Message from the President
For many, this year will be a year to be remembered but not for the usual joyous and memorable events, but one that reflects the test against human survival in the face of a world pandemic. What started out as a concerning virus, from a faraway city with a population about half the size of Australia, quickly spread to far flung parts of the globe, quickly crippling some countries to a standstill. Some countries in Europe come to mind such as; Italy France and Spain. Other countries that took swift and prompt decisive action to address the spread of this novel virus, benefited from these quick actions. Countries that had more robust border controls Countries like Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand also had the edge of managing this pandemic spread. But with these control measures, there is collateral damage. People have lost their jobs, some have experienced cutbacks and reduced pay, and for a sad few, have lost their lives. For the many on the front line, such as our health workers and essential services, their lives are placed at risk everyday to help keep the rest of us safe. For this we are eternally grateful.
You may or may not be affected in your line of work due to this restriction of movement or lockdown or border closure. Those that are still able to, are working from home and are probably grateful to be able to do so and have a job. While some restrictions have recently been eased, it is already evident that even when full restrictions are lifted, working life as we have known it will be very different in the future.
What will the future be after Covid-19? The great experiment of working from home will almost certainly be a bigger option in the future. Corporations are already rethinking their office space rentals in capital cities. More remote access and video conferencing have already embedded itself into the daily office routine. Even the GREG committee have started to meet using video conferencing. Greater reliance on internet with many working from home and remotely has already placed greater strain on our newest fibre-optic broadband infrastructure highlighting some of its inadequacies. Australia’s over reliance on manufactured goods from China was put to the test by Covid-19 and may even see a return of some manufacturing returning back home to Australia. Manufacturing returning to Australia can only be good for the engineering profession. Many US corporations have started plans to move manufacturing out of China, some, back to the USA and some to other low cost countries. But while this unfolds, in the immediate future, many will be tested to survive the financial impact of the Covid-19 economy lockdown. As a nation of battlers against adversity I believe we, as a nation will work together to overcome this global tragedy that has come to our doorstep. Such is the strength of the human spirit when faced with adversity and challenge.
The Covid-19 public gathering restrictions has forced postponement of all our planned events for this year to date. As a result of this, the committee has decided that for members that sign up and pay for this year’s membership (2020) will have their membership extended until the 31st Dec 2021. If public gathering restrictions continue further till the end of this year, the committee will review the extension of membership accordingly to ensure members are not unfairly disadvantaged.
If you have any questions or a suggestion to contribute, please do not hesitate to contact myself or the membership officer.