Brendyn Williams MIEAust FIPWEA
Sydney Division President

Brendyn has spent nearly 30 years in the building and construction industry. He is now the Principal Consultant and Managing Director of Pentagon Management Pty Ltd, which provides a range of professional support services for the infrastructure industry.

Brendyn is also involved in leading and supporting a variety of industry associations such as Engineers Australia, Consult Australia, IPWEA, CCF, SIA, EIANZ, IMC, and The Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering. Brendyn is currently the Chairman of the Quality Panel and Deputy Chairman of the Risk Engineering Society in NSW.

Sydney Division President can be contacted via email sydneypresident@engineersaustralia.org.au

John Nichols BE(Civil) FIEAust CPEng
Deputy President

John is a Civil Engineer and graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1977. He has worked in the concrete industry as a professional civil engineer in relation to buildings, roads and civil construction for over 30 years. John is employed by Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia (CCAA) as Engineer Construction Solutions for New South Wales.

John is currently the Chairman of the Civil and Structural Panel and Vice Deputy President for Sydney Division.

Maryam Khajeh MIEAust
Immediate Past President

Maryam Khajeh completed a Bachelor of computer Engineering (Hons.) and Masters of Biomedical Engineering at UNSW. Whilst completing her engineering degrees, Maryam also undertook a Diploma of Innovation Management. From that, she developed an interest in technology commercialisation and the introduction of newly developed technical products and methods into a market.

After attaining some experience with a start-up Biotechnology company, Maryam started a career as a Patent Attorney. She trained and worked as a Patent Attorney for Davies Collison Cave (DCC) for over six years, and completed a Masters in Industrial Property (law). Her position at DCC included working with patents and patent applications in the areas of biomedical, mechanical, electrical, computer, and software engineering, for both local and overseas clients. In 2011, Maryam was back at UNSW as the Commercialisation Manger for the Faculty of Science, working at NewSouth Innovations.

She has been involved with Engineers Australia for many years, including being the Chair of Young Engineers Sydney in 2007. Maryam was the 2011 President of Engineers Australia, Sydney Division.

Dr Marlene Kanga FIEAust CPEng
National Deputy President

Marlene is a Chartered Professional Engineer and one of less than 100 women who are Fellows of Engineers Australia. Marlene has been a member of the Council of Engineers Australia since 2007. She has represented Australian engineers in various international forums including the World Engineers Conventions from 2007 - 2010. She is a member of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) Committee for Women in Engineering and the Disaster Risk Management Committee.

Marlene is a Director of Business Technology Pty. Ltd, which provides advice on risk engineering and corporate governance. She is also a Director of iOmniscient Pty. Ltd. which has developed patented software technology for automated camera based surveillance systems.

Bruce Howard  FIEAust CPEng
National Vice President

Bruce Howard is an electrical engineer and has built his career working with NSW power utilities. He is a past President of Sydney Division. Bruce has been a member of National Congress since 2001. Bruce was elected to Council in 2002, and has held a number of portfolios including Public Policy, Marketing/Communication and being elected as Councillor Responsible for Finance (and Chair of Engineers Australia’s Audit and Risk Committee) for a number of years.

Prof Alex Baitch  HonFIEAust CPEng
National Vice President

Alex is Principal of his electrical engineering consulting practice BES (Aust) Pty Ltd Ltd which he established in 1993. He has been an active member of the profession for many years in Standards Australia, Consult Australia and CIGRE. His is a Visiting Professorial Fellow at the University of Wollongong and a member of the Sydney University Electrical and Information Engineering Foundation.

Alex has had involvement with Engineers Australia since the 1980’s in various roles such as NVP Engineering and NVP Education and Training, RedR and Engineering Education Australia. He is presently National Vice President Education & Assessment on Council.

Kevin Dixon FIEAust CPEng
Committee Member

Kevin's Engineering career has been predominantly spent in energy and infrastructure at Esso, Exxon Coal and Minerals, Australian Pipeline Trust. He is currently employed at Metgasco Ltd.

Kevin has been a member of Engineers Australia since 1973, is an invited Fellow since 1995. He is a member of 2011 Sydney Division Committee and also a congress delegate for 2011 and 2012.

Ted Tooher FIEAust CPEng EngExec
Committee Member

Ted is a  visiting Adjunct Associate Professor and senior lecturer In Engineering and Project management at universities, Director of Tooher Gale & Associates and founder, now Project Director of TSA Management, a Sydney based project engineering and management consultancy. Ted has over 30 years experience in the provision of management consultancy services to Government and Commercial clients. His experience covers assignments in strategic planning, feasibility studies, business process reengineering, asset management, staff/systems development and management change.

As chair for 2009 of CELM, Ted worked with young professionals on leadership programmes and investigated the difficulties with the current PDP process. His current work for Sydney Division is to provide leadership and direction on the Media Subcommittee and in supporting the PDP review.

Michael Myers FIEAust CPEng EngExec
Committee Member

Michael began his career as a Mechanical Engineer specialising in the design and manufacture of specialist Aluminium structures for the aerospace, automotive and shipbuilding industries. In 1982 Michael established CONCENTRIC Asia Pacific which became Australia's leading supplier of Engineering Technology to the Automotive, Aerospace, Defence, Mining and Consumer Goods industries.

In 1998, Michael founded the Re-Engineering Australia Foundation which is focused on attracting students into careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Michael is a Governor of the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering and has held numerous roles on Government advisory bodies.

Rosemary Crowhurst  MIEAust
Committee Member

Rosemary is a senior manager in local government with a civil engineering qualification who runs a large work force as an expert in infrastructure management. She have 8 years of management experience; manage over 70 staff with a budget of $8.9mil. Pior to working in Local Government Rosemary worked for Sydney Water as a project manager and a private civil construction firm as a site engineer.

She lives and works in the Illawarra Region and enjoys working with young engineers to help them grow their skills.

Julie Mikhail MIEAust
Committee Member

Julie currently work for the Department of Defence as the Sustainment Operations Manager for Navy communications equipment, however Julie is currently on maternity leave with my second child and have worked for the department for 11 years. Julie holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Sydney University and a Masters in Engineering Science (Telecommunications) from UNSW. Julie is also the Chair of Sydney Women in Engineering group.

Norm Himsley FIEAust CPEng
Committee Member

Norm has over 35 years experience in the planning, investigation, design, construction, operation and maintenance of major engineering structures and infrastructure. He is currently a dam's consultant and member of the NSW Dams Safety Committee (DSC). Formerly he was the Executive Engineer of the DSC for over 20 years.

Norm has been involved for over 10 years with Engineers Australia education and assessment area, and has been Chair of Sydney Division's Education and Assessment Committee since 2000. He was the President of Sydney Division in 2005 and represents Sydney Division on National Congress.

Alexandra Meldrum FIEAust CPEng
Committee Member

Alexandra consults and lectures at universities in business strategy, organisational sustainability, change management & project management. She also teaches in the MBA programs at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM).

Alexandra is an experienced Director and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has an Executive MBA from the AGSM and is University Medallist in Engineering from the University of Sydney. She has fifteen years corporate management experience, at Nestle and Shell, developing and executing strategy, and driving international change projects.

Alexandra is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, and a Chartered Professional Engineer. She is interested in the creation of systems for sustainable change.  As Chair of NSW Board of the Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management at EA, Alexandra led a 2-year group transformation. Alexandra received the 2011 volunteer recognition award at The Warren Centre for leading the creation of a national education program for engineering professional performance.

David Edwards FIEAust CPEng
Committee Member

David Edwards graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1973. In a broad ranging career as a professional engineer he has worked as a design engineer, journalist, investigation & design officer, experimental officer, lightning protection consultant, university lecturer and applications engineer.

Since joining Engineers Australia in 1991 David has been active in the ITEE Society, the ITEE College and the Tasmania and Sydney divisions. He served as Tasmania Division President in 2001 and has served terms on Congress in 1998-1999, 2000-2001 and 2010-2011. He is currently a member of the Sydney Division Committee and Deputy Chair of the Sydney Division Electrical and ITEE Branch Committee, where he assists with organising and presenting seminars. David has been a Sydney Division elected Congress member since 2010 and is the Sydney Division representative on the ITEE College Board.

Nikki New GradIEAust
Committee Member

Nikki holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from RMIT and is currently employed as a Weapons Electrical Engineer Officer in the Royal Australian Navy. Nikki has recently been involved in the operational testing and evaluation of the FFG class combat system, as well as the acceptance trials and testing of their upgraded missile capability.

With over ten years defence experience Nikki is currently engaged in the maintenance management of the amphibious and replenishment ship fleet. Nikki also started her own business partnership with a colleague in 2006.

Dr Michael Lucas MIEAust CPEng
Committee Member

Michael's professional experience is in the areas of design, sustainable manufacturing, robotics and logistics. He has worked for multinational corporations with global & regional responsibility for research, development and engineering as well as running his own startup businesses in engineering, design, manufacturing, information technology & computer graphics.

Michael is an experienced volunteer office bearer within Engineers Australia, he has previously sat on Congress; the Mechanical College Board; the National Committee on Automation, Control & Instrumentation; a Division Committee and several Young Engineers committees. Michael has been National Chair of Young Engineers Australia, given the closing address at a National Engineering Conference and was awarded the National Young Professional Engineer of the Year in 1999.

John Stornelli BE (Civil) MIEAust CPEng
Committee Member

John graduated from the University of New South Wales as a Civil Engineer in 1983 and also obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Structural and Foundation Engineering from Sydney University in 1999. He has been a member of Engineers Australia and of the Civil College since 1988.

John has worked in the building construction industry, in the Western Sydney area, as a professional engineer for over 27 years and is currently employed at A. D’Urso & Associates Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers.

John has also been a Committee member of the Western Sydney Regional Group since 2009 and is the current Chairman for 2012.

Allan Sangster MIEAust CPEng
Committee Member

Allan Sangster's extensive experience as a professions engineer includes 20 years as a Government Employee and 25 years in private enterprise. Allan has been involved with the Electrical Branch Committee for 38 years running Continuing Professional Development (CPD) lecture programs with peer review. He was the Chair of Sydney Division Electrical & ITEE Branch in 2009 -2011 as well has served number of years in the 1980-1990 period on the Electrical College Board.

Alan intends to facilitate the promotion of a professional culture within Engineers Australia. This includes open and transparent discussions with members and promoting the value of membership (qualifications and experience) to the community.

Samuel Green BE(Hons) ME(Hons) GradIEAust
Committee Member

Samuel Green is a Structural Engineer with Arup in their Sydney office. He joined Arup in 2009 after completing both a Bachelors and Masters of Civil Engineering at The University of Auckland.

Samuel has been an active committee member of Young Engineers Australia Sydney division (YEAS) since 2010. His current role is the YEAS representative for Engineers Australia Sydney division.

Steve Finlay
Executive Director

After a distinguished career as a Director of Engineering in Local Government Councils, Steve Finlay FIEAust CPEng, joined Engineers Australia as Executive Director Sydney Division in September 2009. Steve is also currently Project Director of the Australian Rainfall and Runoff Revision Team.

Steve will be known to many of Engineers Australia’s staff, members, and office bearers from his long term commitment to the Institution and for holding various positions including  Sydney Division President in 2003.  Steve also served on the Engineering Excellence Awards committee 2003-2005.  He has had a long association with the Civil College Board and has been a member of the National Committee on Water Engineering.  As Chair of the Civil College Board 2005-2007 Steve represented the Board at Congress meetings.

Richard Hanna
Executive Operations Manager

Richard joined Engineers Australia in 1995, and has held various divisional and national roles. Currently he manages the Sydney Division membership team who are the first point of contact for engineers. He also conducts Chartered workshops for members to guide them in the process of applying of Chartered status. He is responsible for the Migrant Engineers Program. Richard promotes the benefits of Engineers Australia membership to engineering students. He is also responsible for the general Office Management. Richard is also responsible of for the Honours and Awards Committee and Educations and Assessment Sub-committee at Sydney Division.

Nimali Herath
Communications & IT Coordinator

Nimali joined Engineers Australia in 2006 as Membership Services Officer. At present as Communications & IT Coordinator, she is in charge of e-Communication of Sydney division, which includes electronic direct mailing to the membership, monthly e-newsletter and the Sydney division website. Nimali is also responsible for division’s CPD events program. This includes providing support to more than 200 technical events annually while being the main contact for volunteers of Division Groups & Committees. Additionally, Nimali is the first point of contact for all divisional IT related matters.

Nimali holds an Honours degree in Information Technology. Before joining Engineers Australia, she was an IT and Software academic who taught undergraduates at Australian and international universities. 

Julia Bresolin
Membership Services Officer

Julia Bresolin joined Engineers Australia in March 2010 and currently works full time as the Membership Service Office for Sydney Division. Her role entails first point of contact to over 20,000 Engineering members in Sydney, helping with membership enquiries and updating member details. She also creates the monthly Sydney Division Newsletter and helps organises internal events within the Sydney Division Boardrooms and Auditorium at Chatswood.
 
Julia has a Bachelor of Communications and has previously worked within membership based companies before Engineers Australia.

Danielle Tuazon

Danielle joined Engineers Australia in January 2011 and enjoys her work in assisting the running of Membership Services in Sydney Division. Danielle’s main role is in ensuring the smooth administration of the Chartered Professional Program through the Division office. She supports the activities of and is able to assist in any inquiries related to Membership, Chartered Status, and Career Episode Reports. She is also involved in assisting with the operation of events at Harricks Auditorium.

Danielle currently works part-time while spending most of her time studying Environmental Engineering at the University of New South Wales.

Aimee Najdovski
Events Manager

Aimee started work with Engineers Australia in 2008 as Events Coordinator. Currently as the Events Manager, she is responsible for the organising, management and sponsorship of major events by the division such as the Engineering Excellence Awards, Australian Engineering Week, Honeywell Engineering Summer School, Abigroup Autumn School of Engineering, Fellows Luncheon's and Young Engineers Careers Expo.

Aimee has a Bachelor in Sports Tourism Management (Events) and was involved in organising large scale conferences during her time in the Conference Industry before joining Engineers Australia.

Jessica Marshall
Events Coordinator

Jessica has been with Engineers Australia since March 2010 as part of the Events team. Her responsibilities include the coordination of  Australian Engineering Week, Discover Engineering Days,  The Education and Assessment Forum and Engineers Australia's participation in a range of Careers Expos. Jessica also supports the EngQuest program in Sydney Division.

Jessica has completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Event Management.

Rimma Kolodizner
Accounts Officer

Rimma joined Engineers Australia in 1999 and is primarily responsible for all accounting operations in respect of Sydney Division including accounts payable, accounts receivable, the general ledger, reconciliation of corporate credit cards, managing events for panels and groups and providing them with financial reports.

Rimma has a Bachelor of Economics from the Moscow University and an Associate Diploma in Accounting for overseas-qualified accountants. Prior to her work with Engineers Australia, Rimma worked as an assistant financial controller in a number of established organizations of Australia.

 National Office staff working in Sydney Division

Jenny O'Donovan
Manager Career Development Centre

Jennifer O’ Donovan is currently the Manager of the Career Development Centre for Engineers Australia a position she has held since 2002. Although a national role she is located in the Sydney Division.  The Career Development Centre aims to provide career advice to members on subjects such as job searching, further study and career planning and the promotion of engineering as a career choice for high school students.

Jennifer has a Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Human Resources and worked for over seven years in various human resources roles in the private sector for national and multinational organisations, before joining Engineers Australia.

Dr Guy Beaubois
National Stage 1 Assessor

Guy works for Engineers Australia on a part-time basis as a Stage 1 and Stage 2 Assessor and is currently a Member of the Articulation Committee. Guy joined EA as a Chartered Assessor in 1996 and was concurrently nominated as Chair of EA's Foreign Qualifications Committee for European Languages. He retired from EA as Associate Director Industry and Careers in February 2008, was employed as an engineering consultant for Leighton and the Abi Group for two years before returning to Engineers Australia.

A Mechanical Engineer by profession, Guy holds Bachelor and Master of Engineering degrees, as well as a Doctorate in Business Management.  Guy is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of Engineers Australia, Fellow of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (UK) and Honorary Fellow of the Society of Engineering Associates. Guy has worked for the UN, BHP Engineering and the NSW Department of Industrial Development. He was the National Engineering Manager of the NSW Education and Training Foundation.

Elana Huthnance
Industry Relationship Manager

Elana works as the Industry Relationship Manager at the Sydney Division since September 2010. This role involves working with a variety of organisations that have a commitment to developing career pathways for their engineering staff as well as engineering capacity within their organisations.

Elana comes to Engineers Australia with over ten years’ experience working with membership organisations in the health sector. Most recently she worked for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, coordinating the roll out of a number of national programs across the network of 5,000 community pharmacies. Elana’s background is in Public Relations and Communication Management. She has a Masters of Communication Management and has held a number of roles on boards and committees for the Public Relations Institute of Australia at state and national levels. 

Amal Hanna
National Stage 2 Assessor

Amal is one of Engineers Australia National Assessors in Sydney Division since 2007 when she retired as a Senior Manager in the Electricity Supply Industry. She is responsible for assessing applications for Chartered Status from Sydney Division and overseas applicants and Engineering Executive Status applications.

Since the early 70’s, Amal has been a long serving volunteer member of  Engineers Australia and was past Chair of the Electrical College Board and President of Engineers Australia Sydney. 

Roland De Broglio
Deputy National Assessment Manager - Stage 2