The practical, theoretical and community achievements of 26 year-old professional electrical
engineer Blake Harvey of Rockhampton, Queensland, have been rewarded by his selection as
the Engineers Australia’s Graduate Electrical Power Engineer of the Year 2009. He graduated
from the Central Queensland University (CQU) in 2005 with a first class honours degree.

In announcing the award, the Chair of Engineers Australia’s Electrical College Board, Albert
Koenig, said that in less than 6 years since graduating, Blake Harvey has well and truly
established his credentials as an outstanding achiever, and also provided a role-model for others
in the engineering profession, as well as those contemplating an engineering career.

“The combination of Blake’s excellent professional skills and his enthusiasm for taking on
challenging issues, has resulted in him delivering high level competence in the workplace, and
despite his young age, already contributing significantly to knowledge within the power
generation field through his technical papers and presentations.”

Since commencing his career with electricity utility Ergon Energy, Blake’s significant
achievements have included the development of software to asses flicker from fluctuating loads,
the development of embedded generation systems and network asset management plans for
central Queensland, plus detailed modeling and technical analysis of three phase low voltage
regulator trials.

Through the sponsorship of the award by NHP Electrical Engineering products Pty Ltd, Blake will
further develop his skills and experience through an all expenses paid overseas trip to an
electrical fair or conference, and visits to major international electrical product manufacturers
plants.

He is closely involved with his professional organisation Engineers Australia as chairman of the
local Rockhampton group, and tops that up with other activities, including as a part time lecturer
in engineering design at CQU.

Blake’s contributions also go well beyond Australia. He was co-founder of the Central
Queensland chapter of Engineers Without Borders, and he has begun working with Rural
Integrated Development Services in Nepal, providing technical assistance to aid the
development of rural electrification to villages in the Himalayas.

Blake is a young engineer who is passionate about his work and the future and says,” I wish to
champion the development and expansion of electrical power engineering through the trial and
adoption of alternative solutions, techniques and technologies, and to expand the boundaries of
the industry as a whole.

“I feel that as power engineers, we do have the opportunity to make significant, positive impacts
on society and it is my goal, and my responsibility, to do this,” Blake said.

Media Contact: John Bright - 0407 234 490 / jbright@engineersaustralia.org.au
Engineers Australia is the common name of the Institution of Engineers, Australia with almost 90,000 members