The purpose of Engineers Australia is to advance the science and practice of engineering for the benefit of the community. My goal is to effectively influence achievement of this purpose – to lead and support the engineering profession towards providing for the existing and future needs of community.

Background and Engineering Practice

I have over 30years experience in the Building and Construction Industry (since 1982), including with building contractors, RTA NSW (now RMS), construction contractors, and private consultants – including my own firm Pentagon Management for the past 17 years.

Apart from senior roles in Project Management and Business Management, since the mid 1990s I have specialised in systems engineering and assurance associated with construction and maintenance of public works infrastructure in NSW and beyond.

Since the mid 2000s I have also had a parallel career in leadership of professional associations related to my areas of practice – engineering, project management, risk management, quality management, safety management, environmental management, management consulting, compliance and audit, and professional performance.

Apart from a Degree in Civil Engineering, I also have tertiary qualifications in Training and Assessment, Workplace Safety, Management, and Civil Construction Management, with certifications as a Trainer, Auditor, and Engineering Executive.

Involvement with Engineers Australia

I’ve been a member of Engineers Australia since 1988, initially as a Student, then Graduate, then Member, and now Fellow. Since the mid 1990s I’ve been an Office Bearer with Engineers Australia involved with various groups including;

• National Congress (2013‐2015)
• Sydney Division Committee (2009‐2015, including Division President in 2012)
• Quality in Engineering Panel (since 1997, Chair 2008‐2016)
• Risk Engineering Society (2010‐2014)
• Board of Engineering Practice, Sydney Division (that I established in 2012)
• Transport Australia society (since 2016, including since 2017 as NSW&ACT Branch Chair, National Executive Committee Member, National Treasurer, National Membership Chair)

Involvement with other kindred Professional Bodies

Apart from Engineers Australia, since 2009 I have held Office Bearer roles with Consult Australia, IPWEA, Safety Institute (SIA), Environment Institute (EIANZ), Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), AITPM, Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS), Professions Australia.

Current Board Roles

• Institute of Management Consultants (as Chair)
• Professions Australia (as Deputy Chair)

Candidate Disclaimer: The view represented in this statement is that of the Candidate and not Engineers Australia.

I believe engineers are uniquely skilled to create a better future, and within every engineer there is enormous potential to transform society through technology, innovation and leadership.

This belief is reflected in my passion for driving innovation in Defence, unleashing the creative potential of engineers and technical officers, and my involvement with- and contribution to Engineers Australia Sydney Division and Sydney Mechanical committee as an office bearer.

As an undergraduate I studied Mechanical Engineering at Sydney University, held the Rolls Royce undergraduate scholarship, was on the Dean’s list for Academic Excellence and was president of the Mechanical Undergraduates’ Society. I graduated in 2009 with first class honours. I have held various roles in Defence and Defence industry over the last ten years and I have completed two Masters’ degrees in Systems Engineering and Space Engineering. My current passion is unleashing the creative and problem-solving potential of the Naval community, and bringing Defence and Industry closer together.

My involvement with EA includes organising evening events at the Harris St Auditorium, participating in regular committee meetings, making invitations for the EA Defence Industry round table, and representing EA Sydney on the International Maritime Conference 2019 organising committee.

My commitment to the profession is reflected through my involvement with EA, my drive to excel in my own career as an engineer but also to help others achieve their potential, and dedication to furthering education and professional development.

I would feel privileged to continue my contribution to Sydney Division Committee as an elected member.

Candidate Disclaimer: The view represented in this statement is that of the Candidate and not Engineers Australia.

I have been heavily involved in Engineers Australia Sydney Division for 5 years as a member of the Women in Engineering, Sydney Division Committee.

I joined the committee as a Student Scholarship winner in 2014 and co-founded the annual Experience It! Student conference. Since its inception, approximately 800 school girls in years 8 to 10 have had the opportunity to participate in a series of engineering workshops hosted by a variety of university and industry partners.

After completing my degree (B Eng (Electrical) Hons 1, UNSW), I was elected into the WIE Sydney Committee as a Publications Coordinator where I managed the newsletter and publication of the annual report. From there, I moved into the role of Vice Chair before being elected Chair for 2017 and 2018.

As current Chair of WIE Sydney, I have lead the team of 13 committee members on the execution of a variety of events and initiatives including the WIE Winter Gala, Eminient Speakers Breakfast, Panel Discussions, Masterclasses, Strategy Days and collaborative activities with CLM, YEAS and Engineers Without Borders. As part of my role, I have represented EA at the Australia Gender Equality Council Annual Summit and attended multiple school and university outreach events as a speaker.

I am currently a Systems Engineer at ResMed Ltd and have been with the company for 3.5 years. I have always found that working in research and development and medical devices meant I brought a unique perspective and thought process to the table for Engineers Australia.

Being elected to the Engineers Australia Sydney Division Committee would be a new challenge, allowing me to work with a broader circle of engineers and would provide further visibility of activities in both the metro and regional areas. I have a passion for women in engineering, engineering education and growing the pipeline of engineers, and my time with the WIE committee has allowed me to experience the workings of our organisation.

I believe I am well placed to represent the membership on the Division Committee, and hope I am afforded the opportunity.

Candidate Disclaimer: The view represented in this statement is that of the Candidate and not Engineers Australia.

With more than 12 years’ experience in various engineering fields, I would like to join Engineers Australia's Sydney Division Committee. I am conscious that joining EA's largest division is a great responsibility and honour.

Since I have migrated to Australia, I have been a chartered member of EA. Now I am applying for this position to further develop the profession, and to support an institution, which I am proud to be a member of.

My current role as the Engineering Manager of a multinational organization has helped me to have a thorough knowledge of topics such as Corporate Governance, Risk Management & Change Management. I have demonstrated over the years a broad understanding of the commercial and business' activities along with the necessary financial management skills. I am currently also finalizing my MBA degree with a well-reputed university in Switzerland.

Recently, I have been representing the Australian Industry Group on Standards Australia's Committees BD-036, BD-043 & BD- 092. This expanded my market exposure and enhanced my understanding of the challenges we currently encounter in the Australasian market.

As a chartered member of Engineers Australia, I have gained valuable experience managing large projects and confidently working with various stakeholders. I now can utilise my management experience, engineering knowledge and business studies to help the division developing further with the focus of improving EA members’ experience and the overall presentation of EA and its members to the Australian market.

As a typical millennial, I possess a solid IT background, which enables me to tackle challenging marketing and branding topics. I can also describe myself as an enthusiastic professional who always seeks the best for his profession.

One of my goals is to support the online delivery of all CPD activities that EA provides. As the technology advances further, we need to guarantee that we are ready to satisfy the future demands of the new generation of engineers. We need also to ensure that all CPD activities, which are held in Sydney, are made accessible to the regional groups.

I am very excited about the future of Engineers Australia and the critical role it plays in engineers’ everyday life. Furthermore, I would like to join the team, which can and should improve the members’ experience for the better.

Candidate Disclaimer: The view represented in this statement is that of the Candidate and not Engineers Australia.

I have been working in sustainability for over 20 years with passion in transforming the built environment to provide a platform for sustainable living. The engineering profession can provide the platform to support sustainable development and Australia’s national commitments for reduction on greenhouse gas emissions.

Engineers hold the key to a successful and prosperous future for the generations to come.

My role in the Division Committee will be to provide this guidance and passion in sustainable development and building bonds between the Division, the Colleges and align with the National Office’s vision in sustainability.

I have previously held the Office Bearer position at the Victorian Division, President of the Middle East Chapter and served in the National Congress. I also chair the Technical Expert Panel of the Green Building Council of Australia.

I am looking forward to your support to represent the EA members and wider community in the challenges lie ahead for a sustainable future.

Candidate Disclaimer: The view represented in this statement is that of the Candidate and not Engineers Australia.

Max Underhill is an Engineer with extensive experience in a wide cross section of engineering practices ranging from major project management to a broader organisational and human resource management. As an active member of EHS he is also a strong advocate for Engineering heritage. If elected to Engineers Australia Sydney Division Committee, he would bring this broad experience together with his interest in and dedication to human resource development.

Max’s experience in organisational analysis especially focusing on business outcomes and services would provide a different perspective and input into the understanding of both member and other EA stakeholder needs.

Max is a Civil Engineer with a Master’s Degree by Thesis from University of Technology Sydney (then NSWIT) and also has a Graduate Diploma in Management Studies from Charles Sturt University. He holds dual professional memberships; Chartered Professional Engineer (Retired) plus a Certified Professional of the Australian Human Resource Institute. Max is a member of Engineering Heritage Sydney committee.

Max’s engineering experience of over 40 years, includes a 26-year career with the DMR (now RMS) before entering private practice where he has applied this engineering expertise in a variety of challenging ways. Max views civil engineering as primarily “resource management” and has been driven by the ambition to be able to manage human resources as well as any other resource whether materials, plant, equipment, finances etc.

Some key achievements were the 5 years’ management of the Darling Harbour freeway construction, with over 80% of the workforce fresh non-building sector migrants His innovative construction solutions included keeping Pyrmont Bridge open while completing the constructing of the main NWF city feeders through the bridge abutment. The construction of the Nambucca by-pass with a dramatically shortened timeframe allowed Sir Roden Cutler to officiate at the opening prior to his retirement. The establishment of the “unskilled” outcome-based training programs that changed the thinking on training in NSW.

Since the direct construction days, his engineering involvement has included the development and application of organisational and human resource management methodology based on engineering experience and principles. This work has been applied locally and internationally to a broad cross section of engineering and non-engineering organisations including Strategic Planning for RTA, restructure of electricity authorities, formation of a road authority, maritime and civil aviation organisational restructures, gas energy retailing, commonwealth associations and regional bodies. Max’s volunteering, outside EA committees, has involved Save Sight Institute adviser, University of Technology Accomplish Award program, United Way Australia and CCoC “business” surveys.

As a Sydney Division Committee Member Max would apply both his technical engineering expertise as well as consider issues from the broader organisational and human perspective. He sees the operating environment for engineers as one that is changing rapidly especially with the emerging technology, a trend requiring greater emphasis on EA stakeholder identification and interaction. Max believes these changes are essential and can be accommodated within the Engineers Australia Royal Charter. His passion for structured and practical heritage management will contribute to the role.

Candidate Disclaimer: The view represented in this statement is that of the Candidate and not Engineers Australia.

Melvyn Bolus is a Chartered Professional Engineer with a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Technology Sydney. Melvyn attained a Master of Business Administration degree from Chifley Business School and is a certified Project Management Professional with the Project Management Institute. He is Downer’s Test and Commissioning Manager for the 24 brand new Series 2 Waratah Trains that will enter passenger service in August 2018.

Melvyn is a past Honorary Treasurer for Engineers Australia Hong Kong. If elected into the Sydney Committee, he feels he can make valuable contributions to key areas currently served by Engineers Australia:

• Individuals: Developing a support network for engineers, that have worked abroad or lived outside of Australia, looking to return to Sydney and find employment. Melvyn went through this phase after a train delivery project in Hong Kong.
• Migrants: Encouraging engineers, technologists and associates to have their skills and qualifications assessed by Engineers Australia. Melvyn currently helps migrant engineers to achieve their goal of attaining membership and a place on the NER.
• Communities + Groups: Supporting the RTSA to develop and disseminate railway management knowledge. Melvyn brings 15+ years of railway industry experience having worked on train projects in America, Asia and Europe.

Melvyn has been an Engineers Australia member since 2002. He is grateful for the opportunity to provide leadership to areas he is passionate about, and advance the engineering profession at the same time.

Candidate Disclaimer: The view represented in this statement is that of the Candidate and not Engineers Australia.

Serving world professional engineering institutions over half a century:

• EA: 2017-18 Electrical College Board, 2017-18 & 1995-97 Committee Member, 2014-15 National Congress Representative, 2014-16 Education & Assessment Committee, 2014-16 Mentor Women in Engineering, 1997 Professional Engineering Promotions Committee (PEP) - Sydney Division, 1996-97 Chairman, 1994-96 Committee Member – WSRG.
• IEEE: 1990-96 Sydney Committee as Senior Member.
• Energy Managers Association, NSW: 1991-97 Member Committee,
• Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, WA: 2005-05 Representative Safety and Health.
• Standards Aust.: 1995-97 Member - Power Factor Correction Equipment Standard Committee EL/35/4 Initiated this new Standard.
• Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority: 1987-89 Member - Operations & Development Committee.
• Standards Association of Central Africa: 1987-87 Member - The General Council, & 1985-87 Member - El 24/1 Electric Luminaires Committee.
• IEA(I) Bengal Centre (currently West Bengal State Centre) – Student Committee 1968-72.

Retired in 2015 after completing 52 years of professional career while worked as Chief Electrical Engineer, Project Manager, Site Manager, Manager Rotating Machine Division, Senior Construction Engineer, Senior Design Engineer, Senior Electrical Engineer in Morocco (SMEC), Australia (BAE Systems Australia Defence, Ausgrid Major Projects, Conneq Infrastructure, Toshiba International Corporation, United Group Infrastructure, Beca Group, Boeing Australia, Alstom Australia, ABB Alstom Power, AHW Engineering Planning and Management, Bassett Consulting, Adamus Consulting, Federal Airports Corporation), Japan (Toshiba), Brunei (Royal Hospital), Zimbabwe (Ministry of Public Construction and Nation Housing), Zambia (Consolidated Copper Mines), India (Renusagar Power Company, BENI, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Eastern Railway, & Defence - Ordnance Factory):

Sector: Buildings (Industrial & Commercial), Defence (US & Australian Navy & Naval Communications, Indian Navy), Health (Hospitals), Industrial (Manufacturing, Mineral - Copper Mines, Speciality Chemicals Process Industries), Transport (Tunnels - including under Brisbane river, Airports, Shipbuilding, Railways) and Utilities (Power Generation, Transmission up to 500 kV & Distribution). Certificate IV in Project Management from AIM WA, Business Management Certificate from AIM Sydney, BSEE from International Education Research Foundation, Inc., Degree in Electrical Engineering from IEI(I), Diploma in Electrical Engineering 1st Division from Ramakrishna Mission Shilpamandira, Belur Math, India. EA awarded Professional Engineer of the year 2017.

Xlibris USA published the autobiography ‘Blessings of a Mother to a Son’ by Kamal Krishna Laha in 2017.

We need to create and provide more value for today’s members and share their views for implementation:

• Evolve our collaboration platform to support new types of communities – including volunteers, practitioners, and entrepreneurs.
• Strengthen offerings that target members employed in the private sector.
• Expand our emerging technology efforts and more broadly share their results.
• Increase our humanitarian efforts. Many members take great pride in their membership because of them – and they demonstrate our commitment to our mission.
• Develop crisper value propositions for key member audiences. Four of special importance are: industrial employees, young professionals, author/researchers, and tech professionals in emerging economies. They are our membership base and our membership growth opportunities.

I will support these and other ideas that generate more value for members.

Candidate Disclaimer: The view represented in this statement is that of the Candidate and not Engineers Australia.