Engineering Tasmania March 2010

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IN THIS ISSUE
President’s Report
New & Upgrading Members
2009 Engineering Initiative Report
University of Tasmania News
Young Engineers Pages
Women in Engineering Pages
Heritage Pages
Meeting Notices
March Calendar
“Make it So” Campaign is Launched
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Hi all,
With our modern expectations of instant
news, it is challenging to prepare a report
that won’t see the light of day for another
fortnight or so. The challenge is to try and
be as up to date as possible otherwise I
would be describing events that are well
and truly past. With that up front apology,
it has been/will be a fairly busy period. As
at the time of writing, the Winter Olympics
had just commenced, with plenty of
engineering input into the facilities and
opening ceremony no doubt – perhaps one
of the Make It So suggestions will be
“Make It So the Olympic Cauldron
lighting never fails”, as we witnessed the
second “technical problem” related to the
Olympic flame in recent history. This
brings me to the Make It So campaign
which was due to be publically launched
Engineering Tasmania
on 16 February. As an advocate, I was
able to preview some of the ideas that
have already been submitted, some I
could solve in 10 seconds, while others
such as make it so we can store nuclear
waste or make it so we can turn back
time are a bit more challenging!
We had a massive 104 registrations for
the Tasmanian Launch of the Year of
Engineering Leadership which involved
a free breakfast and presentation by Greg
Walters, the State Manager of Sinclair
Knight Merz. I have been involved in
discussions in the past on how to
increase attendance at our events, and
“free beer” seems to be a tried and
proven method in the past, but maybe
free food is equally attractive (with no
disrespect to Greg). A feature of the
targeted invitations for this event was to
attract engineering leaders from all areas
of engineering, with the suggestion that
they bring a young engineer from their
organisation if possible. This type of
mentoring just seemed to happen
naturally in my early career, but the
world has moved on and we actively
need to encourage and facilitate
mentoring of our young engineering
workforce. After all, they’ll be running
the place when we hand over the reins.
This event was jointly organised by
CELM Tasmania and the Young
Engineers Australia Tasmania and is
mirrored on the National scene, where
YEA and CELM are combining their
resources to present the Engineering
Leadership Conference 2010 in Brisbane
from 5 to 7 May.
I had a very enjoyable trip to Ulverstone
to attend the North West Group AGM
which comprised a meal, the AGM and
an interesting presentation from Mike
Paine the inaugural CEO of Cradle Coast
Water, and recently appointed to the
CEO position at Hobart Water. During
the long drive back, I reflected on Mike’s
presentation on the restructuring of the
water and sewage sector in Tasmania,
and it seemed to me that the biggest
challenges faced by these new
organisations are not simply engineering
issues. Customer service, billing systems,
asset management and valuations, and
price justifications are not something that
most engineering graduates would expect
to tackle throughout their careers, but
increasingly management roles in
engineering organisations are less
technical and more managerial. It was
good to see Mike still had an eye for
detail, with several slides depicting
patently dangerous practices. The
problem solving abilities of those in the
engineering workforce are directly
relevant to dealing with the many non
technical challenges, and just as in many
technical areas, there are often no unique
solutions, but if a solution has been
prepared on a logical analysis of the
available data, then it is generally
workable.
The various Chapter Reviewers have
been continuing on the 2010
Infrastructure Report Card, which tied in
well with Mike Paine’s presentation. I
write this as the State Government
Election had just been called, and all
parties are expected to make their future
infrastructure plans an election issue.
Hopefully the allocation of funding for
infrastructure in the future will be based
on a rational and appropriate strategic
basis. The elements of the Infrastructure
Report Card; potable water, wastewater,
stormwater, irrigation, roads, rail, ports,
aviatio n, electricity, gas and
telecommunications affect our daily lives
both at work and at home and hence have
a profound impact on our quality of life.
To finish on the same note I started with,
for up to date information on our events
and news both Tasmanian and nationally,
please refer to the web site. If you do not
receive regular emails on upcoming
events and would like to, please contact
C a t h e r i n e
b y
e m a i l
creading@engineersaustralia.org.au to
request you be added to the list (it is sent
as a BCC, so nobody else sees your
email address).
Grant Atherton, FIEAust CPEng
March 2010
Page 1
UPGRADING MEMBERS
industrial projects and retains strong
involvement in major Project design
and Engineering.
projects, and also spent a significant
portion of time testing sites for soil
evaluations.
Liam continues to maintain a sound
commercial relationship with GHD
and looks forward to expanding the
CBM business.
Over the last three years Daniel has
taken on another role in supervising
graduate engineers and technicians.
He has also extended his scope of
works to include commercial
projects,
including
new
developments with Transend and also
Tasmania Police.
LIAM DINGEMANSE,
MIEAust
Liam Dingemanse completed his
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/
Structural) in 2006 at the University of
Tasmania.
Liam commenced his career as a Civil/
Structural Engineer at GHD during his
final year of study and upon graduating
he took up full-time employment in
GHD’s Launceston office.
With a focus on structural engineering
design and project management Liam
has gained valuable experience in
many aspects of construction
engi neering and manage ment,
particularly in commercial and
industrial buildings. In addition, he
has worked in the mining sector as
well as civil engineering, particularly
road and highway construction and
hydraulic design.
During 2008 Liam was co-opted by the
Darwin office of GHD to oversee the
st ructural desi gn and proj ect
management for a number of major
projects, including Alice Springs
prison re-development, electrical
infrastructure for Darwin City, and
construction certification of a new
Aged Care facility.
In addition to taking an active role in
project design, engineering and
management, Liam also served as
Acting Service Group Manager for
GHD’s Energy and Resources Group,
which provided him with valuable
group management experience.
Liam recently joined CBM
Sustainability Group as Senior Project
Manager for major commercial and
Engineering Tasmania
Presently Daniel is underway in his
attempts to reach Chartered Status
with Engineers Australia and aims to
have this completed by the end of
2010.
DANIEL GARDNER,
MIEAust
Daniel has spent the last 16 years in
the construction industry, beginning
as an apprentice carpenter in 1994. In
1997 Daniel, in conjunction with
father Alan and brother Mark, set up
Aldanmark
Constructions,
and
worked as a sub contract carpenter
and also project managed a number
of residential projects. During this
period he also completed his
Diploma of Building at TAFE
Tasmania. In 1999 Daniel had a 6
month stint in Vanuatu working as a
volunteer, teaching in a local
carpentry and joinery college. On
return to Hobart, Daniel commenced
university at UTAS and in 2003 he
graduated with First Class Honors as
a Civil engineer.
During the time that while Daniel
studied at University, his company,
Aldanmark Pty Ltd, shifted its major
focus from construction to structural
and
civil
engineering.
Upon
graduation Daniel commenced a
combined role of graduate structural
engineer and also director of
Aldanmark Pty Ltd. Initially the
majority of the projects Daniel
worked on were residential houses
and extensions, where, under the
supervision of a senior engineer, he
facilitated the design of the structural
engineering components for these
SURAJ NEUPANE,
MIEAust
Suraj has over nine years
professional experience and has
worked on major projects within
Australia and overseas including
developing mini hydros, pipelines
and dams. Suraj completed Bachelor
Degree in Civil Engineering in 1996
from Tribhuvan University in
Kathmandu, Nepal. As a graduate
engineer, Suraj started working for a
p r i va t e c o ns u l t i n g c o mp a n y
designing rural roads for areas close
to the foothills of Mt Everest. He
joined the government service in
1997 to work with the Department of
Water Supply and Sewerage. His role
was to design rural water supply
projects and supervise construction
of these projects.
Suraj won a scholarship in 1998 to
pursue MSc Degree in renewable
energy (course officially known as
ARTES meaning Appropriate Rural
Technology and Extension Skills) at
March 2010
Page 2
UPGRADING MEMBERS
the University of Flensburg in
Germany. He completed the MSc
Degree in 2000. He was successful to
establish himself as the best student in
the faculty, in recognition of which he
was awarded with a Mahendra Vidya
Bhushan (gold medal) by His Majesty
the King of Nepal.
Suraj started working with the United
Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) in Nepal since 2000 for the
promotion of energy infrastructure in
the remote parts of Nepal. He worked
with the UNDP for more than six
years. While working with the UNDP,
Suraj gained a vast experience in mini
hydro systems, which includes
planning the system, site selection for
intake, alignment of power canal and
penstock and selection of power house
location. In addition to this, Suraj has
the expertise of designing intake
structures, power canal, pipelines and
penstock. He has the experience of
involving community in different
phases of the project. In addition to
this, Suraj prepared Project Design
Document (PDD) for mini hydros in
Nepal to register as a CDM project at
the UNFCCC for carbon trading
purposes.
In early 2007, Suraj moved to
Australia and started working with a
private company in Melbourne for the
promotion of renewable energy which
involved design of various innovative
commercial projects using Building
Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV),
feasibility studies of solar (PV) farm
and advice on energy efficiency.
Suraj joined Hydro Tasmania
Consulting in Hobart as a Civil
Engineer in 2008 and is responsible for
civil engineering and renewable energy
projects. This role requires Suraj to
carry out design works relating to
dams and pipelines, mini hydros, flood
modelling of rivers, river diversion
works, undertake surveillance works
and monitoring of dams, prepare
comprehensive surveillance reports
and develop operation and
maintenance manuals for dams and
weirs.
Engineering Tasmania
Bryce was involved in the design
management, and managed the tender
phase until a contractor was selected
for the works. Following tender,
Bryce was based on site, where he
assisted in delivering the $85M
project within the 12 month
timeframe. This involved contract
administration, financial control,
reporting, site review, and design
advice and management on site.
BRYCE TAPLIN,
MIEAust
Bryce Taplin completed his Bachelor
of Engineering with Honours at the
University of Tasmania in 2004.
Bryce took up a position with GHD
in the Canberra office as a Graduate
Civil Engineer working on projects
including sub-division design, civil
works for a new foreshore
development on Lake Burley Griffin,
and writing the Infrastructure Report
Card for the ACT on behalf of
Engineers Australia.
Bryce is currently undertaking his
Masters in Business Administration
with the University of Tasmania, and
recently moved with GHD to the
Hobart office where he is a project
manager.
Bryce likes to keep fit, particular
riding on his bike, and is looking
forward to getting back into sailing
after been away from the ocean for 5
years.
Bryce transitioned to job manager
within the civil group, managing his
own proj ects and providing
assistance to other group members in
project and financial controls. Bryce
developed a strong client base and
built on the relationships to win
repeat and often single select work.
Following this, Bryce turned to
Project Management, managing a
number of civil and buildings
projects in Canberra, in particular a
new swimming pool complex for
RMC Duntroon, and over 10
simultaneously delivered services
and building works packages at Old
Parliament House.
Bryce was also was involved in the
refurbishment of the Edmund Barton
Building in Canberra. This iconic,
heritage listed building underwent a
change of tenant and the building
owner, Stockland, required a
complete refit of base building
services and architectural upgrades.
PONNAI (UMA)
UMAPATHY, MIEAust
Uma has 18 years experience in the
mining and earth moving equipment
industry beginning as a Graduate
Trainee with public transport after
completion of Bachelor degree in
Mechanical engineering from India
in 1992. Upon completion of
graduate training program uma
commenced as a service engineer
with GMMCO – Caterpillar Dealer in
India to manage the cat equipment
E r e c t i o n & C o mmi s s i o n i n g,
implementation of maintenance
management at various coal mines
around India. Then he moved into a
new role as an Assistant Manager
within the Caterpillar dealership to
mana ge the biggest MARC
March 2010
Page 3
Upgrading Members cont….
(Maintenance And Repair Contract)
contract for 264 machines for 3 years
and successfully completed the
contract and also he participated in
World wide MARC managers
conference in Peoria, USA. During the
same time Uma joined with Six Sigma
team as a Green belt and successfully
implemented the New Process –
Online travel Approval/ Processing
Software and specially awarded for the
achievement. Also he handled special
projects includes implementing CAT
Builder & Calculator software to suit
for India operation and CAT
equipment rental operation.
In 2004 Uma Joined with Midroc Gold
Mines, Ethiopia as a Manager –
Planning to implement new
maintenance management system for
the complete maintenance department
includes heavy duty and light vehicle
mai n t e n a n c e . He s u c c e s s f u l l y
implemented new work order system
and reliability management involving
with local workforce. Then Uma
moved back to India end of 2005 to
join with Cummins as a Senior
Manager – Solution expert. In this role
he was responsible for designing
service solutions and offerings for
maintenance contracts and providing
customized solutions to OEM’s and
customers.
In 2006 again Uma joined with another
Gold Mine AGRC in Armenia as a
Senior Manager – Maintenance. In this
role he designed and implemented new
maintenance system to suit with local
environment and contributed for
selection of suitable equipment for
new mining project and finalized
contract for mining equipment.
After travelling many countries (From
India to USA, Ethiopia, Armenia, Iran,
Germany, Holland, Dubai) Uma
moved to Australia in 2007 and joined
with Grange Resources Tasmania as a
Long term Maintenance Planner –
Mobile equipment and enjoying Tassie
weather with his wife and two kids.
Uma is currently enrolled for Masters
in Business Administration with
University of Tasmania and 2009 was
Engineering Tasmania
special for Uma as he got his
Australian Citizenship and
M e mb er s hi p wi t h En gi ne er s
Australia.
VENKAT VELMA,
MIEAust
Venkat completed a Bachelor Degree
in Civil Engineering from Osmania
University in India in the year 1986.
During his career he has worked in
various positions with different
organisations.
During 1986 to 1989 he was a Site
Engineer for Virgo Constructions /
Atlas Constructions.
As a Site
Engineer his duties included
interpretation of designs and
implementation of construction plans
on field and also supervision of subcontractors.
From 1989 to 2006 he was an
Assistant Executive Engineer /
Contracts Administrator for Roads &
Buildings Dept. (PWD) which is a
Andhra Pradesh State Government
Organisation. This role included
planning, designing, estimation,
tender process and project delivery.
Venkat managed the following major
road and bridge projects.
• Duplication
•
•
•
•
of Hyderabad –
Hanmakonda road – World Bank
Project
Construction of Road Over Bridge
at Alair
Construction of Submersible
Bridge across Musi River at
Jeedikal.
Improvements to many roads in
my region from WBM to all
weather road
Sealing and Reseal works of roads
in the region
• Solved
sub grade failure
problems by replacing WBM
specifications with WMM
specifications
During 2006 to 2008 Venkat was a
Project Manager for Spencon &
Polyphase Zambia Limited, Zambia.
As a Project Manager he was
involved in two roads and three
bridge projects in Zambia. The roads
projects were OPRC (Output
Performance Based Road Contracts)
European Union funded. In the first
phase the major rehabilitation works
were carried out to make the road an
all weather road in the first six
months period, then the roads should
be maintained for next 4 years and
six months in traffic worthy
conditions with minimum
maintenance costs.
The bridge projects were Design and
Construct Projects. He engaged sub
contractors for design and completed
the three bridges in six months
period.
In 2009 Venkat came to Australia
and was firstly employed as a Project
Engineer by Fulton Hogan Pty Ltd
(Pipelines Alliance), Australia. The
projects he was involved with were:
the Werribee River Aqueduct Project,
Snadgate Stage 1& 2 and the Harding
Street drain rehabilitation.
He then went on to work as a Project
Delivery Engineer on the Nagambie
Bypass Road for VIC Roads. His
responsibilities included; preparation
of cost estimate for Nagambie
Bypass; inviting tenders for service
relocations, fencing works and
involvement in the preparation of
Risk register and EMP.
Venkat is currently an Engineer
Project Manager for the Department
of Infrastructure, Energy and
Resources in Tasmania
He is
currently working on: resealing of the
three major regions; pavement
marking statewide and the hazard
reduction/construction of Safety
Barriers statewide.
March 2010
Page 4
He has performed the primary system
engineering and undertaken the role
of Project Manager on several large
220kV and 110kV substation
u p gr a d e p r o j e c t s , i n c l u d i n g
upgrading of the Lindisfarne 110kV,
Sheffield 110kV and Sheffield
220kV switchyards.
LUKE WHITEHOUSE,
MIEAust
Luke Whitehouse has 10 years
experience within the Electrical
Engineering Industry. He completed a
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
(Power) at the University of Tasmania
in 1997.
In 2009 he became a Specialist
Primary Engineer, this role includes
leading design teams, providing high
level engineering advice/services to
Hydro Tasmania Consulting clients
and mentoring younger engineers.
Apart from overseas travel Luke has
a passion for Tasmania and enjoys
filing his spare time with road and
mountain bike riding around the
State.
In 1998 he gained a position as a
Graduate Electrical Engineer with
Hydro Tasmania, working within the
Power Station Design Team. Luke’s
responsibilities included design of
power station AC distribution systems,
job management, engineering and
commissioning of hydro power station
dewatering pump projects.
In mid 2000 he left Hydro Tasmania to
travel through Indonesia, Laos,
Cambodia, Burma and Thailand for 6
months. In early 2001 he gained
employment with Foster Wheeler
Energy Limited in Reading, England.
Foster Wheeler is a consulting
company with offices located in more
than 30 countries, provides
engineering design, construction and
procurement services to the petroleum
and gas, power generation,
pharmaceuti cal and chemical/
petrochemical industries. He worked
as an Electrical Engineer on several
projects including design of MV and
LV reticulation systems, motor control
and DC Systems.
In 2003 le left England to travel
through Central and South America for
12 months before returning to Hobart
to undertake a role as a Senior
Electrical Engineer/Project Manager
within the Hydro Tasmania
Consulting, Primary Electrical
Engineering Team.
Engineering Tasmania
SIMON WITT, OMIEAust
worked in the Solomon Islands
investigating the existing branch
offices and later designed a
completely new facility.
Simon returned to beautiful
Tasmania, and for the next two years
taught Civil Diploma and Advanced
Diploma subjects at the Burnie
TAFFE.
Some of the subjects
covered were: load analysis; beam
and column analysis; drawing steel
and reinforced concrete; structural
steel design; stress measurement; and
structural computer analysis.
In 2005 Simon joined the team at
Tasmanian Consulting Service
located in Devonport. This firm sent
Simon to Brisbane to be trained in
the newly acquired 3d steel detailing
software Tekla Structures. He used
this powerful detailing tool for all the
structural steelwork installed at the
Launceston Aquatic Centre, various
aged care facilities and process
factories.
Since 2008 Simon has been working
as a Design Officer at Devonport
City Council’s Engineering Services
Department. This has involved tasks
relating to roads, stormwater,
development approvals, and design
of public building structures.
After completing a Certificate in
Civil Engineering at Devonport in
1990, Simon moved to Sydney to
take up a position at the Watchtower
Society’s Regional Engineering
Office for a total of 13 years. This
office of around 40 personnel is one
of four in the world that is
r es po ns i bl e f or d es i gn a n d
construction of all Jehovah’s Witness
buildings.
Simon gained proficiency preparing
structural drawings for various
buildings in Australia, Pacific and
Asia. During this time Simon was
given training from supervising
engineers to perform structural
design calculations and became
familiar with various international
codes. He was sent to the Philippines
to assist in upgrading the seismic
resistance of a twelve storey steel
framed residence building. He also
March 2010
CONGRATULATIONS/
WELCOME
Members joining, rejoining
or upgrading
GRADUATES
Justin Digney, GradIEAust
Nhu-Mai Do, GradIEAust
Mac Coombe, GradIEAust
Jason Wong, GradIEAust
STUDENT
(StudIEAust)
Shirley Johnson
Page 5
Tasmanian Engineers leading the way
Engineering program grabs media spotlight again
The success of the formula developed to provide Grade 10 students
with an authentic taste of engineering has had strong endorsement
from this year’s cohort. This was highlighted in the press by
southern region student Claire Elliott acknowledging, after securing
her schools outstanding student prize, that engineering was her
preferred direction. Claire choosing a potential engineering pathway
is in no small part due to the 2009 engineering initiative which
provided a realistic and authentic exposure to engineering. Claire
was one of 34 very satisfied aspiring Grade 10 students who
completed the 2009 Engineering Australia Tasmania Division/
Education Department Engineering Initiative partnership.
The structure used for the “Class of 2009” aspiring high school
engineers provided an in depth look at the states 2 tertiary
engineering facilities and a targeted mentored work placement
which was provided by the Tasmanian Division members of
Engineers Australia.
Competition for places at the start of the year was fierce with the
program gaining a strong reputation amongst the states high schools.
The standard of applicants was outstanding.
With much excitement the program brought the successful
participants together in Hobart to visit the UTas School of
Engineering facilities at Sandy Bay. Professor Chris Letchford and
the UTas team of lecturers and current undergraduate students
provided a series of challenging and stimulating lessons as a taste of
the profession. What a life changing opportunity this was for the
young group of Tasmanians at such an impressionable point in their
lives. If any doubts about engineering as a preferred pathway were
present prior to the first stage of the program they were quickly
disappearing. Enthusiasm and interest were the hallmarks of the
group as the academic expectations of UTas were linked with
leading engineering workplaces.
Whilst in Hobart students were given an in depth look at the Incat
facilities at Derwent Park by Mark Dewey. Mark commented ‘this
is simply wonderful for our State that this type of opportunity is
available for young Tasmanians, we are very pleased to support this
initiative”.
This is simply wonderful for our State that this type of
opportunity is available for young Tasmanians, we are very
pleased to support this initiative”
Quote from Mark Dewey - Managing Director – Revolution
Design
Engineering Tasmania
March 2010
Page 6
Tasmanian Engineers leading the way
Personalised Mentoring – a winner
The crucial focus which leads to the program’s success is the individual
mentored experience which links each student with a mentor in an aligned
engineering field that the student indicated during the selection process. The
experiences are targeted to allow students to have an authentic experience
within timeframes that are convenient for the mentor engineer. This structure
has allowed students to link with their mentors at times that are preferred by
the mentor engineer. This formula was developed in consultation with
mentoring engineers to embrace the benefits of a relationship that was not a
burden during peak workloads. Tasmania Division members of Engineers
Australia provided authentic learning opportunities that engaged and
stimulated the students throughout the middle of the year.
Gavin Byrd taking some time out during
his mentored experience at the Department
of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources
Graeme and Ian were great and I learnt heaps from them, lots of very interesting things that you would never
find out anywhere else. - Gavin Byrd (Rose Bay High)
Extending the learning boundaries into aerospace – Tassie style
To ensure that participants gained an authentic perspective of engineering as a career path at
times the experience extended to students even being able to access mainland specialist
engineering areas. A classic example of the Tasmanian engineering network working
overtime was delivered to a North West participant. A Wynyard engineering inititive student
with a preference for the aerospace genre was able to observe first hand research into his
preferred engineering genre.
Connor during his AMC
experience in 2009
Connor McArthur was able to visit the Australia's Department of Defence Fishermans Bend
facility where he toured the air vehicles research division. He was able to observe the testing
equipment used on air intakes on F18 hornets such as strain gauges and sensors.
The opportunity presented itself for Connor to use an electron microscope used to check for micro fractions in small
aircraft components. This opportunity, visiting the Defence Science and Technology Organisation for 2 days, was in
Connors words “an absolutely amazing experience”. The interstate visit aligned with the regional engineering
experiences delivered by Chris Martin and Adrian Poon in a collaborative effort. This was mirrored across the state as
students spoke in glowing terms of the efforts that had been made for them by their mentors to give them authentic
exposures to engineering.
“This has been an absolutely amazing experience” – Connor McArthur , Wynyard High School
Add a few years
PLUS
Tasmanian
Engineers
Connor shows just how early his
interest for aeronautical
engineering was sparked
Engineering Tasmania
Connor inspects the barrel of an F18 Hornet in Melbourne;
Tasmanian Engineers enabled the passion to come alive
March 2010
Page 7
Tasmanian Engineers leading the way
Australian Maritime College
opens its doors
The 2009 program concluded with a 3 day visit to the impressive
Australian Maritime College and an overview of potential engineering
pathways available within Tasmania’s world class Launceston facility.
The lecturing staff had pieced together a timetable of activities that were
first class. Students were fully engaged and enthusiasm remained high
throughout the visit.
Taroona High School’s Jessica
Crosswell becomes “Ship Captain”
in the simulator
Teamwork is the name of the game as the
AMC engineering challenges begin
Students from across Tasmania
are set some “brain busters” in
the test basin facility
What Challenges??
This is fun!!!!
Some practical challenges - Why steel try spaghetti AMC style !!!!!
The re-development of the ship simulation area was a
highlight of the multitude of teaching facilities at the AMC.
Each of the group were given the opportunity to be
“captain” and to plot a course through Sydney Harbour.
Needless to say Sydney Harbour Bridge was in need of
some major repairs after the “P Platers” had traversed the
water. An understanding of the need for high level
calculations for the operation of this type of equipment was
emerging within the group. Providing a relevance for the
high level mathematical requirements of engineering was
perfectly timed for the group as they considered what
subjects to select next year. All students could see the
benefit in the high level Maths that they had chosen up until
this point of their education. A typical comment was “I am
pleased I kept up my maths as now I can do this for a
job”. A cleverly designed lecture had the group studying
failures of some famous building structures culminating in
the building of “spaghetti bridges”. Small teams worked
together to see which teams bridge could withstand the
greatest load.
Engineering Tasmania
March 2010
Burnie High Schools Joel French
testing his bridge building skills
Tension mounts as the teams battle
for the strongest construction design
Page 8
Tasmanian Engineers leading the way
Program Success Celebrated
The time together presented a chance for the group to speak of their 34 separate engineering experiences where all
involved were keen to share their mentored components. The reflections of the diversely different experiences stamped
engineering as the only topic of conversation when groups were able to speak of their future aspirations.
A presentation night within the AMC part of the program allowed the students to celebrate the years experience with
mentor engineers, parents and teachers. The future looks bright for this group of young Tasmanians who have now seen
what potential is available in the engineering profession spectrum.
Tasmanian President Mike Brewster celebrates the
2009 Engineering initiative with the Northern group
of engineering students.
Mike Brewster and Division Director, Geoff Harper
receive an appreciation photo collage from MCs for the
night Daniel Willcox and Claire Elliott.
On behalf of the students, parents and schools involved in the Engineering Initiative many
thanks to the members of the Tasmanian Division of Engineers Australia for supporting and
inspiring young Tasmanians to reach for their potential – Guaranteeing Futures
To the members of the Tasmanian Division of Engineers Australia
Thank You for providing these life changing experiences – 2009 Group
Engineering Tasmania
March 2010
Page 9
ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA & TASMANIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
THANK THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES FOR PROVIDING MENTORS:
SCOTT WIGG PTY LTD
Devonport
Engineering Tasmania
March 2010
Page 10
UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA
Geomechanics Lecturer
joins the School of Engineering
Award for
Outstanding
Community
Engagement
DR HONGYUAN LIU
To meet the future needs of industry, the School of Engineering
at the University of Tasmania is offering a new Bachelor of
Engineering degree in Geotechnical Engineering in partnership
with Coffey Mining, head-quartered in Hobart. In order to
consolidate and strengthen the Geotechnical Engineering
stream, the School recently appointed Dr. Hongyuan Liu as its
new Lecturer in Geomechanics.
Hong received his undergraduate education in Mining
Engineering at Northeastern University in China with his
academic performance ranking the first in his department. He
went on to complete a masters degree in rock mechanics at the
same university free of entry examination and obtained a PhD
in rock engineering from Lulea University of Technology in
Sweden. In the last 6 years, Hong worked as a research
associate, a postdoctoral fellow, and a research fellow at Lulea
University of Technology, the University of Sydney and the
University of Queensland, respectively.
Hong will lead the School’s new Geotechnical Engineering
stream and teach subjects in soil and rock mechanics. Through
conducting research and consulting projects, Hong pursues his
research interests in the field of geomechanics and tunnelling;
including geo-materials damage and failure under static and
impact loads, geo-material characterisation, development and
application of numerical methods in geomechanics, mechanical
fragmentation, tunnelling by tunnel boring machines / drill &
blast, tunnelling-structure interaction, and modelling of
unsaturated / saturated soil consolidation in wick drains.
Engineering Tasmania
Dr Bernardo A. Leon de la Barra (left)
receiving his Award from Vice
Chancellor Professor Darryl Le Grew
Dr Bernardo A. León de la Barra from
the School of Engineering at UTas
recently received the Vice-Chancellor's
Award for Outstanding Community
Engagement in the category of Creative
Partnerships with the Community. The
School of Engineering is very proud of
Bernardo’s award "for outstanding
commitment and dedication in creating
innovative partnerships with key
educational stakeholders and for
significant contribution, through
community engagement activities, to
enhancing the reputation of the
University of Tasmania".
Dr Leon de la Barra has spent several
years developing a suite of materials
and “hands-on” equipment to engage
students from upper primary school to
college level in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics
studies. Bernardo’s instigation of a
School Outreach Team that employs
2nd, 3rd, and 4th year engineering
students to lead the classroom activities
has been particularly successful.
March 2010
Page 11
YOUNG ENGINEERS
Sandra Thaow, GradIEAust
Chair,
Young Engineers Tasmania
Young Engineers Tasmania (YEAT) has started the year
strongly with the joint YEAT/CELM Engineering Leadership
Breakfast: “Be the Change”.
solve technical problems; it is about being able to
solve problems, having a disciplined and analytical
mind, being able to create order from chaos, being a
communicator and an advocate…in other words, a
leader.
He went on to speak about how the opportunities are
there for all of us to demonstrate leadership, such as
through committees like YEAT, and that age should
not be a limit to leadership. He reflected on how his
participation in engineering committees, beginning
with Young Engineers in South Australia, exposed him
to a number of soft skills such as leadership,
governance, running meetings and organising events.
Over 100 dedicated souls ventured forth to Mawson’s
Waterside Pavilion next to Constitution Dock at 7:30am for
the launch of the Year of Engineering Leadership. Chris
Letchford, Chair of CELM Tasmania, opened the event,
followed by an excellent presentation from Greg Walters,
State Manager of Sinclair Knight Merz Tasmania (SKM).
Greg Walters, FIEAust CPEng, EngExec
Greg spoke about how engineers as a profession tend to
undervalue the contribution that we can make to society and
the different ways that we can make it. His belief is that
engineering is more than the application of technical skills to
Engineering Tasmania
These committees allowed him to establish contacts
and networks that lead to many opportunities such as
discussing engineering issues with politicians and
councils, to him being where he is today in SKM.
He closed with a strong message encouraging
employers and businesses to support their young
engineers in their leadership endeavours and
encouraged all young engineers to get involved and be
the change they want to see.
YEAT’s National
Representative and
the current YEA
National Vice-Chair,
J e s s i c a
Andrewartha, also
spoke about the
skills
and
opportunities that
she has gained and
been exposed to
since joining the
YEAT committee a
number of years ago.
If you would like to read Greg’s presentation, it is
now available on the Tasmania Division website
located under the Resources tab.
March 2010
Page 12
Looking forward, YEAT are working
with other professional groups and
Committees such as Women in
Engineering (WIE) and the Young
Professionals Network Tasmania
(YPNT) to ensure that we are able to
deliver a good variety of events that
cater for all of our members.
In the first week of March, YEAT will
be visiting the University of Tasmania
to explain to our future engineers the
role of Engineers Australia and its
Committees (such as YEAT and WIE)
and the opportunities that being
affiliated with these Committees
provide. This will be followed by a
Welcome BBQ where any interested
people can sign up for membership if
they are not already members.
We are also currently in discussions
with the University of Tasmania to
organise regular speakers to attend the
University periodically to address the
students about their experiences as an
engineer. We will be looking for
speakers from all fields of engineering
with varying degrees of experience to
speak to the students and answer
questions for 10-15 minutes so please
contact us at the yeatas email at the
end of my article f you would like to
register your interest. We will also be
contacting members individually as
dates are confirmed.
Rowan Crosbie-Goold, EA’s Vic/Tas
Industry Manager, will be visiting in
April/May to speak to PDP companies
and young engineers about EA’s
professional development framework
and Chartered Status. We are hoping to
have one of the national assessors
follow up Rowan’s presentation in
June/July with information on how to
write Career Episode Reports (CER)
and the opportunity to provide
feedback for anybody currently writing
a CER.
can determine how long a visit is
required. Please email your interest
to the yeatas email address at the end
of my article.
Registrations for the joint CELM/
YEA Engineering Leadership
Conference in Brisbane from the 5 7 May 2010 are now open. Over two
days the conference will explore
issues such as personal leadership,
leadership development, engineering
and the environment, engineering and
the community and sustainability. A
list of speakers and their abstracts
c a n
b e
f o u n d
a t
www.engineeringleadership.org
Early bird registrations close on
Friday, 12 March 2010.
As well as all of the events
mentioned above, YEAT are
planning on holding another Speed
Networking event in July/August in
both the north and south, followed by
site visits later in the year. More
information about these events will
become available as details are
confirmed.
If you are interested in joining the
Committee, please register your
interest to the yeatas email address
located at the end of my article, or
come along to our monthly
meetings at 5:40pm on the last
Tuesday of every month at the
Royal Engineers Building.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN
JOINING THE YOUNG
ENGINEERS TASMANIA
COMMITTEE ????
IF SO, SEND AN EMAIL
EXPRESSING YOUR
INTEREST TO:
yeatas@engineersaustralia.org.au
YEAT COMMITTEE
MEETINGS ARE HELD ON
THE LAST TUESDAY OF
EVERY MONTH
COMMENCING AT 5.40PM
IN THE ROYAL ENGINEERS
BUILDING, 2 DAVEY
STREET.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN
ADDRESSING ENGINEERING
STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY
OF TASMANIA ????
WE NEED SPEAKERS WHO ARE
INTERESTED IN SHARING THEIR
EXPERIENCES OF BEING AN
ENGINEER TO GIVE THE
STUDENTS AN INSIGHT INTO
THEIR FUTURE CAREER.
ANY FIELD OF ENGINEERING
AND THOSE WITH VARYING
DEGREES OF EXPERIENCE ARE
ENCOURAGED TO ASSIST.
Until next month!
PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL
EXPRESSING YOUR INTEREST
TO:
Sandra Thaow, GradIEAust
Chair, YEAT
yeatas@engineersaustralia.org.au
yeatas@engineersaustralia.org.au
We also have the opportunity for
Engineers Australia’s Careers Manager
to visit the State in late May and
provide one on one career planning as
well as offering workshops on writing
techniques and presentation skills.
Expressions of interest are sought from
members across the State so that we
Engineering Tasmania
March 2010
Page 13
WOMEN IN ENGINEERING
Women in Engineering, Tasmania
Attract. Support. Develop. Celebrate.
Nyssa Muir, GradIEAust
Our mission is to increase the participation of women in the engineering
profession and allow our member’s aspirations to flourish.
Events
Reflection
International Women’s Day Breakfast
Last year at the 2009 Tasmanian Engineering
Excellence Awards, Sarah Kube, GradIEAust was
presented with the Sir Allan Knight Award for showing
the highest degree of proficiency in the subject of
Engineering Design in her final year at University.
7:30-8:30am Thursday, 11 March 2010
Hotel Grand Chancellor – Harbour View Room
Guest Speaker – Anna McMahon
WIE have a table, so join us! RSVPs are to be made to Erin
Driscoll via erin.driscoll@ghd.com.au
More details here:
http://www.rhhresearchfoundation.org/images/uploads/
MBS_11_March_invitation_.pdf
Anna McMahon is the guest speaker and after hearing her
stories (i.e. almost drowning after the channel 10 helicopter
crashed into Brisbane’s Moreton Bay) you’ll think that you
job is pretty cushy compared to the cut-throat world of TV!
News
From WIE Chair
The WIE committee is getting going again in 2010, after a
welcome summer break: our first meeting was held on 22
February while this newsletter was still in production. I have
started picking up the reins from Amanda, after a very
thorough debrief late last year - thank you again, Amanda!
I been invited to join the UTas External Advisory
Committee, and have joined a Sub Committee aimed at
increasing the number and proportion of female students
studying engineering at UTas. It's great to have liaison
between the various groups interested in this topic, so that we
can support one another and not overlap in activities.
Planning is underway for a joint CELM / WIE event later in
the year - we hope to be able to announce our guest speaker
very soon.
WIE Poster
We are putting together an inspiring poster to promote
Engineering among prospect students. If you would like to
submit any ‘inspirational’ quotes or stories please email us at
wietas@gmail.com
Engineering Tasmania
Sarah has been employed by Hydro Tasmania for a
year now and had the following to say;
What motivated you to study engineering?
I enjoyed the maths and science subjects at school (or
at least found them satisfying!). More significantly
perhaps, I found the prospect of working in a team on
big projects very exciting. I stumbled across
engineering as an option, and at least in hindsight I
appreciate how engineering offers quite a well defined
career path, plenty of job opportunities, plenty of
support for graduates and young engineers, as well as
plenty of those opportunities to be involved with
exciting projects! The renewable energy industry was
something I had my sights on already at that stage. I
decided in year 11 to study engineering at UTAS (the
bonus at UTAS was that I didn’t have to decide what
discipline to study… yet!) and didn’t really look back. I
still feel it was the best choice I could have made!
Why did you specialise in Mechanical Engineering?
My decision was influenced strongly by the subjects I
had to study at uni. And at the time it was probably
more through elimination of the other streams that I
was less interested in, rather than a specific interest to
pursue Mechanical Engineering. I’m glad I chose it.
Hydro machines are awesome.
Why did you choose Penstock Pressure Pulsations
for your final year project?
I did my work experience with Hydro Tasmania at the
end of my third year of uni. It was fantastic to finally
get a glimpse of what a real engineer does, and learn
more about the Hydro industry, and I couldn’t wait to
March 2010
Page 14
finish uni and get back there. I wanted to do a final year
project through Hydro Tasmania, and in the process of
looking for one I found out about the problem of PPP.
Being a dangerous and potentially destructive problem,
and one that was complex and not fully understood, it
grabbed my interest straight away.
What advice would you give those choosing their
final year project at University?
Just the usual things. Definitely try to choose something
you are really interested in (or even better, something
you could be passionate about!). I personally think a
‘real world’ industry project is a good way to go. Make
sure you get advice from the right people – supervisors
at uni for the academic side of things, and people in the
industry for the practical side of things. Define the scope
of the potential project as soon as you can, and make
sure that you will have enough support to carry it
through.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
Working as part of a team and getting out and about on site.
Hydro Tasmania’s power stations are in some beautiful
places. It’s fascinating to get to know the machines and how
they work, and understand how they all integrate into the
state and national electricity system.
If you could change anything about your job, what
would it be?
The common issues with information and knowledge
sharing/management – wouldn’t it be a dream to be able to
find information you are looking for easily and straight
away?!
How did you find the transition from Uni to the Real
World?
I loved the transition. I get to do something interesting,
enjoyable, and REAL, and I’m getting paid for it! The
supportive and encouraging atmosphere and the people
at work have been great, Hydro feels a bit like a big
family sometimes! In just a year I have been part of
some great teams and learnt a heap. I also really enjoy
my evenings and weekends where I don’t have to stress
about homework and study!
Sarah Kube, GradIEAust in the turbine room of one of the
135MW machines at Gordon Power Station
WIE Tasmania is
sponsored by GHD
WIE Committee
Members:
Amanda Halley, Vanessa King,
Meredith McQueen, Fiona
Evershed, Erin Driscoll,
Cassandra Blazely, Nyssa Muir
and Amanda Larsen
Email: wietas@gmail.com
www.womeninengineering.com.au
Engineering Tasmania
March 2010
Page 15
HERITAGE PAGE
The Path to Colossus
the internal wiring of the rotors and began to build a
copy of the machine. However each German armed
force used different internal wiring for their purposes.
This knowledge was finally brought to England by the
Poles after the fall of France, though they were
originally treated with suspicion. The British
Government Code and Cipher School was set up at
Bletchley Park in August 1939.
On 5 November 2009 “packed to the rafters” was the scene for
the presentation by John McCutchan and Dr. Peter Thorne on
the development of the German coding machine, the Enigma,
and the construction of the world’s first programmable
electronic computer at Bletchley Park, UK in February 1944.
The computer was devised to enable the Allies to convert
encrypted messages into German text.
John began by outlining the intelligence work done by the
British Government in WW1, pointing out that Churchill, in
his writings after the armistice, revealed to the Germans that
the British had been intercepting and decoding the German
communications during WW1 and also during the negotiations
for the Treaty of Versailles. This alerted the Germans to the
fact that they had to develop secure communications for the
control of their air, land and sea forces.
About 1935 German industry had produced for commercial
correspondence cipher machines with three or four rotors and
this system was adopted by the
military forces, initially with
three rotors but adding a plug
panel which could manipulate
up to six of the letters. Each
rotor had 26 contacts (for the
26 letters of the alphabet)
connected differently for each
rotor in the set. These settings
and the plug setting could give
millions of combinations. The
starting position for each rotor
had to be set exactly at each
end. Enigma (the code word
used by the Allies) used letter for letter substitution
determined by the initial setting of the rotors and the plug
board. The settings had to be the same on the receiving sets.
Realising that Germany would attack Poland, Polish
intelligence and mathematician Marian Rejewski determined
Engineering Tasmania
Generally the German Army used landlines for their
signal traffic which were unavailable to the British, so
Bletchley concentrated on the Air Force and Navy
messages which normally had to be transmitted by
wireless and could be received by listening stations at
various sites around the world. Once a message was
deciphered, the German transmission had to be
translated into English. Alan Turing designed an
electromechanical device called the “Bombe” to try all
combinations of possible rotor settings to select
possible ones. These units of which 212 were
eventually built were constructed by the British Post
Office laboratory personnel at Dollis Hill.
Once the Bombe had selected a range of possible
settings, they were pasted onto a perforated continuous
loop of paper tape which, with a similar paper tape
containing the intercepted coded signal, was loaded
onto a machine named the Heath Robinson. The
message tape was advanced one group at a time, run
with all the rotor settings and scanned at every step by
binary counters. The outputs from both tapes were
compared by the first programmable computer,
Colossus.
This procedure produced results but rather slowly, as
tape breaks limited the speed of the tape. A postal
technician, Tommy Flowers, had been experimenting
with vacuum tubes for telephone exchanges before the
war. The short tape for the rotor setting was replaced
by electronic registers, controlled by an electronic unit
programmed by a plug board which gave a digital
March 2010
Page 16
control machine of approximately
2000 valves with input/output
capability. The long loop of paper was
read at nearly 20,000 characters/sec.
By leaving the machines switched on
day and night the thermal stress on the
valves was avoided and reliability was
excellent.
Besides the Enigma machine, the
German Military Forces used
teleprinter cipher machines. The one
used by the army was a Lorenz SZ40
called in English “secret writer” (code
named Tunny). This machine had 12
rotors, 10 for letters and 2 for stop &
start of the rotor operations. Originally
the setting details were included at the
beginning of the message but later this
was changed by using setting code
books giving time and date plus the
new settings, supplied to the operators.
This was handled in raids by allied
forces to covertly steal copies of the
books. Other settings and code
cracking was performed by some of
Britain’s most brilliant
mathematicians, including Turing,
Newman, Tester & Good.
Work around the clock was required to
have a Colossus ready for D-Day. In
the final years of WW2 ten machines
were built with increasing capacity and
capability, but many were destroyed at
war’s end to retain secrecy of their
existence in the cold war that followed.
All persons involved in the operation
were bound by the Official Secrets
Act. Colossus was not a stored
program computer but it did
calculations electronically and was
programmable, two years before
ENIAC was built. Many of those
involved in the development of
Colossus, worked to produce the first
stored program electronic computer at
Manchester in June1948.
Tony Lee, OMIEAust
Engineering Tasmania
March 2010
Page 17
Australian
Geomechanics Society
(Tas Chapter)
2009 EH Davis Memorial Lecture
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
5.30pm for 6.00pm
University of Tasmania, Engineering Lecture Theatre
Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay
At this time of day there may be some parking available on campus, however if this is not the case there may be
parking available in nearby streets such as Alexander, Grosvenor and View.
“Recent Advances in the Application of Vertical Drains and
Vacuum Preloading in Soft Soil Stabilization”
Much of the world’s essential infrastructure is built along congested coastal belts composed of highly compressible and weak soils
up to significant depths. Alluvial and marine soft clay deposits have very low bearing capacity and excessive settlement
characteristics, with direct design and maintenance implications on tall structures, large commercial buildings, as well as port and
transport infrastructure. Stabilizing such soft soils prior to construction is essential for both short and long term stability.
Pre-construction consolidation of soft formation soils by applying a surcharge load alone often takes too long. Moreover,
attributed to the low permeability and high thickness of low-lying clay deposits, the required surcharge load to achieve more than
90% degree of consolidation can be excessively high over a prolonged period. A system of vertical drains combined with vacuum
pressure and surcharge preloading has become an attractive ground improvement alternative in terms of both cost and
effectiveness. This technique accelerates soil consolidation by promoting rapid radial flow, decreasing the excess pore pressure
while increasing the effective stress.
Over the past 15 years, Prof. Buddhima Indraratna and his co-workers have developed numerous experimental, analytical and
numerical approaches that simulate the mechanics of prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) and vacuum preloading including both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyses and more comprehensive design methods. These recent techniques have been
applied for various real-life projects in Australia and Southeast Asia. The new design concepts include the role of overlapping
smear zones due to PVD-mandrel penetration, pore pressure prediction based on elliptical cavity expansion theory, and the rise
and fall of pore pressure via PVD under cyclic loads. The recent advances enable greater accuracy in the prediction of excess pore
water pressure, lateral and vertical displacements of the stabilised ground.
This E.H. Davis Memorial Lecture presents an overview of the theoretical and practical developments and salient findings of soft
ground improvement via PVD and vacuum preloading with applications to selected case histories in Australia, Thailand and
China.
Professor Buddhima Indraratna, PhD, FIEAust, FASCE, FGS, CEng, CPEng
Professor, and Head of School Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering,
Director, Centre for Geomechanics and Railway Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering, University of Wollongong
RSVP:
Catherine Reading on 6234 2228 or creading@engineersaustralia.org.au
THIS MEETING WARRANTS 1.5HRS CPD
Engineering Tasmania
March 2010
Page 18
NORTH WEST GROUP
DATE:
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
TIME:
6.00pm for 6.30pm Dinner
PLACE:
Ulverstone Civic Centre
“METROLOGY – PRECISE
SURVEYING SOLUTIONS”
Lester Franks have
been
providing
metrology services to
the engineering sector
for more than 30 years.
There are many methods for obtaining sub millimeter
accuracy using traditional surveying methods, but
there are also highly specialized methods, such as the
use of laser alignment equipment, and other direct
and indirect methods.
David’s background as an engineering surveyor has
enabled him to help in the delivery of successful
metrology solutions to the engineering sector in
Australia since he has been with Lester Franks. Some
of the topics that will be talked about are:
• Rotary vessel alignments
• Paper mill alignments
• Vertical casting pit rail alignments
David Tompkins
David qualified as a surveyor in
2001,
from
the
Durban
University of Technology in
South Africa.
Since then he has worked on projects in Africa, the
United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, and
currently manages the Launceston branch of Lester
Franks Survey and Geographic pty ltd.
$15 Members & partners - $25 Non Members
Attendance for the presentation only is
free of charge at 7.00pm
RSVP:
Chris Martin on 6428 3994 by 21 March or
chris@csetas.com.au
THIS MEETING WARRANTS 1.5 HOURS CPD
Engineering Tasmania
SITE VISIT
MIDLAND HIGHWAY
IMPROVEMENTS
Brighton Transport Projects Brighton Bypass Southern Section
DATE:
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
TIME:
4.30pm
PLACE:
John Holland Hazell Bros Crooked
Billet Drive Site Office
(NOT John Holland Power Office)
GUIDE:
GARY BAIRD, MIEAust CPEng
Project Manager
John Holland Hazell Bros Joint Venture
The John Holland Hazell Bros Joint Venture are currently
constructing the Brighton Bypass Southern Section Project for the
Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources. Pitt and
Sherry are providing design services for the project.
The Brighton Bypass Southern Section Project involves the design
and construction of a 3.3km section of the Midland Highway which
will provide safe, high-speed travel for vehicles and significantly
improve connections to the Brighton Industrial Estate and Brighton
Transport Hub.
The Brighton Transport Hub Project involves the design and
construction of infrastructure to accommodate a modern road-rail
facility and freight distribution hub at Brighton. The ultimate aim
of the project is the efficient movement of goods between rail and
road transport into and out of southern Tasmania.
Gary will outline the procurement methodology, design and
construction philosophy, and provide a guided tour of the site.
Safety Vest,
Hard Hat & Boots
Required
Please RSVP by
Friday 26 March
2010 by email to
Gary Baird
Gary.Baird@Brighton.inCITE.com.au
THIS VISIT WARRANTS 1.5HRS CPD
March 2010
Page 19
CALENDAR 2010
For up to date information on these and other events,
please visit www.engineersaustralia.org.au/tasevents
‘Make it so’ public awareness
campaign – launched 16 February
The campaign, called Make it so, aims to shift Australians
perceptions’ and increase understanding of the engineering
profession, whilst inspiring more Australians to consider a career
in engineering.
A core component of the new initiative is a world first
competition calling on Australians to submit an idea via a
dedicated website with one lucky person having their idea ‘made
so’ by an engineering team. People are encouraged to visit
Thursday 11 - UTAS & Launceston City Council - www.makeitso.org.au to submit, share and champion their ideas.
MARCH
Public Lecture - Cities for People & Urban Quality,
Liveable Cities - Lars Gemzoe (Internationally renowed
Architect & urban planner) - 5.45 for 6.00pm to 8.00pm The Tramshed Function Centre, Inveresk - RSVP to
UTAS.Events@utas.edu.au
Jamie Penrose, Director of Communication and Marketing at
Engineers Australia said, “A benchmark study conducted
revealed that whilst engineering had a high level of advocacy
amongst Australians, there was a very low level of understanding
about what the profession actually involves. There was a clear
Tuesday 16 - Geomechanics Society - 2009 EH Davis need for education whilst showcasing how engineers ‘make it so’
Memorial Lecture - “Recent Advances in the Application in the community.”
of Vertical Drains & Vacuum Preloading in Soft Soil
Stabilization” - Prof Buddhima Indraratna FIEAust CPEng
- 5.30 for 6.00pm - UTAS Engineering Lecture Theatre,
Hobart - RSVP to Catherine Reading on 6234 2228 or
creading@engineersaustralia.org.au (Refer to page 18)
“Through the Make it so campaign we want to capture the
imagination of Australians and involve them in the world of
engineering in a fun and engaging way. Therefore, we’re asking
Australians from Tuesday 16 February to submit an idea they
would like made so and one idea will be created by an
engineering team. The idea can be lofty or practical, simple or
Wednesday 24 - North West Group - Metrology, Precise profound – the more creative the better!”
Surveying Solutions - David Tompkins (Lester Franks) 6.00 for 6.30pm - Ulverstone Civic Centre - $15 Members
& Partners or $25 Non Members - RSVP to Chris Martin
by 21 March on 6428 394 or chris@csetas.com.au (Refer
to page 19)
Tuesday 30 - SITE TOUR - Brighton Transport
Projects - Brighton Bypass Southern Section - Tour
Guide: Gary Baird (John Holland Hazell Bros Joint
Venture) 4.30pm - Meet at the John Holland Hazell Bros
Crooked Billet Drive Site Office - Safety Vest, Hardhat
& Boots Required - RSVP by Friday, 26 March to Gary
Baird at Gary.Baird@Brighton.inCITE.com.au (Refer to
page 19)
“There is no idea that is too big or too small to submit. From
‘make it so’ there is a golf club that you can change the pitch on
so you only need one club through to ‘make it so’ solar cells
could be sprayed onto bricks and roof tiles – any idea can be
submitted and we urge all Australians to get involved”.
The Make it so campaign has already earned the support of the
engineering community, with thousands of people from around
the country registering their support online for the campaign by
becoming Make it so Campaign Advocates.
The dedicated campaign website enables users to submit ideas,
rate other people’s ideas, comment on them, follow them and
share them via Facebook, Twitter or Linked In.
The public awareness campaign is being supported by a
sophisticated social media strategy and extensive public relations
campaign being rolled out by Pulse Communications which
focuses on sharing inspirational stories of how engineers are
‘making it so’ in the community.
A national radio partnership has been struck with DMG’s Nova
Network and the campaign will feature weekly on the Ryan,
Monty and Wippa drive time program. Plus a digital media
strategy targeting a combination of social networking sites,
Google search advertising, employment sites, lifestyle sites and
news sites is being rolled out.
The competition will run for 12 weeks, until 15 May. Each week
a shortlist of the top 10 user-rated ideas, will be compiled and
one idea owner will be awarded an Eee PC, valued at $399.
The final idea selected to be ‘made so’ by an engineering team
will be announced in August to coincide with Australian
Engineering Week. For more details visit: www.makeitso.org.au
Engineering Tasmania
March 2010
Page 20