Newcastle Division President's column by Michael van Koeverden FIEAust CPEng - December 2015
In my last 
column as the President, I would like to reflect on the great work done at Engineers Australia Newcastle Division by our dedicated volunteers and staff.
I feel very privileged to have led Engineers Australia Newcastle during 2015 and have met many members who have provided very important feedback on how Engineers Australia can better represent our profession.
In 2015 we have focussed on key initiatives to raise the profile of engineering while keeping a keen eye on what our members want and deserve. We were successful in delivering in a number of key areas:
- Providing the Professional Home for Life with over 75 presentations, 2286 attendees and 2297 CPD hours delivered.
- Connectivity and Partnerships has strengthened many folds with the UoN, UNE, SCU, AiGroup and Hunternet. During the year we participated in many activities such as Engineering Week, Industry Leaders luncheons, STEM luncheons, Fellows Dinner, Sally Chapman Dinner and the UoN graduation and 50 year celebration dinner. We were visited by Ian Chubb BOSTES, the NSW Chief Engineer and Scientist Mary O’ Kane as well as attending the National Chief Scientist talk from Ian Chubb.
- Providing the Definitive Voice, we met with NSW transport minister’s department on the Newcastle transport plan and provided position and policy statements which were widely covered by media. We also had Newcastle Herald coverage throughout 2015.
- Focusing on Tomorrow’s Engineers, we piloted a Professional Development Program supporting teachers, in delivering the HSC engineering syllabus. This program has been an overwhelming success, guaranteeing an exciting year on the education front in 2016. The program will continue to a new level with the Junior Engineer program to be announced for our youngest future engineering leaders.
- Our division has been well run this year achieving Business sustainability, within budget, and we are very appreciative of the tremendous support provided by our generous sponsors in 2015.
Please view 2014-2015 Newcastle Division review and Engineers Australia Annual Report for more details on our successful year.
It has been a busy year and thanks must go to Newcastle Division Committee, Learned Society Advisory Committee, Branch Committees, Young Engineers and our Regional Special Interests Groups as well as our Congress, College and Council representatives who have all given their time to support our division. My final thanks must go to Helen, Louise and Jo at Newcastle office who have made everything run smoothly even during a significant year of changes.
It has been a great year, one I will not forget! Thanks.