Engineers Australia (WA) - Engineering Excellence Awards

Saturday 12 September 2009

by His Excellency Dr Ken Michael, AC
Governor of Western Australia



My wife, Julie, and I are delighted to be here again this year for the 2009 WA Engineering Excellence Awards. This is the premier event for the WA Division of Engineers Australia each year and I am pleased to see, once again, a large attendance at these prestigious awards.

The number of entries in this year’s awards, I am told, is about the same as last year, with a wide range in entry size and type.

Tonight, as we witnessed earlier, awards were made in 9 of the 10 categories available, and I am very much looking forward to announcing the overall winner shortly.

I would like to congratulate all entrants this evening for their efforts in some remarkable projects that all help to shape and build our society in not only structural ways, but in ways that value add to our quality of life and community infrastructures. And, of course, we all extend our special congratulations to all the winners in what was a very competitive group of projects, which in themselves, highlighted the skills, talents and care that brought them to fruition.
 
Tonight is truly a night of celebration of engineering in more than one sense. It is a celebration of the excellence in engineering we have had the pleasure to enjoy this evening; it is also a celebration in respect of the history of engineering in our State.

As we have heard it is 100 years since the Institution of Engineers was formed in WA – in 1909 – and 10 years before a national body was formed. I am aware that, throughout the year, the Division has been highlighting the careers of the “founding fathers” of the engineering profession in WA as part of this special anniversary.

It is also a time of reflection, as well, of the past to appreciate the present and look to the future with great anticipation and confidence.

It is also the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the engineering excellence of those earlier initiatives.
 
The first Narrows Bridge is one such example as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of its completion in November.

I am told that the Division's Heritage Group is planning a celebration of that anniversary in recognition of this important engineering project that linked the north and south of our city and the innovations this project introduced at the time.

I also would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Heritage Group for its continuing important work that has been instrumental in achieving international recognition of the Goldfields Water Supply by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Plaques to mark the project as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark will be laid next month [October] at Mundaring Weir and in Kalgoorlie.

This is an excellent achievement for a project that really was of such social and historical importance to our State.
 
The value of engineering to our society is enormous and those in the profession must continue to strive for excellence in design, construction and use, with social and environmental impacts being essential elements of this holistic process.

To maintain a key focus on engineering, I am aware that the Division has continued to use opportunities to raise awareness about the profession in the community.

One means was through the recent Australian Engineering Week which continued with the theme of raising community awareness about the role that engineers play in designing and implementing practical and sustainable solutions to challenges facing our society. This goes hand-in-hand with encouraging more students to study science and technology related subjects – to ensure that they have a wide range of career options, including engineering.
 
I am pleased to acknowledge the presence of our Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley, who has an infectious enthusiasm for science, as well a strong affinity with technology and engineering. After all, they – science, technology and engineering – all come together to achieve the practical outcomes we seek and tonight’s awards are but one example of showcasing this.

Addressing the climate change issue will bring scientists, technologists and engineers to the fore in research, development and application. Issues such as clean coal technology and renewable energy will be but two key measures of interest where they will play a strong part.
 
Another specific area of interest – and of concern – is the global financial crisis which has impacted us all. Although the current signs would appear to be positive in respect of recovery, particularly with the recent announcement of major resource projects, there is still much before us. Engineering has always played a prominent part in responding to major events, such as in the present environment, through the implementation of key infrastructure projects initiated by public or private enterprises, or a combination of both – and will continue to do so.

I am aware that the Division's message during Engineering Week was that even with the economic downturn there will still be a shortage of engineers in the coming years, and now is the time to increase the student intake into engineering at university and TAFE, and also to ensure that the students who choose engineering complete their courses. I would concur with this view.
 
In its efforts to promote the profession, the Division also held two student and parent information evenings run by young engineer members, and it also contributed to public debate with a forum entitled Electricity Options for the Future. Both these initiatives, I believe, are important ways for the Division to continue its contribution within the community to promote the profession and to encourage it as a good career choice for our young people.

I would like to mention the new campaign being rolled out by Engineers Australia – the “Make it so” Campaign. This comprehensive marketing campaign is aimed at informing the public about engineering and engineers, and to engage everyone in making engineering a topic of conversation. I know that is a big "ask" but this is a very good first step in that process of awareness. It is an opportunity we should not miss.
 
The premise behind the "Make it so" campaign is simple; essentially, as it has been explained to me, it is about "taking people’s dreams and turning them into reality".

The WA Engineering Excellence Awards are an excellent example of doing just this. Not only do they showcase the incredible innovations, skills and talent in engineering, but they provide a key focus on the importance of engineering in our society in a sustainable way –socially, environmentally and economically.

Congratulations again to all the award winners and to all the entrants for their outstanding contributions to the WA Engineering Excellence Awards tonight and thank you all for being here to celebrate engineering and the significant role it plays in our community.