We’re now into December, which means that my year serving as President of Engineers Australia Queensland is drawing to its close. 2017 has been an exciting year for engineers in Queensland, with many significant achievements to be proud of.
Engineers Australia Queensland continued to raise the profile of the engineering profession through the development and promotion of policy papers, formal submissions on a range of current topics and attendance at meetings, workshops and lunches with members of industry, politics and government.
We also put huge efforts into celebrating the profession and the efforts of outstanding engineering professionals, organising numerous events both in Brisbane and regionally, including dedicated fellow’s events, regional forums and awards events.
2017 was the year that we initiated the Queensland Groups Advisory Committee (with the memorable acronym of QGAC) to improve communications between committees. QGAC continually demonstrates its value and has become a template that other states are using.
Dedicated efforts to monitor and improve Engineers Australia Queensland’s presence in social media this year have helped us to deliver greater communication around organisational initiatives, activities and events. In time, this will strengthen as another outlet to voice the interest of engineering as a profession.
There was a shift in the climate change debate in 2017 and the role of engineers is becoming ever more important and relevant. Our energy policy and advocacy efforts, including participation in the National Electricity Market review process, highlight our relevance in clarifying technical challenges and risks associated with tackling this issue. In addition, SENG continue to tackle public awareness and policy advocacy and I congratulate them for their efforts.
Growth and diversity are at the heart of the engineering profession’s future. The Young Engineers (YEAQ) and Women in Engineering (WIEQ) groups were outstanding in 2017; my congratulations to both. For the younger generation, Andrew King continues to inspire with another Engibear book that hit the shelves this year.
The greatest reward I have gained during my time as President this year is the time spent with members, particularly those who volunteer on committees. There is an undercurrent of mutual respect, driven through a recognition that everyone is giving up their time for something they believe in, that is at the heart of the culture of Engineers Australia. Above all else, thank you for sharing this with me in 2017.
Chris Nielsen
President, Engineers Australia Queensland