Council projects win at Engineering Excellence Awards

Bega Valley Shire Council has been recognised for excellence in engineering with two awards at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) NSW & ACT State Conference.

Photograph: (L to R) Council's Cadet Nemo Lyn, Civil Assets Superintendent Gemma Gill, and Cadets Josie-Rae Ross Whitehouse and Bodin Herbert.

Photograph: (L to R) Council’s Cadet Nemo Lyn, Civil Assets Superintendent Gemma Gill, and Cadets Josie-Rae Ross Whitehouse and Bodin Herbert.

19 May 2025

Bega Valley Shire Council has been recognised for excellence in engineering with two awards at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) NSW & ACT State Conference.

The Tathra Wharf Restoration Project won the Excellence Award in Heritage and the Barclay Street Recreational Precinct Project received Highly Commended in Design & Construction of a Public Works Project.

Council’s CEO, Anthony McMahon said the awards are a testament to Council’s commitment to preserving the state heritage listed Tathra Wharf and enhancing community recreation facilities.

“These projects demonstrate the breadth of work our teams do, from preserving historically significant infrastructure to creating vibrant, accessible recreational spaces,” Mr McMahon said.

“We are proud these efforts have been recognised, as we focus on high-quality infrastructure that celebrates the shire’s unique character and meets the needs of current and future generations.”

Tathra Wharf, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, is the only remaining wharf and building combination on the eastern seaboard from the coastal shipping era of the 1860s. Following significant damage during an East Coast Low event, Council secured $7.1 million in NSW Government funding to undertake major restoration works.

“The project not only maintained the Wharf’s character but improved its structural integrity, extending its life well into the future,” Mr McMahon said.

The Barclay Street Recreational Precinct project, guided by a master plan endorsed in August 2020, involved construction of an all-inclusive play space, skate park, car park and access road, and landscaped parklands. The upgrade supports active, inclusive and connected communities.

Thanks to the NSW/ACT IPWEA Young Leaders Grant, Council’s engineering cadets, Josie-Rae Ross Whitehouse, Bodin Herbert and Nemo Lynn were able to attend the conference and awards night, with Josie and Nemo getting to chair a presentation each.

“The State Conference was a great experience, giving us the invaluable opportunity to learn from industry leaders, explore innovative technologies and build networks within the engineering community. Chairing the Women in Public Works presentation was also a special experience,” Josie said.

“I enjoyed listening to presenters sharing challenges, limitations and opportunities they face in their fields. It gave us exposure to real-world challenges and emerging practices in local government engineering,” said Bodin.

“Chairing a presentation about resilience was a rewarding experience and seeing Bega Valley Shire Council’s projects recognised was a real highlight,” shared Nemo.

To learn more about Council’s awarded projects, visit Council’s website.

Tathra Wharf restoration: https://begavalley.nsw.gov.au/community/tathra-wharf-restoration

Barclay Street Recreation Precinct upgrade: https://begavalley.nsw.gov.au/community/barclay-street-recreation-precinct-upgrades

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