26 Nov 2010
Structural engineer and Arup’s office leader in Cairns, Robert Donnan, has been recognised as a leader in his field at the Engineers Australia 2010 Cairns Region Engineering Excellence Awards.
Robert, who also leads the firm’s buildings group in Cairns, was named Professional Engineer of the Year in a special award ceremony held on 20 November 2010. The award acknowledges his leadership, professional experience, technical excellence and community spirit. Robert also received fellowship status with Engineers Australia at the ceremony.
On receiving the award, Robert was delighted to be acknowledged by his peers. “It is a wonderful surprise to receive this honour. It is a great privilege to be recognised in this way, so I feel very humbled,” Robert said. “I am fortunate to have enjoyed many career highlights in my 23 years with Arup, particularly in Cairns over the last 12 years.”
“This is an amazing part of the world, and I am constantly inspired by the enthusiasm and the talent that comes out of this region” he continues. “As well as working with great people, we are fortunate to work closely with our many collaborators, including architects, consultants and contractors, as well as local government, business and industry.”
It was a night of celebration for Arup, also receiving a High Commendation in the Project of the Year category for work completed on William McCormack Place Stage 2 – a contemporary office building in the heart of Cairns which has set a new benchmark in sustainable building design in the tropics. Arup provided structural, civil, fire, and traffic engineering services for this innovative project, working closely with the project team including MGF Consultants, Gilboy Hydraulic Solutions, Cox Rayner/CA Architects, and Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction.
Buildings practice leader for Arup in Australasia Peter Bailey said: “Having worked for Arup for his entire professional career, Robert has played a vital role in the leading the firm through a period of tremendous growth and expansion. I congratulate him on this wonderful achievement and thank him for his great energy and commitment he brings to the firm and the projects he is involved in, and to his colleagues around the region.”
Share: