Engineers Australia Chief Executive Officer Romilly Madew AO FTSE HonFIEAust EngExec has been admitted to the degree of Doctor of Engineering (honoris causa), in recognition of her exceptional contributions to engineering, sustainable development and leadership in the built environment.

The Engineers Australia CEO was honoured during a ceremony on Friday presided over by Pro-Chancellor Professor Stephen Garton and Dean of Engineering, Professor Hesham El Gamal.  

“Her leadership has been instrumental in positioning engineering as a key driver of Australia’s future prosperity, particularly in the context of climate change, urbanisation and the transition to a low-carbon economy,” Professor El Gamal says.

“Romilly has also worked tirelessly to promote the participation of women in engineering, advocating for equitable opportunities and supporting initiatives to increase the representation of women in leadership roles within the industry.”

“Excited to play a part in the bold vision for growth for the group, with a target for ANZ to be three times the size by 2029,” is how Rowenna Walker announced her appointment as Egis’ new Australian Managing Director.

A qualified chartered civil engineer, Rowenna is a former Consult Australia President and brings more than 30 years of international experience across infrastructure, engineering, design and advisory.

Most recently a director with Aurecon, Rowenna’s career and achievements span large cross-functional teams and complex infrastructure projects, perfectly positioning her to lead Egis in Australia into its next phase of growth.

Proud Gomeroi woman, Melanie Grills, has been appointed into the role of Arup’s First Nations Lead, Australia & New Zealand (ANZ). The newly established position reports directly to the Managing Principal, ANZ, Liam O’Donohue. “Melanie’s new role is a testament to her commitment to cultural integrity, as well as the success of our First Nations workstreams which have matured into established and impactful business functions,” he says.

Melanie says: “I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made in deepening relationships with First Nations communities and businesses, and in embedding cultural knowledge through our work. This puts us in a strong position to further bolster these connections, foster true partnerships, and ensure Arup’s commitments continue to translate into meaningful outcomes.” 

Melanie will oversee all First Nations workstreams across ANZ, including First Nations Project Services, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee Network, Arup’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and the firm’s Indigenous Procurement Strategy. 

Arup also welcomes a new First Nations Strategic Design Lead, Shay McMahon, a Yuin woman with a decade of experience across architecture, urban design and planning.

With a strong focus on Indigenous knowledge systems and participatory design, she has contributed to several frameworks and documents that have shaped culturally responsive design practices we see today.  

AECOM Australia and Zealand is transitioning to a business line-led organisational structure comprising six specialist areas. “This transition helps sharpen our focus on what matters most – our clients and the communities we serve, making it easier for them to access our industry-leading expertise,” says regional Chief Executive – Australia New Zealand, Mark McManamny (pictured).

Ashley Lang, Business Line Managing Director, Environment, returns to her environment-focused leadership after two years serving as Regional Managing Director for Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

Ben McMaster, Business Line Managing Director, Water, steps up from his previous role leading more than 250 water and program management professionals at AECOM in Queensland and Northern Territory.

Heidi Sick, Business Line Managing Director, Energy, will continue to lead AECOM Australia New Zealand’s Energy business line, which she has led for the past 18 months.

James Rosenwax, Business Line Managing Director, Buildings & Places, returns to lead this business line after a five-year tenure as Regional Managing Director for New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory.

Julian Small, Business Line Managing Director, Transportation, retains his leadership of AECOM’s Australia New Zealand Transportation business line following his recent appointment in July under the previous structure.

Laura Fluck, Business Line Managing Director, Program Management, Resources & Industrial, and Advisory, moves into this newly established business line after leading AECOM’s Australia and New Zealand Water business line for five years.

Craig Davidson, Managing Director, New Zealand, will remain in his role leading AECOM’s New Zealand business.