2022 Civil Engineering Alumnus of the Year: Mr Daniel Lambert

^{Mr. Daniel Lambert}

Daniel has certainly accomplished a lot since graduating from Monash in 2000 with a double degree in Science and Engineering in which he achieved a first-class honours degree in Civil Engineering. He subsequently went on to study a Masters of Engineering Science and a Masters of Business and Technology at UNSW and has continued to embrace education and learning through multiple masters modules, certificates and diplomas.

It is, however, not just for this impressive educational portfolio that we acknowledge Daniel, it is also for his significant contribution to the engineering profession and community. Daniel was recently quoted in saying “Engineering isn’t just about concrete and steel or pipes and pumps, it’s about people, and relationships, and the transformational impact we can have.”

This realisation and passion for the humanitarian aspects of Engineering was ignited when a graduate volunteer, working on water and sanitation projects with remote Quechua communities in Ecuador. He was motivated by the ability to make a difference in the lives of those around him and this desire to make an impact has been a significant driving force in his career.

Daniel has subsequently worked extensively in developing communities partnering with organisations including WaterAid, Engineers Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, World Toilet Organisation, Live and Learn, and World Vision. As a Captain in the Royal Australian Engineers Corps, Daniel was the Officer in Charge for the Victorian Bushfire relief efforts, for which he received a commendation, and led the Army’s assistance program in Aboriginal communities building houses, roads and water and sanitation services.

Daniel is currently Executive Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions at Queensland utility Unitywater. Prior to this Daniel was the Australasia Water Leader at Arup, worked for Melbourne Water and for the Keller Group. At Arup, he established and grew Arup’s water business, expanding into seven new geographies and positioning the business as strategic advisor to C-suite executives, to government and to community bodies. His thought leadership work has helped industry and communities to respond to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, raising awareness of the social, environmental and economic value of water, and championing circular economy approaches to water management. In this leadership capacity he also now holds a number of important board level and advisory positions.

Daniel has received many commendations over the years. Notably he was recognised by Engineers Australia as the Sydney ‘Professional Engineer of the Year’ and one of Australia’s ‘Most Innovative Engineers’, by the Australian Water Association winning the ‘Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award’. He was also recognised as the ‘Water Professional of the Year’ in NSW and by Philanthropy Australia with the International Philanthropy Award.

He received the International Water Centre, Water Leader Scholarship, the Consult Australia Future Leader’s Award, and the Engineers Australia Presidents Award for Excellence. Daniel is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, and a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders. In 2021, Daniel was further awarded the prestigious Sir John Holland Civil Engineer of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the profession and to society.