1959 - 2019 HISTORY OF IPWEA VICTORIA Celebrating 60 years of Service and Leadership

History of IPWEA Victoria Edition 2 October 2019

Victoria Contents

Chapter 1 (1959 - 1966)

PAGE 4 PAGE 8 PAGE 20 The Time was Right The Age of Innocence Consolidation and Incorporation

Chapter 2 (1966 - 1989) Chapter 3 (1989 - 2007)

PAGE 42 PAGE 44 Watch this space Watch this space

Chapter 4 (2007 - 2019)

PAGE 46 PAGE 48 PAGE 52 PAGE 56 Foreword Restructuring of Establishment Unresolved Victorian Local of LGPro Issues Government

Appendix PAGE 59 PAGE 62 Reforming Acknowlegements PAGE 64 IPWEA (Vic) Appendix

Victoria

A short history covering the reformation of IPWEA (Vic) ipwea.org/victoria 1.1 The Time was Right (1959 – 1966)

Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966) Written in 1984 by Garnet Price, President 1959-1960

The Age of Innocence Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966)

The Time Consolidation was Right and Incorporation Watch this space Chapter 2 (1966 - 1989)

Watch this space Chapter 3 (1989 - 2007)

Reforming Establishment IPWEA (Vic) of LGPro Chapter 4 (2007- 2019)

Unresolved Restructuring of Victorian Issues Local Government

The Time 1.1 was Right The Time was Right (1959 – 1966) 1.1

Above: Construction of Olympic Swimming and Diving Stadium in Melbourne. The 1956 Olympic Swimming and Diving Stadium was awarded an Engineering Heritage International Marker by Engineering Heritage Australia and Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust.

In September 1959, Lloyd Bower of ooking back, it is now quite clear that the Ltime was right for formation of such a body. Heidelberg and Garnet Price of Keilor In fact, I would go so far as to say that had it not been formed in October, then within the next two decided there was a need for an or three months some other engineers would Association of Municipal Engineers. have formed it or a similar body. To understand why the time was right, we So they called a meeting for Friday 9th must go back a little into history. A good starting point is probably a statement made by Mr Cedric October at Harry Vine’s Imperial Club Tuxen in 1976, which was published in Memo Hotel in Rathdowne Street, Carlton. (#25, March 1977): “My mind goes back to the early days when the Institution of Engineers was first formed. The

History of the IPWEA Victoria 5 1.1 The Time was Right (1959 – 1966)

“History teaches us that people never learn from history, each generation has to make its own mistakes.”

Municipal Engineers had a separate variety of subjects which were now Board Divisions, was organised in body of their own and when asked dealt with. But Municipal Engineers February and March of 1959. This to join the Institution of Engineers as a group no longer had a separate culminated in a General Meeting of Australia, agreed to do so on the forum in which to discuss their the Municipal Division at Kelvin Hall condition that they retained control problems, and I think this was what at 2pm on 12th May 1959, at which of their funds, which condition was Cedric and others missed. the Minister for Local Government agreed to.” They say that history does not was present. The relevance of the “They became the Municipal repeat itself, but sometimes you Municipal Division to the setting up Branch of the Institution, at which wonder. Two days before this was of the Local Government Engineers the attendance was rather poor, so written, I received the minutes of the Association is, I think, that for the their funds were utilised in three General Committee of the Local first time in many years there came social functions for members and Government Engineers Association into existence a body composed wives which proved a great success held on 13th July 1984: exclusively of Municipal Engineers. with greatly increased attendance A body, moreover, which had groups at the Branch Meetings.” “Item 2 - Membership from R. Seiffert enquiring in all areas of the State and a “Later a move was instituted to whether the General Committee would be prepared nominal, if not active, membership to offer associate membership to Benalla Divisional allow the Country Roads Board Engineer to enable him to take a more active of 210 out of the 211 Municipal Engineers to join, which, despite a interest in the affairs of the Northeastern Group. Engineers, plus a fair proportion of great amount of opposition, was Moved: R. Seiffert Seconded: D. Cooper. the Deputy and Grad ed Engineers ultimately agreed to. This was the in Local Government. That the Divisional Engineer beginning of the loss of identity be offered associate membership. Carried.” It was noticeable at meetings of Municipal Engineers in the of the Municipal Division that Branch. Later, the last straw was engineers did not want to confine the extension of the Branch into a A wise teacher of mine once said: their attention solely to award, Civil Engineering Branch and what “History teaches us that people never conditions of employment and other remained of the original funds was learn from history, each generation industrial matters. For example, used in granting scholarships. As a has to make its own mistakes. “ those engineers with New South result, most Municipal Engineers, The second factor contributing to Wales experience were clamouring while retaining their membership the timeliness was the formation for APEA to organise field days on in the Institution of Engineers, lost of the Municipal Division of the the lines of those conducted by interest in its activities.“ Association of Professional the Local Government Engineers The transformation of a Municipal Engineers. The Association was Association in New South Wales. Branch to a Civil Engineering Branch setting out on a full-scale work Several proposals were discussed for took place towards the end of 1945. value study aimed at updating the providing funds for overseas travel. I was a newcomer to the Institution Municipal Engineers Award. To My recollection is that the question at the time, but I recall meeting in facilitate this, the Victorian Branch of providing funds to send Municipal the library of the old Kelvin Hall in set up a Provisional Committee of Engineers overseas was first raised Collins Place. Personally, I feel that, a Municipal Division in December by Sir Thomas Maltby, Minister for technically, the standards of the 1958. A series of regional meetings, Public Works, at a Country Roads meetings improved because of the based on the 10 Country Roads Board conference held in the Victoria

6 The Time was Right (1959 – 1966) 1.1

Above: January 16, 2018: the Pop-up Globe Theatre situated at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl opened in 1959.

Police Headquarters auditorium in La Trobe St. At the time, there was an The matter would have probably interdepartmental fight on over who dropped dead at that stage had not should distribute Commonwealth Aid Roads funds to the municipalities. Lloyd Bower said, “Well let’s The Treasury were claiming that this was their right and the Country do something about it” Roads Board claimed that they were the appropriate body. I rather think, at the risk of being a little unfair, 1976, as published in Memo #25, had not Lloyd Bower said, “Well that Sir Thomas threw in the carrot March 1977): let’s do something about it”, and we of overseas trips for Municipal “In 1959, I borrowed a stereoscope decided to hold a meeting on Friday, Engineers in an attempt to win our from the City of Heidelberg to study 9th October 1959, at 12.30pm at the support. In the event he did win a bridge site, and I returned it to Vines Hotel, and we both accepted our wholehearted support. With Lloyd Bower on my way home. We responsibility for bringing two of our chatted about various municipal hindsight, I sometimes wonder if we neighbours along to the meeting. problems we had in common and would not have fared better with the At that meeting and several of the decided that there was a real need distribution being handled by State succeeding ones, new members were for regular meetings with other City Treasury. There was a certain amount proposed and enlisting members took Engineers to exchange information. of frustration generated amongst the responsibility for contacting them At the time, I was Chairman of the and bringing them along.” Municipal Engineers that some of the Municipal Division of the Association The stage was set. In the second things they wanted APEA to handle of Professional Engineers and I chapter you will be introduced to the were outside their charter as non- remarked that it was a pity that there industrial matters, and others that were a number of areas which the founding fathers of the Association. they wanted handled did not appeal Association could not handle, and Before doing so, however, I would to the Institution of Engineers. which the Institution of Engineers did enter a demurrer on behalf of Lloyd Looking back, there was therefore, not handle because of its size and and myself. While we are prepared a clear need for an Association of rather cumbersome superstructure. to accept full responsibility for Municipal Engineers, although it was Lloyd and I agreed that we ought facilitating the formation of the not clearly articulated at the time. to have a body composed solely of Association, we accept no liability for The actual run up to the formation Municipal Engineers which could its development after 12.30 on 9th of the Association was quick and quickly respond to our non-industrial October, 1959. From then on, control almost accidental. Once again, needs. The matter would have was democratically in the hands of I quote from comments I made in probably dropped dead at that stage the membership.

History of the IPWEA Victoria 7 1.2 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966)

Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966) cont.

The Age of Innocence Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966)

The Time Consolidation was Right and Incorporation Watch this space Chapter 2 (1966 - 1989)

Watch this space Chapter 3 (1989 - 2007)

Reforming Establishment IPWEA (Vic) of LGPro Chapter 4 (2007- 2019)

Unresolved Restructuring of Victorian Issues Local Government

The Age 1.2 of Innocence The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966) 1.2

Above: 184 Rathdowne St Carlton (formerly the Imperial Club Hotel).

At 12.30pm on Friday 9th October he tables ran the length of the hall and they were Tso close together that it was somewhat of an 1959, six Municipal Engineers adventure to move sideways between the seated diners without spilling your well-filled plate onto them. The met at Harry Vines’ Imperial dining room was always well filled, and the atmosphere Club Hotel in Rathdowne Street, of the place excellent. Harry Vines was a genial host, and the quality of the food outstanding. I am not sure, Carlton. It was a smorgasbord but I think that this was probably the first smorgasbord luncheon in a large room which luncheon in Melbourne. After lunch, the six of us assembled in the meeting would seat close on 200 people room upstairs. I will introduce them to you in the order in which they are listed in our first Minutes. Charlie at trestle tables. Seabrook was City Engineer at Broadmeadows.

History of the IPWEA Victoria 9 1.2 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966)

“It was common ground that the Association should consist solely of the Shire or City Engineer in charge...”

Before this, he had been Cedric Force in Number Three Air Field Government Engineers Association. Tuxen’s Deputy at Brighton for about Construction Squadron. It was common ground that the 15 years, served a short time as Bob Mathews was City Engineer of Association should consist solely of Deputy at Heidelberg, and during Preston. He started out at Preston, the Shire or City Engineer in charge, the war had served in the Army with moved to Footscray where he and that consulting engineers the Second Field Corps near the completed his qualifications as a and junior engineers would not be Royal Australian Engineers. Municipal Engineer, and went on to admitted. The aim was to create Garnet Price was the Shire the Shire of Mathoura, in New South a forum where all grievances and Engineer at Keilor. He had served Wales, as Shire Engineer. During problems could be mutually shared at the City of Footscray as cadet, the war, he served with the Royal and help given without any danger spent several happy years during Australian Electrical and Mechanical of particular members’ problems the war in the Royal Australian Air Engineers in the Pacific theatre. becoming the subject of gossip in Force, was Deputy at Heidelberg After the war, he became Municipal their own or other Town Halls. immediately after the war, spent Engineer at Glenorchy, Tasmania, The following two substantive a year as City Engineer at Geelong before returning to Preston as motions were moved: West, and left local government for City Engineer. the Ports and Harbours Branch of Lloyd Bower was City Engineer Moved: S.Steel Seconded: R. Mathews the State Public Service. He then at Heidelberg. He started out as a That those present at this meeting constitute the spent three years in Broken Hill cadet at Preston, served in the Royal nucleus of an Institute of Municipal Engineers, membership in that institute to be restricted to and one year at the Maryvale Paper Australian Engineers during the war practising City or Borough or Shire Engineers. Mills before spending two years with and, after demobilisation, he took Carried. the Commonwealth Department up a job with the City of Northcote. of Works. Finally, the prodigal son He left Northcote to become Deputy “Moved: C. Seabrook Seconded: L. Bower returned to local government in City Engineer at Heidelberg, where That this meeting be adjourned until second 1954 as Shire Engineer at Keilor. he was promoted to City Engineer. Friday in November (13th November) and that Sid Steel was City Engineer at The meeting opened with Garnet three additional Municipal Engineers be invited to join the new group, namely I. Taylor, C. Lowenstern, Essendon. As far as I know, Sid Price outlining the reasons for J. McDonald. spent all of his working life at the calling the meeting. This was largely Carried.” City of Essendon except for several a formal proceeding, since each of years of wartime service in the Royal the other members had been told Australian Air Force. the purpose of the meeting when The meeting then adjourned. Bob Fraser was City Engineer they were asked to attend. A general Friday, 13th November 1959, the of Brunswick. Bob spent all of his discussion followed and a consensus second meeting was held at the working life, some 45 years, working was reached that an Association same venue. There was a full turnup for the City of Brunswick except for should be formed, provided that it of nine members, comprising the three years during the war when did not conflict with the Institution original members and the three he served with the Royal Australian of Engineers Australia or the Local newly invited members.

10 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966) 1.2

This was the meeting at which the Two new members attended at this we are dealing with the first one, first office bearers were elected, and meeting, Laurie Wills of Collingwood I propose to copy it in full. I will give the election in full: and Cedric Tuxen of Brighton. Ian Taylor and Bob Fraser moved: Proposals for Constitution Moved: S. Steel Seconded: R. Mathews Name “That nominations for Institute of Engineers That G. Price be nominated as President. The name of the organisation shall Committee be continued at June meeting. No further nominations being received, Mr G. be the “The Association of Municipal Carried.” Price was duly elected. Engineers”. Moved: C. Seabrook Seconded: S. Steel Object and Aims It was planning to write a ticket on That L. Bower be nominated as Secretary. To meet regularly for the purposes the Institute of Engineers Committee. No further nominations being received, Mr L. hereunder: Bower was duly elected. It came to nothing because there was 1 Casual intercourse. Moved: C. Lowenstern Seconded: S.Steel no follow-up at the June meeting. That R. Mathews be nominated as Treasurer. Bob Mathews and Cyril Lowenstern 2 Interchange of ideas on No further nominations being received, Mr R. moved: municipal affairs. Mathews was duly elected. 3 Study of organisation and Moved: C. Lowenstern Seconded: I. Taylor “That the matter of establishment of and/or constitution of this group be considered by management of municipal That with the addition of Mr C. Seabrook, the Management Committee for report back to works. above office bearers constitute a Committee of April meeting.” Management. 4 Improve the status of the Carried.” Municipal Engineer. This was carried. It was decided to extend invitations to Claude Vaughan 5 Liaise and co-operate with It was then decided to invite John the Institution of Engineers of Mulgrave, Gordon Wright of Knee, Roy Lloyd and Les Bray to Australia and the Association Dandenong, Ron Gould of Fitzroy and attend the next luncheon meeting. of Professional Engineers Bert Silk of Ferntree Gully to attend The minutes of this, our second Australia. the next meeting. meeting, were inadvertently found At the meeting of 11th March 1960, 6 Provide and improve public 12 months out of position due to held at Vines, Joe Muntz from the relations. the circumstances that the original Shire of Ararat was the only new minutes were dated simply Friday, 7 Provide an advisory service to member. This meeting considered Municipal Councils. 13th November, without the year a draft constitution which was being shown. At some later date, the submitted a month earlier than 8 Encouragement of convenient year 1960 was pencil led in and they asked for. The following resolution local groups for these purposes. were bound on that basis. However, was passed: 13th November 1960, was definitely Membership Members must be practising a Sunday and I can personally “That proposals for a constitution submitted guarantee that we never wasted a by the subcommittee be ad opted as a Municipal Engineers. The Sunday on a meeting in those days. provisional constitution, and all Municipal Association, on the recommendation Engineers be circularised with a view to On 11th December 1959, we had of the Committee, may by a two- arranging a meeting for discussion concurrent thirds majority vote to appoint 13 members present, the new ones with the next CRB conference.” affiliate members, provided that: being Knee and Lloyd. The only business items dealt with were Cedric Tuxen moved, seconded a) the number of affiliate confirmation of the minutes, a Sid Steel: members may number not membership invitation was extended more than ten per cent of total membership, to Messrs. Tuxen, Vaughan and Wills “That the word ‘Association’ in the proposed and 30 pounds was given to the constitution be altered to ‘Institute’.” b) the nominee for affiliate Secretary as a petty cash account. membership shall have made The first meeting of the new year was This was carried. All told, we have a substantial contribution to held on 12th February 1960, still at Vines. had four constitutions, and since municipal engineering.

History of the IPWEA Victoria 11 1.2 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966)

Meetings subject to satisfactory arrangements 14 shillings and no pence, and an Meetings shall be held monthly, being made. expenditure of 69 pounds, with 9 with the exception of the month The only new member at this pounds 14 shillings in cash. It was of January. The Annual General meeting was Claude Vaughan decided to invite Charlie Williams of Meeting will be held on the Friday from the Shire of Mulgrave. Cyril Box Hill, Perce Rowan of Moorabbin, immediately following the Country Lowenstern of Prahran reported that and Ralph Simmons of Altona to Roads Board Conference, or his Council was trying to take away our next meeting. It was decided any other time appointed by the the control of costing from him and to investigate the matter of lapel Committee. There shall be an annual place it under the Town Clerk. badges with a view to “Practise for open meeting during Show Week It was moved Lowenstern, the benefit of members”. in September to which guests may seconded Bob Mathews: At this meeting, the Association be invited. The ordinary meeting took a direct hand in industrial expenses shall be payable in advance “That a committee of three be appointed to assist matters. This was only the first of a of the meeting to the Treasurer. the City Engineer of Prahran with a report to large number of occasions on which Council as directed by his Council.” Subscription the Association became involved The annual subscription shall be five in matters which were properly pounds and five shillings payable on This was carried and Messrs Taylor, and legally under the jurisdiction 30th June. Bower, Mathews and Lowenstern of the Association of Professional were appointed. With help from the Engineers of Australia. Committee Moved: C.Seabrook, seconded Committee, and further help from The Committee shall consist of the [unknown] following members: the President, APEA, Prahran Council decided to the Vice-President, Secretary, defer the matter indefinitely. “That a letter be sent to the Mayor of Treasurer, six members of whom On 13th May 1960, we held our first Williamstown [protesting against the] conditions meeting at the Collingwood Football of appointment of City Engineers, these there shall be at least two country conditions be not in accord with those laid down members and two metropolitan Club Rooms, Lulie Street, Abbotsford. by the Institution of Engineers, Australia.” engineers. Committee men shall John McKerrow from the Shire Carried. be elected for a period of three of Bulla was the only new member. years, and shall not be eligible for Invitations were sent out to A. Hill It was moved Tuxen, seconded re-election for one year following of Northcote, Roger Champion [unknown] continuous committee service for of Caulfield, Ken Dowling of six years. Malvern and Garnet Williams “That appropriate action be taken to protest if of Port Melbourne to attend the necessary, to the conditions applicable to the City This constitution was drafted by next meeting. of Preston when advertised.” Charlie Seabrook and accurately Our second meeting at the Carried. represents the various ideas that Collingwood Football Club Rooms had been informally discussed at the was held on 10th June, 1960. Five The conditions of appointment meeting of the Association. However, new members attended this meeting: of Municipal Engineers prepared I have no recollection of where the Ron Gould of Fitzroy, Bertie Silk of by the Institution of Engineers, idea of a three-year committee Ferntree Gully, John Maughan of Australia lays down, inter alia, came from. Kew, Roger Champion of Caulfield that the engineer must receive his On 8th April 1960, we held our and Ken Dowling of Malvern. instructions directly from the Council last meeting at the Imperial Club This was rather a sad occasion as and that he must report directly to Hotel as the numbers were getting Bob Mathews, a foundation member the Council. Both the conditions of uncomfortably large for the size of and our first Treasurer, retired from appointment at Williamstown and the only available meeting room. It the City of Preston to go into private those that were prepared later for was agreed that the next meeting practice. He tabled a balance sheet Preston breached the Institution would take place at the rooms of for our first six months of existence conditions in at least these two the Collingwood Football Club, showing total receipts of 78 pounds crucial points.

12 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966) 1.2

When letters of protest were received by the Town Clerk and City Manager of Williamstown, John Morley, from the Association of Professional Engineers and from our Association, he took them into the Deputy City Engineer, Jim Rees, and asked him what his views were. Jim said he couldn’t apply for the position under the conditions that then existed. After further discussion, Jim Rees conferred with me at Keilor and outlined a compromise position which John Morley was prepared to put up to Council on his behalf. From memory, the proposed conditions were altered to read: that the City Engineer would receive his instructions direct from the Council, Above: Albert Park Lake and Melbourne city skyline. but they would be transmitted to him by the Town Clerk and that he would report direct to Council on all matters of appointment so that they were of unnecessary motions. Members affecting his department. Since this very close to Institution of were free to move around, talk to seemed to be the substance of the Engineers conditions. any body they wanted to talk to, two points at issue, I advised Jim The meeting of 8th July 1960, bring up problems on their mind, Rees to make his arrangements was the last one we held at the and generally enjoy the fellowship accordingly. The Town Clerk kept his Collingwood Club Rooms. There was and get help from their colleagues in side of the bargain, and for the next no record of the names of members solving any particular problems they 25 or 26 years, Williamstown proved attending this meeting, so that had in mind at the time. one of the happiest places for any from this time on, there will be no The meeting at Ascot House on officer to work. reference to new members. The only 9th September 1960, decided to The outcome at Preston was send a circular out to all Victorian most unhappy. The Association of form of business carried out was Professional Engineers tried hard to agreement to purchase lapel name Municipal Engineers and invite them dissuade engineers from applying badges and to hold the next meeting to attend our luncheon meetings on for the position under the advertised at Ascot House, Essendon, “in an the second Friday of each month. It conditions and, after applications endeavor to hold meetings in various was decided to hold an additional closed, attempted to persuade metropolitan areas in rotation”. meeting on 30th September at which applicants to insist on Institution The meeting on 12th August 1960, the Deputy Engineers would be conditions at their interviews. As a at Ascot House, 50 Fenton Street, brought along as guests. result, several engineers who were Ascot Vale, was a model in brevity. Messrs Taylor and Lloyd moved: interested in the position could not, There were 17 members present. “That the Honourable the Minister for Local in good conscience, apply for it. In It was agreed that treasury levy Government be invited to attend the December the end, Ray Bramham accepted the for more expenses be 1 pound meeting as a guest of the members. “ position and was heavily criticized for per head. That was all of the Carried. so doing. In fairness to Ray, it must business recorded. be said that within about 12 months, I feel that the great charm of the The meeting at Ascot House on he was able to report to APEA that Association in its early days was 30th September 1960, was attended Council had modified its conditions the lack of formality and the lack by 15 members and the following

History of the IPWEA Victoria 13 1.2 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966)

guests: I. McDonald, City Engineer, Government Engineers Association of speeches were given, we went back to Geelong; K. Shields, Shell Company; Victoria”. The amendment was put and the entrance hall where a display of P. Rowan, ex-City Engineer, Moorabbin; carried. The bare bones outlined above jewellery had been arranged. This is W. Adams, Deputy City Engineer, South does little to indicate that there was Jimmy Watson, the proprietor of the Melbourne; H. Norman, Deputy City substantial debate and feeling about reception rooms, and he had arranged Engineer, Heidelberg; J. Galbraith, what our name should be. It became for an expert from one of the leading Assistant Metropolitan Engineer, apparent during the debate that the jewellery firms to give us a talk. [Most Country Roads Board; P. Hopper, ex-New South Wales engineers had of us] got over the talk on the cheap, Deputy Shire Engineer, Whittlesea; in mind an ultimate amalgamation but I noticed that the wives of some of E. Rasmussen, Deputy City Engineer, with the Local Government Engineers the engineers had profited from the Box Hill; and J. Falkner, Deputy Association of New South Wales, and display and discussion. Engineer, Brunswick. even wished to have the industrial At our regular December meeting on It is worthwhile noting at this affairs of the Victorians taken over by 9th December 1960, the Honourable point that although the name of the that body. It was about the only time Murray Porter, Minister for Local organisation, as adopted on March in my term of President that I had to Government, Peter Mithen, Secretary 1960, was the Institute of Municipal firmly act as a chairman until I could for Local Government, and Clyde Engineers, all of the minutes up to get some order into the debate. Tingate, Senior Engineer for the Local and including that of 30th September It was decided that a Ladies Government Department, were our 1960, were simply headed “Minutes Night would be held on the evening guests. There were the usual mutual of a meeting of a number of of 4th November 1960, and Messrs speeches of welcome and expressions Municipal Engineers”. Lloyd, Dowling and McKerrow of good wishes for the coming At our October meeting, we were were authorized to arrange details. festive season. to formally change the name to A committee comprising G. Price, On 10th February 1961, we met the Local Government Engineers President, Roy Lloyd, Treasurer, Lloyd at Ascot House with 17 members Association of Victoria, and all of the Bower, Secretary, and Ian Taylor were present. Messrs Taylor and Tuxen subsequent minutes are headed with appointed to make arrangements for were added to the committee, and it the new name. a meeting with the Minister on 9th was agreed that a committee meeting At our meeting at Ascot Vale on December 1960. be held on 24th February to consider 14th October 1960, 17 members were There are no minutes in existence present, with Alan Wareham, Deputy of our next three meetings. The first a suggestion “that all business be City Engineer, Malvern, present as of these was the regular November dealt with by committees appointed a visitor. Following on our decision meeting. The second was our first to deal with business, then published in September to invite the Minister Ladies Night, held at Ascot House on for members’ consideration and for Local Government to attend the 4th November 1960. We assembled subsequent endorsement”. December meeting, Lloyd Bower asked with our wives in the entrance hall There was a minute relating to a visit the meeting for decision on what our downstairs where we enjoyed a few to Geelong on 28th March, but it is not name was to be, pointing out that he drinks and then moved upstairs clear whether this is a meeting of the couldn’t very well just ask the Minister for a formal meal. We were all on Work s Superintendents Association to attend a meeting of engineers. our best behavior that night and I or a meeting of our Association to Possibly he had forgotten that we recall that we stood politely behind which Works Superintendents had already adopted the name of our chairs waiting for something to were invited. “The Institute of Municipal Engineers”. happen. When nothing happened, I The scheduled meeting of the However, nobody raised the question said to Roy Lloyd, who was making enlarged committee was held as and the meeting started off with a at faces at me from the other side of planned on 24th February 1961. motion from Messrs Champion and the table, “What are we waiting for?” Because it was the first set of minutes Fraser that the group be named whereupon he replied, “For you to of our committee, and because the “Municipal Engineers Association”. sit down, you fool “. So I sat down as items discussed give a good indication Mr Wills then moved an amendment ordered and everybody followed suit. of our interest at that time, I propose that the group be named “Local After an enjoyable meal, at which no to record in full.

14 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966) 1.2

Business Committee 6 Standing Committee confirmed or varied. After the In order to handle the routine formation of the company, of course, Meeting held at Vines Imperial Hotel, affairs of the Association, a the Committee was the power body Rathdowne Street, Carlton at 12.30pm Standing Committee comprising and its decisions were binding on on Friday 24th February 1961. the following members be the Association. Present: G. Price (President), appointed: President, Vice ­ A fresh Constitution for the L. Bower (Secretary), I Taylor (member), President, Immediate Past Association was circulated to C. Seabrook (member), C. Tuxen (member). President, Secretary, Treasurer members at this time. I refer to it as An apology was received from R. Lloyd. - with power to co-opt members the Second Constitution. The object Items as required. and aims are the same as in the First Constitution, with the following 1 Local Government Engineers 7 Ladies Night exceptions. Where item 2 in the First Association of New South Wales It was agreed that there be two Constitution was “Interchange of Annual Conference Ladies Nights, one in June and ideas on municipal affairs”, this has It was agreed that L. Wills another in November. been changed to “Technical matters be requested to attend the 8 Visits Inspections pertaining to the municipal works and Conference as a delegate from It was agreed that one weekend undertakings”. A new aim: “Liaison our Association. (Mr Wills has visit and one day visit be and co-operation with the various indicated his acceptance and arranged per year to suitable bodies, associations and/ or societies arrangements for his leave are places of interest. associated with municipal works”, now in train.) L.G. Bower Hon. Secretary and another new object: “Any other 2 Road Contractors Association matters which from time to time will Request for conference re: Attached to the minutes of the improve the service [of] members conditions of contract. It was Committee Meeting was a program to municipalities and to the general agreed that three members of meetings for the following nine public generally”. I think the phrase be appointed to meet Road months. Included with these was a “general public generally” should be Contractors Association at proposal for an annual meeting for enshrined on our coat of arms. some mutually suitable time. the election of officers on 14th April. The member provisions have been At our meeting at Ascot House only slightly changed. The phrase 3 Registration of Association on 10th March 1961, there were 16 “members must be practising It was agreed that Hon. Secretary members and four visitors present. Municipal Engineers” in the First proceed with necessary steps Ian McDonald of Geelong was Constitution has been changed to for proper registration of appointed as an additional delegate read “All corporate members shall Association. to accompany Laurie Wills to the be practising Municipal Engineers 4 Constitution New South Wales Conference, and duly appointed as such by the It was agreed that C. Seabrook the Committee were authorised to Municipality”. The provisions relating revise, enlarge and present a cover any reasonable expenses they to the Committee have been changed suitable draft of Constitution might incur. as follows. In lieu of the original for members’ consideration. The President’s Secretary and Len provision, “six members of whom there Cheffers were appointed to meet the shall be at least two country members, 5 Country Roads Board Road Contractors Association. The and two metropolitan engineers”, Conference Week Committee considered the remaining has been reduced to “one member”. It was agreed that a late items of business on the Committee’s This, of course, is in addition to the afternoon function be held at a Report and adopted them. President, Vice-President, Secretary suitable venue on the Friday of It should be noted that up until and Treasurer. The unusual provision CRB Conference Week, in order the time of the formation of the in the First Constitution that men shall that members may entertain Association into a company, the be elected for a period of three years other Municipal Engineers Committee reported to the General has been reduced to membership for and guests. Meetings and had their proposals one year, and members “shall not be

History of the IPWEA Victoria 15 1.2 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966)

eligible for re-election for one year following Committee service for four years”. It will be recalled that the disqualifying period in the original constitution was six years. The rest of the Constitution is new but is merely designed to formalise our current practices. Read as follows: 7 Procedure at Meetings a) Meetings shall take the form Above: The current IPWEA Victoria Constitution is available from www.ipwea.org/victoria of a luncheon at a place determined by the Association, and shall be followed by a General Meeting to deal with f) In general, the usual rules banks as the Committee shall any business necessary. of debate shall pertain in all from time to time determine. business matters. b) The Committee may summon 9 Alterations or Variations a Special Meeting whenever 8 Funds Any alterations or additions to this considered necessary. The a) General funds shall be held Constitution may be varied by the particular business to be by the Treasurer and shall be Annual General Meeting and must be transacted shall be expressed collected by him and banked in carried by a two-thirds majority. in the Notice and no other the Association’s bank account business shall be entered and all such monies shall be I think the only one worthy of special upon at that meeting. disbursed by the Treasurer comment is item d); that strangers after an instruction by will not be permitted to attend any c) The President of the Association General Meeting. General Meeting unless expressly shall preside at all meetings. In permitted by resolution of members. his absence, the Vice ­President b) Trust and other such funds The founding members hold very shall act in his stead. Should shall vest in three trustees strongly that the Association should these members be absent, a for the use and benefit of the form a confidential forum at which temporary chairman of the Association. All disbursements Municipal Engineers could freely meeting will be elected by the from these funds shall be express their opinion uninfluenced members present. signed by two trustees and by the pressures implied in the the Secretary. Any trustee who presence of visitors, consulting d) Strangers will not be permitted for any reason shall resign, engineers, departmental engineers to attend any General Meeting become insolvent, refuse or and the like. In my opinion, we have unless expressly permitted by become incapeable to act as departed so much from this in our resolution of members. such trustee or be absent from present practices that one has to e) All matters are to be decided the State of Victoria for more be very careful what one says at a by a majority of votes, each than six calendar months, then meeting of the Association. member having one vote and the and in any such case it shall The next item we find in the President or his representative be lawful for the Association minutes is a report by Laurie Wills on having a second or casting vote to elect any other member. All a visit he made with Ian McDonald except in the matter of affiliate such monies shall be paid into a to the 56th Annual Conference of members (see Clause 3). current account in such bank or the Local Government Engineers

16 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966) 1.2

Association of New South Wales usual form and in my opinion could were left wanting for anything (within between Monday, 20th March 1961, have been shortened appreciably, reason). The conference really got and Friday, 24th March 1961. especially with the number of speakers down to business on the Tuesday, I think this is worth including in who were called upon, although some 21st March when the Annual General full as it is relevant to the future of the speakers did have the effect of Meeting was held. This meeting development of our ideas on field provoking some later reactions with took the full day and was one of the days, overseas scholarships and the gathering of engineers. most interesting meetings I have union with similar associations (A list of the official guests is attended, for discussion was very outside Victoria. attached for the perusal of members.) frank and forthright with interest in all “To members of the Association, Perusal of this list will show that discussions very keen. The Secretary’s it is my pleasure to submit a report approximately 20 speeches were mad Report and Business Paper is attached on the above Conference to which e at the opening. The most enjoyable hereto for perusal. the Association sent Mr Ian McDonald function on this day was the dinner A most interesting item arising and myself as observers. at the Wentworth. This function was from the Business Paper was the Mr Ian Taylor carried out the in the form of a buffet dinner without recent Award for Local Government preliminary investigations with regard speeches and was really a big get- Engineers in New South Wales. This to the travel, accommodation and together for everyone concerned, matter really got members talking arranged for the contacts with the so much so that everyone had to be and both Ian and myself were dragged executive of the New South Wales kicked out of the hall. This did not into this discussion much to our organisation. In this regard, Mr Taylor deter most of the persons present embarrassment; but the atmosphere is to be highly commended for the who adjourned to the nearby lounge of the meeting was such that both manner in which he organised these to carry on discussions etc. Ian and myself felt as if we were matters, for in so doing he made I would like to report here that the addressing a meeting of friends possible the air transport for Ian welcome and consideration given instead of over-the-border­ engineers. McDonald, my wife and self, together to Ian McDonald and myself was I think this session did much to with accommodation for Ian McDonald really outstanding. The executive and cement relationships and create a at the Australia Hotel in Castlereagh members made themselves known desire for a close liaison between Street. Arrangements were made for to us, instead of the usual reverse all Local Government Engineers private accommodation for my wife procedure, and the atmosphere was throughout Australia. and self in order that expenses could both pleasurable and informative. On Wednesday, 22nd March, the field be kept to a minimum and I must It appeared that several members day was held at Lane Cove National report that the arrangements were organised themselves into a group Park, a most fascinating and beautiful excellent for all concerned. which specially catered for our welfare, area which is hard to believe exists so The Conference commenced at and they were so successful in this close to the city of Sydney. The field day 10.30am on Monday, 20th March regard that neither Ian nor myself was really a stupendous effort and one at Syme’s House where a capeacity attendance was present. A program is attached hereto for members to peruse. It should be mentioned here “I think this is worth including in that the form of the program was exceptionally handy in that it was full as it is relevant to the future small, could be carried in one’s pocket and did not tend to get mixed up with other papers, thus preventing its easy development of our ideas...” loss. The official opening took the

History of the IPWEA Victoria 17 1.2 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966)

“I went home that night pleased that the incoming President would be one of our most experienced and capable Municipal Engineers.”

which had to be seen to be believed. engineer being empowered to order movie camera been made available It would take several pages to describe delivery on the spot. to show members the activity which the nature of plant machinery and The concentration of plant and took place and also the range of works undertaken, so several copies equipment was so great however, equipment on demonstration. Several of the organisation were collected and that the program of works tended to photographs were taken but these do are attached hereto for perusal. become disrupted due to the acute not do justice to the day in general. Both Ian and myself were competition between suppliers; so My only comment on this day would unanimous in our opinion that this much so that the operators of plant be that the show was exceptionally was a highlight of the conference were competing to show who was successful and that the organisation and that the exhibition of plant the best operator with detrimental was outstripped by the keen and equipment was the biggest effects on the organisers of the competition of the immense concentration of products of works program. I am sure that the number of exhibitors. interest to engineers that we organisers finished up with a really Thursday 23rd March and Friday have ever witnessed. man ­sized headache. 24th March were devoted to the I quizzed several of the exhibitors Another interesting feature was the presentation of papers, the most and they voted the day as one of the terrific attendance, the traffic snarl interesting and thought-provoking most successful selling days of the was worse than Swanston Street at being those presented by Mr John year. They were all of the opinion its worst. The show not only courted Andrews who was the recipient of that it was of far greater importance interest from engineers gathered last year’s award of the Overseas than the Sydney Royal Show or any in local government, but from every Foundation Award. other organised exhibition of contractor in Sydney including a The trustees of the Foundation their equipment. large gathering of government certainly chose a very worthy engineer From the engineer’s point of view, department engineers. in Mr John Andrews, as his papers it was an education in that nearly The opinion gathered from the were presented very competently. The every item of plant and equipment organisers of the field day, is that value of the information obtained by was concentrated in one area and the day has become of immense him during his overseas visit cannot was available for inspection and importance to suppliers and potential be assessed until such time as all demonstration. Several engineers to buyers alike; and that in future his papers are made available to whom I spoke were accompanied by an immense area and many more members of the New South councillors who collectively observed projects will be necessary to cope Wales organisation. and decided on-site which items with the exhibitors’ equipment. The idea with regards the Foundation of equipment to purchase with the It would have been justified had a is that each engineer sent away

18 The Age of Innocence (1959 - 1966) 1.2

This is in strong contrast with our “In my usual polite own Annual General Meetings, where generally the agenda is overloaded and insufficient time is allowed to manner, I informed deal with the matters brought up. But, unexpectedly, the standard of participation and discussion by the him I had no intention members is minimal. By now the Local Government Engineers Association of Victoria of carrying on if they has been well and truly launched. Lloyd Bower and I were very pleased at the progress it was making. We could find some other were scheduled to hold our second election of office bearers on 14th April 1961, and I started to wonder mug to do it!” who my successor as President might be. I did not have long to wait to find out. A week or two before the election, I was approached returns with a wealth of knowledge the information obtained, and the tactfully by one of our members which he in turn passes on to comments which I have given in this who wanted to know if I intended members in the form of technical report and verbally will benefit this to carry on as our President. In my papers during the year. In this manner, organisation in the future. usual polite manner, I informed him each member has the opportunity Ian McDonald will certainly have I had no intention of carrying on if to partake of the knowledge gained further comments to make on the they could find some other mug to should he wish to do so. Conference as we attended every do it. He heaved a sigh of relief and Copies of the two papers presented session and he observed many items told me that some of the “boys” were are attached hereto for perusal of interest which I have probably of members. overlooked. keen to nominate Cedric Tuxen of In conclusion, I would like Victorian Yours faithfully, Brighton as our second President. Local Government Engineers to L. G. Wills, CE, AMIES, City Engineer I told him to go ahead as I certainly officially acknowledge the hospitality Collingwood“ would not be standing. I went home extended to Ian and myself and to The only items in this report I would that night pleased that the incoming also thank the various sponsors like to comment upon are firstly the President would be one of our most who supported our attendance great amount of time for discussion experienced and capable Municipal to the Conference. and comment by members, and Engineers. The young associates I personally thank the members secondly that all the discussions needed a few years of expansion and for their confidence in sending me were “very frank and forthright with consolidation, and these could have to Sydney and sincerely hope that interest in all discussions very keen”. not been placed in better hands.

History of the IPWEA Victoria 19 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966) cont.

The Age of Innocence Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966)

The Time Consolidation was Right and Incorporation Watch this space Chapter 2 (1966 - 1989)

Watch this space Chapter 3 (1989 - 2007)

Reforming Establishment IPWEA (Vic) of LGPro Chapter 4 (2007- 2019)

Unresolved Restructuring of Victorian Issues Local Government

Consolidation 1.3 and Incorporation Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

Above: Melbourne train station and Melbourne city.

It was easy to see that hat was on 21st May 1965. For was done for the first 18 months. Tthe purposes of this chapter, I propose to go through the minutes we were entering upon therefore, I propose to deal with the of this period and only mention a stage of consolidation. period covered by the Presidencies matters which seem to me of Not nearly so easy to say of Cedric Tuxen, Ian McDonald, Lloyd special interest or importance. Bower and Peter James. Peter James On 21st April 1961, a conference when that phase came finished his term on 21st February was held at the Heidelberg Town Hall to an end. In my opinion, 1966, so we have to cover a period between representatives of the Road it ended around about of approximately 4 years and Contractors Association - Messrs D. 10 months. Crellen, E. Brophy, J. Farmer, and the time we became From now on it is not practicable J. Reid (Senior) - and Messrs. G. Price, a company. to deal with the development of the L. Cheffers, L. Bower representing Association meeting by meeting, as this Association. The Road

History of the IPWEA Victoria 21 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

Contractors Association pointed or City Engineer, as the case may On 12th July 1961, a meeting of out that they were having great be, shall be a corporate member. engineers in Horsham, chaired by difficulty in carrying out their work The term “affiliate member” used Norman Cottman of Stawell, decided economically and expeditiously in the first two Constitutions to invite representatives of LGEA so because of failure to show has been dropped and the term that a local group of the Association underground mains and services “associates” has been substituted. could be formed. A deputation was on the plans for road works. After These had no voting power. The arranged to the Country Roads discussion on both sides, Mr Crellen, Constitution also provides that “the Board for the purpose of advising the for the Road Contractors Association, Association may create a further board members of the Association’s summarised their requests as follows: grade of membership to be known as aims and objects. A close liaison associate member who shall consist was established between Board 1 make all available information of Deputy Municipal Engineers members and the Association which from all authorities available practicing with such a municipality“. continues to the present day. on working drawings; This is a somewhat ambiguous Unfortunately, no details of the 2 an item should be set out in a approach. The grade wasn’t created, meeting have been preserved in schedule of works for alteration but the Association gave itself power the minutes. of services which are above to create the grade to cover deputies. Public opposition to a proposed garbage tip proposed by the formation levels; and I think this reflects the divided views of the members at this stage on Camberwell City Council was a 3 adoption of a uniform set of whether or not deputies should be lively subject in the local and daily general conditions of contract admitted in any form. newspapers at this time. Strange such as that outlined by the It might be of interest to members as it may seem to present-day Institution of Engineers. of the present day to see that there engineers, opposition to Councils’ proposals were very rare and the A General Meeting of the was a differential in the subscription matter was raised at a General Association considered this matter fee which sets out the following fees: Meeting to see whether we would on 12th May, and after a number of • metropolitan members five guineas per annum, take any action. The General more or less abortive resolutions Committee very wisely decided that and amendments, the following • country members two guineas per annum, this Association (as an association) resolution was passed: had no views regarding the proposals • associate members two guineas per member, for tipping garbage at Camberwell, “That members be informed of the conference the matter is best dealt with by and requested to conform with the request of the • associate nil. Road Contractors Association so far as their own individual members as occasion circumstances permit and the matter of standard For the purposes of definition arises. In December, Len Cheffers conditions of contract be left to their discretion.” “metropolitan” was considered was invited to become an associate to be that area wholly or partly due to an internal reshuffle in within the area of the Metropolitan the management structure of The next major item was the Board of Works Planning Scheme. Camberwell. This was very fortunate consideration of the Second Except for the open meeting held in for him as we had fixed a nil fee for Constitution, its amendment, and September to which members could associates, while providing a two final adoption on 14th July 1961, in invite guests, there was an express guinea fee for associate members the form of the Third Constitution provision in 6(d): “Strangers will not who we had not yet created as as bound in the Minute Book. This be permitted to attend any General a grade. remained our Constitution until Meeting unless expressly permitted As usual, our Christmas meeting incorporation as a company. by a resolution of members”. We was attended by the Minister, The definition of corporate were still maintaining the General Secretary and Chief Engineer of the member has been further Meetings as a closed forum at which Local Government Department. strengthened to make it quite clear Municipal Engineers could discuss The February meeting was held that only the Shire, Borough, Town their problems. at the Brighton Municipal Offices

22 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

on the invitation of the Mayor elected President on 13th April 1962. Financial Statement of Brighton. No business was The other office bearers for the 31st March 1962 transacted, but a good time was following twelve months were: had by all. Personally, I found the TOTAL INCOME architecture of the new offices very Lloyd Bower Vice-President interesting. The atmosphere of Keith Wood Secretary 436 pounds 18 shillings the place was incredible, or to one John McKerrow Assistant Secretary 5 pence who had been raised in a growing Roger Champion Treasurer municipality. It was almost like Ian Taylor Public Relations Officer entering a church in the foyer, and CASH SURPLUS Bob Fraser Committee Member I only hope that the present quiet 11 pounds atmosphere has been preserved. 14 shillings One of our less reverent members, We haven ‘t looked at our finance 5 pence who is still with us, commented in a for some time, so I will give a few loud whisper that “this [meaning the items out of the Financial Statement TRADE DONATIONS Town Hall] is in the silk department, for the year ended 31st March 1962. FOR THE NSW isn’t it boys?”. Our total income was 436 pounds CONFERENCE On 23rd February, Garnet Price 18 shillings and 5 pence, of which and Lloyd Bower went to a Northern we managed to hang on to a cash 82 pounds Region Municipal Engineers Group surplus of 11 pounds 14 shillings 16 shillings 5 pence of the Association for Professional and 5 pence for the year. The trade Engineers Australia at Yarrawonga donations for the attendance at LADIES NIGHT to answer questions regarding the New South Wales Conference DONATIONS the Local Government Engineers amounted to 82 pounds 16 and 5 Association. pence. Interestingly enough, the 107 pounds There seemed to be a great Ladies Night donations for 107 15 shillings deal of confusion as to whether pounds 15 shillings exceeded the the Local Government Engineers annual subscriptions, which totalled ANNUAL Association was in competition 101 pounds 17 shillings. SUBSCRIPTIONS with the Association of Professional Postage and stationery totalled Engineers. The matter was clarified 25 pounds 10 shillings and 9 pence, 101 pounds to everybody’s satisfaction, but from travelling expenses were 9 pounds 17 shillings time to time it was possible to detect for the year. Lunch donations were in various areas of the country the 143 pounds and luncheon expenses POSTAGE AND same confused thinking. Fortunately, were 166 pounds 18 shillings and STATIONARY this confusion has long since ceased 3 pence. We must have had a 25 pounds to exist and the two associations got freeloader or two in. 10 shillings together in a reasonable manner of The First Field Day 9 pence co-operation and harmony. By the The first Field Day was held at Yarra middle of March, we had appointed Bend National Park on 29th May LUNCH Roy Lloyd and Laurie Wills to 1962. There is not a great deal of DONATIONS organise the running of a field day to information about it in the minutes, 143 pounds be held at the Yarra Bend National but in an article by Alfred Heinz, Park. This was planned for 29th published in “Memo”, Lloyd Bower LUNCHEON May 1962, and took the form of a makes the following remarks EXPENSES demonstration of the application of about its origins: cement stabilised crushed rock as a “Field Days started quite away 166 pounds roadmaking­ material. from LGEA. The Mad e in Australia 18 shillings Ian McDonald of Geelong was Council staged an exhibition of 3 pence

History of the IPWEA Victoria 23 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

to the skin walking from the car park to the display. Speeches and refreshments were dispensed to a group of rain-soaked engineers in a leaking marquee. Representatives of the Local Government Engineers Association of New South Wales were there to assist us.” Ian Taylor’s comments on the first Field Day, also taken from the same article, were as follows: “It rained and rained and rained. The work involved the laying of a crushed rock pavement, together with the construction of a poolside. The prime thing was to demonstrate the equipment actually carrying Above: 1962 Field Show invitation. out the work. It fell to my lot to play up the roadwork, get the design earth-moving equipment at Yarra in Australia Council for further out, supervise the construction. Bend National Park, which at exhibitions, but it was so obviously Kevin Adams, my offsider at South that time was within the City of filling a need in the earth-moving Melbourne, helped. It was a small Heidelberg. As City Engineer, I was equipment field, as well as providing enthusiastic group who agreed approached by Mr F.Squires of the a showcase for engineers and that each would do so much. The Made in Australia Council on various contractors, that its continuation whole exercise seemed to be at matters for assistance. The exhibition was desirable. The Made in Australia risk because of the weather and was quite successful from the Made Council agreed to abdicate the field we struck so much trouble with the in Australia point of view but they if the engineers would take over weather that gradually the date was felt that any further exhibitions the show. However, it was obviously altered to earlier in the year. At first would be beyond their capacity as beyond the capacity and time of there were no profits and it was not their constitution did not provide the several engineers to handle so I until 1966 that the Foundation for the organisational resources to cater introduced a concept of an Annual Technical Advancement of the Local for such major exhibitions. They Field Day to the LGEA when it was Government Engineers in Australia suggested a joint venture with Made thought that funds derived there came into existence.” in Australia staging and administering from, could be used for an overseas I think we should record the names if some engineers could provide study tour. Although the LGEA was of the men who actually organised organisation. With the help of four in numbers at that stage, it the construction work on that first several of my fellow engineers, in took up the idea and thanks to dismal day. Roy Lloyd was director particular, Laurie Wills, City Engineer some strong support from a number and Laurie Wills assistant director. of Collingwood, the second Made in of engineers and engineering In response to a request for Australia exhibition was staged at staff, Field Days became an supervisory assistance, the Yarra Bend National Park in 1962” established function.” following volunteers came forward: [this was our first Field Day ]. Still quoting from Mr Heinze’s A. Thompson from Moorabbin City, “This time saw some equipment article, my recollections of the first H. Tyrell from Ringwood, Bill Adams demonstrations and some work was details are as follows: from South Melbourne, Ron Spence done to benefit the park, although “Speaking from memory, the first from Barrabool, John McKerrow most of the time rain was pouring Field Day was held at the Yarra Bend from Bulla Shire, Ken Dowling or down. I felt that the weather rather National Park. It rained cats and S. Holdsworthy from Malvern, dampened the spirits of the Made dogs and I remember getting soaked P. Meldrum from Heidelberg, and

24 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

representatives from Camberwell that he was personally dealing Electricity Commission, the and Broadmeadows who are not with the matter and would keep Melbourne Board of Works, and named. the Association informed on the all the Victorian Rail ways. None On 8th June 1962, by agreement developments. Unfortunately, the of these latter proposals came to with the Made in Australia Council, proposals being looked into by the anything, but in due course, a proper it was decided that the Local Minister for Local Government came recognised course for training Engineers Association would take to nothing. overseers was operated by the RMIT. over all organisation for future For a while, both the Institution Early in February 1963, Lloyd Field Days. of Engineers, the Association of Bower reported that our President The Association was continually Professional Engineers Australia, was in Ward 8 of Heidelberg expanding in this period. The Bendigo and our Association had high hopes Repatriation Hospital. A fortnight Group of APEA arranged a visit by of a government-backed foundation later, he was dead. It was a great the President and member of the and members were suggested to blow to our Association as Ian Committee to a meeting at Swan Hill the Minister to form trustees for McDonald was one of our older to form a group there on 31st August this foundation. My recollection members. He was a quiet, friendly, 1962. Alan Robertson was given is that we proposed the name of unassuming engineer who had his authority to form a Dandenong group Cedric Tuxen as a member of the own ways of getting things done. of the Association and to organise a foundation. When the proposals I still recall the informal lecture conference of overseers within that fell through, we successfully set up he gave me on public relations group. Mr Bosworth of Bairnsdale one of our own. The formation of the when I first took up position as City asked us to send a representative foundation forms the later part in Engineer of Geelong West in 1946. to their proposed regional meeting our story . Ian was City Engineer at Geelong at in East Gippsland on Friday, 17th At this stage, our Association that time, but during the Depression August. In August 1962, Ron Spence was taking an active interest in the he had held down the Geelong West reported on his visit to a group of training and welfare of Municipal position on a part-time basis. engineers in Warrnambool to form a Overseers. Towards the end of 1962, He told me how he had a working branch in that locality . Alan Robertson had organised a arrangement with one of the The other landmark in Ian highly successful conference for reporters on the Geelong Advertiser. McDonald’s short term of office was overseers and planned to make He phoned him when they were hosting a meeting with the Chairman it an annual affair. Roy Lloyd and short of council information and Ian and the other two members of the Lloyd Bower were investigating would get him to drop in and give him Country Roads Board as our guests the courses available at the Royal a letter signed with a nom de plume at Fenton House on 13th June 1962. Melbourne Institute of Technology criticising the way the engineer was On 10th August 1962, the for training foremen and were running the affairs at Geelong. This President, Ian McDonald, tabled discussing with the Institute would be duly published and, a few a report on a conference to be authorities ways and means by days later, Ian would be interviewed held with the Minister for Local which a suitable overseers course by the reporter and explain tearfully Government dealing with the could be established. Proposals where the correspondent was in formation of a Foundation for the were also taken up to see if overseer error. As far as I know, he had the Technical Advancement of Municipal training could be undertaken by best public relations of any of us. Engineers in Victoria. He advised the Country Roads Board, State Shortly before his death, he was

“As far as I know, he [Ian McDonald] had the best public relations of any of us.”

History of the IPWEA Victoria 25 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

awarded membership of the Order public. He concluded by expressing Members stayed at a lakeside of the British Empire for services to the opinion that the standard of motel and, after an evening meal, local government. It was an honour qualifications of both engineers a meeting was held. The following richly deserved and rarely given to and secretaries had fallen down day, a motor cruiser was engaged engineers. On 22nd March 1963, in that no attention was being and we did an extensive tour of the our Vice-President, Lloyd Bower, given to personnel management Gippsland Lakes. At lunch-time we was made Acting President for the or public relations. Feeling of his stopped and had a meal on the bank. remainder of the financial year. address generally was that both There was a number of visitors from On 8th February 1963, the the engineer and the clerk should Melbourne, for I would think that Association elected Cedric Tuxen live together in harmony and that with their wives they would number an honorary member of the Council should assist themselves in about 30. organisation, effective from his retaining their right to govern. The In June, the Municipal Association date of his retirement. It will be Acting President mad e mention that of Victoria asked us to provide recalled that Cedric was one of the the Committee was investigating representatives to represent than few Municipal Engineers to carry on the formation of regional groups at meetings with the Melbourne active duties to the age of 70. He is so that country members could Metropolitan Board of Works with still with us and we would hope he be represented at our monthly a view to obtaining an increase in will enjoy his retirement for many meetings. My recollection is that the fees paid for road openings. more years. [Note: Cedric Tuxen at times there were a number of Negotiations extended over several subsequently passed away in 1985]. regional groups in active operation months, but the outcome was Arrangements were made for our and they were sending members satisfactory from the standpoint Annual Meeting to be held at the of both the municipalities and the down to our monthly meetings. Kew City Hall on 1st April, 1963. The Board of Works. These negotiations The organisational problems had Acting President, Mr Lloyd Bower, broke new ground and regular not, however, been satisfactorily was in the chair and he introduced reviews of the road opening fees sorted out. our two guest speakers: Andy Walls, are now a constancy feature of the Our only elections were held on Town Clerk of Box Hill, and Cedric agreement with the Melbourne 10th May 1963. Lloyd Bower was Tuxen, formerly of Brighton. Metropolitan Board of Works. appointed President, Keith Wood Cedric’s address covered the history Group formation continued. In of road-making boards and councils was appointed Secretary, Roger August, Peter James reported that in England from the early days to Champion Treasurer, Peter James the Bendigo Group of the Association modern times, and he finished by Vice-President, Ian Taylor Public of Professional Engineers Australia giving us a resume of his experiences Relations Officer. There were five had now resolved to join the Local as the City Engineer of Brighton. nominations for the remaining two Government Engineers Association Mr Walls gave us an address on committee men, and we decided to and, in future, would meet as a Councils’ relationship with the hold a postal ballot. Incidentally, we group. Geoff Taylor reported on various government and semi- actually enlarged the committee the same day that the “Geelong government authorities, stressing by one, by electing another two Group would change from being a the fact that Councils are losing committee men. group of APEA to being a group of control of their functions. He also Early in Lloyd’s term of office, we LGEA”. Interestingly enough, on 11th made reference to the quest for the were invited by the Bairnsdale Group December 1963, Ron Spence gave public relations between officers to send members down to hold an identical talk that the Geelong and ratepayers and considered a meeting and establish a group. Division, now meeting as an APEA that a lot more could be done to Saturday and Sunday, 13th and 14th group, will in future meet as an LGEA ensure the standing of Councils July 1963, were selected. It was a group “as soon as the constitution and their staff in the eyes of the very well organised event. will permit”.

26 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

“A number of meetings were held with them and the best that could be said was that an outright confrontation was avoided.”

The way in which these changeovers Association may not express Hotel in Carlton, but General were made caused a certain the thoughts of the group Meetings varied from Ascot House amount of resentment and generally. to the Bambalina Catering Service misunderstanding in the country. in Glenferrie Road, Malvern, to the b) Insufficient time at meetings Clearly, the correct procedure wasn’t Victoria Golf Club, and finally we devoted to the discussion of being for the Bendigo and Geelong settled down for some considerable technical matters. Engineers to meet simply as a time meeting in the Canberra Room group of Municipal Engineers and c) Time of meeting inappropriate of McLures Restaurant, Albert Park. form their own branches of LGEA. as too much of the working day Relationships with the Institute The method they adopted was, to is lost. of Building Surveyors came up say the least, unfortunate. It gave several times. They were requesting d) Some thoughts expressed on some observers the opinion that our support in an approach to the the new organization (LGEA) was what our aims really are. State Government to make the in opposition to APEA. Nothing was e) The Constitution in its present employment of a separate building further from the truth. form is not wide enough to survey or compulsory. On the other Still on the subject of group allow technical discussion or hand, we considered that their formation, on 28th June 1963, Alan regional groups to be formed.” association was unrepresentative Robertson reported on the following and considered that, before we matters which had been discussed Keith Wood attended the July could give that recognition and meeting of the Eastern Group of by the Eastern Group of Engineers, support, they should be prepared to Engineers to answer questions. He now meeting under no specific name: admit building surveyors/municipal was successful in persuading them engineers the right to join their a) The name Local Government they should consider becoming association as fellows. Only fellows Engineers Association suggests a group of the Local Government had any voting power. that this is a representative Engineers Association and the A number of meetings were body of Local Government Constitution has been suitably held with them and the best that Engineers expressing amended and a number of their could be said was that an outright the thoughts of all such members joined our Association. confrontation was avoided. On engineers in the State when We changed our venue several 19th December 1963, Ken Dowling in fact the Association is only times during the year. The Executive reported that he had been accepted representative of those who Committee continued to meet at as a fellow of the Australian Institute feel inclined to join and the Harry Vines Imperial Hotel Club of Building Surveyors and urged

History of the IPWEA Victoria 27 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

other engineer/building surveyors application forms and that at least that the constitution as circulated to follow his example. Many did, but 50 members of our Association be adopted in principle subject to comparatively few were granted be approached to join, and that a clerical errors. Garnet Price and fellowship status. In March, Ken circular letter be forwarded to all Neville Breasley moved that the Dowling reported that the Building members advising of the position constitution be referred back to the Surveyors Association, of which he and requesting their support. Committee for further consideration. was a member, was “unsatisfactory It was no surprise that the Building Alec Thomson gave notice of further and not representative”. In the long Surveyors Institute wrote back amendment. The amendment was run, it proved to be highly effective, advising that application put and lost. Alec Thomson moved a largely due to its concentration on for membership was an further amendment that: a single objective. The engineers/ individual matter. a) broad principles be adopted; building surveyors, of course, didn’t Meanwhile, work was being carried really know what they wanted. out with a view to having a suitable b) the Committee further consider On 19th December 1963, John constitution (the fourth) prepared membership grades; McKerrow reported: and adopted at the next Annual c) the Committee further consider “Engineer/building surveyors General Meeting. On 8th November penalties; in the Central Gippsland area are 1963, the President reported that endeavouring to persuade their the draft constitution had been d) the Committee be authorised Councils to form a group with circulated to all members. On 19th to call a Special General respect to building control and December 1963, the Secretary Meeting to adopt the redrafted appoint a Group Building Surveyor. reported that several members had constitution. This action appears to be contrary advised suggested amendments This amendment was put and to the Association’s present aims to the proposed constitution for lost. Peter James and Ken Dow and is tending to support a move by consideration by the Committee. ling moved that the constitution the Building Surveyors Institute to Most of the suggested changes were as circulated be ad opted. Garnet achieve the same end.” minor and were incorporated in the Price and Ron Spence moved that The Committee resolved that, new draft. The major amendment this constitution be adopted subject prior to any action being taken by put forward was from country to any amendments to be passed the Association, more information members to have the grade of at this meeting. This was lost. The should be obtained and Roger associate member immediately motion for the adopted constitution Champion was delegated to do this. created to allow Deputy Engineers to was then put and carried. The matter came up later. On 1st become members. The Committee It was all very serious business May 1964, Cedric Tuxen reported on considered this matter and the then but, 20 years later, I wondered the Building Surveyors Institute following resolution was passed: if it matters very much at all. In as follows: “That the grade of associate fact, we were under pressure to do “The Institute made representation member be included. Associate something because there was a to the Building Surveyors Board members shall be qualified Deputy sit-down dinner waiting for us (of which Cedric was Chairman) Municipal Engineers practising with a and we simply ran out of time. re: additional qualifications and municipality and eligible for graduate The second Field Day was held generally requesting the Board to membership of the Institution of on 2nd and 3rd April 1963. On legislate for a separate department Engineers Australia. Associate 29th November 1963, the Field and to dissociate the Engineers from members shall have no voting Day organiser, Mr Ken Dowling, the Building Surveyors. Concern is powers nor shall they be eligible reported that Mr H. Ferguson had expressed that only 30 members of to hold office in the Association.” been appointed as paid organising the Institute are qualified and these The fourth constitution was finally secretary for the 1964 Field Day. 30 are controlling the profession. “ adopted by the Annual General His conditions of employment The Committee resolved that Meeting on 6th April 1964. Not, were: salary 30 pounds per week, the Building Surveyors Institute be however, without some difficulty. which included travelling allowance requested to supply a number of Bob Fraser and Ian Taylor moved and telephone expenses. A bonus

28 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

3 Staffing That the General Committee give immediate consideration as to who is to organise next year’s show with a view to spreading the work to members who have not so far worked on this aspect and also getting paid engineering assistance to operate the days. The General Committee considered purchasing 12 two-way transistor radios as permanent property of the Association for use on Field Day s. All in all, our second Field Day, the first under our sole control, was highly profitable and only the Above: 1963 Field Show invitation. weather failed to co-operate with us. Another important matter which came up this year was the proposal to create a Municipal to be paid at the conclusion of b) Charges for the stands Engineers Legal Assistance Fund. employment equal to 10% of the should be reduced, but not all On 6th March 1964, the Executive profits, with a maximum payment members of the Committee Committee received two delegates, of 200 pounds. were agreed about this. Messrs Price and Keogh, from the The period of employment was c) Rebate should be offered for Municipal Division of the Association from 14th November 1963 to 15th early payment of accounts. of Professional Engineers. The April 1964, or such time as may background to this deputation be determined. The venue for the d) Additional charges should was that, some short time before, 1964 Field Day was to be at the Kew be made if marquees are the City Engineer of Essendon, Sid Cottages at Kew. The projects to be required. Steel, had been suspended by his undertaken were: a) construction of e) The size of marquees should Council under the provisions of a sports arena; b) drainage work; c) the Local Government Act. There be strictly controlled to water supply; and d) a parking area. had been a very public inquiry held ensure that they remain On 30th April 1964, the Field Day in which all the internal affairs entirely within site. Committee gave a detailed report of the Council were reported in to members. They considered that, 2 The date of the Field Day the daily newspapers while the apart from weather conditions, it should be moved forward hearing was under way. It was was a successful venture, realizing a to early March. pleasing to note that the inquiry profit in the vicinity of 2,000 pounds. completely absolved Mr Steel, who It was suggested that the second The Field Day Committee mad e the was immediately reinstated by his week would avoid the Easter period, following recommendations to the Council and paid for the period of the New South Wales Conference, General Committee: his suspension. However, his legal the Institute of Municipal expenses had been 20,000 pounds, 1 Charges for stands Administration Conference, the a colossal amount of money in a) The stands or sites should Curators Conference and the those days, and while these had be larger in size, with a Institution of Engineers Conference. been borne by the Association minimum of 30 feet by 30 It was also recommended that a of Professional Engineers, the feet and spread out further deputation to the Country Roads Association had refused to give with wider roads. Board on this matter be requested. the Municipal Division a guarantee

History of the IPWEA Victoria 29 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

Cost involved in inquiries

CLAIM OF CLAIM OF CLAIM OF 10,000 POUNDS 15,000 POUNDS 20,000 POUNDS Annual premium Annual premium Annual premium of 500 pounds of 625 pounds of 800 pounds

that they would be in a position 4 That the appointed subcommittee obtained. The insurance company to protect all engineers in future. continue to establish a permanent requires further submissions of The proposal put to the Committee fund operating as a separate entity actual work details. In the case of was not detailed but suggested, in the form of a limited liability or c), insurance cover to meet the legal in principle, that members should like organisation. costs involved in inquiries would be at the following rates: total amount subscribe to setting up a municipal Messrs Lloyd and Price of any one claim 10,000 pounds; engineers legal assistance fund. moved that the subcommittee’s annual premium – 500 pounds; After hearing the delegation, recommendations be endorsed and claim of 15,000 pounds an annual the Committee moved that a that investigations continue. An premium of 625 pounds; and for a subcommittee be appointed to amendment moved by Wright and claim of 20,000 pounds - an annual investigate the possibility of forming Williams was that the report of the premium of 800 pounds. This is a legal assistance fund for the use subcommittee investigating the limited to one payment per annum fund be circulated to all members of Municipal Engineers, and that the and immediately following a claim and advise them that a motion subcommittee consist of Messrs a new insurance policy would be will be brought forward to the Price and Lloyd. required with a fresh premium. The monthly meeting for consideration At the meeting the Association Association would be also liable for held at the Canberra Room on 13th prior to further action being taken by the subcommittee. Notice of the payment of the first hundred March 1964, Roy Lloyd reported further amendment was given. pounds of any one claim. Messrs that the subcommittee appointed The amendment was put and Fields and McKenzie moved that this to investigate legal assistance for carried. It was again put as a matter be referred to the General members recommends as follows: motion and carried. Committee with a view to discussing 1 That a fund should be At the General Meeting held on the same with the APEA Municipal established entirely under 8th May 1964, the subcommittee Division and other interested bodies. the control of the Local reported that they investigated I think the attempt to establish Government Engineers insurance to cover the following a legal fund for the protection for members was one of our Association. situations that an engineer may be involved in: greatest failures. Over the years, 2 That the fund should be the matter was revived in various slander; financed by debentures in a) forms, sometimes by the Local multiples of 25 pounds, with b) indemnity against faulty Government Engineers Association a maximum of four debentures construction relating and sometimes by the Association of per member. Assistance from errors; Professional Engineers, and 2O years later has still not been achieved. In afforded would be in proportion c) dismissal by Councils and the that period, a number of engineers of debentures held and cost involved in inquiries. debentures could be taken have been suspended; help to then out as a member decides. In the case of a), it is felt that this has been given on a very limited is action which should be taken by and ad hoc basis, and it is now an 3 That the fund should be an individual member and is not the established fact that engineers will between 10,000 and concern of the Association. In the not get together to help one of their 20,000 pounds. case of b), quotations are still being members who is in trouble. I say

30 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

“Engineers still in employment would be well advised to reflect that if they are not prepared to help any engineer who is in trouble, then there will be nobody to help them when they are in trouble.” this with the greatest regret, but the Mr J. Frawley, Works Superintendents Recommendations record establishes it as a fact. Well, Association; Mr I. Taylor, Local 1. The Association appoint two or legal protection doesn’t trouble me Government Engineers Association three members to sit on a committee personally now I’ve retired. Engineers of Victoria; and Mr L. Bower, Local with representatives of the Works still in employment would be well Government Engineers Association Superintendents Association of advised to reflect that if they are of Victoria. It was agreed that the Victoria to formulate a suitable not prepared to help any engineer existing course for construction three year syllabus for submission who is in trouble, then there will be foremen could form the basis of a to the RMIT, this to be done as soon nobody to help them when they are Works Superintendents course of as possible. in trouble. study, with a probable reduction in 2. The Association to obtain Interest in the training of Municipal the quantity of matters dealt with suitably qualified persons to act Overseers and Superintendent of under the heading of concrete. as instructors at class and for correspondence courses, such Works continued. Alan Robertson Extending another 12 months, instructors to be available to take organised a highly successful additional and specific subjects conference on Municipal Overseers up duties in the 1965 academic could be introduced to provide an year (that is second year of course in the Dandenong area, and Ian adequate syllabus for ultimate Taylor and Lloyd Bower carried out commencing in 1964). qualification by graduating as a work continued discussions with the staff Signed: I. Taylor and L. Bower.” s superintendent. Some desire was of the Royal Melbourne Institute of On 8th November 1963, Claude expressed that other authorities Technology on a suitable syllabus Vaughan reported that a number of and private enterprise would be for a certificate course for Works consulting engineers had indicated interested in the course, and it would Superintendents. They gave the to him that they were not very not necessarily be restricted to the following progress report in July pleased with the sort of treatment municipal sphere; on the contrary, 1963. It is quoted because from it they were getting from municipal has developed a permanent course the greater the interest from all engineers. A subcommittee of Price, which is now recognised throughout spheres, the more applications Seabrook and Black was set up to the industry and in the awards. for enrolment would be received, confer with them. “Following a request for support to the advantage of all. Roy Lloyd had given attention to the powers and duties examination from the Works Superintendents Some provision would be necessary in the Municipal Engineers Association of Victoria in its for correspondence course students Certificate Examination and endeavour to arrange a qualifying to participate. The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology would be recommended that this examination course for its members at the Royal be split up into two separate papers unable to provide the additional staff Melbourne Institute of Technology, so that the legal side could be more for this course and would look to the an appointment was made with thoroughly tested. Mr Tillson, Head of the Engineering Association for suitable instructors, On 7th February 1964, the New School, and on Friday 12th July remuneration 3 pounds 15 shillings South Wales Association of Local 1963, the following persons met per night, the time most probably Government Engineers wrote to for discussion: Mr Tillson, RMIT; being Friday 5.30pm to 7.30pm. us proposing the formation of an Mr Burkitt, RMIT; Mr J. Vodden, The course would cost students Australia-wide association, and Works Superintendents Association; approximately 7 pounds 10 per year. we decided to support it. In March,

History of the IPWEA Victoria 31 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

the minutes during Lloyd Bower’s term of office more than equals the thickness of the minutes during the “Over the past years combined three presidencies. The Association was concerned about the legality of engineers who the job of secretary worked in their own time: a) for other Councils, or b) for private sub-dividers, or c) for builders has been increasing as drawing plans to be submitted to Councils. It asked for and obtained an opinion from R.M. Northrop of membership as risen Counsel, dated 17th March 1964. At this time, engineers were fairly evenly divided on the ethics of from 30 to over 100.” carrying out consulting work. It was common ground that an engineer should not carry any consulting work that had even a remote relationship with his own Council, and that no New South Wales wrote to us again, equipment: a) duplicator, consulting work should be done this time in their capacity as a b) desk and chair plus any within the time for which he was trade union, to advise members not miscellaneous equipment. paid by same Council. There were, to apply for the position of Shire Estimated cost of the above: however, a number of engineers who Engineer at Cessnock without 200 pounds. supplemented their income by doing contacting their Secretary first. Preliminary investigations have consulting work either for other We duly noted this communication. been mad e as to the availability of Councils or for the public generally, At the last Executive Committee suitable office premises and tentative and there had been a growing meeting held during Lloyd’s term arrangements have been made to uneasiness about the validity of such as President (29th May 1964), the intervene in the suite of R.J. Barker, consulting work. Secretary, Keith Wood, reported licensed surveyor, Northcote. This In general, Mr Northrop’s opinion as follows: will be at a nominal rental and a endorses the right of Municipal “Over the past years the job of permanent telephone answering Engineers to do private work in Secretary has been increasing as service has a girl on the switchboard their own time provided they had membership has risen from 30 to and would be available to take calls absolutely no relationship at all to over 100. The volume of business has for the Association. their own municipality. It’s interesting also increased which is evident in the Typing and duplicating could that Mr Northrop was given as a size of notice papers and the amount then be carried out by a part-time fact “…that it is common practice of typing being done. The Association paid assistant and the whole of the for many Municipal Engineers to has reached the point where some secretarial work would be removed do private work in their own time”. material assistance is necessary from Council premises. It was I doubt if it was a common practice; but is still far from being capable of also suggested that an additional I doubt if it was ever more than a maintaining a fulltime­ paid secretary assistant secretary be appointed minority practice. as is done in New South Wales. to spread the load of media In my opinion, the crux of the It is suggested that the problem attendance.” problem was never the legal one. can be overcome by establishing an The points raised by Keith Wood There are moral and psychological office and purchasing the following were well justified. The thickness of matters involved, which are briefly:

32 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

a) that when a member of the public relationships with consulting incorporation of the Association. or councillor sees a highly paid engineers through the Association. His term includes two Annual engineer, getting between two and However, I recall over the next few General Meetings and they were three times the average earnings, years, the Committee of the Civil both helpful to historians in as supplementing this income it must Engineering Branch of the Institution much as he gave a summary of the appear to him that the engineer of Engineers Australia pursued the principal activities of the Association is very hungry. The other question matter with considerable vigour. during the period preceding each involved is that the Institution of I recall sitting on a committee on Annual General Meeting. Engineers lays down in its code of which most of the members were The Secretary, Keith Wood, ethics that the consulting engineer consulting engineers. Claude reported on 10th July 1964, that the should be independent and Vaughan was pushing very hard new draft constitution was to hand. responsible, and clearly an employee to get all Municipal Engineers to That it had been edited and returned engineer cannot act as a consultant adopt a standard specification to the Attorney -General for approval. without breaching the code of ethics for conditions of contract and he It was intended to again circulate it of his profession. It is only fair to was strongly supported in this by to members. Municipal Engineers generally, the consulting engineers. I argued A considerable amount of effort even those who carry out part- strongly that it was a responsibility was put in an attempt to get Section time consulting, that the problem of the Municipal Engineer to look 160 of the Local Government Act is not confined solely to employee after the interests of his council, changed. There was a proposal Municipal Engineers. While I was and in the long run I doubt if this before the Minister to change it, engineer at Keilor, I received plans committee got anywhere either. mainly, as far as I can recall from prepared by engineers in the Anyway, it was stillborn at birth as far memory, over reducing the number Commonwealth Department of as the Local Government Engineers of protected officers. The Association Works and in the Country Roads Association was concerned. had an interest in having it altered Board for which they had been paid We now continue the story of the so that greater compensation fees as consulting engineers. How Association through the presidency was payable to an officer who wide the practice is I don’t know, but of Peter James. Peter was elected was found innocent by the inquiry. any engineer employed on a full-time on 12th June 1964, and rather The President reported, on 14th basis can hardly expect to maintain unusual was the way the motion August 1965, that a conference the respect of his brethren if he specified that his term was from had been held with the Institute of competes with consulting engineers 30th June 1964 to 30th June 1965. Municipal Administration at Coburg who rely on consulting work as a sole In fact, Peter ended up as the on the subject and John Ledwidge source of income. longest serving President. submitted detailed amendments to The matter is a thorny one. Several He continued on until 21st Section 160. These are given in full Councils, our Association, and February 1966. The reasons for this in the minutes but, since they were the Association of Professional were connected with the change of unsuccessful, there is probably no Engineers have all at various times our Annual Meeting dates and the point in giving them in full. Briefly, obtained opinions as to the legality of this practice. The opinions have varied somewhat, depending on how the barrister was briefed. I know of “At this time, engineers cases where consulting engineers have become Councillors and have were fairly evenly divided raised the matter with the Municipal Engineer. Who can blame them? on the ethics of carrying There is no record in the minutes of us ever having followed up our out consulting work.”

History of the IPWEA Victoria 33 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

they proposed that the Section should only apply to Municipal “I feel that until we have a Clerks and Municipal Engineers, that where the officer was found united front we’re just simply not guilty by the inquiry the Council would have to pay his salary during not going to win.” the period of his suspension, total costs and expenses to an amount assessed by the Magistrate holding the inquiry, and an additional unacceptable to the Minister as it There have been repeated amount assessed as compensation proposed giving blanket protection approaches to the Government being not less than three years of the when the Government was obviously and to the Baines Commission on officer’s annual salary at the time unhappy with the present extent of the subject; all of them, however, of suspension. To this proposal the protection. Walls, Price and Ledwidge have proved abortive. Looking at meeting added a further safeguard, made common ground that the the matter in hindsight, it seems that if Council decides to dismiss number of protected officers should strange that we haven’t been able to an officer within six months of the simply be the Municipal Engineer convince the Government that they hearing being determined then and the Municipal Clerk. This led to a should change a situation whereby compensation as set out should certain amount of crossfire between an officer can be suspended, given be applicable. This was to prevent them and Mr Gray. I’m sure the a public trial before a Magistrate, be a Council formally reinstating an Minister enjoyed it. As the discussion found innocent, and still dismissed. officer, then, when all the noise went on, I tried to talk the Minister Probably the provisions in Section had died down, simply starting up into agreeing to the proposition that 160 constitute the only instance actions to dismiss him again. if an officer were found innocent, he in British law where you can be At the meeting of 1st September, should be automatically reinstated. found innocent and still punished. John Ledwidge reported that we had I pointed out in support that any Strangely enough, feeling amongst held a conference with the Minister Health Inspector in Victoria was Municipal Engineers and Town Clerks protected under the Health Act is pretty divided on the subject. for Local Government, Rupert Hamer. to the extent that no Council can At one end you have conservative Those present at the conference dismiss him without the consent officers who say: “Well, if a Council were: Mr Fagan of the Municipal of the Commission of Public Health. doesn’t want you, you should go Association of Victoria, Mr Andy Mr Hamer claimed to see a difference. anyway”; and at the other end you Hayes of the Institute of Municipal He said that while, of course, have the ones who say that it’s Administration, Garnet Price of sometimes the Health Inspector important that officers be treated the Association of Professional has to act a bit like a policeman and fairly, and if they ‘re innocent they Engineers Australia, John Ledwidge keep his Council in order, but he should preserve their position. As of the Local Government Engineers wasn’t prepared to give any support on so many other issues which Association, and Mr Gray, representing to the proposition. The Minister engineers have tackled over the the Municipal Officers Association. closed by thanking us for putting our years, I feel that until we have a Mr Gray, from the Municipal point of view and saying it would be united front we’re just simply not Officers Association, started out by considered. The outcome, of course, going to win. claiming that his association wanted wasn’t the number of protected On 4th September 1964, the every officer employed by Council officers were reduced and there Executive Committee received protected from summary dismissal were no other significant changes. a letter from the Institution of without an Inquiry by the Local The question of what protection Engineers Australia regarding Government Department: traffic should be extended to the two the Victorian Foundation for the attendants, general clerks, valuers, senior officers of the Council Technical Advancement of Municipal town clerks, the lot. This was clearly remains unresolved. Engineers. Mr Bower reported that

34 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

he had been on a deputation to the Warrnam bool, Horsham, Geelong, building and scaffolding in their Minister regarding the foundation Bendigo, Dandenong, Traralgon municipality. In fact, Ken put his and advised that the matter is now and Bairnsdale.” finger right on the spot. Too many actively before the new Minister. He referred to the sterling work Building Surveyor-Engineers failed In fact, the proposal was already done in developing a Superintendent to adequately carry out their duties. dead. At officer level within the of Works Course and in holding a Had they done so, I am sure the Local Government Department, the successful Superintendent of movement for a separate Building feeling was that if the Government Works Conference. Surveyor would never have got supported a foundation for “MUNICIPAL ENGINEERS BOARD off the ground. Many Municipal engineers, they should support a During the year, submissions were Engineers felt it was beneath foundation for all other officers. It made to the Municipal Engineers their dignity to have to sit for a drifted into the too hard basket and Board regarding alterations to the “sub ­professional qualification”, was lost. Fortunately, we went ahead syllabus for the Municipal Engineers and others felt that they didn’t and formed our own foundation Examinations. The Board when have time to adequately enforce which has proved a huge success. drafting the new syllabus considered the regulations. At the November meeting, our submissions and they were From the standpoint of the members were told of the death fully covered.” Government and the public, the of Charlie Seabrook, one of our “LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT regulations were there to protect foundation members, and expressed AMENDMENT the public and, if you accepted the a deep regret at his passing and their One item of considerable concern position of Building Surveyor, the appreciation of his sterling service in to the Committee is the proposed responsibility was on you to carry the formative years, particularly his amendment of the Local Government out the Job. Our position was not work on the various constitutions. Act dealing with the position of helped by cases similar to one I know We held our Annual General building surveyors. As you are all of where the City Engineer was given Meeting at the Kew City Hall aware, a Bill to amend the Local an exemption by the Minister of on Monday, 18th March, 1965. Government Act has been submitted Local Government to act as Building There were no elections held to Parliament and sub-clause (b) Surveyor for a period of two or three at this meeting. Section 3 (iii) deals with this matter years, during which he was expected The President gave an address of appointment of a separate building to qualify. At the end of the qualifying in which he summarised the surveyor in each municipality, unless period, he had not even started activities of the first part of his the consent of a Minister is otherwise qualifying. Well, back to the Annual term as President. obtained. The Association has General Meeting. “CONSTITUTION circulated all Municipal Engineers The President makes a very During the early part of the year and Councils on this matter relevant comment on conditions the Association’ s main efforts suggesting that they should oppose of appointment. I quote: were concentrated on finalising this amendment in their own interest. “I would like to bring forward a our constitution This is now in the The Bill will go before Parliament matter which I consider warrants our hands of the Attorney -General ‘s again in the autumn session for serious consideration. This concerns Department awaiting approval.” final consideration.” the conditions of appointment as “It is now hoped that all qualified If I may interpolate here, I have at relating to the position of Municipal engineers will join the Association. least mentioned that our views in Engineer. As you all know, the Membership has steadily risen this matter were unsuccessful. Institution of Engineers produced during the year and now stands Ken Dowling, on 26th May a set of recommended conditions at approximately 130. A by-law to 1965, strongly urged all Municipal of appointment and stated that no permit the formation of country Engineers who are Building engineer should accept the position groups has been actively pursued Surveyors to qualify both as under terms less favourable than and members wish to meet as Building Surveyors and Scaffolding they set out. As Municipal Engineers LGEA groups in the following areas: Inspectors, and to actively police we should at some stage, and the

History of the IPWEA Victoria 35 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

sooner the better, decide whether Sometimes of course the dual that the proposed amendments we are adamant on these conditions system of management has been may affect the salaries of Municipal of appointment and whether we abandoned by the appointment Engineers and requesting that are going to demand that they be of a City Manager or a Chief the Bill be deferred pending our instituted in all cases. At the present Executive Officer without making Association carrying out a survey time, use of Institution of Engineers any real change in the way the and that a circular letter be sent to Conditions of Appointment may municipality is run. In other cases, all Municipal Engineers advising or may not be used by Councils quite complicated structures have them of the Amendments proposed advertising for Municipal Engineers. been set up with varying results. and requesting them to contact Metropolitan Councils have no Of course, the real problem in their local member with a view to difficulty in filling positions under managing a non-profit organization deferring the Bill and also asking any Conditions of Appointment. It is a like a municipality is that there is no for relevant information regarding personal belief that we should either common or continuous agreement receipt of subdivision fees. The take the necessary action to see upon what the organisation is trying approaches were apparently these Conditions are observed in all to do and consequently there is unsuccessful for on the 28th May cases or make no stipulations at all no way in which the efficiency or 1965, they wrote to the Association on the subject.” effectiveness of the management of Professional Engineers Australia The main thrust for observing structure can be evaluated. informing them of the result of Conditions of Appointment lay of, I suppose as a lover of Democracy, their census on subdivisional fees course with, the Municipal Division I should think that so long as the and asking that the loss of these of the Association of Professional Councillors are happy, efficiency fees should be considered when Engineers. It kept a close watch on doesn’t matter. a new Award was being prepared. conditions offered by Councils. To On the 9th April 1965, Bob Keogh Interestingly enough, some Councils use the modern management jargon, resigned his membership, he left still do pay subdivisional fees to their the Institution’s Conditions call Oakleigh to go into private practice, Engineers in whole or in part but I for a dual system of management and on the 23rd July 1965, he was have no data on how extensive the as against a unitary or corporate appointed Secretary of the Field Day practice now is. management structure. I think Committee. On the 29th April 1965, Historically it was laid down in the position is not quite as bleak the Executive Committee examined the Local Government Act that the as Peter thought. The final report the amendments to the Local Council should demand a fee from of the Board of Review of Local Government Act and the Transfer the subdivider and pay them to Government in Victoria, dated of Lands Act known as the Sale of the Municipal Engineer. This was 1979 (the Baines Report), states Lands Act. This Act made extensive watered down considerably in the on page 123: changes to the subdivisional time when Sam Merrifield was “Most Councils in Victoria procedures adopted by Council but Minister for Public Works. He made it (particularly outside the Metropolitan it had the great advantage that it optional for Councils to pay all parts area) have a dual administrative put everything a developer or an or none of the fees to their Engineer structure. There is some trend officer needed to know about the as they chose. towards the unitary system among subdivisions into one place in the On the 14th May 1965, the Melbourne Municipalities in which Act. The Committee however, were Secretary reported to the Committee there is one officer with the Title of concerned that the net effect of the that we were a Company. Actually, Chief Administrator, Chief Executive Act would be to stop the payment of the date of incorporation was the Officer or City Manager. In addition, a subdivisional fees to engineers who 21st May 1965. Actually, I for one number of Municipalities allow other were then receiving them. They wrote never wished to become a Member officers (for example, the Buildings a letter to Parliamentary members of a Company but for some time the Surveyor, the Town Planner or the Riler and Wilcock, the Municipal Committee had been concerned Social Planner) to report directly Association and the Minister for that its proceeds from the Field to Council.” Local Government informing them Days might be taxable and that they

36 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

Above: Certificate of Incorporation of Public Company for The Local Government Engineers’ Association of Victoria.

History of the IPWEA Victoria 37 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

“Did you ever expect a Corporation to by a Government Department at a higher level and the Municipality have a conscience when it has no soul to must enforce and police it. This type of Legislation has be damned, and no body to be kicked?” probably been brought about because Local Government has not faced up to dealing with the problems itself, maybe because of parochial might become personally liable Foundation and had it vetted by our for the payment of tax. My views Solicitors. It was suitably amended attitudes and local pressures, and on Corporations, and of course a and adopted by the Committee. It higher levels of Government have Company is a Corporation, are the was decided to offer the position as therefore been created to override same as Darren Thurlow’s. He said: Trustees to John Knee, Cedric Tuxen the Local Authority . “Did you ever expect a Corporation and Len Cheffers. Meantime, work In the view of the writer, it is to have a conscience when it has no had been proposing on a Certificate long past the time when Local soul to be damned, and no body to of Membership but the first one Government should take a more be kicked?” prepared was found to infringe on positive outlook and define for itself The practical effect of State Government copyright and the the place it wants in the Community, incorporation was that the ordinary search went ahead for an alternative and see that it gets there and stops General Meeting we had been one. At the Committee meeting of there. However, there seems little holding for a number of years ceased the 23rd July 1965, it was resolved chance of this happening unless to have any power at all. Power had that Ken Dowling’s paper Quo there are changes in the outlook passed entirely to the Committee Vadis be circulated to all executive of many Councils and the Senior who were only answerable to the members to be discussed at the officers of Municipalities combine Annual General Meetings or to a August Executive Meeting. Well, resources towards these ends Special General Meeting if it were not surprisingly it wasn’t discussed instead of tending to pull against one called under the Constitution. At at the August Executive meeting another as often happens. the First General Meeting held after but I think the paper is well worth To a large extent, what is happening incorporation (11th June 1966), the incorporating in our history because to the Council is also happening to President advised members that as it shows at least one member at that its officers. Officers become involved a Limited Company, the Association time was dissatisfied with out rate of deeply in their own local affairs, and will in future work in strict progress and was attempting to do are often overworked, and get little accordance with its Constitution. something constructive about it. This time for looking beyond the paper At the first Committee Meeting is about a 2-page quotation: work in the office. When something after Incorporation, a Notice was QUO VADIS is introduced which may lessen that given by Gordon Wright to pay the OUR LGEA WITHER GOEST THOU President an allowance of 50 pounds “If one considers the type and person’s status, his complaints are per annum and an allowance of 26 effect of Legislation introduced in vociferous, but belated, because pounds to the Secretary. recent times, one notices the gradual earlier reflection may have indicated On the 21st October 1965, whittling away of the power of the to him what was going on around him Committee voted on an annual individual, and of the power of groups and some ACTION on his part might payment to a President of 26 pounds of individuals and corporations at the have altered the course of events 5 shillings, 38 pounds 15 shillings local level. Here, one is concerned and put him in a much better position to the Secretary, 10 pounds to with Local Government, which than the one in which he now the Treasurer plus all out of appears to be losing a lot of its finds himself. pocket expenses. powers of initiative and yet having its The writer believes that this Keith Wood obtained a copy of the responsibilities increased. parochial attitude prevails among New South Wales draft Deed for their For example, a clearway is created many Municipal Engineers (it is not

38 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

by any means peculiar to them) and it come before the Association. The There should be at least one is reflected in the Local Government Executive must assume the role of Executive member on each Engineers Association of Victoria, a Policy-making body along with subcommittee and two or three which has become entangled in its investigations, discussions, analysis others as required from outside the own machinery to an extent that and recommendations of particular Executive. The subcommittee should it has achieved little, apart from subjects left to small subcommittees be encouraged to meet often, say highly successful field days, since its to deal with properly. over lunches, or at private homes, inception some five or six years ago. This subcommittee system must and should report progress to each A Constitution and Company be applied to guide the Association Executive meeting. Procrastination Registration has taken some to help it to keep abreast of by a subcommittee should result in censure and possible replacement. years to obtain and through legal developments in the industry, and to As each new problem is raised, a requirements, the management help it to help the industry as a whole. subcommittee must be appointed to of the Association is not what With these ends in view, it is deal with the same. members want, although it may recommended that subcommittees If these or similar principals are have advantages if the executive be appointed to investigate the diligently applied, there might be realizes the responsibilities thrust following matters without delay, and some hope of the Association and on it because of its powers. However, by accepting Engineers from outside those it represents, having a say in the strength of our LGEA is going the Executive as required. the future of the Industry, instead of to depend largely on the support of 1. Extension of membership of the being in the position of complaining country engineers, and it is hard to Association and establishment of when others do things we do not like see them getting wholeheartedly an Australian Council. and when it is too late to alter them behind an organization in which they 2. Magazines. any way.” have very little say. The answer to 3. Building Surveying. K. J. Dow ling - Member June 1965. this problem lies in a management 4. Modernizing of Local Government Well, those were the views of one system akin to that of the Municipal Law on technical matters, of our leading Municipal Engineers Engineers Division of the APEA, and extending the audit of Local expressed some 19 years ago. The the sooner something of the sort is Government. Committee took no action on them. investigated and put into practice, 5. Annual Conference with Agenda They have expanded their committee the sooner will the Association and obtaining of papers, and system to an incredible extent so establish itself in the position extension of conference to non that in 1984, we have a total of it ought to occupy. CRB subjects. 52 Standing Committees, ad hoc For the Association to overcome its 6. Co-ordination of activities and committees and representations on outside committees. As a matter of disabilities, we require much thought better understanding with IMA interest, this is more than the total and work – a virtual impossibility for and possibly Institutes of Building number of Standing Committees of eight to ten men who meet once a Surveyors and Metropolitan the Congress of the United States. month in a hotel room for no more Town Clerk. I hope to take up the question of than 2 hours at a time. What can be 7. Overseas foundation. what is wrong with our committees achieved in 20 hours per annum? 8. Technical Advancement and in a later chapter; however, I will This matter has concerned many education of Municipal Engineers move on to complete the second half members, not the least being the – both student and experienced. of Peter James’ term as President. President, who has suggested a 9. Way s and means of improving At the Committee Meeting held sub-committee system in a paper the standing of the Association in at Brunswick on the 21st October submitted to the Executive some the eyes of the public, Councils, 1965, Messrs Bower and Wright months ago. This must be applied Local Government Department, had a motion carried that APEA be to a much greater extent than just Municipal Association and the requested to consider the effect to deal with routine matters which Government itself. of changing their designation of

History of the IPWEA Victoria 39 1.3 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966)

the Municipal Engineer from City reimbursement of her late husband’s Congratulations and full marks or Shire Engineer to Director of annual subscription. The Committee to the CBA Bank. I feel confident Technical Services, in an endeavour resolved “that the sympathy of the that a majority of our members will to present a more modern and Association be extended to Mrs join me in hoping that, should a appropriate image to Councils and Scott and that she be informed similar occasion arise in the future, the public. After a certain amount with regret that the Constitution our Committee will act like men of of correspondence between the two makes no provision for the refund compassion and understanding. bodies, the matter was brought up of fees”. Well, I suppose it was true The second and final Annual at our Annual General Meeting at enough that the Constitution makes General Meeting held during Peter Kew on 21st February 1966 by Lloyd no provision for the refund of fees. James’ term as President was held at Bower. He presented the report It’s equally true to say that the the Kew Civic Hall on 21st February setting out the advantages and Constitution makes no provision for 1966. There were two attempts to disadvantages of a name change. the payment of honorariums to the make minor amendments to our No discussion was forthcoming and President, Secretary and Treasurer. Constitution at this meeting, one it was moved by Messrs Robertson Nevertheless, where there’s a will at the beginning of the meeting and Dowling “…that the meeting there’s a way, and perfectly legal and one later in the afternoon. does not favour a change of name ways were found to make the Both of these failed because there from Municipal Engineer” – this payments to our senior officers. I am were insufficient people present was carried. confident that, had they tried, the to provide the necessary majority. It’s fashionable nowadays to give Committee could equally have found The President, in declaring that positions and people fancy titles and a way to refund the fees to Mrs Scott. I have no doubt that in some cases the motion would lapse through Failing that, of course, they could it works. lack of sufficient numbers to vote, have passed around the hat. I’ve Being one of the older school, stated: “that it must be assumed known labourers to run raffles and to I have always thought that if you are that members were happy with the making a success of a job, it doesn’t collect money for the widows of their Constitution as it was currently matter a tinker’s damn what you are workmates. I find it most distasteful existing “. It would be interesting to called. The corollary, of course, is that that a group of intelligent, well-paid know by what species of logic this if you are making a hash of your job, engineers couldn’t solve this problem conclusion was drawn. The following giving you or your job a fancy name with a little bit more human feeling excerpt from the President’s Report will not improve the situation. and understanding. However, help summarises the stage that had been We now came to what, for want was on its way to our colleague’s reached in our development: of a better title, I shall refer to as widow from an unexpected quarter. “The President in his opening the Scott Affair. The Committee For, at its Committee Meeting on remarks to the meeting made meeting of the 12th November 11th March 1966, they received reference to the broadening of 1965, approved an application for a letter from the CBA Bank the activities of the Association membership from H.S.Scott, City Thomastown advising that a during the past year and particular Engineer, Wangaratta. Two and a cheque for five guineas in the reference to the work undertaken half months later, on 27th January Association’s favour, drawn by H.S. by the Committee to whom he 1966, the Committee received a Scott, has been disallowed as the expressed his sincere thanks letter from Mrs H.S. Scott requesting drawer is deceased. for their untiring effort. He specifically thanked the members who had been successful “I have always thought that if you are in launching the Superintendent of Works Training Courses at the RMIT, making a success of a job, it doesn’t matter the course now having completed its first year with very good results a tinker’s damn what you are called.” as indicated at the final exams. He thanked the engineers of the South

40 Consolidation and Incorporation (1959 - 1966) 1.3

Above: Hand-coloured perspective sketch of the new Kew Civic Centre, completed in 1972 to designs by A K Lines, MacFarlane & Marshall; and located on the corner of Charles Street and Cotham Road, Kew. Image used with permission from the Kew Historical Society.

Eastern Group for again running a second the setting up and adopting is no reference to his election in very successful Superintendent of of by-laws. These by-laws covered the minutes. Messrs Spence and Works Conference at Springvale in the legalizing of country or regional Wood were elected Vice-Presidents. the latter part of 1965. groups and the procedure to It was impossible to receive any He also made reference to be adopted at Annual General applications for the position of the Superintendent of Works Meetings for elections etc. Secretary, so it was left to the Conference held by the Wimmera The trust deed for the Foundation Committee to fill the vacancy Group which was also very successful. for Overseas Scholarships was also as soon as possible. During the year, a number of successfully completed. The only The meeting ended with a major steps were undertaken by remaining detail is official clearance well-deserved vote of thanks the Association, the first of these from the Taxation Department.” to Peter James for the long and being the formal adoption of the The annual elections were then untiring effort he had put into the Constitution and its registration held. I presume that Laurie Wills position as President over a period with the Company Registrar, the was elected as President. There of 20 months.

History of the IPWEA Victoria 41 2.1 Watch this space (1966 – 1989)

Chapter 2 (1966 – 1989)

The Age of Innocence Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966)

The Time Consolidation was Right and Incorporation Watch this space Chapter 2 (1966 - 1989)

Watch this space Chapter 3 (1989 - 2007)

Reforming Establishment IPWEA (Vic) of LGPro Chapter 4 (2007- 2019)

Unresolved Restructuring of Victorian Issues Local Government

Watch this 2.1 space Watch this space (1966 – 1989) 2.1

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In September 1959, Lloyd Bower of ooking back, it is now quite clear that the Ltime was right for formation of such a body. Heidelberg and Garnet Price of Keilor In fact, I would go so far as to say that had it not been formed in October, then within the next two decided there was a need for an or three months some other engineers would Association of Municipal Engineers. have formed it or a similar body. To understand why the time was right, we So they called a meeting for Friday 9th must go back a little into history. A good starting point is probably a statement made by Mr Cedric October at Harry Vine’s Imperial Club Tuxen in 1976, which was published in Memo Hotel in Rathdowne Street, Carlton. (#25, March 1977): “My mind goes back to the early days when the Institution of Engineers was first formed. The

History of the IPWEA Victoria 43 3.1 Watch this space (1989 – 2007)

Chapter 3 (1989 – 2007)

The Age of Innocence Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966)

The Time Consolidation was Right and Incorporation Watch this space Chapter 2 (1966 - 1989)

Watch this space Chapter 3 (1989 - 2007)

Reforming Establishment IPWEA (Vic) of LGPro Chapter 4 (2007- 2019)

Unresolved Restructuring of Victorian Issues Local Government

Watch this 3.1 space Watch this space (1989 – 2007) 3.1

Image: Lorem ipsum

In September 1959, Lloyd Bower of ooking back, it is now quite clear that the Ltime was right for formation of such a body. Heidelberg and Garnet Price of Keilor In fact, I would go so far as to say that had it not been formed in October, then within the next two decided there was a need for an or three months some other engineers would Association of Municipal Engineers. have formed it or a similar body. To understand why the time was right, we So they called a meeting for Friday 9th must go back a little into history. A good starting point is probably a statement made by Mr Cedric October at Harry Vine’s Imperial Club Tuxen in 1976, which was published in Memo Hotel in Rathdowne Street, Carlton. (#25, March 1977): “My mind goes back to the early days when the Institution of Engineers was first formed. The

History of the IPWEA Victoria 45 4.0 Foreword (2007 – 2019)

Chapter 4 (2007 – 2019) Foreword written in 2017 by Chris Champion, Chief Executive Officer 2000-2015

46 Foreword (2007 – 2019) 4.0

FOREWORD TO CHAPTER 4 25 September 2017

Ten years have passed since the reformation of IPWEA (Victoria) Division in 2007. The IPWEA (Victoria) Board was keen to have its history documented to accompany the 1966-2016 history of the Municipal Engineering Foundation Victoria written by Emeritus IPWEA member Robin Nuttall OAM.

We are indebted to Maurice Stabb who took up the invitation and the challenge of the Board to research and write this recent history of IPWEA (Victoria). Maurice was intimately involved at the time as President of IPWEA (Victoria). His 5 years as President from 2003-2008 provided the leadership and continuity needed to address several unresolved issues under the previous arrangement with LGPro.

A turning point was the requirement by IPWEA Australia (now IPWEA Australasia) that its 2009 National Conference, to be potentially hosted in Melbourne, be staged as an IPWEA event. This was not acceptable to LGPro and ultimately triggered the separation. This global event, held in association with the IFME 16th World Congress on Municipal Engineering, went on to become the most well attended and successful IPWEA conference to date.

At broader risk at the time was the concern and the ability to provide technical leadership for the public works sector in Victoria. It was an enormous challenge to re-start from scratch, however the successive IPWEA (Victoria) Boards, staff and members are to be commended for successfully rising to the challenge. It is always a continuing journey, but IPWEA (Victoria) Division is making great progress and once again IPWEA is firmly established in Victoria.

Chris Champion Chief Executive Officer (2000-2015) Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia

History of the IPWEA Victoria 47 4.1 Restructuring of Victorian Local Government (2007 – 2019)

Chapter 4 (2007 – 2019) Written in 2017 by Maurice Stabb, President 2003-2008

The Age of Innocence Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966)

The Time Consolidation was Right and Incorporation Watch this space Chapter 2 (1966 - 1989)

Watch this space Chapter 3 (1989 - 2007)

Reforming Establishment IPWEA (Vic) of LGPro Chapter 4 (2007- 2019)

Unresolved Restructuring of Victorian Issues Local Government

Restructuring of Victorian Local 4.1 Government Restructuring of Victorian Local Government (2007 – 2019) 4.1

n the late 1980’s, Local Government Engineers IAustralia (LGEA) Victorian Board Member Bob Seiffert (City Engineer, Frankston) and Institute of Municipal Management (IMM) Board Member Tim Neville (CEO, Knox) had informal discussions about the merits of a LGEA/IMM merger to give the joint entity a ‘combined’ voice on big ticket items with the State Government. At the time, the LGEA enjoyed a high standing with the State Government and frequently were invited to provide counsel to government departments on matters relating to the local government sector, but not all matters. The re-writing of the Local Government Act 1956 and subsequent release of the new Local Government Act (LGA) 1989 was an example. The new LGA saw the abolition of the statutory position of Municipal Engineer and the Municipal Engineer’s Above: 2017 IPWEA (Vic) Young Engineer of the Year Stuart Joyce receiving his Award from President Ossie Martinz. Certificate qualification for a Municipal Engineer. A potential merger did not progress further at that time. In 1990, the Association of Local Government Pre and Post Restructuring of Victorian Local Engineers of NSW decided to separate the Government up to 22 October 1996 professional and industrial areas of the association and the Institute of Municipal Engineering Australia Documents obtained from the (IMEA) was formed. The IMEA began the process of Estate of Keith H Wood reveal that becoming a truly national organisation at that time. It is not clear when LGEA Victoria was the Local Government Engineers’ renamed to the Institute of Municipal Engineers Association (LGEA) of Victoria was Australia (IMEA). But it appears to have occurred in the early 1990’s, a relatively short time after incorporated under the Companies Act the NSW decision and prior to the restructuring of 1961 on 21 May 1965. The documents Victorian Local Government. In 1994, when the Jeff Kennett State Government also included a copy of LGEA/IMEA/ restructured Victorian Local Government, IPWEA (Victorian Division) Presidents concerns about the ability of the key associations representing professionals in Victorian Local since 1959 (refer to Appendix A). Government - ie. IMEA, IMM and the Victorian

History of the IPWEA Victoria 49 4.1 Restructuring of Victorian Local Government (2007 – 2019)

“The proposed reduction in the number of councils and anticipated staff reductions...

1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 20% 30% 50%

Municipal Community Services confirmed the concerns of the IMEA, inform the Board debate about what Association (VMCSA) resurfaced. The IMM and VMCSA for their respective proposal to take to the members. proposed reduction in the number of survival post-amalgamations. On 24 Consequently, a special general councils and anticipated staff January 1996, representatives of the meeting of IMEA members was held reductions forced these organisations three associations signed a Heads at Manningham to discuss and to critically examine their respective of Agreement to create LGPro which debate the proposal. The Board survival post-restructuring. The would operate under a ‘Federation recommended to members that local government middle and senior Model’. Each association would retain the model should be endorsed and management positions most likely its identity under the umbrella the IMEA Victorian Division become to be impacted by staff reductions organisation which would provide part of it. The meeting was strongly were the key members driving management and administration attended. Attendees included many these associations. services, paid for by the associations highly respected municipal engineers, The restructuring of Victorian Local on a fee for service basis. some who had already retired but who Government commenced in October The objectives behind the formation had given lengthy service to the LGEA/ 1993, with the first round of council of the umbrella organisation were: IMEA. In addition, there were large amalgamations. By December 1994, numbers of current day leading and 1 To create sustainability in the restructuring of Victorian Local emerging engineers, who were striving Government was complete and 210 an uncertain future for each association; to forge their careers in the sector. municipalities were reduced to 78. Following passionate debate, the The restructuring parameters 2 Each association would retain meeting voted to support and issued by the State Government to its own identity; and participate in the Federation Model. local government included a 20% rate 3 A single administrative service The vote was not unanimous. It was reduction and no reduction in was best placed to support each generally divided along the lines services to the community. The Local association under an agreed fee of older long standing members Government (Compulsory Tendering) favouring the status quo while Act 1994 subsequently mandated the for service arrangement. current and emerging engineering compulsory competitive tendering of 4 Each association had to take the leaders supporting survival under a minimum of 50% of total operating proposed Federation Model to the Federation Model in an expenses per year, to be phased in their members for a vote to accept uncertain future. over three years: or reject it. The other associations held similar • 1994/95 20%; The IMEA Victorian Board had an member meetings and the Federation • 1995/96 30%; and options paper prepared in mid 1996. Model was agreed. • 1996/97 50%. A copy of the paper has been sourced. Over the next several months, the There were additional requirements The paper canvassed four models respective boards worked together to around competitive neutrality available to the IMEA Victorian crystallise the formation of the new associated with the legislation. Division and the pros and cons of entity under the Federation Model. The outcome of the restructuring each model. The paper was used to The inception of Local Government

50 Restructuring of Victorian Local Government (2007 – 2019) 4.1

...forced these organisations to critically examine their respective survival post-restructuring.”

To create sustainability in an uncertain future for each association

Each A single administrative association service was best would retain its placed to support each own identity association under an agreed fee for service Above: 2017 IPWEA (Vic) Engineer of the Year Vicki Shelton receiving her Award from President Ossie Martinz. Vicki was arrangement subsequently awarded the 2017 IPWEA (Australasia) Public Works Leadership Medal.

Professionals (LGPro) subsequently • Doug Owens understood how the mechanics of occurred on 22 October 1996, when the Model were intended to operate; • Kay Rundle the business was registered with • by the end of this period (1998/99), ASIC. The inaugural Board members • Lyndon Webb most of the inaugural LGPro Board of LGPro in alphabetical order appear members including the IMEA to have been: Four of the members were from members who were committed to the IMEA Board. • Peter Anderson the Federation Model, had either The associations brought a left Victorian Local Government or • Robyn Batten combination of assets to the been appointed to CEO positions, Federation Model, including • John Bennie were no longer on the LGPro office accommodation and cash. Board; and • Elizabeth Corbett It was observed by well informed • Peter Drummy sources that: • the Constitution and Rules of LGPro did not reflect the intent • Jon Edwards • the Federation Model was of the Federation Model that had • Stuart Holley considered to have worked been agreed and consequently, as successfully for the first two years, the inaugural Board members were • Michael Kennedy as the LGPro Board representatives replaced, the merged entity began • Jennifer McDonald from the respective associations to experience internal tension.

History of the IPWEA Victoria 51 4.2 Establishment of LGPro (2007 – 2019)

Chapter 4 (2007 – 2019) cont.

The Age of Innocence Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966)

The Time Consolidation was Right and Incorporation Watch this space Chapter 2 (1966 - 1989)

Watch this space Chapter 3 (1989 - 2007)

Reforming Establishment IPWEA (Vic) of LGPro Chapter 4 (2007- 2019)

Unresolved Restructuring of Victorian Issues Local Government

Establishment 4.2 of LGPro Establishment of LGPro (2007 – 2019) 4.2

he letter stated the last figure included 89 Twho are either Emeritus, Honorary Life or Retired members. The letter went on to request a check of LGPro members of the Engineering Branch of Learning to see if they had registered their membership of IMEA. The response from LGPro on 23 December 1998 advised the Engineering Branch of Learning numbers were 237 and all were affiliated with the IMEA. Further correspondence from LGPro to IMEA National on 13 January 1999, among other matters noted the renaming of the LGPro Engineering Branch Above: 2017 Cedric Tuxen Medallist Geoff Barrow receiving of Learning to the Public Works and Engineering his Award from Municipal Engineering Victoria Foundation Chair Warren Roberts. Special Interest Group (PWEG). LGPro experienced internal issues regarding the status of IMEA Victoria in late 1998 when the IMEA National Executive proposed to rename 22 October 1996 to 19/20 August 2006 itself to the Institute of Public Works Engineering From the inception of LGPro on Australia (IPWEA), adopt a new constitution for the National body and provide the state divisions with 22 October 1996, LGPro members a model constitution for their use. Details of this desiring to be affiliated with IMEA proposal was sent to LGPro on 17 December 1998, in conjunction with a final draft copy of the Articles National were required to tick a and Memorandum of Association. box. Correspondence from IMEA On 5 March 1999, a Special General Meeting of the IMEA National Executive adopted a new Constitution National to LGPro on 9 October and gave birth to the IPWEA name change. It was 1998, highlighted the alarming announced on 6 March 1999, that current IMEA drop in Victorian membership divisions (except Victoria) will automatically become State Divisions after meeting specified operating from 495 in 1996 to 490 in 1997 requirements. In the case of IMEA Victoria, LGPro to 329 as at 30/9/98. would only be offered Special Division status, rather than the State Division status it was seeking. In April 1999, the LGPro Board considered a report on the IPWEA National Constitution. The LGPro Board desired to avoid changing its Constitution, instead resolving to take a number of administrative steps to conform with the IMEA National ‘model’ 4.2 Establishment of LGPro (2007 – 2019)

constitution for State Divisions. The steps included:

1 Established a company held by guarantee solely owned by LGPro Board members whose Rules and Regulations mirror the IMEA/ IPWEA model constitution known as IPWEA (Victoria Division) Ltd; 2 Registered an additional business name, IPWEA (Victoria Division).

The LGPro Board considered these steps plus having been IMEA in Victoria since the inception of LGPro, warranted the IPWEA National Board to reverse its previous decision and instead offer LGPro State Division status. Despite the administrative actions of Above: 2017 IPWEA (Vic) Emeritus Member Warren Roberts receiving his Award from LGPro to conform with the IPWEA model President Ossie Martinz. constitution, its status remained as a Special Division for IPWEA Victorian members. On 19 July 1999, the IPWEA membership with LGPro under the umbrella of LGPro and recognised Victoria was established and several Federation Model, were titled the Public at national level as a State Division months later, replaced the Public Works Works Engineering Group (PWEG). This of IPWEA. Engineering Group (PWEG). was one of a number of Special Interest A Special General Meeting of LGPro Member services and facilities will be Groups under the LGPro umbrella. members was called on 10 September provided by LGPro as part of the overall In January 2000, under the 1999, to discuss the following matters: member package to financial LGPro Chairmanship of Warren Roberts, members who nominate the IPWEA Vic as • LGPro becoming a Division or Special a paper titled IPWEA Vic Strategy and their Special Interest Group and IPWEA Division in Victoria of the proposed Implementation Plan was prepared. new entity, the IPWEA; as their preferred national affiliation.” Under the sub-heading ‘Strategy’, the The paper proposed five steps with • The requirements for LGPro’s current opening paragraph of the paper stated: the final step being a formal launch of Constitution to be amended to “The current PWEG Special Interest accommodate such a change; and IPWEA Victoria. The paper concluded Group adopt the identity of IPWEA Vic with an outline of a proposed Internal • Any other related matters that may and accept the aims and objectives of the assist to facilitate a satisfactory and IPWEA as an ongoing framework within Service Agreement that defined the ongoing relationship between both the Company limited by guarantee, the services that LGPro would provide bodies for the future. Institute of Public Works Engineering to IPWEA (Vic). IPWEA (Vic) would be Records of the outcome of this Australia (Victoria Division) Ltd.” required to annually at the start of each meeting have not been found to date. The closing two paragraphs of year provide: From the registration of LGPro ‘Strategy’ proposed: • A list of events and, in conjunction on 22 October 1996, it appears that “IPWEA Vic will continue to operate with LGPro, the agreed level of IMEA members who continued their as a Special Interest Group under the operational support.

54 Establishment of LGPro (2007 – 2019) 4.2

“The meeting was cordial but was unable to extinguish the issues which simmered on.”

• A calendar of meetings highlighting • “$20,000 for costs covering payment of $10,000. The Foundation’s general, committee and special administration and legal, meetings of 20 July and 10 August 2001 purpose meetings. stationery, publicity and launch deferred consideration of the request of the Division establishment of Nominated contacts for events, pending receipt of further advice • the IPWEA Victoria Division; committee, membership and from LGPro. policy issues. • $30,000 for three key professional On 13 September 2001, the development projects throughout Foundation wrote to the IPWEA (Vic) IPWEA Victorian membership the year. These will be in the form had continued to decline post 1999, of interactive learning workshops.” President, expressing concern that the funding provided to LGPro to date did despite the efforts of the IPWEA Vic The MEFV Trustee’s meeting on 14 April not indicate that it was being utilised for Board to annually provide a program 2000 determined: of professional development and the benefit of engineers. No payments • “That the Foundation has technical sessions in partnership with were made by the Foundation to LGPro/ approved a payment of $20,000 for IPWEA (Vic) in 2001. It would appear LGPro, the Institution of Engineers establishment and development that no further correspondence was Australia and the Municipal Works costs for IPWEA Victorian Division generated by either parties after this Officers Association. with one payment to be made in and no provision was made in the In addition, ongoing member the 2000 calendar year and the other payment of $10,000 in the Foundation’s budget for 2002. feedback expressed concern about 2001 calendar year, on review of By 2006, the Victorian membership a perceived loss of identity and lack the results achieved from the initial was continuing to show low membership of value for their membership fees. payment; and penetration with State membership at Regional meetings no longer occurred • That prior to the approval of funding 309. If membership dipped below 300, and rural engineers who were hit to support technical and engineering Victoria’s representation on the IPWEA hard by the loss of resources and and marketing skills for engineers, National Board would reduce from two redundancies post-amalgamations, a detailed proposal was required in the form of a Business Plan outlining Board members to one. This situation began to look elsewhere for the the following: became the elephant in the room at the technical support and professional • Objectives of workshops IPWEA National Board over a number development training they needed. of meetings. On one hand, the National • Management and The IPWEA Vic Board also received Board wanted to understand why frequent feedback from consultants Organisational Structure for the conduct of the workshops Victoria’s membership was so who were working with council low and what the Victorian Board was engineers, along the same lines. • Timetable for the conduct of workshops doing about it. On the other hand, Over a period of time, the IPWEA Vic legitimate concerns were being raised • Proposed budget/project Board held a number of strategic about number of Victorian Directors on funding for workshops workshops with an independent the National Board. facilitator to attempt to strategically • Profit sharing arrangements” During early/mid 2006, the IPWEA Vic address these concerns. On 10 May 2000, an initial amount of Board met with the LGPro President On 10 February 2000, LGPro wrote to $10,000 was paid to LGPro/IPWEA (Vic). to discuss the ongoing relationship the Municipal Engineering Foundation This was acknowledged in writing on issues between the IPWEA Vic and Victoria and the President and CEO met 20 June 2000, by IPWEA (Vic) President, LGPro Boards, IPWEA member informal with the Trustees on the following day, Warren Roberts thanking the feedback and declining member 11 February 2000. LGPro requested the Foundation for the funding. numbers. The meeting was cordial but MEFV to consider $50,000 financial On 21 May 2001, the LGPro CEO wrote was unable to extinguish the issues support for: to the Foundation requesting a further which simmered on.

History of the IPWEA Victoria 55 4.3 Unresolved Issues (2007 – 2019)

Chapter 4 (2007 – 2019) cont.

The Age of Innocence Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966)

The Time Consolidation was Right and Incorporation Watch this space Chapter 2 (1966 - 1989)

Watch this space Chapter 3 (1989 - 2007)

Reforming Establishment IPWEA (Vic) of LGPro Chapter 4 (2007- 2019)

Unresolved Restructuring of Victorian Issues Local Government

Unresolved 4.3 Issues Unresolved Issues (2007 – 2019) 4.3

“It would be the first time the IFME Conference had been held outside Europe.”

19/20 August 2006 to 31 January 2007 1 That the invitation to IPWEA National Directors book the 2009 (Victoria Division) to submit a Conference Venue and make the he IPWEA National Board proposal to host the 2009 National meeting on 19/20 August 2006, early arrangements necessary to T Conference request details of resolved that IPWEA Vic be invited to meet Conference timelines. what arrangements are to be put in host the 2009 (15th) IPWEA National The IPWEA National Board resolution place for the Conference to ensure Conference. The Conference was was conveyed by IPWEA (Vic) to that it is staged completely as an to be a joint event with the 2009 LGPro in September 2006. The IPWEA event. Triennial Congress of the International letter requested a meeting between Federation of Municipal Engineering 2 That IPWEA (Victoria Division) be the LGPro President and CEO, and (IFME). It would be the first time the requested to address how it will members of the IPWEA (Vic) Board to IFME Conference had been held outside ensure that IPWEA is recognised, enable the IPWEA (Vic) to respond to Europe. The Conference was expected developed and promoted as the the resolutions of the IPWEA National to be attended by a large number of peak professional organisation Board. At that time, two IPWEA Vic national and international delegates. providing member services and Board members were also on the At the time of resolving to invite advocacy for public works and Victoria to host the Conference, the LGPro Board. engineering services within the IPWEA National Board expressed In an attempt to identify a way State. This includes that all public serious concerns about the lack of forward, the letter also discussed the works and engineering services identity of IPWEA in Victoria. MOA and IPWEA (Victoria Division) Ltd and activities should come under In extending the invitation to IPWEA Constitution which were central to the umbrella of the IPWEA Division. Vic, the National Board resolved: ongoing internal discussion about the 3 That the IPWEA CEO in liaison relationship arrangements between with the IPWEA (Victoria Division) IPWEA (Vic) and LGPro. 4.3 Unresolved Issues (2007 – 2019)

The LGPro Board meeting on 20 October 2006, held a lengthy debate about the IPWEA (Vic) September letter and resolved:

A 1 That we invite the IPWEA 2 That until we are satisfied that 3 That should we become National CEO and President LGPro is properly acknowledged satisfied that our role is to our next Board Meeting as the peak body and provider appropriately acknowledged, to address our respective of member services for local that the necessary information roles and the relationship government professionals in and business case for hosting between us. Victoria, which includes engineers, the 2009 IPWEA National that there be no consideration Conference be provided to the given to hosting the 2009 IPWEA LGPro office for recommendation National Conference. to the Board or to the Executive if time for a Board decision does not permit.

B That legal opinion be sought own control and administration to meeting on the IPWEA (Vic) AGM on the LGPro and IPWEA (Vic) provide effective leadership to the held on 30 November 2006 and constitutions and the MOA. public works sector in Victoria. the resolution of the AGM. This This resolution of the LGPro Following the AGM, the Board was followed up with a letter on Board arguably crystallised their extended the tenure of the President 19 December 2006 to the LGPro position with respect to IPWEA (Vic) to lead the challenging time ahead. President to confirm the content and became the catalyst to the The decision was formally of the verbal briefing that was events that followed. conveyed to the LGPro CEO and given. The letter is reproduced The IPWEA (Vic) Board meeting President on 1 December 2006. in Appendix B. prior to the 30 November 2006 The LGPro Board was scheduled On 21 December 2006, the Annual General Meeting considered to meet on 15 December 2006. LGPro President sent an interim an options paper concerning the It was anticipated that the IPWEA response/acknowledgement to relationship issues. The issue (Vic) letter would be tabled and the IPWEA (Vic) President who was was on the agenda for the AGM discussed at the meeting to determine also an LGPro Board member. The and that meeting subsequently a way forward for both Boards. response indicated the formal unanimously resolved: The two IPWEA (Vic) Board advice from IPWEA (Vic) would be That the IPWEA (Vic) Board members who were also LGPro considered at the February 2007 re-establish IPWEA as an Board members, provided a LGPro Board meeting and a formal independent entity under its verbal briefing to the LGPro Board response provided at that time.

58 Reforming IPWEA (Vic) (2007 – 2019) 4.4

Chapter 4 (2007 – 2019) cont.

The Age of Innocence Chapter 1 (1959 – 1966)

The Time Consolidation was Right and Incorporation Watch this space Chapter 2 (1966 - 1989)

Watch this space Chapter 3 (1989 - 2007)

Reforming Establishment IPWEA Vic of LGPro Chapter 4 (2007- 2019)

Unresolved Restructuring of Victorian Issues Local Government

Reforming IPWEA (Vic) 4.4 History of the IPWEA Victoria 59 4.4 Reforming IPWEA (Vic) (2007 – 2019)

AM Prior to the scheduled 2 February 2007 LGPro Board meeting, between 9.28am and 10.14am, LGPro emailed a letter to all Victorian Local Government CEOs, IPWEA (Vic) President, IPWEA National CEO and all LGPro members advising them that LGPro immediately have terminated the current arrangement between LGPro and IPWEA (Vic), and will cease provision of all administrative and financial support to The MEFV Trustees considered IPWEA (Vic). (refer to copy in Appendix C) and approved a request from the newly established IPWEA (Vic) Late IPWEA (Vic) Board sent an membership rate for under 35s, for a loan of $20,000. An initial PM email to IPWEA (Vic) members with 2/3rds of its members payment of $10,000 was made confirming the LGPro advice >50 years old. It rated lowest in on 2 April 2007, which was and announcing the reformation communication to members and acknowledged with a letter of of an independent IPWEA (Vic). was rated 2nd or 3rd lowest in appreciation from IPWEA (Vic). (refer to copy in Appendix D) the five measurement categories. Although the Foundation’s 2008 IPWEA (Vic) received the IPWEA Victoria was assessed to have and 2009 Budgets provided for National 2007 Membership no relative key strengths. The the additional loan funds for Survey Report undertaken results confirmed the Board’s IPWEA (Vic), no further request by Beaton Consulting. IPWEA worst fears and validated the was received from IPWEA (Vic). On (Vic) rated 2nd last in overall member’s decision taken at the 16 April 2010, IPWEA (Vic) repaid performance. It had the lowest 30 November 2006 AGM. the MEFV for their $10,000 loan.

1 February 2007 19 February 2007

7 February 2007 12 February 2007

IPWEA (Vic) Board meeting agenda included Letter from LGPro taking the LGPro formal response to the relationship issue with the content of issue and the resignation of the LGPro CEO as the IPWEA (Vic) Bulletin the Company Secretary of IPWEA (Vic). IPWEA to members. National CEO Chris Champion, CCF CEO Bob Seiffert. CT Management Director Peter Drummy attended as guests.

60 Reforming IPWEA (Vic) (2007 – 2019) 4.4

Conclusion IPWEA (Vic) letter to LGPro The reformation was an immediate acknowledging their letter of 1 success due to the tireless work and February 2007 terminating the current leadership of the President, the IPWEA (Vic) arrangements between LGPro and Board and the Interim Honorary CEO, Bob IPWEA (Vic) and announcing the Seiffert, with constant support from IPWEA appointment of Bob Seiffert as the National CEO Chris Champion, and several Interim Honorary IPWEA (Vic) CEO to key stakeholders and our alliance partners. oversee the transition arrangements for A mediation hearing before the But most of all, it was the re-engagement IPWEA (Vic) and the orderly separation Small Business Commissioner of our members, old and new. (refer to copy in Appendix F). requested by IPWEA (Vic) and A clear measurement of this IPWEA (Vic) issued a media release agreed by LGPro, reached success was the 2009 International about the reformation of IPWEA (Vic) agreement on the terms of Conference which IPWEA (Vic) hosted in headed ‘IPWEA – A New Body to Address the separation which included partnership with the MWOA. It attracted a Engineering Skills Shortage in Local the return of IMEA/IPWEA thousand registrations making it the best Government and Public Works’. memorabilia held by LGPro attended IPWEA National Conference on IPWEA (Vic) mailed out to Victorian since the formation of the record and a big financial success. This Local Government CEOs and Federation Model to IPWEA success enabled the IPWEA (Vic) Board other stakeholders advising of (Vic) and an annual meeting to appoint their inaugural CEO. Dr Anne the reformation of IPWEA (Vic). between the organisation. Gibbs was appointed a short time later and fulfilled the role working the 22 February 2007 2008 equivalent of three days per week.

Through to 30 June 2007

IPWEA (Vic) decisively IPWEA National granted members and engineers at A membership drive was negotiated MOUs with IPWEA (Vic) the status of a meetings in Warrnambool, launched immediately Engineers Australia, the State Division and IPWEA Ballarat, Horsham, following the reformation Municipal Works Officers (Vic) immediately committed Shepparton and Wodonga. of IPWEA (Vic). Association, Municipal to the task of reforming A recurrent annual The collective outcome of Association of Victoria Regional Groups and the conference program was all these initiatives resulted and the Civil Contractors President made a number established along with in approximately 400 Federation Victoria. of road trips to address regular technical sessions. members by 30 June 2007.

History of the IPWEA Victoria 61 4.5 Acknowledgements (2007 – 2019)

Chapter 4 (2007 – 2019) cont.

62 Acknowledgements (2007 – 2019) 4.5

Acknowledgements

The writing of this short history would not have been possible without the generous support, co-operation and input from the following people: • Bob Seiffert; • Peter Drummy; • Warren Roberts; • John Bennie; • Rob Mitchell (on behalf of Keith H Wood Estate); • Chris Champion; • Ross Moody; and Maurice Stabb • Merv Paton (on behalf of MEFV)

I extend my sincere appreciation to them. I hope that my writing of this short history from the information and documents that I gathered from them is a fair and reasonable representation of that period.

Maurice Stabb July 2017

History of the IPWEA Victoria 63 Appendix

Appendix A 19 December 2006 PAST PRESIDENTS LGEA/IMEA/IPWEA (Victoria Division) Appendix B 19 December 2006 IPWEA (Vic) Letter to LGPro Confirming Briefing Content Given At LGPro Board Meeting on 15 December 2006 Appendix C 1 February 2007 LGPro Letter Advising Termination of LGPro/IPWEA (Vic) Relationship

Appendix D 1 February 2007 IPWEA (Vic) Advice to Members of LGPro Decision

Appendix E 22 February 2007 IPWEA (Vic) Response to LGPro Regarding Concerns About Content of IPWEA (Vic) Member Bulletin

Appendix F 22 February 2007 IPWEA (Vic) Response to LGPro’s Letter of 1 February 2007 Terminating Current Arrangements Between LGPro & IPWEA (Vic) and Announcing Interim IPWEA (Vic) CEO

64 Appendix A 19 December 2006 PAST PRESIDENTS LGEA/IMEA/IPWEA (Victoria Division)

1959 G.E. Price 1988 G.A. Surman 1960 G.E. Price 1989 I.C. Robins 1961 C.E. Tuxen 1990 R. Ward 1962 I. McDonald 1991 G. Preston 1963 L.G. Bower 1992 D. Treloar 1964 P.M. James 1993 N. Beddoe 1965 P.M. James 1994 D. White 1966 L.H. Wills 1995 S. Holley 1967 R.T. Spencer 1996 P. Drummy 1968 K.H. Wood 1997 L. Webb 1969 G. Taylor 1998 K. Rundell (tbc) 1970 K.J. Dowling 1999/2000 W. Roberts 1971 N.L. Brooks 2000/01 W. Roberts 1972 R.J. Macklin 2001/02 B. Douglas 1973 A.C. Robertson 2002/03 B. Douglas 1974 R.J. Nutall 2003/04 M. Stabb 1975 M.J. Pawsey 2004/05 M.Stabb 1976 P.S. Parkinson 2005/06 M. Stabb 1977 J.A. McKerrow 2006/07 M. Stabb 1978 F. Brocklebank 2007/08 M. Stabb 1979 J.R. MacKenzie 2008/09 B. Douglas 1980 R.A. Boyd 2009/10 M. Varmalis 1981 A.R. Runge 2010/11 M. Varmalis 1982 P.A. Cleverly 2011/12 D. Sutcliffe 1983 J.A. Nicol 2012/13 V. Shelton 1984 L.J. McKenzie 2013/14 R. Goyne 1985 K.J. McNamara 2014/15 R. Goyne 1986 R.G. Seiffert 2015/16 O. Martinz 1987 B.A. O’Donnell 2016/17 O. Martinz

Reforming IPWEA Victoria 65 Appendix B 19 December 2006 IPWEA (Vic) Letter to LGPro Confirming Briefing Content Given At LGPro Board Meeting on 15 December 2006

I write to confirm the advice I provided to the LGPro Board meeting on 15 December 2006, regarding the IPWEA AGM resolution of 30 November 2006. The IPWEA AGM took the opportunity to reflect on and review this important issue. A discussion paper was electronically circulated to members prior to the meeting. The paper outlined a number of options for consideration. Meeting attendees determined that the relationship was not working to their satisfaction. It was considered that the current relationship model did not allow IPWEA (Vic) the autonomy and identity to: a.) provide technical leadership for the public works sector; b.) support a regional structure for IPWEA (Vic) and the interaction between local government engineering and other public works agencies across the State has declined as a consequence; c.) create networking opportunities for public works engineers across the sector; d.) receive adequate administration and executive support; e.) receive proper recognition for the involvement in industry working groups and other initiatives associated with the public works sector; and f.) strengthen the relationship with IPWEA National and the other State divisions. These shortcomings were deemed to have a negative impact on local government and public works engineering across the State and are considered to contribute to skills shortages in the sector. The issue before the Boards of IPWEA (Vic) and LGPro is how do we move forward with open minds to achieve a revised relationship to better serve the needs of both organisations. The IPWEA (Vic) Board has identified a number of key objectives that it seeks in a revised relationship model: 1. The ability to cater for broad public works membership; 2. An independent identity; 3. Management and accountability for its own budget and resources; 4. A co-operative relationship between IPWEA (Vic) and LGPro; 5. An administration that is directly responsible to the IPWEA Board; and 6. The capacity for single membership of IPWEA (Vic). The IPWEA (Vic) Board is committed to progressing resolution of this issue in a positive, collaborative and timely manner. It is therefore requested that the LGPro responds to this matter by 8 February 2007. Note that it is understood that the LGPro Board is scheduled to meet in early February 2007. Failure to respond to this matter by this date will be interpreted by the IPWEA (Vic) Board as a negative response. As a consequence, further consideration of this matter by the IPWEA (Vic) Board will occur accordingly.

66 Appendix C 1 February 2007 LGPro Letter Advising Termination of LGPro/IPWEA (Vic) Relationship

1 February 2007 Maurice Stabb Director of Infrastructure Services Wyndham City Council PO Box 197 Werribee VIC 3030

Dear Maurice I am writing to inform you of the Board’s resolution with regard to IPWEA Vic as an independent entity as outlined in your letters dated 1 December and 19 December 2006. On 19 December the LGPro Board resolved “That the Board delegate authority to the Executive to review the letter dated 19 December 2006 from Maurice Stabb and to take action as deemed appropriate.” The action of the Executive was to be in accordance with the Board’s interim resolutions which it is expected will be confirmed at the Board Meeting on 2 February 2007. To paraphrase the interim resolutions, they: 1. acknowledge receipt of the resolution of the Annual General Meeting of “IPWEA (Vic)” of 30 November, 2006 which, states “That the IPWEA (Vic.) Board re-establish IPWEA as an independent entity under its own control and administration to provide effective leadership to the public works sector in Victoria.” 2. note that the current arrangement between LGPro and IPWEA Vic has been terminated. 3. seek to ensure that there is an orderly separation between the organizations and that the long term objectives and growth of LGPro is safeguarded. 4. reaffirm the LGPro Board’s objective of being a single voice for professionals in the Victorian Local Government sector and take appropriate steps to safeguard that objective. 5. resolve that the CEO of LGPro resign from all official roles in “IPWEA (Vic)” and cease provision of administrative and financial support to “IPWEA (Vic)” by the LGPro office. 6. propose that to avoid actual or apprehended conflict of interest, until the LGPro constitution is amended and/or the existing Board members who are also members of “IPWEA (Vic)” Board resign, such Board members be required to absent themselves from LGPro Board meetings for any agenda items related to “IPWEA (Vic)” and any other items which could be used to disadvantage LGPro or its members.

Yours sincerely

JOHN BENNIE PRESIDENT

Reforming IPWEA Victoria 67 Appendix D 1 February 2007 IPWEA (Vic) Advice to Members of LGPro Decision

Dear IPWEA (Vic) Member I write with an exciting announcement about the future of IPWEA (Vic) and local government/ public works engineering in Victoria.

An Independent IPWEA (Vic) - New Beginning The IPWEA (Vic) Annual General Meeting on 30 November 2006, unanimously resolved to re-establish IPWEA (Vic) as an independent entity under its own control and administration to provide effective leadership to the public works sector in Victoria. This position was formally advised to LGPro immediately. LGPro advised me on 1 February 2007 that they: 1. have terminated the current arrangement between LGPro and IPWEA (Vic); and 2. will cease provision of all administrative and financial support to IPWEA (Vic).

What does this mean for you? 1. You will belong to an independent engineering organisation totally dedicated to your engineering development needs. 2. You will pay less than $200 for annual membership. 3. Victorian public works engineers will regain their identity at a State and national level. 4. Regional groups will be formed in your area. 5. A major State public works engineering conference will be held in Victoria annually. 6. A rolling program of relevant technical training will be scheduled. 7. Industry wide recognition for your contributions on sector technical issues. 8. Access to major awards for your professional development.

What should you do now? 1. Do not pay or renew your LGPro membership. 2. Contact fellow public works engineers who want to be part of the new IPWEA (Vic) and get them to email their contact details to Chris Champion at: [email protected] 3. Watch this space for more exciting news in the coming weeks. 4. Actively participate in the exciting new IPWEA (Vic).

Regards,

Maurice Stabb President IPWEA (Vic)

68 Appendix E 22 February 2007 IPWEA (Vic) Response to LGPro Regarding Concerns About Content of IPWEA (Vic) Member Bulletin

Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia Limited Victoria Division 22 February 2007 Mr John Bennie President LGPro PO Box 409 South Melbourne VIC 3205

Dear John, IPWEA (Vic) Bulletin 1 I am in receipt of your letter of 8 February 2007, and provide the following comments in regard to the matters you cited. 1. The quote included in the 2nd paragraph of your letter of 8 February 2007, I can confirm as being both accurate and clear in stating the facts as between IPWEA (Vic) and LGPro. 2. Your 3rd paragraph which begins “The resolution of the Annual General Meeting” makes no acknowledgement or reference to the final paragraph on Page 1 of our letter of 19 December 2006, which is headed “WAY FORWARD”. The opening sentence states in bold font “To determine the matter in a conclusive manner, IPWEA (Vic) proposes that it convene a Special General Meeting of IPWEA (Vic) members.” I also refer you to all of our correspondence and communications and in particular our use of the AGM as an opportunity for reflection and review, the engagement of members at that meeting to provide the IPWEA (Vic) Board with an indication of their concerns and what they thought might be a new direction. This was done and conveyed to you and the LGPro Board. 3. The way forward identified a suggested course of action. Importantly the purpose of our approach was always to fully apprise LGPro of the significance of the matter raised at the AGM and to invite engagement of LGPro at the formative and initial stage in the determination of how best to resolve the matter. IPWEA (Vic) clearly identified that any solution would need to be presented to and approved by the members of IPWEA (Vic). In fact this was offered as a way forward. And in any event IPWEA (Vic) always saw not only the critical importance of the matter but the urgency in needing to have it addressed in a managed and proper manner. This in fact was explained in our letter. 4. IPWEA (Vic) saw the best approach for a resolution was to engage and have the members decide on the matter. 5. IPWEA (Vic) always reasserted the importance of its relationship with LGPro. 6. Your letter in fact confirms all that has been stated before when in the 3rd paragraph it finishes with the word “resolved”. All IPWEA (Vic) was clearly communicating to LGPro was that the matter was one that could not be swept under the carpet but needed to be “resolved”. In other words, can we agree a process and obtain a decision as to the way forward. The word resolved clearly conveys that it was to be in the future that the matter could and would be solved. 7. Your reference in paragraph 3 to the timing of information supplied by IPWEA (Vic) is not accepted. You and I met after the LGPro AGM in an adjoining room. The content of the letter that was handed to you was outlined and an offer was made to further discuss it when you had a chance to read it fully. The minutes of the LGPro Board meeting of 15 December 2006 recorded that IPWEA (Vic) “would provide a letter detailing their position by Friday 22 December 2006”. Following your advice of the afternoon of 15 December that the LGPro Board meeting would reconvene by teleconference on 19 December (no time able to be confirmed), IPWEA (Vic) brought forward their letter in an attempt to assist further consideration of the issue. The IPWEA (Vic) letter was emailed to you and your fellow Board members at approximately 11am on 19 December 2006. 8. Our earlier comments apply to paragraph 4 concerning the word resolution used by LGPro. As to your bolding of the words “external organisations” in the same paragraph is simply stating the obvious as both organisations are separate legal entities and therefore by their very nature “external”. What should be bolded is the words “Strengthen the working relationship”. This is far from an indication that IPWEA (Vic) had terminated the arrangement. IPWEA (Vic) sought engagement of LGPro and seeking of a way forward together. 9. Your penultimate paragraph is not accepted as an accurate portrayal of events. It was not, and could not be, an “acknowledgement of IPWEA (Vic’s) termination of the pre-existing arrangement”. The reason is simple. IPWEA (Vic) did not terminate the arrangement. It did convey that its members had issues with the arrangement and had offered an indication of what they saw as the way forward. IPWEA (Vic) sought the engagement with LGPro to determine how best to approach this matter. Instead of LGPro engaging in this requested aspect, it wrote on 1 February 2007 to paraphrase the Board’s resolutions and this included the statement that “the current arrangement between LGPro and IPWEA (Vic) has been terminated”. It was not IPWEA (Vic) that terminated the arrangement. 10. The final paragraph has effectively been dealt with within the substance of our earlier comments. 11. IPWEA (Vic) has and will continue to comment factually. In closing, I wish to assure you that IPWEA (Vic) is keen to move forward and will work with LGPro to facilitate an orderly separation between our organisations as proposed in your letter of 1 February 2007. Yours sincerely,

Maurice Stabb President IPWEA (Vic)

Reforming IPWEA Victoria 69 Appendix F 22 February 2007 IPWEA (Vic) Response to LGPro’s Letter of 1 February 2007 Terminating Current Arrangements Between LGPro & IPWEA (Vic) and Announcing Interim IPWEA (Vic) CEO

Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia Limited Victoria Division

22 February 2007

Mr John Bennie President

LGPro PO Box 409 South Melbourne VIC 3205

Dear John,

LGPro and IPWEA (Vic) Separation I write to acknowledge receipt of your advice of 1 February 2007, advising of the termination of the current arrangements between LGPro and IPWEA (Vic). The IPWEA (Vic) Board shares the stated commitment of LGPro to an orderly separation. I therefore propose a meeting between relevant representatives of both organisations to identify and program the transition arrangements. The IPWEA (Vic) Board has moved decisively to create its new direction. IPWEA (Vic) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Seiffert as its Honorary Interim Chief Executive Officer. Bob will oversee the transition arrangements for IPWEA (Vic), including the orderly separation. His knowledge and experience as a former local government Chief Executive Officer and CEO of both LGPro and IPWEA (Vic) will be invaluable in the separation negotiation. His corporate knowledge of both organisations and the LGPro formation history is certain to assist in the way forward. The IPWEA (Vic) representatives at the proposed meeting will be Bob and myself. I shall request Bob to contact David Preiss to schedule a mutually convenient time for the initial meeting.

Yours sincerely

Maurice Stabb President IPWEA (Vic)

70 Reforming IPWEA Victoria 71 1300 416 745 [email protected]

IPWEA.ORG/VICTORIA