The excellence of the contribution to civil engineering, across Australia and internationally, by Professor Tony Wong of Monash University and AECOM in Melbourne, was officially recognised at the presentation to him of the Sir John Holland Civil Engineer of the Year Award 2010 in Canberra last night, Thursday 28 October.

Matthew O’Hearn, Chair of the Engineers Australia Civil College Board, said that Professor Wong has helped define a new paradigm for design of urban environments that blends creativity with technical and scientific rigour.

“Professor Tony Wong is a visionary and his achievements to date are in keeping with the spirit of the Sir John Holland Civil Engineer of the Year Award.

“Throughout his career, he has been an effective thought leader and he continues to encourage his colleagues and clients through his passion and dedication to building sustainable environments.”

Professor Wong has an international reputation for his research and practice in sustainable urban water management. His career has been devoted to linking research and practice, with a focus on integrated urban water cycle management and Water-Sensitive Urban Design to deliver more sustainable developments.

In presenting the award, Dennis Brewer, Executive General Manager - Strategic Projects for the John Holland Group, said that he was proud that the award continued to honour the indelible mark that Sir John Holland had left on Australian engineering and construction, and that the achievements of Professor Tony Wong as this year’s winner were again outstanding.

In accepting the award, Professor Wong said, “Today, the challenges of the delivery of sustainable and resilient environments, both urban and rural, require more than ever the interdisciplinary training of a civil engineer to provide leadership in fostering coordination of efforts in the social and physical sciences.”

Professor Wong provides strategic advice on sustainable urban water management to Australian federal, state and local governments, as well as continuing his advisory role to the Government of Singapore. He has published widely with over 100 articles in industry and scientific journals, including a series of book chapters in UNESCO publications.

Professor Wong joins the circle of notable past winners of the award which include Mr Chris Dann, Associate Professor Ron Cox, Professor Archie Johnston, Dr Jim Gill, Mr Peter Stewart, Mr Bill Wild, Professor Harry Poulos, Mr Wal King, Mr Max Ervin, Dr Rory Nathan and Mr Doug Price.

Further Information: John Bright - 0407 234 490 / jbright@engineersaustralia.org.au Engineers Australia is the common name of the Institution of Engineers, Australia with a membership 93,000.