Professional Engineer of the Year Award - Dr Jane Sargison, MIEAust MASME MAIE

Jane is a world class researcher who has been able to extend her academic achievements into practical engineering application.

She has contributed significantly to engineering education in Tasmania both as a Senior Lecturer at University of Tasmania, member of the senior executive of the School of Engineering and as an inspirational mentor to high school students considering studies in engineering. Jane was the 1998 Rhodes Scholar for Tasmania and completed her DPil at the University of Oxford in 2001.

She is the author of many research papers has received numerous international awards.

The technology associated with her film cooling hole design for gas turbines has been patented and utilised by Rolls Royce in their areo-engineers to reduce fuel usage and improve longevity. Other examples of Janes engineering competence include her work conducted for Hydro Tasmania in the application of computational fluid dynamics to modelling of turbine performance under significantly varying flow regimes associated with operation of Bass Link.

Jane has contributes to the community and profession, having served on a number of boards and committees including the Board of St Michael's Collegiate School 2002-2003, currently Director on the National Board and Vice Chair of the Tasmanian Branch Committee of the Australian Institute of Energy and has been a committee member of the Women in Engineering Group.

Jane has recently applied her skills to the Rainbow Bee Eater project, a project that will generate energy from biomass and result in carbon sequestration with negligible cost, creating job opportunities in rural Australia. On her own initiative Jane approached the project proponents and has helped them advance the technology, project approvals, community consultation and financing. Jane has recently been appointed to the Board of the Rainbow Bee Eater project.

Jane is a successful business woman having run her own consulting practise in conjunction with her academic work.

The judges noted the inspiration that Jane has been to many young engineers and potential engineers, particularly women in engineering. impressed with the extent that Jane had been able to apply her academic research and analytical skills to practical problem solving in industry. Jane is a true innovator and a leader in business, the profession and the community.

Jane has packed considerable achievement into her career to become an internationally recognised and highly respected engineer.

The judges congratulate Jane and a worthy recipient of the award, Professional Engineer of the year.

Young Professional Engineers of the Year Award - Mike Sylvester MIEAust CPEng BEng MTech

A dynamic engineer who has packed a lot into his career to date with notable achievements through both his engineering work and contributions to the profession and community.

His engineering competence has taken him overseas, having had key roles on projects in Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Fiji, New Zealand and Afghanistan. As power Program Development Manager in Afghanistan he led a team of 165 persons delivering a $300m project.

A successful business entrepreneur, Mike develop a personal interest in eco-friendly building design into a consulting business for design and construction of residential houses. An innovator whose Fatigue Band initiative in Hydro Tasmania received a high commendation at the 2010 Safe Work Tasmania awards.

A dedicated father with a young family Mike has still managed to balance his work commitments for contributions to the community and profession.

Mike and his wife Rachael have established a weekly play group to provide support to young families and help combat post natal depression.

Mike contributes to the profession as a member of the Tasmania Division and the National Committee of Young Engineers Australia.

There is no doubt that as a young engineer Mike's achievements extend beyond the normal expectation and he is a worthy recipient of this award.

Mike - The judges would all love to know where you get your energy from and how you make the time to achieve so much!!

Engineering Officer of the Year Award - Ron Bessell OMIEAust

A Engineering Officer who is a successful business leader. He has continually extended his expertise and his demonstrated competence has allowed him to technically contribute to projects and lead teams across the varied roles of planning, environmental science and engineering disciplines of civil, structural, hydraulic, mechanical electrical and fire.

He has demonstrated his ability to combine his practical manner and knowledge of construction with new technologies such as the introduction of Building Information Modelling.

A track record of leadership as the Northern Group Manager for JMG where he is responsible for around 20 full time staff including engineers, planners, environmental scientists engineering officers and support staff.

A contributor to the community via involvement with RACT, Rugby and the Launceston Chamber of Commerce.

Ron is a aspirational role model for Engineering Officers. The judges extend their congratulations to Rob in receiving this award as an acknowledgement of his achievements.