Welcome to the last edition of Western Australia’s Engineering News for 2023. Engineers Australia thanks you for your continued support. In this edition, we look back on the achievements of our WA members, committee groups and volunteers in 2023 and applaud their contributions to the engineering profession and community. And we look ahead to what’s in store for 2024!  

It was wonderful to kick off 2023 in our new Perth premises on level 10 Allendale Square, 77 St Georges Terrace. The modern purpose-designed facilities, which include a dedicated member lounge, 150 seat auditorium, boardroom and conference facilities, have allowed greater member engagement by being able to connect in this more central location.  

Our new premises were officially opened by National President Dr Nick Fleming on 7 February 2023, to coincide with the February board meeting being held in Perth. Past Presidents, current volunteers, team members and invited guests were given the opportunity to try out their drone skills in the newly named Beeliar Auditorium and admire the Indigenous artwork at its entrance, entitled “Raindrops in the Beeliar.”  

Through industry collaborations, Engineers Australia hosted a variety of events in our new space. These included the launch of National Science Week in WA, with Minister Stephen Dawson, one of Circular Economy WA’s four networking nights and a celebration lunch for International Women in Engineering Day co-hosted with other WA industry associations.  

Outgoing WA President Shalini Saldanha expressed her thanks to our members.

“On behalf of Engineers Australia and the WA Division Committee, I wish to thank you for being a part of the progress we’ve made this year. As an Engineers Australia member, you have been a crucial part of our work to advance the science and practice of engineering to benefit the community. The work you do to elevate the voice and influence of the profession is impactful ,” she said.  “Many of you volunteer your time through a committee or working group with others responding to requests for help including visiting schools or judging entries for our Excellence Awards Program.  All your support makes a difference and enables Engineers Australia to showcase engineering more visibly to the broader community.”     

The 2023 Engineers Australia WA project of the year, Boola Katitjin by Murdoch University and Aurecon went on to win Project of the Year as announced at the Enginering Excellence Awards gala dinner night on 29 November. Congratulations to all involved in bringing this remarkable project to life.    

Engineers Australia  partnered with CEOs for Gender Equity to host three CEO Boardroom lunches in Perth with leaders of engineering organisations and representatives from consulting and contractor firms, SMEs, tertiary institutions and state government entities. This was followed up by a workshop where 30 attendees further explored themes that were consistent throughout the lunch discussions – storytelling, KPIs, succession planning and school engagement. The session revealed insights and, importantly, actions that can be taken by individuals as well as organisations.  

Engineers Australia’s Diversity and Inclusion group are primed to further progress the workshop outcomes through further engagement with industry in 2024.   

We look forward to the leadership of the WA Division Committee by incoming WA Division President Lewis McDonald, WA Leader for Arup. Lewis will be supported by our two WA Deputy Presidents, Allison Selman and Kala Senathirajah, who is also our 2023 WA Professional Engineer of the Year.  

Registration wrap 

Earlier this year, the Western Australian Government gazetted regulations for building engineers' registration, intended to commence on 1 July 2024. The scheme will require building engineers, technologists and associates to be registered with the Building Services Board to undertake building engineering work in the state.   

The register aims to strengthen building compliance, reduce rectification costs, increase public confidence and industry accountability. It will also provide a formal recourse process for substandard engineering work.   

Engineers will also benefit from greater professional recognition and consistency in their work, through a code of conduct and continuing professional development requirements.   

The two-year transition periods begin on 1 July 2024 for structural and fire safety engineers, and on 1 July 2025 for civil and mechanical building engineers. Registration becomes mandatory for structural and fire safety engineers on 1 July 2026, and for civil and mechanical engineers on 1 July 2027.   

Looking ahead 

The Division Committee is looking to increase its focus on climate smart engineering, the energy transition and diversity and inclusion in the profession during 2024.    

We will continue to build strong stakeholder connections, including through our representation on a number of committees and groups including National Science Week, Circular Economy WA, WA State STEM Strategy, Supercharge WA, the Built Environment Reference Group and Infrastructure WA’s External Stakeholder Reference Group. 

Engineers Australia’s holiday shutdown period will run from 18 December 2023 to Monday 15 January 2024. During this time our office will be closed and there will not be any events held.    

Best wishes to our members, office bearers, volunteers and stakeholders for a safe and happy break over the festive season and into 2024.