Engineers Australia would like to welcome Rajarshi Dasgupta FIEAust CPEng NER and Russell Burns MIEAust CPEng NER to the Northern Committee for 2024.
Our division committees provide leadership and direction to our members in Northern Division as well as giving locally informed advice to the Engineers Australia Board. Committee members headed by Jacinta Kelly, volunteer their expertise and time throughout the year to help set the overall governance and strategic direction of Engineers Australia Northern.
This year some of the committee’s top priorities will be:
- Implementation of our industry engagement strategy - critical to the success of improving outcomes for CDU students, local sponsorships, migrant engineers – to engage with industry leaders for more resilient relationships.
- Establishment of a Buildings Working Group to implement and deliver on key actions, such as providing the engineering voice to the independent review of the administrative arrangements for licensing, regulation and dispute resolution for building in the NT.
- Driving local action to build and strengthen the engineering talent pipeline through STEM and overseas qualified engineers.
Jacinta is looking forward to engaging with and advocating on behalf of industry and members on NT’s critical issues. These include engineering workforce shortages, the Northern Territory’s role in Australia’s energy transition and journey to net zero, and broadening our understanding of what sustainable development of infrastructure looks like in the NT.
Each new member will serve on the Northern Division committee for two years. You can find out more about each of the committee members below.
Raj holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and an MBA. He has more than 40 years' experience in the energy sector, including project management and senior leadership roles. Inducted by Engineers Australia as a Fellow in 2017 for his extensive contributions in the field of power engineering and infrastructure projects, Raj is considered a subject matter expert for high voltage design and an expert power system engineer for substations. Recognised as a mentor and role model for colleagues, students and other professionals in the electrical engineering field, Raj has contributed as a member of Engineers Australia’s advisory for the accreditation of the Bachelor of Engineering Course at Charles Darwin University.
Russell is a civil engineering consultant working for WGA. He joined the Northern Committee to give back to the profession and wider community. Recognising the engineering industry is in a period of significant transformation, Russell is eager to help shape the industry for years to come. In his (limited) spare time he likes reading, footy and spending time with his three kids.
Returning members for 2024 are:
Jacinta brings an enthusiastic and collaborative approach as President of the Northern Division and is known for her ability to bring stakeholders and teams together for the best outcome.
Simon Flowers is a chartered engineer and project delivery professional and has led an international team of engineers responsible for the delivery of projects of onshore LNG plant and offshore hydrocarbon production platforms.
Richard has over 27 years’ experience across government, private enterprise, industry and NGOs, in Australia and overseas. He has held numerous statutory board and committee roles across government and professional bodies.
Hooman is full-time Mechanical Engineering Lecturer and Course Coordinator of Master of Engineering at the College of Engineering, IT and Environment of Charles Darwin University. His career goal is to contribute to the development of Northern Territory.
Brian has worked across Australia on energy, LNG and power generation projects. Brian joined the Northern Division Committee to ensure the next generation of young Territorian engineers have the necessary tools and pathways to become the authors of the Territory’s new energy story.
A structural engineer currently leading the structural team in Aurecon’s Darwin office, Haydn is passionate about structural engineering and loves the lifestyle that comes with living in the Northern Territory. Haydn leads the work of the Buildings Working Group within the committee.
Shannon is passionate about promoting engineering and, in particular, inspiring young people to choose and contribute to our profession. She has been in leadership roles in volunteer outreach organisations such as EWB, Power of Engineering and various CDU student engagement bodies.
Skefos is a chemical engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in both the private and public sector. He is motivated in leaving positive and endearing legacies that contribute to the sustainability and growth of our community and our profession.
Having been part of the Alice Springs Committee, Sonja is aware of the challenges delivering CPD and networking events to our regionally based members. She keenly represents central Australia Engineers Australia members and believes having a regional voice on the committee enhances opportunities to grow member participation in the Northern Division.
We would like to thank Shilpa Bitla, whose term ended in 2023 for her work on the Northern Division Committee, and in particular her accomplishment in establishing and leading the Water Security Group in 2023.
The 2024 committee welcomes members' ideas on how to best serve the profession in the Northern Territory community. Please contact them at [email protected] with suggestions or discussion points.