Growing from strength to strength with a new focus Thursday, 01 December 2016

Message by Engineers Australia’s Sydney President 2016, Dr Michael Myers OAM FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER.

Engineers play a critical role in society which should not be under rated. We should be loud and proud of what we achieve as a profession.

Engineers provide the knowledge, innovation and outcomes that facilitate the advancement of society and during the past year there has been a concerted effort to provide a very positive exposure of the profession across Australia at all levels in the media.

The process of selling the image and position of engineering in our society has been well thought through by our professional home. Several years back, Engineers Australia started transforming itself into a modern and effective voice for the profession. This began with a change to the underlying corporate governance model. We are now guided by a long term national strategy which is much more focused than ever before.

Part of this transformation has been a re-evaluation of the components which make up Engineers Australia, particularly the member led governance body at division level. Division Committees are now required to look outwards, focused on engaging and informing the community of the value, capacity and contribution of engineering.

During 2016, the Sydney Division Committee has transformed from a group focused on operational issues, to a modern board of advisors. Our goal has been to focus on allowing the committee members to be out and about learning about how engineers can play a much more prominent role in the community and provide guidance to Engineers Australia’s Sydney team based on the experience and feedback we receive in the market place.

Under the new operating model, Engineers Australia’s groups of various disciplines and regions are tasked with engaging with the engineering community to facilitate education and mentoring within the profession. They are the interface point where our organization interacts with the engineers in the community. These groups play a key role, both in engaging the engineering community and facilitating the education and mentoring of our members.

In line with the corporate strategy we have requested the regional groups to develop their own strategic plans which aligns with both the needs of their regional community and the broader vision of Engineers Australia.

In 2016, I have taken on the task of working with a number the regional groups to understand their concerns and to develop strategic plans which will help them facilitate a transition which fits with the change sweeping the organisation. Our Illawarra and Southern Regional Groups have been guiding lights in providing positive and constructive feedback to this process and I thank them for their assistance.

The pace of change in society is unrelenting and so too are the positive improvement initiatives within Engineers Australia. The profession continues to go from strength to strength and I am sure that the next few years will be our best in terms of delivering benefit to the members and to the community.

Externally, the face and image of Engineers Australia is growing daily. The work done by Engineers Australia public affairs team is remarkable.

Twelve months in the role of President is just not enough to be effective as one would like to be. You only just get an understanding of the role when it is time to step down so we have made the decision to extend the role of President to two years in Sydney.

I would like to reflect on the great work done by our dedicated volunteers and staff. I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to serve as your president.

For the incoming president and to all our members, I wish you the very best for the Christmas and the holiday season. We can look forward to 2017 where Engineers Australia will continue to improve the positive image of our profession in the community.

Image: Dr Michael Myers OAM addressing members and guests at the December 2016 Fellows Luncheon of Engineers Australia.

Come along and join Dr Michael Myers at the Engineers Australia Sydney end of year celebration where we will welcome the incoming President and Division committee for 2017. The evening will allow for ample opportunities to network with stakeholders and leaders in the Sydney engineering community over drinks and refreshments.