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
- Richard Muncey MIEAust CPEng(Ret) – Deputy Chair
- Mervyn Lindsay FIEAust CPEng NER – immediate past Chair
- Robert Taaffe FIEAust
- Angelo Arulanandam MIEAust CPEng (Ret)
- Philip Willis FIEAust CPEng(Ret)
- Tony Majoram FIEAust
- Richard Baird MIEAust CPEng(Ret)
- Eamon Madden FIEAust CPEng
- Ben Skerman MIEAust CPEng NER
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
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
EHA Magazine, volume 3, edition 7
This edition looks at Perth's Secret WWII RAAF Bunker, Tram substation machinery in Melbourne, and new home for the NSW Australian Railway Historical Society, and the 2021 Australasian Engineering Heritage Conference.
EHA Magazine, volume 3, edition 8
This edition covers Jack Mundey AO, 1929 – 2020, recognising wartime service in public utilities, Cockatoo Island – industrial powerhouse, a black summer for Victoria's bridges, Sydney's earliest public water supplies, and a history of the world's roads and pavements.
EHA Magazine, volume 3, edition 9
This edition covers the story of the paddle steamer “SS Phoenix”, Edward Bell, Sydney City Engineer 1856 to 1870, engineering out an epidemic, and repairing the Kempsey Railway Bridge.
EHA Magazine, volume 4, edition 1
This edition looks at Sydney’s Balls Head coal loader, Canberra’s ill-fated railway, the Lake Canobolas Pump House, and A.T. Harman’s Port Melbourne Engineering Works.
EHA Magazine, volume 4, edition 2
This edition covers the 90th birthday of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the refugee aeronautical engineer Fred David, the mysterious Bradfield Cylinder, and A Crossley Model XA gas engine at Swift’s Creek.