In a recent interview I did with Victorian Chief Engineer Collette Burke, there was a common thread throughout the conversation: the need for greater knowledge sharing within the industry. 

In every corner of Australia, New Zealand and beyond, public works professionals are doing great things. It's a fact: when it's your job to dream, deliver and maintain the infrastructure that powers our growing communities, innovation is not just a nice buzzword – it's an essential part of the profession. 

Every week, I have the privilege of speaking to a handful of professionals who are trying new things, finding new ways to get the job done with limited resources, navigating challenges and creating great outcomes for communities. 

But, all too often, these great stories go untold. And that's a shame, because it means the valuable lessons hard-won by a few are not being shared with the rest of the industry. 

If you, your organisation or someone you know is doing great things in the public works industry, I encourage you to get in touch and share the knowledge. If there's anything you've learnt that will help your peers do their jobs better or more easily, we want to know about it.

Or, is there a topic you're passionate about and want to share your thoughts? Let us hear it by submitting an opinion piece. 

Email me at emily.ditchburn@ipwea.org or phone 02 8607 0488 to have a chat.

Or, you can tweet @ipweaintouch, connect with us on LinkedIn, like and follow us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. 

I look forward to hearing from you. 

(And, if you'd like to read the interview with Dr Collette Burke, make sure you read the next edition of inspire magazine, out in March.) 

Emily Ditchburn
Manager Media and Communications ​