John Monash Medal
Just before Christmas Keith received a phone call to say he was to be awarded the John Monash Medal for 2016 by Engineers Australia . Because of the timing it would be announced in the New Year and presented later in the year . He was surprised and delighted as he had been unaware that he had been nominated by a Canberra colleague .
This annual award recognises outstanding contributions made by individuals towards increasing the awareness and conservation of Australia ' s engineering heritage over a considerable period of time .
In Keith ’ s case the award recognised his work as a heritage consultant in Canberra and elsewhere , his advocacy for engineering and industrial heritage during 17 years on the National Engineering Heritage Committee ( including 4 years as chair ) and the publishing of “ A century of Canberra engineering ” to mark Canberra ’ s centenary .
The medal perpetuates the memory of Sir John Monash who is regarded as Australia ' s greatest military commander , and who was an engineer of exceptional and diversified talents .
The award was announced during an interview on ABC Radio 666 and has been followed with a national media releases by Engineers Australia at http :// newsroom . engineersaustralia . org . au / news /
The actual presentation will be at the National Engineering Heritage Conference which is held every second year in Australia . This year it is planned to be held in Mildura in October .
So the Bakers have booked a Sunraysia timeshare well in advance . Judy Baker
Listen to the podcast of Keith Baker ’ s 666 ABC Canberra Breakfast interview on 5 January 2017 .
The Institution of Engineers media release :
Canberra engineer Keith Baker has been recognised for his exceptional work in recording and promoting the engineering heritage of Canberra and the nation .
Engineers Australia has awarded him the 2016 John Monash medal for his outstanding contribution
St Margaret ’ s News 2 February 2017