AIDN-VIC Young Achiever Awards for 2007 – Simon Hack Bayswater QA Manager

5 December 2007

AIDN-Vic presented its third AIDN-Vic Young Achiever Award . The finalists were Donovan Ang, of Tenix Marine and Simon Hack, Rosebank Engineering. The winner of the 2007 AIDN-Vic Young Achiever Award was Donovan Ang. Simon Hack was nominated in his leading edge work in development of Supersonic Particle Deposition (SPD) a radical new coating used in the reclamation of material surfaces and/or corrosion treatment and robotic systems for deburring of flight critical components and future Inspection systems. The awards were presented by Ian Honnery, CEO, Aerospace Maritime & Defence Foundation of Australia. The Award is designed to acknowledge and encourage talented young people who are the key to the future and will one day lead the defence industry.

Managing Director Gordon Kennett praised Simon for his efforts and his drive to improve lean systems at Rosebank Engineering using latest technologies in robotic systems.  It is a great credit to Simon that he is developing these innovative systems on his own initiate and providing clear financial and efficiency gains so early in these programs.

Chief Engineer Neil Matthews also praised Simon for his work in SPD.  “Simon has been a great aide to me in this exciting new coatings development.  There is significant opportunities in this field and we are progressing with the Department of Defence in Australia to have it certified for ADF use on a range of platforms and systems.  Simon has been at the forefront in these developments”. 

General Manager Craig Butler stated that “It is particularly pleasing to see young and enthusiastic engineers like Simon and Donovan playing a very innovative role in their respective companies and their contributions are well noted.  Through Simon’s initiatives, we are already seeing significant operational improvements and we are now entering into a new phase of developments as we continue to grow our Joint Strike Fighter and other new manufacturing and sustainment markets".

The Management and Staff of Rosebank Engineering also wish to congratulate Donovan Ang, of Tenix Marine a very worthwhile winner for his great contributions to Tenix Marine and Australian Industry Capability.

We also like to thank AIDN Victoria for their work in promoting the youth of our industry and their continuing work to promote local defence industry capability both locally and globally.

(left to right) Young Achiever Award Finalists: Simon Hack, Rosebank Engineering, Donovan Ang (Winner) Tenix Marine and Ian Honnery, Aerospace Maritime & Defence Foundation of Australia.