Overview

In 1924 work on the Sydney Harbour Bridge had begun. Tenders had been received, a contract awarded, detailed design work was underway in London and steel was being rolled in Middlesbrough. In Sydney the site was being cleared and the erection of the steel fabrication workshop was beginning. This presentation follows the developments of the year and showcases the engineers involved. The arch was still four years away, but important decisions were being made. Concurrently work on the underground City Railway was racing ahead, at least by the tunnelling standards of the day.

Learning outcomes

Participants will learn of the processes, often laborious due to lack of modern tools and slow international travel, by which engineering projects were managed a century ago. The character of the Engineer-in-Chief - John Bradfield - and his first task to build a team of young, locally educated, engineers and other staff to supervise the contract on behalf of the NSW government.

Event program 

In-person: 

• 5.30 pm AEST: Registration open
• 6.00 pm AEST: Presentation commence with Q&A session
• 7.00 pm AEST: Presentation conclude

Online:

• 6.00 pm AEST: Presentation commence with Q&A session
• 7.00 pm AEST:  Presentation conclude

About the speaker

Bill Phippen OAM

Author

Biography

Bill Phippen is a qualified civil engineer who late in his career moved into history and engineering heritage.  He has had five books published, and has received the Colin Crisp Award for documentation of heritage from Engineers Australia.  Bill was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2013 for service to people with disability through the charity Technical Aid to the Disabled. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia and Deputy Chair of Engineering Heritage Sydney.  Bill is a  frequent speaker to community groups about the history of engineering and railways in NSW.