Mike Dureau has contributed enormously to Australia’s wellbeing as an industry leader, and generously through his contributions to the engineering profession, education, and the community. He has an extraordinary knowledge of South-East Asia, and chaired the notable non-government organisation RedR (Registered Engineers for Disaster Recovery) during times of major disaster in the region.

As a chemical engineer, Mike Dureau has been a pioneer in the identification and delivery of innovative technology in the power and wastewater industries. His skill has been apparent since early in his career and he has published some twenty technical papers on advanced water and waste water treatment, power generation, process control and instrumentation.

At the time of his retirement from business, he was President, ABB Alstom Power Ltd in Australasia. He was on the global board and helped lead this company which is one of the largest and most advanced power generation manufacturers in the world. He built a team of engineering skills in Australia essential to the national interest. His courage in support of innovative technologies led to world responsibility for important market sectors. He was a successful exporter of Australian engineering services.

When in business, he was active in supporting young people through the award of bursaries and scholarships, particularly encouraging women to enter the profession. His peers seek his advice on many matters. His leadership is recognised by many industry bodies which have appointed him to senior positions.

His contribution to the profession has been exemplary. Over a period of some 20 years, he has given service to the professional body in Division, College and national leadership roles.

In 2003 he was appointed as an adjunct Professor of Engineering at the University of Sydney following his retirement from Alstom. He accepted the position of Executive Director of The Warren Centre, and in 2007 was elected Chair of The Warren Centre Board. His commitment, enthusiasm and intellect are an inspiration to the hundreds of volunteers who work with the Centre.

More broadly, Mike has helped forge international relationships and networks for the benefit of Australia’s national interests and the interests of the profession. He takes a strong role in the lay aspects of local religion, being a Special Minister of the Word in his North Sydney Parish. That Mike Dureau has been able to combine professional, business and community contributions of such high calibre over many years is a testimony to his skills and the esteem in which he is held.