Engineering’s brightest minds and most impactful achievements have been celebrated at the 2024 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards, held recently in Brisbane.
This year’s finalists, drawn from divisional winners at Engineers Australia’s local awards events, showcase innovation, sustainability and contribution to the community. Seven national winners were honoured across project and people categories including Project of the Year, Engineer of the Year and distinguished career awards.
Engineers Australia National President and Board Chair Dr Raj Aseervatham says the awards highlight the essential role of engineering expertise in addressing today’s global challenges.
“Engineering today is more dynamic than ever - powered by cutting-edge technology, digital innovation, and a leadership role in our communities,” Aseervatham says.
“It is exciting to be part of a profession that is continually adapting to industry demands, evolving technologies and the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Our 2024 finalists are an outstanding field and exemplify the positive impact of the profession on so many facets of society.”
Project of the Year:
The New Fitzroy River Bridge Project - Fitzroy Bridge Alliance, comprising of BMD Constructions, Georgiou, BG&E, and Main Roads Western Australia.
The New Fitzroy River Bridge Project stands as a remarkable example of engineering achievement in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. Delivered in just 11 months by the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance, the project restored a vital connection for the community after the original bridge was destroyed by floods from ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie in January 2023.
Starting in February 2023, the project involved demolishing the old bridge and designing and constructing a new 270-meter-long bridge with a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. Despite the challenges, the bridge opened to traffic in December 2023, six months ahead of schedule. The project’s success relied on strong collaboration with government agencies, local suppliers, contractors, and the community, ensuring rapid and high-quality delivery.
This new bridge enhances safety and climate resilience, while also supporting the social and economic development of the Fitzroy Valley. It demonstrates the power of engineering to provide critical infrastructure that meets both current and future needs of the region.
Professional Engineer of the Year:
Jillian Formentin – Wood – Western Australia Division
Jillian Formentin, Head of Engineering APAC West at Wood, has built an impressive career directing large, multidisciplinary teams and leading significant change initiatives, including the restructuring of Clough.
Throughout her extensive career, she has focused on safety, sustainability, and using her engineering expertise to benefit the community. She played a key role in amending Western Australia’s gas fitting regulations and has successfully implemented strategies and policies to enhance gas safety, consistently delivering projects on time, within budget, and incident-free. Her leadership and hands-on contributions define her impact on the engineering profession.
The Excellence Awards judging panel praised the breadth and depth of her multifaceted career, noting her passion, authenticity, and inclusive approach. Ms Formentin’s ability to turn ideas into action highlights her as a truly impactful engineer and leader.
Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year:
Megan Wheeldon – Aurecon Australasia – Sydney Division
Megan Wheeldon has made a significant impact in the renewable energy sector through her leadership on transformative projects focused on sustainability and innovation. Her work addresses complex challenges and sets new standards in sustainable engineering.
Actively involved with key organisations like the Hydrogen Council and tech-economic forums, she is committed to shaping the future of energy. The Excellence Awards judging panel recognised her drive, dedication, and commitment to continuous learning, which have been central to her achievements in the field.
Engineering Associate of the Year:
Rodney Stiff OAM - Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd (Retired) – Queensland Division
Rodney Stiff OAM has been recognised for his profound impact on the profession and his significant contributions to Engineers Australia’s strategic vision. Since beginning his career in the 1950s, Rodney has exemplified resourcefulness, innovation, and elegance in engineering, pioneering the use of new materials and methods.
Spanning over 70 years, Rodney’s extensive career encompasses both mechanised sugar cane harvesting and aircraft design, development, and manufacturing, demonstrating exceptional contributions across all four evaluation criteria. His remarkable achievements and dedication to the profession make him truly deserving of this award.
Honorary Fellows
Brian Haggerty WA
Brian is an active member of the WA Divisional Committee and has served as WA President and Chief Judge of the Engineering Excellence Awards.
As Vice President of Innovation in 2016 at Woodside Petroleum he was seconded to the University of Western Australia (UWA) as Associate Dean to foster collaboration between industry and academia.
During this time, he guided the design and development of UWA’s $80M EZONE facility, creating an unparalleled student experience and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration rooted in STEM.
Mervyn Charles Lindsay
Merv Lindsay has made an outstanding contribution to engineering in Australia as the founder of the successful consulting firm Lindsay Dynan and as National President of Engineers Australia in 2011.
During his tenure he hosted the Year of Humanitarian Engineering and led transformative governance changes within Engineers Australia in 2013, resulting in a modernised organisation and leaving a significant legacy.
Associate Professor Sabaratnam Prathapan OAM
Associate Professor Sabaratnam Prathapan OAM has been a prominent figure in engineering in the Northern Territory, serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Northern Territory University and CEO of NT’s Employment and Training Authority.
As President of Engineers Australia’s NT Division, he led its growth and key initiatives, including the Excellence Awards. An Adjunct Associate Professor at Charles Darwin University, he is deeply involved in the NT community with 30 years of service in Rotary and leadership in the Multicultural Council of NT.
Rear Admiral Katherine Reid Richards AM
Rear Admiral Richards has over 35 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy where she has played a pivotal role in reshaping the engineering profession and expanding opportunities for women. She has commanded HMAS Cerberus and currently leads the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Regulatory Design team.
Her distinguished career has earned her the Conspicuous Service Cross and recognition as a Member of the Order of Australia.
Professor Murray Leslie Scott
Professor Murray Scott has made a significant impact on aerospace engineering and the manufacturing industry. He served as CEO of Australia’s Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures for 14 years and later as Chairman of its successor Advanced Composite Structures Australia, which he founded. His work has been essential in maintaining Australia’s status as a key supplier to global aircraft manufacturers.
Professor Scott has edited two books and published 99 refereed papers on aerospace science and technology.
Professor Graham Town
Professor Graham Town established the engineering programme at Macquarie University, transforming a small Department of Electronics into a thriving School of Engineering with over 50 staff and more than 250 graduates each year.
As an expert on Engineers Australia’s accreditation panels, he advises on electrical, electronics, and photonics engineering and represents the organisation in international accreditation reviews.
Kate West WA
Kate West is a distinguished and committed leader known for her technical expertise and dedication to social impact. Since 2021, she has co-chaired Arup’s Australasia Region, overseeing over 3,500 specialists.
She has guided Arup through the pandemic, led restructuring efforts, and advanced sustainability and gender equity. With over 20 years of experience across Australia, the UK, and Ireland Kate has delivered major infrastructure projects and is a committed advocate for gender equality.
President’s Prize:
Sydney Migrant Engineers Committee
Now in its third year, the Sydney Migrant Engineers Committee supports newly arrived engineers with overseas qualifications, including those from refugee backgrounds, in navigating the Australian engineering landscape.
The committee connects recently migrated engineers with established local professionals, including migrant engineers who provide valuable guidance and advice. This network fosters meaningful mentorship and career development opportunities, offering insights from peers who have successfully transitioned into local industries.
Comprised of experienced Engineers Australia members, volunteers, and office bearers in influential roles, the committee has built strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders over the past year.
Collaborations include partnerships with Women in Engineering Sydney, Young Engineers Sydney, the Western Sydney Regional Group, Engineers Australia’s Tertiary Education team, the College of Leadership and Management, and affiliated groups like the Institute of Engineering Sri Lanka and the Pakistan-Australia Engineering Association.
Through these initiatives the Sydney Migrant Engineers Committee empowers migrant engineers to establish themselves in the industry, leveraging a supportive network and creating pathways for professional success in Australia.
Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal:
Dr Marlene Kanga AO
Dr Marlene Kanga has made transformative, enduring contributions to engineering in Australia and globally. Recognised as one of Australia’s top 10 women engineers’ she is an Officer of the Order of Australia for her “distinguished service to engineering as a global leader and role model to women.”
A non-executive director in utilities, transport, and innovation sectors, Kanga also leads efforts to commercialise Australian research in artificial intelligence and hydrogen technologies. As the 2013 National President of Engineers Australia and a Council member from 2007 to 2014 she made lasting contributions, particularly advancing diversity within the profession.
During her presidency of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) from 2017 to 2019, representing over 100 institutions and 30+ million engineers, Kanga spearheaded the establishment of UNESCO World Engineering Day, which now reaches an annual audience of 70+ million. She initiated the update of the International Engineering Alliance’s education benchmark to reflect contemporary values, supporting new signatories across Asia and Africa. Committed to diversity, she hosted the inaugural INWES Asia Pacific Nation Network to support women in STEM across Asia.
Kanga co-chairs Elevate, a flagship program for advancing women in STEM in Australia. She is an international Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a foundation Fellow of the International Science Council, and an honorary fellow of engineering institutions in India, New Zealand, and Mauritius.
Image: The 2024 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards. Supplied/JOSEPHBYFORD
