On 10 November, Engineers Australia held its Annual Division Celebration at Rydges South Bank in Brisbane, with over 120 members and guests.
Two local individuals were inducted into the prestigious Engineering Hall of Fame. The first was awarded posthumously to Lt Col William J Reinhold OBE who was recognised for his exceptional contribution as a civil and military engineer in Queensland. He served in the Australian armed forces in World War I and World War II and played a significant role in the establishment of the main roads network in Queensland. His greatest achievement was the construction of the 110 km BuLldog-Wau Road in Papua New Guinea.
Professor Mark J Pearcy DEng FIEAust CPEng (Biomed) was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and recognised for his outstanding contribution to Biomedical Engineering and the positive impact this has had in the community. His research in bi-planar radiographic studies and his study of the mechanics of the spine are recognised internationally. Mark led the team that built and developed the Medical Engineering Research Facility on the site of Prince Charles Hospital. He has been a committed member of Engineers Australia and a driving force behind the establishment of biomedical engineering education in Australia.
Engineers Australia Medal Award
This year two Engineers Australia Medals were awarded which recognises meritorious service at the divisional level by an individual or group to achieve Engineers Australia’s goals in the interests of the profession.
Dr Peter Ho FIEAust CPEng received the medal for his selfless contribution to the profession and to Engineers Australia which has been enormous. Peter has been a stalwart of the Structural Branch for around two decades, being a long term member of the committee and holding the position of Chair several times. In that time Peter has contributed to hundreds of hours of CPD being delivered to thousands of members.
Mr Mark Blundell FIEAust CPEng received the medal for demonstrated meritorious service at the divisional level by an individual in the pursuit of Engineers Australia’s goals in the interests of the profession. Mark has been on the Queensland Electrical Branch for a continuous period of 24 years, of which he served as Chair in 2003 and 2004. He has also represented Queensland on the national Electrical College Board and was Chair in 2011 and 2012.
2015 Fellows
The 2015 Fellows were presented with their certificate and a copy of the Engineers Australia Fellows Charge. View the full list of 2015 Fellows from the Queensland Division.
2015 Eric Brier Memorial Award
The Eric Brier Memorial Award was presented to Mr Mike Marley HonFIEAust CPEng for his significant contribution to advancing the public status of the Profession of Engineering particularly in the field of sustainable development.
“Having known Eric Brier well it was particularly poignant and a singular honour to receive the award that perpetuates his name,” said Mr Marley.
“It is immensely satisfying to see that aiming to achieve sustainability has become such an important consideration across all areas of engineering endeavour, particularly as engineering has so often in the past borne the brunt of criticism for many unintended consequences arising from development work we do. I remain supremely optimistic that engineers can and will find solutions to the multitude of problems that scientists continue to identify.”
Image (From Left) : Professor Mark J Pearcy DEng FIEAust CPEng (Biomed), Engineering Hall of Fame 2015 Inductee and Mr Chris Warnock FIEAust CPEng RPEQ, 2015 Queensland Division President.