NEXT GENERATION
Jim, Derek, Robert Stringfellow 2020.
Derek Stringfellow has celebrated many milestones as an Emeritus member and past IPWEAQ President (1982-1984). He reached 50 years membership (1970-2020) in January this year. These achievements are well known but the dynasty that is lining up behind him also attest to his modelling of an engineer’s ability to build and shape their community. EPW spoke to Derek, and sons Robert and Jim Stringfellow about what has shaped their own careers and the influence of their father. Derek Stringfellow (now retired) has travelled some distance since completing his civil engineering degree at New Zealand’s Canterbury College in 1951. Between 1952-57, while working for John McIntyre, Consulting Engineer, he built
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roads, sewerage plants, bridges and water supply facilities all over north western Queensland (from Charters Towers to Camooweal and Boulia north to Burketown) and then similar facilities in south-east Queensland (19581988). From 1958 until 1964 Derek worked for John Wilson and Partners from Caboolture to Noosa, where he was involved in investigation, design and supervision of construction of water supply, bridge and road works. Over this period he was Acting Shire Engineer for Noosa Shire Council for six months.
work. He resigned and bought a partnership in John Wilson and Partners (1988-1996) where he designed and supervised road, bridge and water supply works, including the design of the pipeline from Stradbroke Island to the mainland, which remains the key water supply for Redland City. This level of professional activity and the building of crucial infrastructure for Queensland may have kept some fully occupied, but Derek has always also offered a high level of community and vocational service.
In 1964 Derek was appointed the first Shire Engineer for Caboolture Shire Council. In this role he guided population growth from 5,000 to 150,000 people. This required major water supply, sewerage and road works. For the first eight years he wore the hats of Shire Engineer, Town Planner, and Building Surveyor. By 1988 Derek had become more involved in administration and missed his engineering design
His community service activities have improved sporting and cultural facilities wherever he has perceived a need. Derek has been instrumental in visualising, designing and fundraising for new facilities with a particular focus on sport and cultural activities, including the Caboolture Sports Centre, amenities building for Burpengary Riding for the Disabled, Caboolture Bowls Club,
ENGINEERING FOR PUBLIC WORKS | JUNE 2020