Engineering innovation and leadership took centre stage at the 2024 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards in Brisbane, where trailblazing projects and inspiring individuals were celebrated for their contributions to the profession and society.
This year’s event, featuring finalists from divisional winners across the country, underscored advancements in sustainability, innovation, and community impact, with seven national winners honoured across categories such as Project of the Year and Engineer of the Year.
Highlighting the transformative potential of engineering, Engineers Australia National President Dr Raj Aseervatham emphasised the dynamic nature of the profession.
“Engineering today is more dynamic than ever—powered by cutting-edge technology, digital innovation, and a leadership role in our communities,” Dr Aseervatham said.
“Our 2024 finalists are an outstanding field and exemplify the positive impact of the profession on so many facets of society.”
The Project of the Year accolade was awarded to the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance for the New Fitzroy River Bridge Project in Western Australia.
Completed in just 11 months following catastrophic floods, the 270-meter-long structure restored vital community connectivity, with its delivery six months ahead of schedule lauded as a testament to exceptional collaboration and engineering prowess.
In the individual categories, Jillian Formentin from Wood was named Professional Engineer of the Year for her impactful leadership in safety and sustainability initiatives.
Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year, Megan Wheeldon of Aurecon, was recognised for her work in renewable energy and commitment to innovation.
Engineering Associate of the Year, Rodney Stiff OAM, was honoured for his seven-decade-long career that pioneered advancements in industries from agriculture to aviation.
Honorary Fellows were acknowledged for their enduring contributions, including Brian Haggerty’s efforts in fostering academia-industry collaboration, Mervyn Charles Lindsay’s governance reforms, and Rear Admiral Katherine Reid Richards’ transformative role in naval engineering and gender equity.
Dr Marlene Kanga AO, recipient of the Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal, was celebrated for her global leadership and advocacy for diversity in engineering, including establishing UNESCO World Engineering Day.
The Sydney Migrant Engineers Committee received the President’s Prize for its work supporting newly arrived engineers, particularly those from refugee backgrounds, in transitioning into the Australian workforce through mentorship and career development opportunities.
