Project award finalist: evolve: smart software for the orchestration of 21st century electricity systems

evolve by the ANU Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program more than doubled the capacity of wires in an electrical distribution system. The project developed smart software for the coordination of 21st century electricity systems. Engineers Australia’s judging panel noted the adoption of the evolve concept by Australian states and territories would enhance both network and market efficiency and facilitate a greater expansion of renewable energy projects.

Young Engineer of the Year finalist: Bryce Cronin GradIEAust

Bryce Cronin is an international award-winning engineer and designer, passionate about harnessing technology for social good. He’s developed apps, created an initiative to 3D-print accessibility devices and founded Hackathons to promote technology and STEM events in Australia.

Project award finalist: Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade

The Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade, by Pacific Complete Joint Venture (Laing O’Rourke and WSP Australia) in partnership with Transport for NSW, features 155 kilometres of dual carriageway, nine interchanges, five town bypasses and 155 bridges. In addition to community impact this major project made substantial contributions to biodiversity and environmental outcomes.

Young Engineer of the Year finalist: Steve Adamthwaite MIEAust

Steve Adamthwaite is passionate about Australia’s infrastructure sector. At Arup, Steve drives water strategies, implementing sustainable and community-oriented solutions. Steve is an active leader for WaterAid NSW, the Australian Water Association and the EA Young Engineers Committee.

Project award finalist: City Deals, Austin Lane Activity Node

City Deals Austin Lane Activity Node by ADG Engineers transformed Austin Lane from a derelict laneway which attracted anti-social behaviour to a new and vibrant precinct within the heart of Darwin CBD. The transformation of the laneway into a shared zone was achieved by innovative design solutions. The team have opened the laneway to host public events and street festivals with many social, environmental and economic benefits for the local community.

Professional Engineer of the Year finalist: Jim McKay MIEAust CPEng NER

With more than 20 years engineering experience Jim McKay is passionate about the profession leading the change towards a de-carbonised, sustainable future. Jim’s work in the energy sector has delivered sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions to the benefit of the Northern Territory community.

Project award finalist: Australia's first biosolids gasification facility

Logan City Council’s Logan Water has pioneered an Australian-first, a facility to transform human waste or biosolids into renewable energy. From concept and strategy, design and implementation, this project displayed excellence demonstrating how engineering contributes to the circular economy and climate action. This project took a holistic approach to balancing issues from a whole of life perspective and created a viable solution to use biosolids.

Professional Engineer of the Year finalist: Abel Immaraj, MIEAust CPEng EngExec NER

Abel Immaraj’s experience has seen him work across national, state, and local scale water and wastewater services and environmental projects. Abel has co-designed key strategies and has seen those through to implementation, to ensure innovative solutions are used for community benefit.

Young Engineer of the Year finalist: Brody Clark MIEAust CPEng NER

Brody is the acting Pavement Team Lead for WSP based on the Sunshine Coast. He is the youngest person to have acquired a PhD and chartership in civil engineering Australia. Brody is innovative and creative in problem solving to establish solutions that benefit the community.

Project award finalist: SA Water’s Zero Cost Energy Future Program

The Zero Cost Energy Future Program by SA Water saw the installation of new solar arrays and 34 MWh of energy storage devices on the utility’s locations across the state. The project has achieved strong commercial and marketability outcomes for SA Water. It has delivered sustainable savings and demonstrable benefits for South Australians.

Young Engineer of the Year finalist: Margaret Gayen MIEAust

As an Australian Commonwealth Games athlete and mechanical project engineer, Margaret is a high achiever. She’s designed leading-edge medical technology and published research for the emerging hydrogen industry. In addition, Margaret is a fierce supporter of gender equality in the industry.

Project award finalist: Quay Quarter Tower

Built by AMP Capital, the Quay Quarter Tower project facilitated the adaptive reuse of a 50-storey building to double its floor space, extend its life by 50 years and conserve 12,079 tons of embodied carbon. The build focused on promoting human interactions and smart technologies to drive business success. Its carbon footprint reduction and other energy saving enhancements have led to a six-star Greenstar rating and five and a half star Nabers rating.

Professional Engineer of the Year finalist: Professor Karu Esselle FIEAust

Professor Karu Esselle is a world leader in electromagnetic and antenna engineering. He has authored more than 600 research publications and is co-inventor of 11 patent applications. As a staunch volunteer Karu has revitalised WiE, young professional and student programs in NSW.

Young Engineer of the Year finalist: Deanna Hood MIEAust

Deanna works with surgeons to reduce scarring impacts on widespread-burns survivors. She worked on a robotic solution for children with handwriting difficulties, was a software engineer on ROS 2, now used by NASA, and contributed to the ASTRUM 3D bioprinter to support cancer researchers.

Project award finalist: King Island UniWave200 Wave Energy Converter

Young Engineer of the Year finalist: Samantha Chapman GradIEAust

As transport engineer and Project Manager at GHD, Samantha has led and contributed to a range of projects in civil, transport, advisory, planning, stakeholder and investment streams. Samantha also supervises honours students at University of Tasmania and volunteers her time in many roles at Engineers Australia.

Project award finalist: Additional Works Package 1 - Cheltenham and Mentone

The Southern Program Alliance revitalised Cheltenham and Mentone by removing three level crossings, building two new stations and creating new, vibrant community spaces. Locals can now safely and easily cross the railway line to take children to schools, support local businesses and enjoy community facilities. The alliance achieved the project through strong community engagement programs and by using digital engineering technology and construction innovations.

Professional Engineer of the Year finalist: Andrew Chapman MIEAust CPEng

Young Engineer of the Year finalist: Emily Harris MIEAust CPEng NER

As a senior civil engineer Emily has worked on the delivery of some of Victoria’s key infrastructure projects. She’s passionate about sustainability and is an advocate for female participation in engineering. Emily drives her passions by volunteering on the Civil College Board at Engineers Australia.

Project award finalist: Koolangka Bridge, Perth Children’s Hospital

The new children’s bridge by AECOM Australia at the Perth Childrens Hospital offers safe and direct access to the Kings Park bushland. Created with children at front of mind, ‘Koolangka’ meaning 'children' in Noongar, this project demonstrated engineering excellence for the benefit of the community. This bridge enhances the existing built and natural environment and makes a meaningful difference to some of Perth’s most vulnerable people.

Professional Engineer of the Year finalist: Matteo Tirapelle FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER

Matteo has extensive experience in structural design and project management of high rise commercial and residential towers. Matteo’s engineering work proves that design and technology should not be separated from consideration of human needs, desires and behaviours.

Young Engineer of the Year finalist: Tynan Luzuk MIEAust CPEng NER

As an accomplished project director Tynan has successfully led some of Western Australia’s largest projects. Tynan strives to deliver smart design methodologies, delivering reductions in waste, cost and time. He is also actively involved in engineering research, education and mentoring.