150 Years of ISV 1874 - 2024
TheInstitutionofSurveyorsVictoria 206/370StKildaRoad,MelbourneVIC3004 T(03)93269227Eisv@isvic.org.au Wwww.surveying.org.au
TraverseispublishedbytheInstitutionof SurveyorsVictoria
Tucked into this issue is the wonderful addition of a gift for each ISV member of the Sesquicentenary Lapel Pin, celebrating 150 years as Australia’s oldest professional body for Surveyors.
Equally as important is the President’s invitation to the Sesquicentenary Dinner at The Park at Albert Park on 8 June If last year’s sold out Gala is any indication, don’t delay in securing your seat in history!
Articlesandphotographsarewelcomedfor consideration
Editor:IanThomas ithomas@isvic.org.au
ContentDirector:RileyUlbrich isv@isvic.org.au
Creative:PascalSimonetta admin@isvic.org.au
Cover: The first of the Sesquicentenary Awards, a framed certificate based on the design of our first Membership Certificates were awarded at the exciting ISV Swan Hill Regional Conference in April. For Services above and beyond the duty of Membership and for outstanding contributions to the surveying profession, and another for Emerging Leaders, the certificate thoroughly surprised the recipients seen on this cover L-R are President Leon Wilson, David Boyle, Ken Toleman, Linda Porter, Michael Loy and Riley Ulbrich.
This issue is filled with great history articles celebrating the first meeting of this great Institution and its founders, and recognises the rare occasion of an Honorary Fellowship being bestowed upon an outstanding member of many years, John Dawson. We also celebrate the work of our Digital Archive volunteers by showcasing some insightful extracts from Traverse at the 100 year mark that will surely entertain.
Being able to showcase the recently approved ISV Board's Strategic Plan 2024 - 2027 is timely in this significant year.
We also showcase our recent events, all carrying a great Sesquicentenary message beginning with Roger Fraser’s excellent presentation on our inaugural President Robert Ellery as featured on the cover of the December edition of Traverse.
I hope that you enjoy Traverse 334 and see you at the Sesquicentenary Dinner!
Ian Thomas Executive Officer ISV
Traverse issue 334 | April 2024
02 From the President
03 Seminar 150
05 History - The Mighty Murray
08 Introducing New Member
TheviewsexpressedinTraversearenotnecessarilyendorsedbyThe InstitutionofSurveyorsVictoria.Noresponsibilityisacceptedbythe publishers,theeditororprinterfortheaccuracyofinformationcontained inthetextoradvertisements.Advertisementsmustcomplywiththe relevantprovisionsoftheTradePracticesAct1974.Responsibilityfor compliancewiththeActrestswiththeperson,company,oradvertising agencysubmittingtheadvertisement. Neitherthepublishernortheeditor acceptsresponsibilityforadvertisements.
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09 ISV Strategic Plan
10 ISV Directors in Profile
11 Recent Events
13 Honorary Fellow Recognised - John Dawson
14 ISV Golf Day 2024
15 Our Founding Members
18 Government Update
19 Calendar of Events
21 Swan Hill Regional Conference
This Sesquicentenary year of the Institution of Surveyors Victoria, started with Seminar 150 and Dr Roger Fraser Chief Geospatial Scientist, Land Use Victoria giving the keynote presentation - The Remarkable Mr. Robert L.J. Ellery, the Inaugural President of the Institution of Surveyors Victoria, known at the time as the Victorian Institute of Surveyors. We have an article in this edition of Traverse which introduces the beginnings of the ISV with a list of the founding members and the diverse roles they held.
The purpose of ISV is as relevant today as it was all those years ago. From the start, supporting all surveyors to maintain excellence within the profession and we will be celebrating that across 2024.
The ISV Board has provided three nominations to the SRBV for the two possible positions as our representatives on the SRBV. I would like to thank Peter Sullivan who is not continuing on the SRBV, for his many years of service on the SRBV, the ISV and various other Boards related to our industry, and the assistance he has provided to so many, much of which goes unnoticed behind the scenes.
Feedback regarding the Survey Coordination Regulations 2014 Sunset Review was collated from ISV members and provided to SRBV. I believe this review will be completed by May of next year and Eddie Cichocki the Deputy Surveyor General Victoria will provide a presentation at a relevant date in the future.
I have recently been reminded that leadership in industry and the community is more than just technical skills or knowledge, it includes the ability to listen to others and make effective decisions based on more than facts, as all the relevant information may not be on hand. These decisions will need to stand up to the test of time for us, as our work in many cases is permanent, defining the extent of land tenure and rights, or the location of assets within the environment.
How do we as individuals, teams and as the ISV measure up and remain above the line and not below the line, in relation to a thoughtful response to the future of the surveying profession? This concept is most associated with an individual’s response to a situation such as a minor car accident, when some get out and automatically start yelling at the other party, before they check if everyone involved is safe and not hurt. It applies to teams and even groups just as much, particularly when changes are proposed to the way things have been done.
The surveying profession has always utilized new, if not the latest, technology to improve accuracy and reduce the time to prepare products for our clients, whoever they are as individuals, other companies, or the government. It appears there are several changes approaching our
industry and profession which need all our thoughtful responses and support to ensure the continued excellence of our advice and products for the next 150 years.
The SRBV Licensing Pathway Pilot is taking shape and there will be opportunities for ISV members to support the Pilot and pass on our expertise for the future generation of surveyors, so that the program is successful in its aim to reduce the length of time required to become a Licensed Surveyor and continue the excellence our founding members established all those years ago.
The ISV Board has finalised the Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027 which is now on the web site.
I caught up with many members, their partners and families at the recent Swan Hill Regional Conference – Celebrating 150 Years! and everyone enjoyed the remarkable program of presenters, tours and activities.
The Sesquicentenary Committee has continued working hard and I know there are some excellent events coming up which will start appearing in Traverse and the eAlerts, the most notable will be the Gala Dinner on Saturday 8 June and tickets are on sale now. Please don’t miss out on this historic event!
Leon Wilson, President ISV LeonWilson,PresidentISV
The first event for 2024 was appropriately Seminar 150 – Celebrating 150 years! and began with a detailed presentation in recognition of our inaugural President by Roger Fraser, Chief Geospatial Scientist, Land Use VictoriaThe Remarkable Mr Robert Ellery – A Sesquicentennial History Presentation.
It was a very enjoyable and valuable program which included an important presentation on Survey Audit Program Insights by Ange Dimas, Cadastral Infrastructure and Standards at SurveyorGeneral Victoria, and Expanding and enhancing the Survey Control Network from Alex Woods and Harrison McKinley from Land use Victoria. Of particular note was a detailed presentation by David Boyle regarding accretion and a well known coastal property at Portsea. David explored various technical and legal interpretations over time and clearly has enough on this subject for a book, educating surveyors at all levels as to appropriate considerations in difficult or complex circumstances.
History was the drawcard on this special occasion, and Roger Fraser, passionate
first Sesquicentenary event, Seminar 150.
about scientist Robert Ellery’s history and contributions to the development of Victoria, outlined much of Ellery’s work as the first surveyor to famously begin the trigonometrical survey of the State in 1860, and as our first government Astronomer, creating the first observatory at Williamstown. It was also Ellery who was behind the observatory we celebrate today at the Royal Botanic Gardens, but so much more was revealed about this
renaissance man by Roger. Ellery was a scientist fascinated by science, time, astronomy, medicine and surveying. He was learned and erudite and served as a founding member on several early Boards including University of Melbourne, Royal Society and the State Library. It was his idea to build the Time Ball Tower at Williamstown to more accurately govern the burgeoning arrival of ships into port. Robert Ellery is an historic figure largely
Victoria's Trigonometrical survey, begun in Werribee by Robert
overlooked by the State’s history books, but he was a man of action and if he wrote a letter to the paper, Lieutenant-Governor Latrobe would listen, as was the case in 1853 regarding the Williamstown Observatory. Ellery would serve in the role of Government Astronomer for some forty-two years.
Roger’s passion for the subject included revealing many images from various collections not readily available and covering early instruments and historic Melbourne sites in particular. This was all ahead of him highlighting an important project for Robert Ellery, the Great Melbourne Telescope. Built in Dublin to a design by the Royal Society in London, it was installed at Melbourne Observatory in 1868. In its day the second largest telescope in the world and certainly the world’s largest fully steerable equatorial telescope, it is still called the Great Melbourne Telescope today and Roger spoke of it’s fascinating history and its current renovation in Melbourne. Ellery was already a celebrity well ahead of presiding over The Victorian Institute of Surveyors and what was to become ISV. Regarding Ellery, Roger quoted Pietro Baracchi, the succeeding Government Astronomer, “He excelled in unexpected and apparently incompatible directions; besides being a good musician, he was a good carpenter….a blacksmith. He was one of the originators of every scientific movement in Australia during half a century."
Known as the Goulburn Gates (1887 – 1891), the Goulburn Weir is still considered one of Stuart Murray’s greatest achievements as both surveyor and engineer. As chair of ISV’s first meeting, he is often thought of as the “Father” of our Institution.
The first technical paper delivered to ISV members was by Stuart Murray, M.A, C.E., who had chaired the very first ISV meeting and dealt with the question of adjusting the vertical limit of the theodolite, which was later adopted by Professor Kernot (1884 President) for teaching surveying classes at Melbourne University.
During Murray’s esteemed career, he played an active role across all his professions as Mining Surveyor, Contract Land Surveyor, architect, and civil engineer. In addition to being a founding father of the Victorian Institute of Surveyors (VIS), he was also a member of the University of Melbourne's faculty of engineering and of the Institution of Civil Engineers, London.
According to Valerie Yule, author of
*'Murray, Stuart (1837–1919)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, Murray was born in Dundee, Scotland and studied engineering at Madras College, St Andrews. It was gold that brought him to Victoria in 1855 where he qualified as a land and mining surveyor, architect and civil engineer, establishing himself in Kyneton. He was government mining surveyor in Daylesford for six years and was surveying mining leases and settlements in northern Victoria under the Land Acts and for the Water Conservancy Board under George Gordon and Alexander Black. During this time he developed a valuable knowledge of the colony and a dedication to water conservation, said to have been “sparked off by the sight of a settler's child crying for water in a dry summer”.
One of the largest projects to which Murray was appointed was as Engineer to the United Echuca and Waranga Waterworks Trust in 1882. This led to the epoch-making Irrigation Act of 1886, which restricted riparian rights of landowners by vesting in the Crown the sole right to the use and control of practically all surface waters. These proposed irrigation schemes Murray recommended as essential to all planning of water resources and a comprehensive system of river gauging. He introduced the system and put Victoria years ahead of European countries in this field.
Appointed by Alfred Deakin in 1884, Murray served as Secretary of the Royal Commission on Water Supply and became Engineer-in-Chief, of the Water Supply Department in 1886 leading to the French Government awarding him as Chevalier du Mérite Agricole. Murray was also appointed
to the Board of Examiners for Mining Surveyors in 1878, and Member of the Municipal Surveyors Board in 1909.
Of this remarkable man Yule goes on to say, “In 1886-1908 Murray had planned and supervised such major water conservancy works as the Goulburn-Waranga National Channel (Stuart Murray Canal), the upper Coliban reservoir supplying Bendigo, Laanecoorie Weir on the Loddon, the Little Coliban reservoir supplying Kyneton, the storage basin on the Kow swamp, intake works from the Murray River and an outlet aqueduct known as the Macorna Channel; he also had charge of Geelong's water supply and was supervising engineer of the works subject to government control. His greatest work was the Goulburn Weir, of which he was co-designer, with the Waranga storage and its channels.”
After retirement, he was busy with public affairs in Kyneton and translated French works on engineering and viticulture. Murray died on 12 April 1919 in Kyneton and was said to have “had a keen analytic mind, an exceptional memory and capacity for work that allowed great attention to detail, with a sense of perspective which enabled him to see each problem as part of the whole. He knew that his stern, imperious ways did not inspire affection or popularity but his main concern was to achieve the practical goals set by his sense of public duty.”
*Valerie Yule, 'Murray, Stuart (1837–1919)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https:// adb.anu.edu.au/biography/murraystuart-4281/text6925, published first in hardcopy 1974, accessed online 8 April 2024.
This Special Meeting was convened at the request of the Technical Sub-Committee to consider matters arising from the discussion at the Annual General Meeting on March 22nd, 1974.
The venue for the meeting was the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Staff Lounge and pre-dinner drinks and a buffet meal were provided for those who wished to gatherbefore the 8 p.m. meeting.
A list of eleven questions had been prepared by the Technical Sub-Committee and circulated to members with an invitation to nominate those questions they wished to discuss if attending the meeting. The response was most encouraging with an attendance in excess of eighty and fifteen written submissions from those unable to attend.
Twelve discussion groups were formed with a nominated chairman and an elected recorder. One hour was available for each group to discuss the two questions allocated to it and to formulate any comments or recommendations. The meeting was then reconvened and each question was considered in turn with brief reports and recommendations from those groups concerned with the particular question.
The questions discussed and a brief summary of the conclusions reached on each question are as follows:
(a) How much work should the Surveyor delegate?
This question was considered by five groups with unanimity on at least one point, viz. The Surveyor may delegate authority but must always retain complete responsibility. It proved difficult to define the degree of "immediate" supervision a Surveyor should exercise and it was accepted that this was a decision which the individual Surveyor must make taking into account the type of work being undertaken and the competence of those working under his responsibility.
(b) Should a Surveyor acceptinstructions to carryout a Survey in an area in which he is not sufficiently experienced?
Only one group pondered over this question and resolved in the affirmative with the proviso that the Surveyor must have access to the necessary expertise to assist him.
Several non-attenders were divided on this issue in their written submissions. Above all professional honesty must always prevail and the decision should take account of what knowledge the Surveyor has in the particular field, what access he has to specialists via sub-consultancy or association and what alternatives are available for his client.
(c) Is the Surveyor in danger of losing Cadastral Surveys to non-professionals?
The two groups concerned were divided on this question, as also were those who submitted written comments.
One view was that the Torrens system of land tenure appears to perpetuate the position of the Professional Surveyor and his efficiency in this area will improve with the application of technological developments. Currently much effort is being expended overcoming problems of 'red tape' and the non-professional is certainly no better equipped to handle this.
The second reporter on this question was not as optimistic and suggested that the Professional Surveyor requires more legislative protection to secure his status in this field.
(d) Are non-private practising surveyors being excluded from the interaction and management exercises which C.A.S.P.P.A. is promoting - to their disadvantage?
This question was not considered by any of the discussion groups but there were some comments from the floor during the final summary. It was pointed out that all members of the Institution were welcome to participate in activities organised by C.A.S.P.P.A.
(e) If Clients are looking for "package deals", is it better for surveyors to associate or to amalgamate, in multi-disciplinaryorganizations?
It was agreed that 'association' with other specialists was desirable from the Surveyor's point of view as it enabled him to retain his identity. Current opinion however appears to indicate that a multi-discipline 'amalgamation' is preferred by clients because of the more efficient administration of the projectas a whole.
(f) How can the Profession improve its public image?
There was no dissention from the report that the public image of the Profession is not all that might be desired. This is due primarily to the lack of appreciation of the role the Surveyor plays in the community. It was suggested that the code of ethics might be revised to permit the Surveyor to be acknowledged along with other professions on engineering project sites.
One group submitted the following recommendations:
(i) Public statements should be encouraged from individuals and the Institution on issues of community interest.
(ii) The various branches of Surveying should be better documented and publicised.
(iii) Surveyors should be encouraged to serve on committees, particularly with regard to Government development proposals.
(g) To what extent should the Institution be involved in studentaffairs?
It was acknowledged that today's students, generally studying full-time at a tertiary institution, have a different attitude to the Institution compared with the articled pupil of he past. They are less concerned wth general meetings and social functions but do look to the Institution as a means of making contact with the profession in all its various branches as a guide to their own future.
It was recommended that a liaison committee be formed comprising two student representatives each from the Surveying Departments of the R.M.1.T. and the University of Melbourne with the immediate past-president of the Division as chairman.
(h) Should there be better channels of communication between teachingandnon-teachingsurveyors?
It was of course unanimous that improved liaison between teaching and non-teaching is most desirable and a variety of suggestions were made as to how this might be achieved. The Institution was seen as a most useful means of communication in this regard. Other suggestions related to course advisory committees, student vacation employment and parttime or short-term exchanges between teaching and practising surveyors.
(i) Should there be variations in the type and style of social functions and meetings within the Division?
The group concerned answered yes to this question and made thefollowingtwo observations:
(i) General meetings preceded by informal dinner gatherings may be well received.
(ii) The golf day is a very popular social function. More members may be able to attend if it were to be held on a Sunday.
(j) What new fields of activity will have the greatest impact onSurveyinginthenext30years?
This question had four groups peering into the crystal ball and many of the comments had the same science fiction flavour that predictions of current E.D.M., calculators and computers would have had in 1940!
Most members thought that ten years was the limit for confident predictions of future trends. Some of the forecasts suggested that in the future we will see the continued development of data gathering, processing, filing and retrieval systems, high priority given to social and environmental issues, emphasis on management in education and possibly even a streamlined and computerised Titles Office!
(k) Is the present education system for Surveyors flexible enough to cater for future needs in the Profession?
The current education system for surveying stood up quite well to scrutiny under this question. Concepts and theories change slowly while techniques can be regarded as transient. There will be a much greater need for retaining the Surveyor to keep pace with developments during his professional life. In closing the meeting, the Divisional President, Mr. Murphy thanked the organisers and the members present for making this Special Meeting such a stimulating, interesting and enjoyable evening.
Leo J. Rivett.
Ben has spent 14 years in the industry commencing his career with Bosco Jonson having no idea what surveying was. Commencing part time studies with University of Southern Queensland 12 months later and graduating 8 years after commencing his studies. Ben has worked within a number of different sectors including a 12-month stint travelling across eastern Australia undertaking aerodrome surveys with Airport Survey Consultants to then spending 4 years working on construction and engineering surveying with HR Surveyors. Ben rejoined the Veris family (formerly Bosco Jonson) where he has used his skills previously learnt across multiple disciplines to work in the property group, learning from some of the best in the business.
Ben is currently a Team leader within Veris property group. Ben has recently become Licensed (March 2024) and will continue to
work on and delivering high quality projects for key clients within the Veris property portfolio that will change the skyline of Melbourne’s CBD. Ben is currently on the delivery team for Southbank by Beulah, and will apply his knowledge from other key projects such as West Side Place to deliver a great result for Veris clients.
Once the dust settles on Ben's recent licensing, Ben will look at areas where he can give back to industry as a way of honouring those who have put so much time and effort into his development, as not only a surveyor but also as a person.
An important step for the ISV Board to take this year was to finalise the ISV Strategic Plan. It was widely agreed early on that in order to keep direction, Governance and goals fresh that a three year plan would best serve the needs of a changing Board and that there was so much to be admired about the previous plan and its parameters, albeit restricted by Covid years.
Strategic Planning Days offer Board members so much more than a plan. It was revealing to explore the differences in what led members to join them, what they seek from their membership, and what has inspired them to serve as volunteers. It’s an exercise in relaxing conversation beyond the Board Room, finding common ground and feeling comfortable to express ideas, explore the logic of existing paradigms and offload concerns. There are all sorts of team building exercises that come and go in the Governance setting but a Strategic Planning session has the least amount of colour and movement and offers a maximum amount of answers as topics come up. In early discussions, despite age differences, it was interesting to understand that all present had made their decision to actively choose a surveying pathway at the end of secondary or in the first year of University. Of course it’s instinctive to try and enlighten younger students to this path and much is directed towards this activity, but our slice of surveyors present all found common ground in the knowledge.
Thoughts and ideas, experiences and aims soon flowed into ideation and the following aims crystalized or were built upon, summarized here:
To lead and innovate in the surveying profession, enhancing value and impact for our members and the community.
Empower our members through education, advocacy, and technology, fostering a dynamic and inclusive professional community.
Emphasizing growth, sustainability, relevance, engagement, knowledge, and business services as core areas for development. By integrating solutions like technology adoption, educational partnerships, and community initiatives, the plan addresses how to overcome challenges like technological adaption, member engagement, and financial management.
Working solidly through many details, themes and ideals it was decided to categorize the many hopes and dreams into two big problem solving propositions outlined here:
To address our strategic objectives, this plan proposes a multifaceted approach emphasizing enhanced member support, diversified revenue generation, and comprehensive engagement strategies. Solutions include developing targeted membership drives, fostering inclusive community initiatives, and strengthening sponsorship partnerships. Additionally, this plan aims to improve operational efficiencies and member services through streamlined processes
and enhanced communication channels. By focusing on these areas, we endeavour to cultivate a robust, dynamic professional community that values continuous learning, diversity, and active participation.
•Engaging a diverse membership base demands tailored communication strategies and value propositions.
•Navigating economic uncertainties while investing in growth initiatives poses a significant challenge.
•Managing limited financial and human resources efficiently to support growth and innovation.
•Struggling to increase membership numbers and retain existing members in a competitive environment.
•Ensuring meaningful engagement with a diverse member base across various age groups, professional levels, and geographical locations.
•Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and industry shifts with limited resources.
•Attracting and retaining sponsors in a crowded marketplace to fund key initiatives.
•Developing and maintaining effective communication channels with a dispersed membership base on a limited budget.
The six pillars of the ISV Strategic Plan 2024 - 2027
By the end of the day, the commentary, ideas, solutions and dynamic rhetoric found a home within a framework of six strategic pillars, each having an outlining Aim, a Method of Implementation, and importantly Metrics and Benchmarks for success.
The ISV Board believes that this enhanced framework builds upon previous good work but focusses more on the reality of delivering services in an environment where costs have dramatically increased and business
belt tightening is quite apparent. What is also apparent is that this Strategic Plan has landed in the year of our Sesquicentenary and it will certainly remain a snapshot of our times. However the greatest of these aims will surely be to celebrate 300 years!
For the complete Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027 go to https://surveying.org.au/wp-content/ uploads/2024/05/ISV-StrategicPlan-2024-2027.pdf
Paul studied Geomatic Engineering at University of Melbourne and gained registration as a Victorian Licensed Surveyor in 2011 while working under Steve Oxley in Wangaratta. He now works full time for Reeds Consulting from his home in Wangaratta with visits to Melbourne as required. Over Paul’s journey he has mainly worked in small to medium rural Cadastral practises in northeast Victoria but has also ventured to Queensland for some FIFO work where he is also registered with the QLD board. He enjoys following the Western Bulldogs and loves to get to games wherever possible, and enjoys a game of golf when family commitments permit. Paul is looking forward to serving on the ISV Board as the ISV Murray Group representative and hopes to see many members at Turning 150 – ISV Murray Group Celebrates event at The Cube, Wodonga on Friday 28 June. Go to https://surveying.org.au/events/ to book!
AOn Saturday 20 January 2024 ISV President Leon Wilson began ISV’s 150th year by presenting former ISV President, former Treasurer, Licensed Surveyor and long term ISV member John Dawson with a certificate elevating him to Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Surveyors Victoria.
The President then read out John’s citation, a carefully researched account of John’s many contributions to ISV and the surveying profession. John then responded and spoke of surveying as the World’s Oldest Profession, giving an example from Egypt and then later in Cambodia.
He then highlighted the impact that the transistor has made on the
several ISV Fellows in Roger Green and Ed Young accompanied by RosWilson, Pat Green, Donna Young, several of John’s family, and a few friends who all enjoyed a light lunch and chat.
The last ISV member to be elevated to Honorary Fellow was the late Peter Davis at an ISV Annual Dinner at the Melbourne Town Hall, where Peter had no idea of what was to happen at the dinner but this latest conferral was a change in the way ISV has presented Honorary Fellowship due to John’s health. This private setting was the only way it could happen.
In a letter to John from the President of ISV following the unanimous vote of the ISV Board in support of John’s Honorary Fellowship he wrote “This recognises your many roles of service to the Institution, the surveying profession, your service to the Victorian Council of Professions, Consulting Surveyors Victoria, Apex, Rotary and your community and recognises your dedication and promotion of the surveying profession for over 70 years as a member.”
I believe at this time ISV only has one living ISV Honorary Fellow, so perhaps it is time to look at other ISV members who, like John, are worthy members to receive Fellowship.
Many thanks to those who supported the nomination of John Dawson for ISV Honorary Fellow. This move by ISV was very well received by John, but very sad that his late wife Nola was not present to see it.
Ed Young
A complete version of John’s citation can be found here: https://surveying.org.au/wp-content/ uploads/2024/05/Honorary-Fellowshipconferredupon-John-Dawson.pdf
Front Right - John Dawson anti clockwise Roger Green, Ed Young, Leon WIlson
This year’s golf day was held at Northern Golf Club Glenroy on Friday 1 March.
ISV members, guests and sponsors were treated to a gloriously sunny day. The historic championship course was meticulously maintained and was in superb condition. The course offered enough to challenge the regular club golfers and an opportunity for the everyday hack to pull off the occasional piece of magic. One golfer was heard to say:
“I reckon I could just about go Pro…” (Anonymous, 01/03/2024) Well there is always next year, keep practising.
All attendees enjoyed a light lunch prior to taking on the golf course. Followed by dinner, drinks & presentation afterwards. All awards were based on a Stableford Scoring system.
The prestigious FJ Walters Cup for best club handicap player was awarded to Paul Wright.
The Aubrey Houghton trophy for best supervisor/graduate combined score was awarded to Alan Norman & Seb Kapusta.
Award-winning golfers a plenty coming from Reeds it seems. The above Trophies will proudly sit in the Reeds Consulting office for the next year.
The best amateur Golfer was awarded to Peter Madsen from C.R. Kennedy.
Golf Day sponsors included UPG, C.R. Kennedy, ACSIS, LISTECH & Planned Resources. All providing generous prizes up for grabs on various holes throughout the day.
Given the overall quality of the course, catering and staff at The Northern Golf Club, they will remain a strong contender for a repeat next year, however ISV is happily taking suggestions for Golf Courses for the next year’s event.
The first few meetings of the Institute were held at Weber’s Hotel, which was named the Family and Commercial Hotel and erected in 1851. It was also commonly known as Hockin’s Hotel, after William Hockin who purchased it in 1853 and then acquired additional land adjacent to erect Assembly Rooms around 1858. The Assembly Rooms which were on the first floor of what is now 283 Elizabeth Street adjacent to Mitchell House, was a centre of Melbourne Social Life in the nineteenth century, used for social, cultural, political and commercial events until c.1900. However, meetings were moved to the Hall at the Royal Society of Victoria until 1880, then changed to the Exchange Hotel.
It was Stuart Murray, M.A, C.E. and Authorised Surveyor who presided
over the first meeting of the Institute of Surveyors Victoria on 7 April 1874 held at Weber’s Hotel on the north west corner of Elizabeth and Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne. Forty-five members were speedily enrolled, and Surveyor General Alexander Skene, M.A. J.P. (in absentia) and Lt.Col. (then Major) Thomas Couchman C.E. were elected to fill the first Presidential and Vice-Presidential chairs.
Surveyor General Skene declined the office of President, no doubt owing to the pressure of public business. The Institute’s Council wrote to SG Skene expressing “regret at his inability to accept the office, its satisfaction that he decided to become a member of the Institute and its hope that he would take as active an interest as possible in its affairs”.
Major Robert Ellery, CMG RRAS FRS, Land Surveyor and GovernmentAstronomer, then took the position of President.
The Institute soon formed a library for members, which was described as “though not as yet large, is well chosen and modern” and includes, “A useful catalogue of circumpolar stars has been compiled” (for astronomical azimuth determinations, etc). A prize for proficiency in surveying was established for University students in engineering.
It was at an ordinary meeting held on Saturday 9 May 1874 at 12:30pm at Weber’s Hotel, that the members list was revised and confirmed the first admissions to the Institute creating the following list of our first members and what was recorded at that time, many of whom held or were to hold significant roles in the development of Victoria.
The ISV would like to congratulate the following newly licensed surveyors who have recently achieved registration after completing their Professional Training agreements:
Ben Sansom Mitch Moroney Matthew Laidler Dayan Abeysekara
Quarterly meetings occur with LRS and the surveying industry including representatives from ISV, CSV & GCA.
In most recent meeting points for discussion included: -ePlan
-Upcoming “Navigating the Land Registry” seminar -General Law land
Discussion over ePlan elicits significant discussion, particularly in relation to upcoming mandate for submission of eligible Plans of Consolidation. Various aspects around ePlan were discussed. The LUV Survey Advisory Group is now active having monthly meetings. This group includes 12 industry members from companies of various sizes, locations and with range of experiences using ePlan. The purpose of this group is to provide insights from the surveying industry to assist LUV with their 10 year strategy for advancing Victoria cadastral system
In response to feedback from members queries were made into the searching and dealings associated with General Law Land or Land Not Under the Act (NUA). Significant concern include:
-Reliance on a single professional search provider for any NUA searching.
-Missing General Law documents
-Potentially onerous LRS requirements when dealing with General Law Land.
LRS are further consulting and reviewing requirements for General Law searching and processes involved with dealing with NUA land.
If any members have specific concerns or comments in relation to LUV we are happy to hear from you. Feel free to contact ISV directly isv@isvic.org.au
Wed 03 ISV Board Meeting
Tues 16 ISV Rooftop Student-lead Seminar
Fri 26/27/28 150th Regional Conference Swan Hill – Swan Hill Resort, Swan Hill
Wed 01 ISV Board Meeting
Fri 24 May ISV/CSV Joint Seminar – Mooney Valley Racecourse
Wed 05 ISV Board Meeting
Sat 08 Sesquicentenary DinnerThe Park, Albert Park Fri 28 Seminar Turning 150 – ISV Murray Group Celebrates - The Cube, Woodonga + Lake Hume
Wed 03 ISV Board Meeting
Fri 26 ISV Survey Expo – 21st Century Institution – Encore St Kilda
Wed 07 ISV Board Meeting October
Wed 02 ISV Board Meeting
TBA ISV/CSV Joint Webinar
TBA ISV Annual General Meeting
TBC SRBV/ISV Conferral Reception
Tues 27 Colin Middleton Luncheon – Mitre Tavern Melbourne
TBA Turning 150 – ISV Gippsland Group Celebrates - Mini Seminar + Dinner, Port Albert
Wed 06 ISV Board Meeting
Thurs 14 Turning 150 – ISV North Central Group Celebrates Kilmore - Local history celebration including Survey Museum, MiniSeminar + Dinner
Wed 04 ISV Board Meeting
TBC Turning 150 – ISV Glenelg Grampians Group CelebratesLocal history celebration, MiniSeminar + Dinner
Wed 04 ISV Board Meeting
TBA ISV Christmas Seminar & Networking
President
Leon Wilson
Chair of Finance and Audit Committee
Mark Sargent
Chair of CPED Committee
Greg Thompson
Chair of Diversity and Inclusion committee/ Education Liaison
Baden Coates
Surveyors Registration Board of Victoria
Representatives
Peter Sullivan and Jason Hay
CSV Representative
Rohan Bakker
Surveying Task Force Representatives
Evan Webster and Kathryn Kennedy
Traverse Content Director
Riley Ulbrich
Standards Committee Representative
Alan Timke
Tertiary Student Representatives
Leon Hill (RMIT)
Jonathan Tzelepis (University of Melbourne)
Regional Group Representatives:
Glenelg Grampians Group
Clint Joseph
Gippsland Group
Jonathan Neilson
North Central Group
Linda Porter
Murray Group
Paul Smithwick
Executive Officer
Ian Thomas
Administration and Events
Olivia Trabanino-Marchand
Marketing and Communications
Pascal Simonetta
ISV Office
Suite 206, 370 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Victoria 3004 Telephone: (03) 9326 9227
Email: isv@isvic.org.au www.surveying.org.au
ISV began rolling out its statewide Sesquicentenary celebrations with the Swan Hill Regional Conference at the end of April.
Featured on the cover of this edition are recipients of the special Sesquicentenary Awards based upon the large Membership Certificates promptly designed in 1874 for the institution’s very first approved members.
Both the Sesquicentenary Committee and the ISV Board worked together to create two special awards to celebrate and honour a list of nominees. The first certificate is for “Services above and beyond the duty of Membership and for outstanding contributions to the surveying profession” and these have first been awarded by ISV President Leon Wilson to David Boyle, Ken Toleman and Michael Loy who attended the Regional Conference. The second certificate recognising Emerging Leaders, was awarded to current ISV
Directors Linda Porter and Riley Ulbrich and all were thoroughly surprised by the accolade and the Sesquicentenary Committee should be applauded for driving this great element of such an important year for ISV.
The weekend of the Regional Conference, chosen for its proximity to Anzac Day, was a hit with members, and attendances were well up on the previous year as delegates chose to extend their break. It was a tightly run event across the three days with plenty to learn and enjoy.
Friday began earlier than usual which provided flexibility across the weekend for activities, networking and family time. Delegates were called to meet by a didgeridoo performance by Parj Pettit who entered the Conference space with local Shared Country Elder of the Wamba Wamba and Woddie Woddie peoples Debra Chaplin who offered a warm welcome and well wishes to our community as we gathered.
Following on this theme, was the Keynote presentation, the Pental Island Cultutal Masterplan by Greg Grabacsh, Director of innovative design company Brave and Curious, experts in cultural heritage developments and local Aboriginal Community Development Officer with Swan Hill rural City Council, Jacinta Chaplin. Pental Island nestled between Lower Murray and the Murray River is situate in Victoria and walking distance from where the Conference was being held at Swan hill Resort, and is set to be sensitively adapted to become another important string to the developing bows of Swan Hill’s destination tourism and local experiences.
The key message of inclusivity came from Jacinta herself, who in many ways reversed previous experiences for delegates by explaining her own complex background and defining experiences, and also providing the real meaning behind a Welcome to Country being a message of good will and well
wishes for us as we meet and go about our business on Country. There were many takeaways from this presentation including a direct offer of support to surveyors needing to learn about how to approach the development of culturally sensitive land and it was very well received.
Themes of water, borders, energy, roads and cultural heritage continued across the weekend, along with valuable
updates from the Surveyor-General Craig Sandy and Deputy Surveyor general Eddi Cichocki. Friday evening’s Networking event at Spoons Riverside, overlooking Pental Island and the Laser Light Show on the Murray certainly opened eyes to the highlights of the region, and the Partners and Families
Saturday afternoon delegates proceeded to Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement and a river cruise on the Pyap paddle steamer before the ISV Regional Dinner with special guest, local Federal member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster. Sunday morning saw ISV Director Baden Coates hosting a
