The 2023 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – People & Projects has celebrated the pinnacle of Australian engineering achievements at a prestigious gala dinner held in Melbourne last night.
The spotlight shone brightly on Boola Katitjin by Aurecon in Western Australia, claiming the coveted Project of the Year title.
Boola Katitjin, located at Murdoch University, is Western Australia’s first mass-engineered timber building, earning global recognition for its commitment to sustainable, renewable, and circular construction methods.
According to Engineers Australia, the project’s design places student well-being at its core, incorporating biophilic principles to connect occupants with nature.
Features such as wide views of the Beeliar wetlands and natural ventilation breezeways enhance this connection, creating a unique and environmentally conscious learning space.
Furthermore, the project’s innovative use of mass-engineered timber resulted in a spacious, column-free building and fostered collaboration among academia, industry, and Indigenous groups.
Boola Katitjin’s 6-Star Green design rating has attested to its energy-efficient measures, water-conserving features, and native landscaping.
Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew addressed the gathering, emphasising engineers’ profound impact on society.
Madew stated, “Our 2023 people and project finalists are an outstanding field and exemplify the positive impact of the profession on so many facets of society.”
She added, “They are the innovators, changemakers, leaders and mentors for the next generation of engineers. Their work and its impact elevate the profession and raise its profile in the community, and with industry, government, and educators,”
Other noteworthy winners included Dr Mark Skanes from South Australia, awarded Professional Engineer of the Year, and Dr Hooman Mehdizadeh Rad from the Northern Territory, recognised as the Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year.
Robert Ladd, named Engineering Associate of the Year, demonstrated excellence in managing complex infrastructure projects over his 25-year career, particularly in the Victorian public sector.
Laura Miranda, the Emerging Engineering Associate of the Year and an Infrastructure Designer, actively promotes engineering education and diversity through a global podcast, emphasising women’s roles in engineering.
Engineering Technologist of the Year, Daniel Bonatti, was acknowledged for his dedication to infrastructure delivery and volunteering.
Jodie Kilpatrick, the Emerging Engineering Technologist of the Year, showcased leadership skills and a commitment to diversity within the engineering sector.
Honorary Fellow Appointments were granted to Dr. Geoffrey Boughton AM, a distinguished wind and timber engineer, and Prof Qing-Long Han, a leader in network control and communications systems.
Dianne Boddy received the Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal for her remarkable 60-year career and numerous designs.
Paul Collier, recipient of the President’s Prize, displayed exceptional leadership as Chair of Engineers Australia’s Civil College.
Additionally, Professor Sally Male was honoured with the World Federation of Engineering Organization Medal of Excellence in Engineering Education for her contributions to advancing engineering education and practice.
