The excellence of the contribution to civil engineering across Australia and internationally by Associate Professor Ron Cox of the University of New South Wales, was officially recognised at the presentation to him of the Sir John Holland Award for Civil Engineer of the Year 2008 in Melbourne on Thursday 23 October.

David Stewart, Group Managing Director of John Holland and Brian O’Donnell, Chairman, Civil College Board of Engineers Australia, presented the prestigious annual award, which acknowledges an eminent civil engineer who has made a major contribution to the profession.

As Associate Professor in Civil and Environment Engineering at The University of News South Wales and Director of the Water Research Laboratory, Ron Cox is responsible for the management and leadership of an active and successful professional staff. WRL is one of the largest and leading water and coastal research facilities in Australia undertaking both applied and basic research for industry and government.

The Engineers Australia Civil College judging panel was particularly impressed with Ron’s total commitment to the Water Research Laboratory, his high standard of engineering excellence, the
number of papers he has written or co-written, as a teacher and mentor and his international recognition as a leader in the coastal and water industries in Australia and internationally.

In accepting the award Ron gave special recognition to former Directors of the Water Research Laboratory, Doug Foster and Colin Dudgeon, as ideal mentors for him by instilling a sound basis
in professional ethics and the essence of good engineering – problem solving by research, perseverance and imagination.

“I also learnt very quickly the importance of all members of the work team and that loyalty and
respect are to be valued, but must be earned.

“I have enjoyed the excitement of being at the forefront of major projects in Australia and worldwide in a broad range of water engineering related areas, ” Cox said.

Projects have included coastal protection, port developments, water and wastewater plants/delivery systems, dams, power stations, mining projects, groundwater and surface water resources, and more recently desalination and infrastructure adaptation for climate change.

Ron Cox joins the circle of notable past winners of the award which includes 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.

The awards dinner also included the presentation of the 2008 Warren Medal for an engineering paper to Sydney-based engineer Brendon Hyde, and the 2008 Rod McGee Medal to Monash University civil engineering student, Christopher Paxino.

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 over 86,000.