Civil engineer Mia Barnard, GHD’s Design Manager – Major Projects in Sydney, has been recognised for outstanding client service on some major irrigation upgrades in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. This is GHD’s inaugural national Client Service Award with Mia selected from all of GHD’s employees around Australia.
Phil Duthie MIEAust CPEng NER, GHD’s General Manager – Australia, says, “Client service is what separates the successful consultants from the rest – a technical focus alone is no longer enough. Celebrating colleagues who are doing it well is a fantastic way to inspire others. It also provokes discussion about how we connect and engage with clients.
“Mia is one of our best engineering design managers who delivers for our clients every single time. When the challenge looks daunting, she provides leadership, technical support, drive and above all solid direction to the design team. This is how she enables people from different disciplines working across multiple offices to collaborate and succeed.”
Working for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area Renewal Alliance, Mia adopted a no-compromises approach to the delivery of the Hanwood irrigation modernisation project in the Riverina, which was constructed on time and below budget.
Mia says, “Having grown up on a farm in South Africa, I was thrilled to work on these major irrigation upgrades. My background helped me understand the challenges rural communities face and to better connect with my client, their customers and the local community. I’m honoured to have played a part in securing the next generation’s future.”
Joining Phil as one of the awards judges was Sonia Adams, GHD’s Client Liaison Manager, and past President of the Asia Pacific Professional Services Marketing Association (APSMA). She says, “Client service is at the heart of who we are. In an industry that’s increasingly borderless and more competitive than ever before, we want to continue to stand out for exceeding our clients’ needs and expectations. This is why we have set up the Client Service Award Program to recognise individuals and teams who not only demonstrate technical excellence, but are also passionate about providing exemplary service.”
Photo: Mia Barnard accepting the award from (left to right): Phil Duthie, Tasos Katopodis and Sonia Adams.