for Keith Baker
in raising awareness and conservation of the ACT ’ s heritage , and providing national leadership in the promotion of engineering heritage . Keith Baker said he was delighted with the acknowledgement .
“ I was surprised and thrilled . It ' s nice to have your contribution acknowledged by your peers - but even more affirming when an independent panel considers that your contributions have been outstanding .”
Keith Baker is a long term Canberra resident – he ’ s lived in the Nation ’ s Capital 35 years and has been a leading heritage engineer during that time .
His 2013 book A Centenary of Canberra Engineering ( written to coincide with the Centenary of Canberra ) provides a definitive account in words and photographs of Canberra ’ s development – from both an engineering and social perspective .
It has helped promote Engineering Heritage within the ACT and beyond – written for a mainstream audience , not just engineers and historians .
Keith Baker says heritage is about keeping the most significant of what we have for future generations .
" Often engineering and industrial heritage is overlooked or misunderstood because beyond steam locomotives and graceful bridges , it is not always as immediately appealing as the prestigious buildings most regard as heritage .
" Yet it is a major part of our history and everyday life as engineering is inherent in almost everything we use . Having some understanding of the progress of technology behind these engineering works and goods and services helps us understand how and why society has developed as it is , representing an authentic part of our history .
" Bridging this gap in understanding is important to not only the public , but to heritage professionals and to engineers themselves in learning from the past , " Mr Baker said .
Keith Baker has worked with both Commonwealth and Territory Government organisations on construction and housing , using his engineering and management skills towards the care of heritage structures and sites .
He has led heritage studies on many subjects . A notable few include : Canberra ’ s street lighting , the Cotter River dam and pumping station , an interpretation of the Kingston Powerhouse , an assessment of the Canberra Main Outfall Sewer and engineering aspects of Old Parliament House and the Fitters Workshop .
Much of this work has had a direct impact on both the immediate and ongoing conservation of these heritage sites
Keith Baker is a long-time member of Australia ICOMOS ( link is external ) and the National Trust of Australia ( ACT ). He was also a member of the ACT ( Government ) Heritage Council ' s Standing Committee on Built Heritage and has played an active role in Engineers Australia ’ s National Committee on Engineering Heritage , with two terms as National Chair .
Keith is an outstanding advocate for industrial heritage and a wonderful keeper of the nation ’ s history .
St Margaret ’ s News 3 February 2017