A function at CQU Rockhampton this week (Wednesday evening) heard that the power industry underpins Australia's prosperity and that a large portion of the nation's electricity comes from the Stanwell, Gladstone and Biloela triangle.

The Power Engineering Alliance (PEA) networking function was focused on encouraging and nurturing new talent to support the future of the electricity industry.

CQU and industry reps at the function

Among the core PEA functions is a bursary program supported by Powerlink, Energex, Ergon Energy, ABB Australia, Tarong Energy, API, Areva T&D, CS Energy, Maunsell Australia, PB Power and Stanwell Corporation.

A feature of the CQU function was presentations by CQU engineering students - Nathaniel Dunnett and Joshua Worley - who have benefitted from PEA bursaries.Other bursary holders in attendance were John Amsler, Alexander Bletchley and Phillip Kaighin.  

Professor Peter Wolfs, the CQU Associate Dean (Research) from the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health, was chair for the evening and welcomed students, CQU staff and power industry representatives.

CQU's Dr Nasser Hossein-zadeh presented student bursary reports on CDs to several industry sponsors who were present. He also acknowledged PEA support for upgrades to CQU's power engineering facilities and programs.

Ergon Energy General Manager Network Neil Lowry spoke on behalf of the industry sponsor group and highlighted potential of the PEA program for participants. Mr Lowry also noted the range of CQU graduates present in senior capacities in the audience, which indicated the valuable career paths open for engineering students.

Ergon Energy Manager Network Planning and Development Tony Loveday explained his direct experience in working with a bursary student and spoke about the benefits and lessons learned from the process.

Other power industry representatives present included: Ivan Mapp, Technical Services Superintendent; CS Energy; Ian Gilber, Asset Management and Specialist Engineer Manager; Stanwell; and Wayne Collins, General Manager Engineering, Projects and Employee Relations; Stanwell.

Dr Hossein-zadeh, PEA liaison officer Dr Adrianna Bodnarova and Professor Peter Wolfs
Bursary holders (from left) Joshua Worley, John Amsler, Alexander Bletchley, Nathaniel Dunnett and Phillip Kaighin
Dr Hossein-zadeh with Neil Lowry