Member Testimonials

Being a Member of IPWEA NSW & ACT provides the opportunity to meet and learn from people within the public works industry, where you may not otherwise get the opportunity.

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I am very fortunate that my first Manager out at Cobar Council introduced me to the IPWEA Community and emphasised the importance of engaging with the fantastic network of likeminded professionals who tirelessly serve the community. Being part of IPWEA has enabled me to deliver a number of fantastic outcomes for the communities that I have served.

Stuart Small
Senior Project Manager - Professional Member

It was such a great honour to receive the Young Leaders Grant and attend the 2022 NSW ACT State Conference. I was fortunate to meet so many key players in the public works engineering sector. I also got to learn about the challenges that other councils face and the solutions they have come up with as well as meeting the exhibitors and their innovative products and services.

Veronica Waithaka
Asset Engineer (Systems) - Under 35 Member

IPWEA provides me with a relaxed and inviting environment to catch up with old colleagues in conferences, meet new people, promote my Council’s projects and learn what others are doing.

IPWEA is a friendly and inclusive environment and their networking events are always informative and fun.

Parissa Ghanem
Floodplain Management - Professional Member

In 1970 I was appointed to Dumaresq Shire Council in Armidale as a cadet engineer. One of the first things I was told when I joined the Council was that I should join the Local Government Engineers Association of NSW, the trade union looking after the industrial interests of local government engineering staff that also provided professional opportunities for its members.

At that time there was a shortage of qualified Local Government Engineers and the LGEA in conjunction with the NSW Institute of Technology (now UTS) had developed a ‘sandwich course’ for the Bachelor of Engineering Degree. I was in the first intake for this course that was based on six-month work experience/six-month study pattern over a six-year period. This was an outstanding initiative by the LGEA at the time that set the standard and resulted in many graduates from that year becoming successful City/Municipal/Shire Engineers.

I joined Guyra Shire Council in 1977 becoming Deputy Shire Engineer as part of my career trajectory and accepted the position of Shire Engineer and Chief Town Planner with Copmanhurst Shire Council in Grafton in 1982. I have so much to thank the Association for during that time. I was regularly able to attend the Annual Conference and Field Days. This enabled me to keep ahead of the game and I am sure the experiences were appreciated by Council as I was encouraged and supported in these various roles. I encouraged my staff and elected members to attend the conferences, field days and appropriate functions. The inclusion of other professionals and elected members increased their understanding of the engineering role and enabled them to be informed members of the broader team.

The decision in the 1980s to promote and separate the professional development and industrial elements for the membership was a step change at the time. I was pleased to be part of the process when the LGEA became the Institute of Municipal Engineering (IMEA) and later the Institute of Public Works Australia (IPWEA). I remain impressed as the opportunities for professional development, particularly for the younger members of the Institute, are further expanded. This can only be of benefit to them, local government, and our community – a sound investment.

The opportunities provided by the Institute and the Foundation to its members are many. I was fortunate to undertake an overseas risk management study tour (2001) to understand and provide advice in relation to the public liability issues that local government faced at the time and are now covered by the Civil Liability Act. This opportunity gave me a wider perspective on the role of local government, and I can only encourage members take up these opportunities provided by the Foundation.

In 2004 I was appointed Director of Engineering Services, Clarence Valley Council following the amalgamation of Copmanhurst, Maclean, Pristine Waters, Grafton, Lower Clarence Flood Mitigation and Water Supply County Councils. The support of the Institute during this time of change was substantial, much appreciated and contributed in my success to create a team that could manage change whilst still undertaking business as usual services.

In 2005, when the IPWEA Roads and Transport Directorate was formed I was a Board Member and the Chair of the Timber Bridge Working Party. These roles have given me wonderful opportunities to be part of the IPWEA journey and for professional development.

In 2007 a re-structure at CVC gave me the opportunity to join RTA (now TfNSW) to undertake further expansion in senior management and follow my major projects interests, particularly in the bridge area.  This has enabled stronger professional relationships to be developed between State and Local Government though the IPWEA. I continue enjoy the role with the Institute’s Roads and Transport Directorate Board, and as ongoing Chair of the Bridge Working Group, with the continued support and encouragement of my current employer.

Being part of the journey that has seen the Institute develop into the leading professional organisation in the industry is very pleasing. The journey has seen the vision shared by many of the outstanding people I have had the privilege to work with over the years being realised. The annual Excellence Awards are an example of, and testament to, the successes of IPWEA members and indicate the future is in good hands.

I have much to thank the Institute for in terms of a very satisfying career, wonderful friendships that still prevail and many very happy memories.

David Andrews
Emeritus Member

Registered Training Organisation - 90174

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