Western Australia
Wishing all members a very Happy New Year.
The WA branch meets every quarter where members get together for a presentation by a guest speaker which is followed up by networking event ‘Solar Beers’, for members to interact in an informal setting. This model has proven to be very successful in 2011 and will continue into 2012. Branch President, Garry Baverstock, with the support of the rest of the branch committee and the members laid a strong foundation for the branch in 2011 and this will enable the branch to continue to grow in 2012 and beyond. With everyone’s efforts, the branch membership more than doubled over 12 months and is set to continue to grow in 2012.
Branch Meeting Update
Solar Beers Event – Tuesday 3 April 2012
Branch Committee Update 2012
The branch committee is also going through a leadership change, with President Garry Baverstock, handing over to Ishaan Khanna in Jan 2012. Ishaan was part of the branch committee in 2011 and the committee’s nominated choice for President for 2012. Ishaan Khanna currently works as a Senior Engineer for a transmission and distribution utility in Western Australia. The focus of his current role is to undertake Smart Grid trials and initiatives to further the utility’s expertise in developing non-network solutions. He has close to 9 years of experience in the energy industry and has a balanced experience profile in both public and private sectors. He has lived and worked in New Zealand, India and Australia.
Moreover, new members are also joining the branch committee to further boost committee membership. More updates will be made available once final membership is approved.
Mentor Program
The mentors program and networking of students and young professionals interested in solar and renewable energy, with industry leaders will continue as key strategy for the branch. As before, younger members of the society are encouraged to invite guests along to the networking events and branch meetings to learn and consider being involved in the mentor program.
You can also read more on the WA Branch Mentoring Program
History of the Solar Energy in Australia – Inspiration for new members and mentoring
A new version of the history, produced by Andrea Gaynor of the history department at the University of Western Australia with assistance from Garry Baverstock will be soon be featured on the AuSES website.
In 2005 a comprehensive history of Australia was written for ISES, as part of the 50-year celebration of the Society. Originally authored by Garry Baverstock with help from many long-term members and with a significant contribution from Dr David Mills. In 2010 this history was re-edited and parts re-written to form part of an official Australian history to be published via the AuSES website. The University of WA assisted to reworking of this document, to be properly referenced and have all events validated. Soon this history will be featured for all new members to understand what the Society stands for and how it evolved as an organization since 1954.
We feel that this history should inspire the next generation to become innovators and entrepreneurs and help planet earth return to a more solar-based economy. We see the publishing of this history as an integral part of promoting the mentor program.
Contact AuSES Western Australia branch at wa@auses.org.au
