30 years and counting

Celebrations of CIBSE Australia and New Zealand's 30th birthday are in full swing this year, with a Presidential visit and a cocktail reception already under their belt. CIBSE ANZ Business Development Manager Sharon Pestonji takes a look at the highlights.

It’s been 30 years since the Australia and New Zealand region of CIBSE was inaugurated. The faces of the ANZ committee have changed, but the passion driving our region forward is still as relevant as ever. In times where the pulse of change beats fast, CIBSE continues to provide industry with the guidance and training for safe, comfortable and efficient buildings.

It is not prudent to forge forward without looking back to recognise your roots, CIBSE ANZ has published 30 Years and Counting, to mark the occasion. The 30th Anniversary publication is a collection of monumental projects, photographs and memorabilia documenting the history of CIBSE in the region, plus a look at the present and future of the building services industry in Australia and New Zealand. This publication will be sent to all CIBSE ANZ members and is available electronically to browse.

The publication '30 years and Counting' will be sent to all CIBSE ANZ members
Sponsored by Fantech, AG Coombs and Norman Disney & Young, a highly successful 30th Anniversary Cocktail Function, held on the 15th June 2017 at Melbourne’s Sealife Aquarium celebrated the occasion. Guests included CIBSE members, industry leaders and dignitaries, including CIBSE President, Peter Y Wong who travelled from Hong Kong to attend. In his address, he recognised and thanked the contributors to the success of the growing region. 

“30 years is a long time. Over the years we have had many triumphs and challenges. The achievements of CIBSE ANZ are of course a sum of many contributions from loyal volunteers, members and supporters.” 
- CIBSE President Peter Y Wong

The function was also an opportunity for CIBSE and Engineers Australia presidents to re-new the long-standing agreement for the Mutual Recognition of Engineers. This agreement simplifies the transfer of equivalent Australian and International titles and qualifications for members. Read more


CIBSE President Peter Y Wong addresses the CIBSE ANZ reception

The function also hosted the first ANZ region-wide competition for Student of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year awards, recognising innovative ideas of students and the significant contribution of young engineers to building services. Finalists were flown from around the region for the winners’ announcement on the night. Thai Nguyen, a Mechanical Engineering (Hons) Student of the University of New South Wales and Simon Green, a graduate Building Services Engineer from Arup specialising in mechanical engineering design took the top prizes. Read more

In 2016, the CIBSE ANZ Committee were instrumental in establishing an external Advisory Panel to help the development of CIBSE ANZ, reflecting the region’s ambitions to grow and focus on the engineers of the future. Their efforts secured the first full time appointment in the 30-year history of CIBSE ANZ - Earlier this year, Sharon Pestonji was appointed and immediately tasked with business development for the institution. Last week CIBSE enthusiastically welcomed Tim Spies of Norman Disney and Young to the panel, who continue to work on a 2020 vision of expansion and growth for the institution in the region.

Engineers Australia President John McIntosh exchanging signed
mutual recognition documents with CIBSE President Peter Y Wong
Looking to the future, Paul Angus has been elected as CIBSE Australia and New Zealand Region Chair at the ANZ Regional Committee meeting on 16th June 2017.

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