Volunteer work in East Timor leads to award for young engineer
Engineers Australia, Canberra Division recently announced Canberra’s Young Professional
Engineer for 2010 - Mr Simon Osenieks.
Simon Osenieks is currently employed by AECOM in Canberra, and was recognised by Engineers
Australia in a large part for his voluntary work with Engineers Without Borders (EWB).
EWB works both within Australia and abroad to improve the knowledge and physical resources of
people in need. EWB focuses on developing the capacity of local technical communities through
small scale, grassroots engineering programs to ensure that innovative, appropriate, and
sustainable development projects are locally generated and driven. Typical projects include
access to drinking water, sanitation, energy, basic infrastructure, waste systems, Information
Communication Technology, and engineering education.
Simon has recently concluded his term as President of the ACT Chapter of EWB. During his time
as President, Simon was also the project manager for a water supply project in East Timor. The
project involved supply of water and sanitation to 2000 students and as project manager, Simon
was responsible for the management of a wide range of volunteers, overseas contractors and
donor representatives. He overcame language and distance barriers to develop a memorandum of
understanding in the local language and create appropriate contract documents for local
contractors.
Simon graduated from the Australian National University in 2001 with majors in Sustainable Energy
and Electronics. He is currently managing a water distribution system project for a village outside
Dili in East Timor.
In announcing the award, Canberra Division President, Denton Bocking noted ‘Simon’s work in
East Timor clearly shows his dedication and achievement in community affairs, and how
professional engineering skills can be used to benefit society’.
Simon will now progress to the national level to compete for the Australian Young Engineer of the
Year Award to be announced in Canberra in late November.
The Young Professional Engineer award is open to engineers who are under the age of 35 and is
awarded in each State and Territory. Division winners are eligible to compete at the national level.
To arrange an interview or photo with Simon or other representatives of Engineers
Australia, please contact Helen Leayr, 0438 041 524
