Engineers Australia Queensland today celebrates the life of Hall of Fame inductee, dedicated volunteer and member Stuart Gerald Lister OAM HonFIEAust, who passed away Saturday 6 April aged 89.
Stuart had a distinguished career in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of a majority of Queensland’s power stations, receiving the inaugural MA Sargent Medal for longstanding eminence in electrical engineering in 1989.
In recognition of his decorated career and contribution to the industry, Stuart was accepted into the Queensland Engineering Hall of Fame in 2014.
Beginning as an apprentice in Brisbane, Stuart progressed up the ranks to head the Generation Division of the Queensland Electricity Commission where he was responsible for over 3,000 employees.
Stuart’s experience took him across the State in several capacities, including a word-burning suction gas plant in Kingaroy, plant efficiency in various Brisbane power stations, generation in Townsville regional stations, the establishment of Collinsville power station, and the construction of Queensland’s largest power station: Gladstone.
Having joined Engineers Australia as a Graduate Member in 1951, Stuart progressed to Fellow in 1972 before being recognised as an Honorary Fellow in 2006.
Additionally, Stuart contributed to the industry as an active member of the Townsville Regional Group as Secretary and Chair, having also spent time on the Queensland Division Committee. Stuart also chaired the Honours and Awards Sub-committee, undertaking Australian Engineering Excellence Awards judging for over 12 years.
Beyond engineering, Stuart was active in the Scouting Movement, Lions Club and Aged Care. His contribution to the community was recognised with an Order of Australia Medal in the 2019 Australia Day Honours.
Throughout his career, community and family life, he also strove to develop people through challenge and coaching to achieve more than they thought possible.
Engineers Australia Queensland President, Mark Lendich, said:
“It is with a heavy heart we farewell one of our greatest Honorary Fellows, and one of the true giants of the Queensland electricity industry. His contributions will leave a positive, lasting legacy on the engineering profession and beyond.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Stuart’s family at this time.”