Engineering Heritage Australia

Australia’s engineering heritage is important because only by understanding how things were done in the past can we improve on and design better for ourselves and future generations.

All around us are engineered structures, processes and products which support our modern society. Everything from the water supply, our sewerage systems, electrical grids, internet, telephone, clothing and processed foods are the result of engineering. Whether the products themselves or the production facilities which create them, almost everything we use has its origins in engineering.

Our work

Engineering Heritage Australia (EHA) groups operate in every state and territory of Australia. These groups are involved at the local level, promoting the conservation of engineering heritage and in representing Engineers Australia on heritage matters. EHA performs an important work by:

  • Providing advice and specialist knowledge on engineering heritage matters including representing Engineers Australia on government and other heritage committees.
  • Providing input into the heritage policies and procedures of state and territory governments and their authorities.
  • Identifying items of engineering heritage, bringing them to public notice and requesting they be recorded on state and national registers.
  • Providing continuing education to the profession about the importance of engineering heritage via conferences, seminars and workshops.
  • Managing the Australian engineering heritage recognition program and the heritage conference program.
  • Facilitating an Australian oral history program.
  • Conducting heritage walks, talks, lectures and site visits.
  • Producing and publishing heritage publications including the EHA Magazine.
  • Serving as an interface between the community and heritage organisations to ensure the role of the engineering profession is adequately represented.
  • Assisting in archiving engineering documents.

Leadership

EHA is run by a volunteer national committee. Current members are:

  • Michael Taylor FIEAust CPEng(Ret) – Chair
  • Eamon Madden FIEAust CPEng – Deputy Chair
  • Richard Baird MIEAust CPEng(Ret)
  • Barry Finlay FIEAust CPEng(Ret)
  • Mervyn Lindsay FIEAust CPEng NER 
  • Richard Muncey MIEAust CPEng(Ret)
  • Ian Newnham FIEAust CPEng NER
  • Samuel Pike MIEAust CPEng 
  • Ben Skerman MIEAust CPEng NER
  • Robert Taaffe FIEAust
  • Philip Willis FIEAust CPEng(Ret)

Learning and events

Engineering heritage groups in each state and territory deliver CPD to Engineers Australia members and guests with online and in-person training and events.

Visit our learning and events page to see a full list of available CPD opportunities and events.

Related groups

The Newcomen Society

Engage with us

Join EA Exchange to view our resources, heritage information and publications. You can also network with other technical society members on this interactive forum.

Visit our Awards page to learn more about Engineering Heritage Australia Awards.

Email us or call 1300 653 113 if you have any questions.

 

Our publications

Cover of academic document, grey background and three images one of a steam train, one of a windmill, one of a merry-go-round
Engineering Heritage Australia | August 2023

An engineer’s guide to the conservation of Australia’s engineering heritage

This guide is designed to assist engineers working on a built item or its intangible heritage, to assess the significance of the item and its components and devise a course of action to achieve the conservation of the significance of the item.

Cover of assessment of a timber building
Engineering Heritage Australia | 2012

Assessment and conservation of a timber building

The purpose of this practice note is to provide engineers and others with essential background information on the assessment and conservation of a timber heritage building. 

Cover of assessment of industrial heritage items
Engineering Heritage Australia | 2012

Assessment and conservation of an industrial heritage item

The purpose of this practice note is to provide engineers and others with essential background information on the assessment and conservation of an industrial heritage item.

Cover of assessment of moveable heritage
Engineering Heritage Australia | 2012

Assessment and conservation of movable heritage

The purpose of this practice note is to provide engineers and others with essential background information on the assessment and conservation of a movable heritage item.

Cover for Assessment of an industrial site
Engineering Heritage Australia | 2012

Assessment of an industrial site

The purpose of this practice note is to provide engineers and others with essential background information on the assessment of the engineering heritage significance of an industrial site.