eyes of the Tiger (Good Shepherd Lutheran College), 3rd - Solar Buddies (Good Shepherd Lutheran College) Middle Primary Kit Cars 1st- Durack 2 ( Durack Primary), 2nd - Lightning (Larrakeyah Primary School), 3rd - Fire Flame (Larrakeyah Primary School) Boats 1st- Solar Speed Racers ( St Andrews Lutheran School), 2nd Sunny Sailers ( St Andrews Lutheran School), 3rd - Space Monkeys (St Andrews Lutheran School)
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Engineering Week Activities - 27 July to 11 August 2010
Young Engineers Golf Day The Young Engineers brought the golfing pro out of everyone on Wednesday August 11th when they hosted the annual Young Engineers Golf Day at the RAAF Golf course. Teams assembled at 1pm, with a few original team names such as Macca’s Whackers, Tackle Box & The Swingers registering for the fun. With the starting holes assigned, and the drink buggy full, every one headed off to their designated area with a handful of drink tickets and the occasional golf club. For some, the day went well, with a swift 36 strokes completing the course; others didn’t have such a good day, leaving it up to the giant fluffy dice to work their magic on the final score. With Aurecon taking the day with a total of 25 and SKM coming in second at 30, the competition was fierce enough that the Wooden Spoon was well and truly handed to the ‘Sexy Ladies’ with a total of 43 ( and that was after the fluffy dice!). Ryan Prescott’s efforts secured him the prize for closest to the pin, but the men were outshined with the longest drive awarded to Julie Woerner.
All involved enjoyed the BBQ, whipped up by the All masterchef young engineers, completing what was agreed by everyone as another great Young Engineers Golf Day. A big thank you to the Golf Day sponsors without your support this event would not be possible. Some of the Sponsors banners are displayed in the photographs below.
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Dr Jean Luc Revel CompIEAust - Thesis Synopsis
Engteam Hybrid Recruiting Team
Engineers Australia Member, Jean Luc Revell recently completed his Doctorate in Building and Maintaining Capacity in a Community Service Organsiation. Dr Jean Luc has provided details of his thesis synopsis below. “Building and Maintaining Capacity in a Community Service Organisation” The purpose of this action research project is to assist a community service organisation build and maintain its capacity. To do so the organisation has to develop the means to more effectively manage an uncertain and changing environment. The community service organisation chosen for this research project is facing a serious loss of human resources capacity. The methodology selected drew from different approaches identified with qualitative research, process consulting, action research, action learning and grounded theory. Three main objectives are identified with the research:
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to draw from an action research approach to observe how the chosen community service organisation manages its operational problems To leverage on the action component of the research and learn how to address similar problems in the future: this use of action to learn new skills is expected to benefit all participants, including the researcher obtain data that will contribute to the development of local theory leading to and informing the action taken by the organisation and its members: this is intended to assist the organisation in developing the strategies needed to meet the challenges of its changing environment
Congratulations to Dr Jean Luc Revel from Engineers Australia Northern Division.
!!OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE!! Office space has become available for rent within Engineers Australia Northern Division. If you are looking for office space within the heart of Darwin City please give Karen a call on 8981 4137 or email her at krelph@engineersaustralia.org.au Short or long term lease can be negotiated
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Engteam.com.au the Engineers Australia recruitment service is a new hybrid online recruiting service, catering for engineers, technologists, associates, graduates and students – the whole engineering profession! You will find that engteam.com.au is as easy to use as traditional job boards. However, our online tools allow employers and candidates to manage and track their recruitment or job seeking process. Both employer and job seekers create profiles, which our automated system matches to our system. Employers will be emailed a shortlist of matched and screened applicants. Job seekers will be alerted to 'live' jobs that meet their individual requirements and match their skills profile. Our dedicated team of consultants have been chosen for their backgrounds in engineering, as well as their experience in business and recruitment. Our consultants will provide information, answer your questions and assist in getting the very best solution for you. You can contact us at www.engteam.com.au or joanna@engteam.com.au For more information Phone: 03 9008 8080 Members Phone: 1300 193 868
More 2010 Engineering Week Photos
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Meet ‘n’ Greet Northern Division Past President Owen Peake FRMIT HonFIEAust
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Engineering Education Australia (EEA) needs your input
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Engineers Australia Northern Division Calendar of Events 2010 Date
Event
Speaker/Venue
7th September
Engineering Education - CPD Seminar and Workshop
8th September
Meet n Greet Past President, Northern Division and Heritage National Committee Representative— Heritage in the Northern Territory
9th September
National Assessor Visit - Seminar and Workshop on CPEng and National Registration to Alice Springs
Anne Ellis and Tonkin Consultants Representative Engineers Australia 14 Shepherd Street, Darwin Owen Peake Engineers Australia 14 Shepherd Street, Darwin Chris Jenkins Alice Springs (TBA)
10th September
Sunchase
Alice Springs
20th September
Eminent Speaker, ITEE College
September
SMART (remote)
Terry Steventon Engineers Australia 14 Shepherd Street, Darwin Remote Communities
28th & 29th October
October Business Month Immediate Past President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations—Luncheon
Alice Springs Chifley Resort Darwin—Holiday Inn
9th November 12 noon
Infrastructure Report Card - Launch
International Room Skycity Darwin
23rd November
Retired American Astronaut, Nancy Jan Davis
Women in Engineering Event Venue TBA
30th November
Young Engineers AGM
TBA
1st December
Annual Meeting - Engineers Australia
14 Shepherd Street, Darwin
Young Engineers Northern Division monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at Lizards Bar, 5:30pm. All Young Engineers are welcome to come along and get involved.
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