Two Engineers Australia members from Victoria were recently recognised in the 2019 Australia Day Honours, celebrating their contributions to Australian society.
Richard (Dick) Gower MIEAust was made a Member of the General Division in the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the recreational and historical aviation sector.
With more than fifty years’ experience in the engineering and flight instruction areas of the aviation industry, Gower’s contribution to the sector is unmistakable.
Dick is an honorary life member of the Royal Victorian Aero Club (RVAC) after serving as a director for 21 years, also previously occupying the roles of Vice President and Chief Flying Instructor.
He was also Chief Flying Instructor of Coldstream Flying School and Yarra Valley Flight Training and has held CASA design approval on behalf Ansett Airlines, Ansett Engineering Services and his own company Australia-Pacific Aviation Services Pty Ltd.
Dick is pleased that his passion for flying has allowed him to contribute to the aviation industry.
“In an industry that is constantly evolving, it has been an honour to serve the aviation community”, said Dick.
“From technological innovations, to teaching and matters of aviation safety, there’s always room to learn and make improvements”.
Malcolm Broomhead HonFIEAust CPEng NER APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus) was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), recognising distinguished service to business and mining.
Malcolm’s extensive career spans a broad range of roles across the resources industry, as well as in finance, investment and construction activities.
His Directorships include BHP Billiton Limited and Plc and Orica Limited (Chairman), and his not-for-profit Boards include Opportunity International Australia (Advisory Board), Walter & Eliza Hall Institute (Director) and Advisory Board Member of A.T. Kearney Australia.
For Malcolm, recognition in the Australia Day Honours reflects not only his contributions, but also those he has worked with throughout his career.
“I feel very fortunate and honoured to receive this award”, said Malcolm.
“Whatever I have achieved in life has been as a result of the efforts of the teams I have been associated with and this award is therefore a reflection of the tremendous help that others have given to me along the way.”
Malcolm sees the future of engineering as one rife with opportunities to support society.
“All of the challenges that we face in the future, such as changes in power generation, transportation, medical breakthroughs and lifting people out of poverty, require better technology and engineering applications.
“A better future therefore depends on more and better engineering, and I feel very confident that our profession will successfully meet all these challenges.”
Engineers Australia congratulates both Dick and Malcolm on receiving Honours.