Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Announcements

Advising Aboriginal Engagement within the Engineering Sector
Posted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, 23rd October 2012, 4:19pm

EWB has a vision of a reconciled Australia and is working proudly with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians to contribute to overcoming inequalities through education and sustainable engineering projects.  Such projects also create opportunities for the engineering sector to become more culturally aware and responsible, and play a leading role of achieving a reconciled Australia. 

EWB has a strong emphasis on partnerships and focuses on facilitating two-way knowledge sharing between Aboriginal Australians and the engineering profession. Highlights of EWB’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program include sustainable engineering projects such as the construction of amenities blocks, ranger bases and solar panels on Country and education programs such as study tours, forums and cultural training for the engineering sector. These programs build the engineering capacity of Aboriginal communities and the capacity of the engineering sector to effectively work with Aboriginal Australians.

EWB believes it is important to engage Aboriginal Australians within the engineering sector for three key reasons.

The first is social justice and understanding that Aboriginal community wellbeing is underpinned by an ability to care for their Country.  Aboriginal Australians need to be confident with technical information and the engineering profession in order to effectively engage with the decisions and management of activities affecting their Country such as natural resource management, mining and infrastructure projects. 

Second, engineers are involved in every stage of infrastructure development such as housing, transport, energy, communications and water supply. Active participation by Aboriginal Australians who are equipped with engineering knowledge, skills and confidence will ensure appropriate and sustainable infrastructure solutions that meet community aspirations and improve livelihoods.

Finally, there are many opportunities for meaningful Aboriginal employment within the engineering sector including mining, agriculture, natural resource management, housing and other community infrastructure, and transport. EWB hopes to see Aboriginal engineers throughout the sector leading projects and developing solutions that benefit all Australians.

EWB’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program is supported by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee; a committee that provides invaluable advice, and support staff and volunteers to undertaking their work and provides leadership.

EWB is currently seeking expressions of interest from Aboriginal people for two additional advisory committee members staring in early 2013. Committee members are not limited to people with engineering or professional backgrounds, but rather with experience in working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities. Committee members meet biannually in Melbourne with sitting fees, travel and accommodation costs covered by EWB. An expression of interest is to be submitted by the 21st December 2012.

For more information about EWB’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program visit www.ewb.org.au/aus-partners.

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Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) is a not-for-profit organisation with 10 years’ experience creating systemic change through humanitarian engineering.  

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If you are interested in becoming involved:

Lizzy Skinner

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander  Program Coordinator | Engineers Without Borders Australia

P: +61 3 9329 1166 | E: l.skinner@ewb.org.au | W: www.ewb.org.au

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