Engineers Australia Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

Engineers Australia marked its 90th anniversary as a national institution in 2009 with a range of events, activities and celebrations. The Institution of Engineers, Australia was formed in 1919 through the federation of twelve existing engineering societies. Subsequently Divisions were established in each state capital and in Newcastle.

By looking forward and looking back Engineers Australia chose to acknowledge and celebrate the rich history of the Institution with an eye to the future for a progressive and growing national professional organisation.

A diverse range of activities took place throughout the first half of 2009 with many more planned for the remainder of the year. The Council of Engineers Australia opted to commemorate the year by becoming the first organisation to sponsor a forest in Canberra’s International Arboretum and Gardens. This is intended as a unique and lasting legacy for Canberra and the Australian community. The Institution has a long history of tree planting in Canberra dating back to 1926 and the newly dedicated Engineers Australia Forest will feature some 600 trees dedicated to individual engineers, senior office bearers and distinguished people who have delivered conspicuous service to the Australian people through the engineering profession.

Divisions have also contributed, incorporating celebrations into existing activities and awards, featured media articles and liftouts on engineering over the past 90 years, profiles of past and present members, bus tours of heritage sites, plaquings, expos and even choral celebrations tied in with awards events.

Looking Forward

This year, the groundwork for a new five-year Strategic Plan for 2010-2015 was undertaken. This work culminated in a major planning forum of Congress delegates and executive staff in July 2009.

In separate session, Congress requested a review and rewrite to modernize our Royal Charter and Bye-laws, and our Code of Ethics.

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