Loss of CPEE ‘Start up’ Supporter and Friend

Loss of CPEE 'Start up' Supporter and Friend

Geoff was the major SRA and RTA (now RMS) force behind the establishment of CPEE, was an inaugural CPEE Councillor and one of its strongest supporters from its foundation days through to his current involvement as a Unit Chair, with two Units that were under his guidance. This had provided some 30 years of continuous involvement in CPEE in one significant role or another.

Geoff's health had been an issue for many years since early diagnosis of problems with his kidneys and a subsequent transplant. However, he never allowed these issues to daunt him and he remained a tireless worker and enthusiast for road research and education (and the local community) for the rest of his life.

In the late-1970s in his technical role with the Department of Main Roads/RTA in NSW, Geoff first became involved with ARRB when he joined the working group charged with the revision of the then NAASRA Pavement Design Guide under the responsibility of the late David Potter. His contributions in the area of road technology have had a significant and beneficial effect on both the development and maintenance of Australia's road network. He played vital roles in Austroads research initiatives such as the development of the Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF) in 1983, industry research programs, the Australian segment of the United States Strategic Highway Research Program, the World Roads Association (based in Paris) and the Global Road Knowledge Exchange Network.

In 1996 Geoff was awarded the Australian Road Federation's (now Roads Australia) 'John Shaw Medal' in recognition of his meritorious contribution to road technology. The award is made for outstanding contributions in any area of endeavour which has had, or is expected to have, a significant and beneficial effect on the development or maintenance of the Australian road network.

In 1999, he was awarded the AusIndustry Innovation Award as part of the National Engineering Excellence Awards as a member of the Roads & Traffic Authority/CSIRO team that developed the RoadCrack high speed crack measurement equipment.

After his retirement from the Roads & Traffic Authority owing to ill health, he continued to contribute to the industry as a consultant and also as a contributor to many continuing education programs at several universities throughout Australia. His role at CPEE was significant in advancing the innovative and unique specialist education offered by CPEE when many Universities and SRA's were reducing their commitments.

In 2011, Geoff was elected as a Member of Order of Australia (AM) for his services to the community, including "his achievements in coordinating, directing and inspiring technical expertise and in fostering industry and government cooperation in the development of industry standards and performance specifications in road engineering in Australia and his contribution to continuing education". The award also recognised his contributions to the Australian Kidney Foundation and all those involved in renal medicine, the Asquith Golf Club and his local community.

RIP our friend and valued colleague