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.
Awards
We have two engineering heritage awards, the John Monash Medal and the Colin Crisp Award. The Colin Crisp Award is presented at the biennial Australasian Engineering Heritage Conference.
Engage with us
Join EAXchange to view our resources, heritage information and publications. You can also network with other technical society members on this interactive forum.
Email us or call 1300 653 113 if you have any questions.
Related groups
Our publications
EHA Magazine, volume 1, edition 8
This edition looks at 150 years of mechanised transport in Tasmania, Hobart’s floating bridge, the “Sons of Gwalia” goldmine, and the trams of Hong Kong.
EHA Magazine, volume 2, edition 1
This edition covers the paddle steamer “Mary Ann”, the Humphrey Pumps at Cobdogla, Chefchaouen and the Wadi Laou in Morocco, and the bushfire at the historic Yarloop Railway Workshops.
EHA Magazine, volume 2, edition 2
This edition looks at the Mount Lyell Abt Rack Railway, Thompsons of Castlemaine, Newcastle’s Carrington Pumping Station, and the bushfire at Yarloop in Western Australia.
EHA Magazine, volume 2, edition 3
This edition looks at making connections in Western Australia, Jindalee Over-the-horizon Radar, Cremorne Railway Bridge, and provides and update from Engineering Heritage Queensland.
EHA Magazine, volume 2, edition 4
This edition explores the story of Barque “James Craig”, the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway, trams in Australia, and Ferguson Tractors.