The state’s top engineers and engineering projects have been named at the 2023 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – People & Projects Western Australia, held at Optus Stadium today.
“The Engineers Australia Excellence Awards go beyond recognising elite accomplishments in engineering. They highlight the pivotal role engineers play in our daily lives and their efforts in advocating for community well-being and the environment,” said Susan Kreemer Pickford, Engineers Australia GM Western Australia.
“These awards also serve as a platform to promote our profession, nurturing and motivating the next generation of engineering talent.”
Western Australian Project of the Year
Boola Katitjin | Murdoch University by Aurecon Boola Katitjin is marked by excellence and has potential to be an ‘engineering influencer’. With student well-being at its heart, the building follows biophilic design principles, connecting occupants to nature, through features such as expansive views over the Beeliar wetlands and the breezeways which allow for natural ventilation. The project is already attracting global attention for its contribution to advancing the sustainable, renewable, and circular approaches required by the construction industry to assist economies to reach their net zero carbon goals. The judging panel were impressed by how this project has used ingenuity to deliver a sustainable end triumph – Western Australia’s first mass-engineered timber building.
Western Australian Professional Engineer of the Year
Kala Senathirajah Kala Senathirajah has made significant contributions to the engineering profession, notably in enhancing water security and quality. Her research focuses on sustainable, country-specific solutions. With her active engagement in EA (Engineers Australia), EWB (Engineers Without Borders), and other organisations, she is a prominent figure in the engineering community. Deliberately choosing engineering as her path, her ultimate objective is to guarantee water access for all communities.
WA Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year Nicole Locke
Nicole Locke displays technical engineering skills, understanding the intricate links between technology, society, and stakeholders. She resonates with Engineers Australia’s vision and is actively involved with EA, Engineers Without Borders, and extensive volunteering across various regions and sectors. An emerging engineer deeply committed to sustainability, Locke aspires to lead, mentor, and collaborate with diverse teams in the future.
Achievement Award: Information, Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering College
IREE Neville Thiele Eminence Award: Dr Walter Green
Dr Walter Green has made a sustained contribution to the engineering profession and community throughout his career, including telecommunications legislation submissions to Australian and international governments.
Achievement Award: Mechanical College
AGM Michell Medal: Michael von Bertouch
Michael von Bertouch has contributed to mechanical engineering through imaging technologies and developing partnerships for the community’s benefit. Notably, his engagement with Marlee Djinda and efforts to build training programs for Indigenous youth highlight his dedication to supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion in engineering.
The Engineers Australia Excellence Awards seeks to recognise and reward outstanding achievement in engineering. Local winners will go on to represent their division at the national awards in Melbourne on November 29.
