Eleanor leaves a legacy of scaling EWB’s work and bringing big-picture thinking to our organisation. Under Eleanor’s leadership, EWB doubled down on its in-country presence overseas and embarked on ambitious new projects in Australia, and in its training programs. She also steered the organisation through the challenging years of COVID-19.

We wish Eleanor all the very best for her next chapter and thank her for the energy, dedication and leadership that she brought to EWB over the last six years.

“After six years at the helm of Engineers Without Borders Australia, I have made the decision to step down on June 30.

 

With the 2030 strategy guiding us, we have matured as an organisation and focused on increasing our impact, inspiring hearts and minds, showcasing the possibility of engineering as a catalyst for critical change, and we have delivered important outcomes in communities in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region.

 

I am still as much in awe of the deep devotion that everyone associated with EWB has to make a tangible impact. We don’t do things by halves and we don’t stop because it’s too far, or too hard, or too new. Our commitment to no-one being left behind runs deep.

 

We’ve stepped up to deliver large infrastructure projects, responded to emergencies, woven First Nations engagement and two-way knowledge sharing across all our programs in Australia, provided socio-technical consulting services, built teams of national engineers, and linked our engineering work with our university partners through project based learning and strategic research programs.  

 

We have matured and we have stepped up and I couldn’t be more proud of the organisation that I’m handing over in June.

 

Warmly

Eleanor”

Engineers Without Borders Australia will be seeking applications for the role of CEO shortly. As the leader of a dynamic innovative non-profit at the forefront of socio-technical engineering, the CEO will drive transformational change for communities, in Australia and internationally.

Follow us on LinkedIn and sign up to our newsletter to be notified when applications open.

The post EWB CEO Announcement appeared first on Engineers Without Borders Australia.

We are excited to announce that the First Nations context for the 2024 EWB Challenge will be delivered in collaboration with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) with a focus on Saibai Island within the Torres Strait Islands. Student design ideas aim to support TSIRC staff with their work on the ground in Saibai Island.

Torres Strait context

Saibai Island is located in the top western group of islands in the Torres Strait, approximately 138 kms north of Horn Island and 4 kms south of the International Maritime border with Papua New Guinea. It is part of the Torres Strait Island Region and is approximately 800 kms north of mainland Australia. The island covers an area of around 42km² and is characterised by a flat topography with a mix of sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and lush vegetation.

Saibai is a flat mud mangrove island with the community established on a narrow strip of beachfront situated a few metres above sea level. The community is inundated several times a year by king tides overtopping a basic stone seawall that was constructed in the mid 1900’s, as well as a concrete seawall built in 2017.

Caption: Saibai Island seawall during low tide, high tide and king tide (from left to right).

One aspect of biosecurity in the Torres Strait involves restrictions on the movement of waste materials between the islands and mainland Australia. The primary reason for this restriction is to minimise the risk of introducing harmful pests, diseases, or contaminants that may be present in the waste into mainland Australia.

Waste management practices in the Torres Strait aim to ensure that waste generated in the region is treated appropriately, minimising the risk of contamination and the introduction of harmful substances to the mainland or other sensitive areas.

Currently, Saibai Island, like many other islands in the Torres Strait, faces challenges in waste management. Limited infrastructure and resources contribute to constraints in waste collection, disposal, and recycling on the island. With the increasing population and economic activities, the amount of waste being generated has also grown, putting pressure on existing waste management systems.

The community partner for this year’s First Nations context, TSIRC, plays a crucial role in the governance and administration of the region. Comprising 15 elected Councillors representing 15 wards, TSIRC is responsible for delivering a wide range of services and programs to the local communities, including infrastructure development, waste management, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation initiatives.

TSIRC is committed to upholding the rights and interests of the Torres Strait Islanders, including their traditional knowledge and customary practices. This commitment is evident in the council’s efforts to protect marine ecosystems, such as the implementation of sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of critical habitats for endangered species like the dugong, which holds significant cultural and economic value for the Islanders.

Scoping trip 

Caption: EWB staff, Sai Rupa Dev and Josh Macleod speaking with Councillor Conwell Tabuai.

In December 2023, the EWB Challenge team travelled to Saibai Island to meet with representatives from TSIRC and local community members to progress the scoping process that feeds into the comprehensive design brief and supporting multimedia resources issued to our EWB Challenge students.

“One of the biggest challenges encountered during the scoping process was at the very start of our trip, when we were trying to get to the island safely amidst Cyclone Jasper. We didn’t know when or if we could arrive on the island until we were actually there. This initial hurdle put into perspective the remoteness of this part of Australia, as well as the logistical challenges associated with it. I can only presume that there would be similar challenges for contractors, health professionals, and other emergency services.

“Once we arrived at Saibai Island, it was marvellous to witness this amazing island right at the cusp of the international maritime boundary. Papua New Guinea is just 4 kms away and you can see it from the shore. Saibai is a tight knit community where everyone knows each other, and they welcomed us straight in. The most interesting thing I found on the island is that every house has a name derived from their clan of origin” – Sai Rupa Dev, EWB Challenge Series Lead.

Design considerations for students

When developing their designs for Saibai Island, students will need to take into consideration the solution’s sustainability, impact on community and environment, community engagement, cost and economic benefits, materials and access as well as delivery and ongoing management. 

“Given the remoteness of the island, waste is a huge problem as it isn’t logistically feasible to transfer waste generated within the island elsewhere. I’m excited for students to take this challenge into consideration and incorporate circular design thinking into their projects.” – Sai Rupa Dev, EWB Challenge Series Lead.

Students participating in the 2023 EWB Challenge within the Torres Strait context will develop design proposals addressing one or more of the following themes: 

• Waste management;
• Water and sanitation;
• Information and communication technology;
• Infrastructure;
• Energy;
• and climate change/disaster management.

Students will also have access to immersive virtual reality interactives captured using 360 degree cameras and drones developed by EWB. Students will need to consider the many challenges posed by climate change and the remoteness of the Torres Strait Islands when designing their proposals for Saibai Island, amongst other challenges.

The EWB Challenge is delivered as part of the EWB Challenge Series, EWB’s real-world curriculum-integrated university education programs. The 2024 EWB Challenge is delivered in partnership with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council.

The post Announcing our 2024 EWB Challenge community partner – Torres Strait Island Regional Council appeared first on Engineers Without Borders Australia.

Each year, the EWB Challenge Showcase brings together top university student teams from across the country. Students present the most innovative, community-centred design ideas developed in response to the EWB Challenge Design Brief, and all event participants celebrate a year of learning, focused work, and collaboration.

This year’s EWB Challenge Showcase saw students, academics, judges, and EWB staff from across Australia, New Zealand and Cambodia travel to James Cook University’s Nguma-bada campus in far north Queensland to celebrate their designs. Students and academics were also able to participate in workshops designed by EWB to enrich participator design skills, as well as cross-cultural learnings. 

It was the first time in EWB Challenge history that students responded to one of two different community contexts; a First Nations context in Australia with Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation, and a Mondulkiri context in Cambodia, in partnership with the EWB Australia team in Cambodia. With representatives from both community partners present at the Showcase, it was a particularly enriching experience for students who had taken into consideration the community contexts in their projects throughout the year. 

Judges listening to a pitch addressing the First Nations context at the EWB Challenge Showcase.

2023 Award Winners 

Students who participated in the 2023 EWB Challenge developed design proposals addressing a variety of themes including but not limited to: Information and Communication Technology, Energy, Waste management and Water management.

Judges from Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation and EWB Australia in Cambodia were very impressed with the finalist pitches. Congratulations to the following award winners: 

• Showcase Pitch Award – First Nations context: University of Western Australia – Modular container system
• Community Partner Award – First Nations context: Curtin University – Solution to Bush Tucker Degeneration
• Showcase Pitch Award – Cambodia context: Canterbury University – Producing waste bricks as a solution to the waste management problem in Pu Ngaol, Cambodia
• Community Partner Award – Cambodia context: Auckland University of Technology – Infrastructure to enable safe river access
• Best Stall Award: Curtin University – Solution to Bush Tucker Degeneration
• Industry Reviewer Award: RMIT – Ground water detection system to aid in flood response

A big congratulations to the award winners for 2023 and thank you to all the finalists! 

Finalists from the University of Western Australia, who took home the Showcase Pitch award – First Nations context

EWB Australia would like to acknowledge the Yirrganydji traditional owners and thank Dawul Wuru, their staff and partners who have shared so much with us to inform the 2023 EWB Challenge brief. EWB Australia also like to thank RS Group, who sponsored the 2023 EWB Challenge, and James Cook University for hosting the 2023 EWB Challenge Showcase.

The EWB Challenge is delivered as part of the EWB Challenge Series, EWB’s real-world curriculum-integrated university education programs. Learn more about the EWB Challenge here.

The post Congratulations to the 2023 EWB Challenge Showcase award winners appeared first on Engineers Without Borders Australia.

Dan Lambert is the CEO of WaterStart and an Adjunct Professor of Humanitarian Engineering at UNSW. His previous roles include Arup’s water business in Australasia, and as an Officer in the Royal Australian Engineers. Daniel’s leadership in engineering has been recognised by Engineers Australia as ‘Sir John Holland Civil Engineer of the Year’, Professional Engineer of the Year’ and as one of Australia’s ‘Most Innovative Engineers. His impact in WASH has been recognised by the Australian Water Association: as winner of the ‘Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award and the Water Professional of the Year. Daniel is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders. His industry roles include Chair of Carbon8 Fund, Chair of Australian Water Partnership’s Expert Review Panel, International Advisory Committee member of the Global Water Institute, Steering Committee member of the Humanitarian Engineering Community of Practices and Operation Water’s Advisory Board.

Sheena Valenti is a climate change consultant with Energetics. As a Senior Consultant and Manager, she has advised ASX5oo clients across energy, resources and commercial sectors. She has worked as an engineer and project manager with Ekistica, an Aboriginal-owned company in Alice Springs, specialising in renewable energy and operating the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre, and Perdaman Advanced Energy, delivering solar to Perth-based industry. An EWB alumnus, Sheena held roles as Regional Chapter President (WA) and University Chapter President (UWA), championing EWB and its values in 8+ years of volunteering. She spearheaded PCs for Refugees (Connectivity) in WA, travelled to Cambodia on the DEE (Dialogues) 2010 and participated in Murray Darling Dialogues 2013, the Mickey Sampson Leadership Program 2013-14 and multiple National Council events. She completed her thesis on power theft in India and graduated with First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering / Arts (Philosophy).

Congratulations to Dan and Sheena, and many thanks to all of the nominees. We are thankful for your support and hope to work with each and every one of you in the future.

Outside of the EWB board elections, we are also pleased to welcome Grant Maher to the EWB Australia Board. Grant brings to the EWB Board his extensive experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and his experience as a leader within the engineering and construction industry. Alongside running a successful engineering consultancy, Grant is also the Chair of Engineers Australia’s Indigenous Engineers Group, CEO/Executive Director of Deadly Coders and more recently, worked with EWB to reimagine and pilot the Pathways Program. We look forward to working with Grant as an EWB Board Director to create an equitable reality for communities.

We also farewell Shane Kennelly who will be attending his last board meeting as an EWB Director this December. Shane has made major contributions to the Board and EWB’s strategic direction since joining in 2017. During his tenure, EWB launched our 2030 Strategy, embarked on strategic projects such as Dili Water, and reaffirmed EWB’s commitment to reconciliation through our recent Innovate RAP. We wish him well in his new role as co-founding Director on QIBN and future endeavors. Thank you Shane!

The post EWB Board Update appeared first on Engineers Without Borders Australia.

Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB Australia) recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first engineers and scientists of this nation and engineering a better world starts with YES to the Voice.

EWB Australia’s vision for a healed country is that through Voice, Treaty and Truth we can achieve reconciliation. We believe that through our projects and co-design approach with communities we can have a positive impact on the way Engineering is conducted in Australia. We do this by listening and giving communities a voice in the decisions that affect them.  

EWB acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the need for constitutional recognition, which is not just symbolic but provides the opportunity to make meaningful change in their lives.  We are grateful for the relationships we have with communities across Australia and we will continue to forge new relationships with communities to heal Country and create a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  This referendum is a critical opportunity for the truth of First Nations people living and engineering in Australia for 60,000 years, to be recognised in Australia’s constitution and given a Voice in decisions that affect them.

We recognise the importance and complexity of the matter of having a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament, as called for in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and that the views of the communities we work with are not homogenous, nor do we wish them to be so. In the months leading up to the Referendum we acknowledge that significant pressure can be felt by First Nations people and we are committed to providing an environment which is open to knowledge sharing through conversation and contemplation.

EWB Australia will enable all staff, our volunteer networks and our partners to make an informed decision in the referendum. 

The post EWB Australia supports an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament appeared first on Engineers Without Borders Australia.

An annual STEM outreach event that explores and showcases the opportunities possible in STEM careers brought 60 high-school students from three schools across Victoria together for a series of design challenges in November, 2022.

The outreach program known as the Innovation Challenge has been run in Victoria by the EWB Australia University of Melbourne Chapter since 2019. The program engages Year 9 and 10 students, primarily from backgrounds under-represented in STEM, in an in-depth, hands-on socio-technical design challenge.

Supported by Bentley Education, the Innovation Challenge seeks to inspire, empower and educate the next generation of socio-technical professionals. The format is designed with regional school students in mind – ensuring they can easily engage with the program.

Nurturing the next generation of engineers

Hosted at the University of Melbourne Parkville campus, school students from Viewbank College, Wantirna College, and Newhaven College were excited to join the Chapter volunteers to showcase their design proposals. They also got to pick the minds of post-graduate engineering students, tour the university and hear from socio-technical engineering role-models.

The showcase event was the culmination of weeks of build up, during which students were taken through the design context and worked on their proposals by utilising online resources and touchpoints with a mentor from the Chapter.

The design context explored the aspirations of Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation (Dawul Wuru), a current community partner for the EWB Challenge. Dawul Wuru was established in 2010 to protect, secure, support and promote the rights and interests of local Aboriginal Traditional owners and custodians – specifically the Yirrganydji people who are the traditional custodians of the area. The program content that was developed for the EWB Challenge was adapted to be accessible for the high school students participating in the Innovation Challenge.

After spending time with mentors to refine their presentations, which addressed the themes of Structures, Energy, and Waste and Reuse, students presented their proposals to a panel of judges. The judging panel was made up of industry professionals, including Simone Costello from Arup, former Innovation Challenge organisers Maxwell Jones and Warne Lewis, Kuthur Sriram from Bentley Education, John Osmond and Anna Fernandes from Matter Consulting, and Jasmin Goldberg from Aurecon.

The participants presented a range of design ideas, including a solar-powered coral terrarium, a biogas generator made from eco-bricks (complete with an indicative prototype), and a flexible accommodation structure.

A Year 10 school student working on their presentation at the Innovation Challenge.

What they said:

“EWB really challenged us to think outside the box. I have learnt so much and it has opened my eyes to the opportunity that engineering will hold in the future.” – Student, Year 10 

“The Innovation Challenge allowed us to explore and develop young minds across the state, by asking students how they can use their knowledge and research skills to help others in need. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to grow my own understanding of more sustainable practices while also learning to work together as a team to deliver an amazing final product.” – Victoria Pitliangas, EWB University of Melbourne Chapter President.  

“I was lucky enough to be working with the winning team during the Innovation Challenge. They were such brilliant, hard-working students who were desperate to know more about what university is like and what careers they could pursue in engineering. Innovation Challenge was an opportunity for them to show off their creativity and problem-solving – and got them a win!” – Stella Ulm, EWB University of Melbourne Chapter Innovation Challenge organiser

“I had such an amazing time working with the students. It was so nice to see them come up with creative and sustainable solutions. It was such a great learning opportunity for me as well!” – Shirdheen Murali, EWB University of Melbourne Chapter Innovation Challenge organiser

Partnership with Bentley Systems

For more than 37 years Bentley Systems, an infrastructure engineering software company, has provided innovative applications to engineers and other professionals responsible for designing, constructing and operating sustainable infrastructure that is essential to the quality of life for everyone, everywhere. Bentley’s partnership with EWB Australia truly aligns with Bentley Education’s core values to help students from all backgrounds rise to the challenges of becoming a world-class talent to improve quality of life and support infrastructure growth and resilience worldwide. 

Engineers Without Borders Australia has partnered with Bentley Systems since 2011, and Bentley Education has supported the Innovation Challenge since 2021.

Next steps

In 2023, the Innovation Challenge will run for the first time in two states. The University of Melbourne Chapter will again deliver the event in Victoria and representatives from the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology Chapters are planning to deliver the event in Queensland.

Interested in supporting STEM Outreach workshops like the Innovation Challenge? Find out more about joining your local Chapter here. 

The post Inspiring the next generation of technology stewards with Bentley Systems appeared first on Engineers Without Borders Australia.

We have heard the message of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders of the Uluru Statement From the Heart seeking Voice, Treaty, Truth and we stand with the hundreds of thousands of First Nations people that are calling for this simple and modest reform. 

As the Prime Minister said today:

“Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our Constitution is the best

chance this country has had to address the injustices of the past and move Australia

forward for everyone, and the best way to do this is to give people a voice.”

The recommendation of the working group with agreement of the government is to ask Australians to amend the Constitution to include:

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia: 

• there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and
• The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.   

By answering this question:

A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

Do you approve this proposed alteration?

The answer needed from a majority of Australians, in a majority of states, is Yes. 

This is a simple proposition for Recognition and Consultation. The Allies for Uluru believe this is a good proposal that will bring First Nations Voices into the heart of our national dialogue and support the practical changes that we all hope to see.

Our organisations stand together with the many First Nations peoples on the path to a successful Referendum and beyond – we support Yes.

For media inquiries contact: 

For more information or interviews with Oxfam, please contact Lucy Brown on 0478 190 099 or lucyb@oxfam.org.au  

For more information or interviews with The Fred Hollows Foundation, please contact Danielle Buckley on 0400 325 065 or dbuckley@hollows.org  

For more information or interviews with ANTAR, please contact Phaedra Engel-Harrison on 0481 093 139, or phaedra@antar.org.au  

For more information or interviews with ACOSS, please contact Olivia Greenwell on 0419 626 155 or olivia@acoss.org.au 

The Allies for Uluru Coalition:

Fred Hollows Foundation

ANTAR

Oxfam Australia

ACOSS 

Reconciliation Australia

Infoxchange

The Australian College of Nursing

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre

Adara Group

Greenpeace Australia Pacific

University of Divinity

Anglicare Australia

Simply Helping

Not-for-Profit & Charity Community Consultants (NFPCCC) First Nations & LGBTIQ+ Charity

Diverse Communities & Social Services (DCSS) First Nations & LGBTIQ+ Charity

ActionAid Australia

Tearfund Australia

Transparency International Australia

Our Community

Reconciliation Victoria

Buddhist Council of NSW

Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education

Adult Learning Australia

Financial Counselling Australia

Youth Off the Streets

Australian Democracy Network

Uniting Vic.Tas

Australian Council for International Development (ACFID)

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)

UnitingCare Australia

Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility 

Diversity Council Australia

ACTCOSS

Family Advocacy 

The Benevolent Society 

Beyond Blue 

International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA)

Human Rights Council of Australia (HRCA)

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

Caritas Australia

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia

Catholic Social Services Australia

The Salvation Army Australia

QCOSS

Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council 

Reconciliation NSW

Sydney Peace Foundation

Australian Lawyers Alliance

Brotherhood of St. Laurence

Community Mental Health Australia

Engineers Without Borders Australia

The post Allies for Uluru Coalition endorse First Nations Voice Referendum question appeared first on Engineers Without Borders Australia.

It was a wonderful discussion and we thank you for your insightful questions and feedback. In case you missed it, you can view the recording here.

As we ran out of time to answer all the questions submitted during the webinar, our panellist Leah Sertorio has provided answers to them below:

Q: Beyond drinking water, wondering how you go about communicating / campaigning for aspects of the water program that aren’t easily measurable in numbers? E.g. water as an enabler of culture; identity?

A: This is a really good question and is something I am still trying to determine how we ‘measure’ this as part of the program. If you have any insights from different environments/people would really be keen to hear and see how they might work to integrate in. I had an end slide in my presentation that I wanted to share in the webinar (see below). I would be keen to hear your thoughts around these and what you have seen/experienced might work well to embed within the water program?

Q: What water treatment processes do these communities usually require? and are there methods of water treatment that indigenous communities have learnt or used over the years that work best for them? This is a critical life source and I 100% believe that all people have the right to this resource

A: It really does depend on the water source. Typically, most remote areas are groundwater supplies and so as a supply system typically what is needed is a bore pump – usually solar (some cases I have seen windmill as well – all depends on power availability at the location etc) that feeds up to a water tank on a stand then gravity feeds to community.  If the water is ‘good’ it may only need a disinfection process, if not then additional treatment steps may be needed e.g. aeration, filtration, and perhaps even reverse osmosis if the salinity is very high. At the end of the day however, the ‘technology’ is only one part of the puzzle – the most important part is the people! Building the relationship and listening to the mob so we can learn and understand cultural water value, experiences and sources – the resilience of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over 60,000 years to understand how to look after water and where ‘good’ water is over different seasons and times is what needs to be embedded in how we then look to the sources, test these and determine if any treatment requirements may be needed.

It may be that not only one source is possible for resilience, and with the changes of use of land as well over the years, and climate change impacts. It may be that those sources identified by the mob are no longer viable and we have to find other sources which may need treatment – or their sources identified may need treatment anyways when we test it because of what we know now in Western science on the negative long-term impacts of different parameters eg uranium etc… and in that process we can then work with the mob to learn about the treatment system needed, how to operate it, what risks need to be managed, what asset plans need to be in place, what maintenance contracts might be needed and then how they can test to see if the water remains ‘good’ to drink and use for their purposes. I hope that answers your original question, and if not I am more than happy to chat more about this anytime.

Q: Have you heard of Project Gilghi – joint venture between Aurecon & Ampcontrol? https://www.aurecongroup.com/projects/water/project-gilghi

A: Hi there, yes I have – it is great to see the community able to have access to clean and safe drinking water. What I am not aware of though and would love to learn about more is what processes, community training and support mechanisms have been set up around this to ensure its sustainability and ownership by the community? I would love to know if the Community Water Planner approach was adopted in the setting up of the ongoing operation of the system. I understand there is an external contractor that comes to operate & maintain the system, however what happens if that contract falls over? Who is responsible for the ongoing operation of the system, and what roles & responsibilities do the different community members hold? Turnover of ‘staff’ is a big risk and so have community members been selected that have a long-term focus on being in community and are invested in ensuring the water system is operated and maintained. Have the community members been trained in how to operate the system and do basic maintenance, and have a process to follow for escalation of any issues that may occur? Does the community know what risks need to be managed, what asset plans need to be in place, ongoing maintenance contracts, and then the testing of the water – who does this, how, and when?

Lots of questions I am posing here! And I don’t know if this was completed as part of the project delivery for the long-term sustainability of the operation & maintenance of the system. If it all has, then this is fantastic news and I would really love to hear and see how the implementation process of this went as I would be very keen to talk this through with the team involved as would love to learn how this was implemented as I know there would be great learnings for the Engineering on Country water program. If there are any contacts you could share, I would really appreciate it!

Any further questions or comments, please feel to get in touch at info@ewb.org.au or speak to Leah directly at l.sertorio@ewb.org.au.

The post Q&A from ‘What every engineer must do to create solutions that stick’ webinar appeared first on Engineers Without Borders Australia.

It’s not all calculations and writing reports when you’re an engineer. Sometimes you’re abseiling from some of the tallest buildings in Melbourne’s CBD. Or at least that’s what a ‘day in the office’ can look like for façade engineer, Hannah Jury. 

Restoring, repairing and replacing facades

Four years ago, Hannah leapt out of a Bachelor of Civil and Architectural Engineering degree from the University of Adelaide and straight into the graduate program at Arup as a façade engineer. Despite not knowing exactly what a façade engineer does, Hannah was eager to find out. 

Weeks into the job, Hannah heard of fellow façade engineers conducting building inspections via abseiling – and thought that sounded pretty amazing. Years later, Hannah urged Arup to support her in completing the IRATA Industrial Rope Access Certification herself. After a week of gruelling and physically demanding training, she now holds an abseiling licence and uses it regularly to conduct monthly inspections across Australia. 

“I might be the only female abseiling engineer in Melbourne!” reckons Hannah.

But it’s not just the thrill of abseiling from some of Australia’s tallest buildings that gets Hannah up in the morning; it’s her passion for sustainability that truly drives her. Façade engineers aren’t typically associated with driving environmental and sustainable development, yet Hannah believes they play a critical role in minimising the carbon footprint of new and old construction. 

“It doesn’t matter what kind of engineer you are, there’s always going to be an opportunity to influence sustainability outcomes.”

Hannah abseiling from a building in Melbourne to conduct a facade inspection. 

Hannah’s day-to-day work sees her working closely with architects and design consultants to develop façade systems for new constructions that are built for longevity. She examines a range of factors including thermal performance, watertightness, airtightness, daylight, durability, constructability, fire performance, access and maintenance. For existing constructions, Hannah inspects the façades of buildings requiring repairs, diagnoses the issues and develops strategies to repair or replace façade elements. It’s here that Hannah has found her passion for restoring some of Australia’s oldest buildings. 

As Hannah explains, “Regular inspection helps us identify defects and deterioration early so we can recommend robust remediations, keeping the building looking good and performing well. The best low carbon building strategy is to avoid building at all, so I’m stoked to be helping extend the lives of our Australian building stock!”

From Ingenieure Ohne Grenzen to EWB Australia

When she’s not abseiling, Hannah volunteers her time with EWB Australia as the Arup-EWB Partnership Coordinator. However her journey with EWB didn’t start in Australia; she first came into contact with the Engineers Without Borders network over seven years ago when studying overseas in Germany. 

Whilst on an exchange trip in 2014, Hannah joined Ingenieure Ohne Grenzen’s (EWB Germany) Aachen University Chapter and started delivering Youth Outreach workshops to local schools. Hannah remembers delivering workshops to classes with Syrian refugees. To build the confidence of refugee students, the Chapter members would write the instructions for activities in Arabic and ask the Arabic-speaking students to explain the activity to the German-speaking students. It was Hannah’s first experience delivering workshops to school-aged children, and she was hooked from the start. 

Returning to Adelaide after her exchange trip, Hannah was eager to continue volunteering her time in the outreach space. After speaking to an EWBer friend from university, Hannah signed up as the University of Adelaide Chapter’s School Outreach Coordinator. 

“It seemed like a cool way to advertise engineering to students who wouldn’t have as many opportunities as I did.”

The University of Adelaide Chapter preparing to deliver a Youth Outreach workshop.

After completing her degree, Hannah moved to Melbourne in 2019 to commence Arup’s graduate program. Keen to meet new people through the EWB network, Hannah joined the local Victorian Chapter and soon after started volunteering her time in her current role as Arup-EWB Partnership Coordinator. In this role, Hannah supports the long-standing partnership between EWB and Arup and helps enable Arup’s pro-bono support for EWB’s engineering projects in Australia and overseas. 

One of the projects Hannah recently supported was the Rawa community school upgrade project in Kunawarritji, a remote community in the Pilbara. For this project, Arup supported the design of a basketball court and accompanying shade structure for the school, which was the first recreational sports facility in the town. Hannah spoke to Arup staff and identified colleagues skilled in structural design, civil design, geotechnics and wind engineering who could help support EWB’s work with the architects and community to develop an efficient design. Hannah also continues to support the delivery of EWB’s Youth Outreach program. 

Hannah’s advice for aspiring STEMinists

Hannah considers herself lucky to be an engineer, as her all-girls high school always encouraged its students to pursue male-dominanted careers. However she knows first-hand through her experience delivering Youth Outreach workshops that this isn’t always the case. Her advice for the next generation of STEM changemakers?

“Girls feel like they need to know everything back to front, inside out before they have the confidence to go for something… [But] you don’t need to be able to write a textbook on maths or science. You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to be able to use the concepts that you learn.” 

 

“STEM and maths can feel daunting because it’s just these random numbers with no meaning. For me, I found that once I applied the maths to the engineering it was no longer just XYZ but actual things that relate to the real world… That really helped me. There’s a real reason why I’m doing this and it’s less abstract. Maths has a real application with engineering and it’s not as scary…” 

Through her work with EWB, she hopes to encourage young girls to have the confidence to consider a career in STEM, because you never know where engineering might take you – as Hannah knows, some jobs can take you to surprising heights.

Video edited by Olivia Hough.

About the ‘Futur-neers’ program: This series is funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the ‘Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship’ grant program. The program focuses on deeper support and amplification of EWB’s Youth Outreach volunteer network, with a particular focus on empowering women in engineering.

To read about our other incredible ‘Futur-neer’ role models in the EWB Chapter network, click here.

The post Meet our Futur-neers: Hannah Jury appeared first on Engineers Without Borders Australia.

Volunteers are so important to EWB’s work. They dedicate time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind, drive climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. We have volunteers whom support our work in Australia, and volunteers that work with our teams in-country. Kit Kann is one of them.

Kit Kann, Environmental Engineer.

Volunteering with the EWB Australia in Cambodia team

គិត កាន់ វិស្វករផ្នែកបរិស្ថាន 

បុគ្គលិកស្ម័គ្រចិត្តនៅអង្គការវិស្វករគ្មានព្រំដែនអូស្រ្តាលីប្រចាំប្រទេសកម្ពុជា

Q: What was your motivation in wanting to become an engineer? 

A: Before I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, I realised that technology development is dramatically increasing and technical people, in particular, engineers, are in high need for fostering the development of my country. Seeing the high demand for skilled engineers in Cambodia, I decided to pursue a career in engineering. I recently graduated from the Water and Environmental Engineering Department of the Hydrology and Water Resource Engineering Faculty at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia. Although this major was not initially my first preference, I soon developed a passion for my studies on this major as I learnt of the profound impact of human activity on our environment​ and how engineers in this field could contribute in tackling the climate crisis.

១. តើអ្វីជាកត្តាជំរុញទឹកចិត្តអ្នកឲ្យចង់ក្លាយជាវិស្វករ?

មុនពេលដែលខ្ញុំសម្រេចចិត្តបន្តថ្នាក់បរិញ្ញាបត្រផ្នែកវិស្វកម្ម ខ្ញុំបានសំលឹងឃើញថាការអភិវឌ្ឍន៍ផ្នែកបច្ចេកវិទ្យា កំពុងមានកំណើនយ៉ាងខ្លាំង ហើយអ្នកបច្ចេកទេសជាពិសេសវិស្វករគឺពិតជាត្រូវការចាំបាច់ណាស់សម្រាប់ជំរុញ ការអភិវឌ្ឍន៍ប្រទេសរបស់យើង។ ដោយមើលឃើញពីតម្រូវការខ្ពស់សម្រាប់វិស្វករជំនាញក្នុងប្រទេសកម្ពុជា ខ្ញុំបានសម្រេចចិត្តចាប់យកអាជីពផ្នែកវិស្វករ។ ថ្មីៗនេះ ខ្ញុំបានបញ្ចប់ការសិក្សាផ្នែកវិស្វកម្មទឹកនិងបរិស្ថាន ពីមហាវិទ្យាល័យវារីសាស្ត្រ និងវិស្វកម្មធនធានទឹក នៅវិទ្យាស្ថានបច្ចេកវិទ្យាកម្ពុជា។ ទោះបីជាមុខវិជ្ជានេះមិនមែន ជាជម្រើសដំបូងរបស់ខ្ញុំក៏ដោយ ប៉ុន្តែក្រោយមកមិនយូរប៉ុន្មានខ្ញុំក៏ចាប់ផ្តើមចូលចិត្តរៀនជំនាញនេះ នៅពេលដែលខ្ញុំបានដឹងថាសកម្មភាពរបស់មនុស្សផ្តល់ផលប៉ះពាល់យ៉ាងខ្លាំងមកលើបរិស្ថានរបស់យើង និងបានដឹងថាតើវិស្វករនៅក្នុងវិស័យនេះអាចរួមចំណែកក្នុងការដោះស្រាយផលប៉ះពាល់បរិស្ថានទាំងនោះយ៉ាងដូចម្តេចខ្លះ។

Q: What was your motivation in choosing to volunteer with EWB? 

A: I first became aware of volunteering opportunities with EWB after my university professor shared and recommended this role. I was interested in the National Sanitation in Challenging Environment Engineering volunteer role as I was craving real-world work experience whilst studying my bachelor’s degree. At university, I was carrying out a research project on wastewater treatment by using anaerobic treatment process. Thus, I was very interested in applying my knowledge and skills in sanitation projects at EWB. Volunteering at EWB gave me the opportunity to see how these systems work in reality. I was also interested in volunteering with EWB as I have always wanted to work in the not-for-profit sector and contribute to humanitarian work that benefits my community. 

២. តើអ្វីជាកត្តាជំរុញទឹកចិត្តអ្នកឲ្យជ្រើសរើសធ្វើការស្ម័គ្រចិត្តនៅEWB? 

ដំបូងឡើយខ្ញុំបានដឹងអំពីឱកាសការងារស្ម័គ្រចិត្តជាមួយអង្គការវិស្វករគ្មានព្រំដែនបន្ទាប់ពីសាស្រ្តាចារ្យ
សាកលវិទ្យាល័យរបស់ខ្ញុំបានចែករំលែក និងណែនាំអំពីតួនាទីនេះ។ ខ្ញុំបានចាប់អារម្មណ៍លើតួនាទីជាអ្នកស្ម័គ្រចិត្ត ផ្នែកវិស្វកម្មអនាម័យក្នុងបរិស្ថានប្រឈម ដោយសារនៅពេលនោះខ្ញុំពិតជាចង់មានបទពិសោធន៍ក្នុងការងារជាក់ស្តែង ខណៈកំពុងសិក្សាថ្នាក់បរិញ្ញាបត្រ។ កាលនៅរៀននៅសកលវិទ្យាល័យ ខ្ញុំបានធ្វើគម្រោងស្រាវជ្រាវស្តីពីការធ្វើប្រព្រឹត្តិកម្មទឹកស្អុយ ដោយប្រើដំណើរការរប្រព្រឹត្តិកម្មបែបអាណាអេរ៉ូប៊ីក។

ហេតុដូចនេះខ្ញុំពិតជាចាប់អារម្មណ៍យ៉ាងខ្លាំងក្នុងការអនុវត្តចំណេះដឹងនិងជំនាញរបស់ខ្ញុំនៅក្នុងគម្រោងបង្គន់អនាម័យនៅអង្គការវិស្វករគ្មានព្រំដែន(EWB)។ ការស្ម័គ្រចិត្តនៅអង្គការវិស្វករគ្មានព្រំដែន (EWB) បានផ្តល់ឱកាស ឲ្យខ្ញុំដើម្បីមើលពីរបៀបដែលប្រព័ន្ធទាំងនេះដំណើរការជាក់ស្តែង។ លើសពីនេះ ខ្ញុំក៏ចាប់អារម្មណ៍ក្នុងការងារស្ម័គ្រចិត្តជាមួយ EWB ព្រោះខ្ញុំតែងតែចង់ធ្វើការក្នុងវិស័យមិនស្វែងរកប្រាក់ចំណេញ ព្រមទាំងរួមចំណែកដល់ការងារមនុស្សធម៌ដែលផ្តល់ប្រយោជន៍ដល់សហគមន៍របស់ខ្ញុំ។

Q: Is there a moment or experience with EWB that changed your vision or understanding of what engineering could/should be? 

A: My experience volunteering with EWB demonstrated that there is more to engineering than just applying technical expertise. Engineering can actually contribute to improving the quality of life for vulnerable people in the community. My volunteer experience also taught me that engineers should focus on developing ‘soft skills’ such as teamwork and communication to improve the quality of their work. Volunteering at EWB helped build my work experience and professional network, which paved the way to my current role in WASH at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). 

៣. តើបទពិសោធន៍ដែលអ្នកធ្លាប់ធ្វើការនៅអង្គការវិស្វករគ្មានព្រំដែន បានផ្លាស់ប្តូរទស្សនៈឬការយល់ដឹងរបស់អ្នកពី អ្វីដែលវិស្វកម្មអាចធ្វើបានដែរឬទេ? សូមជួយចែករំលែក

បទពិសោធន៍របស់ខ្ញុំក្នុងការស្ម័គ្រចិត្តជាមួយអង្គការវិស្វករគ្មានព្រំដែនអូស្រ្តាលីប្រចាំប្រទេសកម្ពុជា (EWB) បានបង្ហាញខ្ញុំថា ការងារវិស្វកម្មអាចធ្វើបានច្រើនជាងការគ្រាន់តែអនុវត្តជំនាញបច្ចេកទេស។ វិស្វកម្មពិតជាអាចរួមចំណែកដល់ការលើកកម្ពស់គុណភាពនៃការស់នៅរបស់ជនងាយរងគ្រោះនៅក្នុងសហគមន៍ឲ្យកាន់តែប្រសើរឡើង។ ក្រៅពីនេះបទពិសោធន៍ស្ម័គ្រចិត្តរបស់ខ្ញុំក៏បានបង្រៀនខ្ញុំថា វិស្វករគួរតែផ្តោតលើការអភិវឌ្ឍ ‘ជំនាញទន់’ ផងដែរ ​​ដូចជាការធ្វើការងារជាក្រុម និងការប្រាស្រ័យទាក់ទងដើម្បីបង្កើនគុណភាពការងាររបស់ពួកគេ។ តួយ៉ាងការស្ម័គ្រចិត្ដនៅ EWB លើគម្រោងបង្គន់អនាម័យបានសម្រួចបទពិសោធន៍ការងាររបស់ខ្ញុំ និងបង្កើតបណ្តាញទំនាក់ទំនងដែលជួយត្រួសត្រាយផ្លូវទៅកាន់តួនាទីបច្ចុប្បន្នរបស់ខ្ញុំនៅក្នុងគម្រោងទឹកស្អាតអនាម័យនៅ ICRC (គណៈកម្មាធិការជាតិនៃកាកបាទក្រហមអន្តរជាតិ)។

Q: What was the most rewarding part of your role with EWB? 

A: The most rewarding part of my role with EWB was prototyping the hard ground and flood-affected sanitation technology, as it aligned with my interest in wastewater treatment and expertise in installing and repairing products. I was able to apply my knowledge and help contribute to the team’s understanding of the functioning of the system before it was successfully installed in the community. The second most rewarding part of my role was liaising with the community as well as local suppliers and constructors during the implementation of this project; this opportunity pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me build my confidence in communicating with stakeholders.

៤. តើផ្នែកណាដែលអ្នកពេញចិត្តបំផុតក្នុងតួនាទី របស់អ្នកនៅEWB?

ផ្នែកដែលខ្ញុំពេញចិត្តបំផុតក្នុងតួនាទីរបស់ខ្ញុំនៅ EWB គឺការធ្វើប៉ាន់គំរូបង្គន់បច្ចេកទេស (prototyping) សម្រាប់តំបន់ដីរឹង និងតំបន់រងផលប៉ះពាល់ដោយទឹកជំនន់តាមរដូវកាល ដោយសារវាស្របទៅនឹងអ្វីដែលខ្ញុំចាប់អារម្មណ៍ គឺទាក់ទងនឹង ការធ្វើព្រឹត្តិកម្មទឹកស្អុយ និងជំនាញក្នុងការដំឡើង និងជួសជុលសម្ភារៈ។ ខ្ញុំអាចអនុវត្តចំណេះដឹងរបស់ខ្ញុំ និងជួយរួមចំណែកជាមួយក្រុមការងារក្នុងការស្វែងយល់ពីដំណើរការនៃប្រព័ន្ធបង្គន់អនាម័យ មុនពេលត្រូវបានដំឡើង ដោយជោគជ័យនៅក្នុងសហគមន៍។ ផ្នែកដែលខ្ញុំពេញចិត្តបំផុតទី២ ក្នុងតួនាទីរបស់ខ្ញុំ គឺការទំនាក់ទំនងជាមួយសហគមន៍ ព្រមទាំងអ្នកផ្គត់ផ្គង់ និងជាងសាងសង់ក្នុងតំបន់ ដែលឱកាសនេះជម្រុញឲ្យខ្ញុំចាកចេញពីដែនកំណត់ផ្ទាល់ខ្លួនរបស់ខ្ញុំ និងជួយបង្កើតទំនុកចិត្តរបស់ខ្ញុំក្នុងការ ទំនាក់ទំនងជាមួយភាគីពាក់ព័ន្ធនានា។

If you’re interested in joining the EWB volunteer network, go check out our current volunteering opportunities! And a reminder that you don’t have to be an engineer to volunteer with EWB – we have volunteer opps available in administration, marketing, monitoring & evaluation, mobilisation and more.

The post Volunteering for ‘real-world work experience’ appeared first on Engineers Without Borders Australia.