Vice Chancellor Professor Barney Glover launches the Centre for Smart Modern Construction (c4SMC) at Western Sydney
The 25th anniversary of Construction Management at Western Sydney University was a big night. Not only were the contributions of so many dedicated staff and over 1400 graduates recognised, Professor Glover pointed to the future of construction in Western Sydney, which he forecast to be Australia's construction hot-spot for the next 25-years. Professor Glover said " the Centre for Smart Modern Construction was a demonstration of the University's commitment to preparing future ready constructors. This is an important initiative that will bring the industry, clients, government and academia together to invest in matching the needs of modern construction with the many facets Western Sydney University brings to the table." Dean Simeon Simoff, outlined how collaboration across computing, engineering, design, business and law were all important to the transformations in construction which were driven by the digitisation, industrialisation and globalisation of the construction industry which was now waking to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
See what the c4SMC initiative in Construction Management at Western Sydney University is about. c4SMC https://youtu.be/96Y3BR86mTQ
I would like to acknowledge the first of the c4SMC contributors who have helped get the momentum for this important industry investment in tomorrows construction talent moving. There are many exciting initiatives now possible as a result. I will be reporting on these as they unfold. For those who intend to supply services, technology and construct in the Western Sydney economy in the coming years, c4SMC will be a vital network. Western Sydney will be Australia's construction hot-spot for the next 25-years.
There will be interviews with each of the investors as they join in. These will share with the industry a bit about each of these companies, examples of projects they have undertaken, the sorts of graduates they will be looking for in the future, why they have invested in the c4SMC and why the Western Sydney economy needs these capabilities. This will be a great collaboration between industry and academia. I urge you to get on board with c4SMC. A modest investment from many will achieve outcomes that would not have been possible from any organisation big or small alone. Please contact me to arrange a meeting to discuss this unique industry engagement initiative. My contact Mobile is +61 418676 and Email; [email protected]
There were many well known industry identities along to share the evening. Amongst the guests were AIB's President Paul Heather, Robert Whittaker, Gabriele Wallace Director of the Building Professional's Board, AM, Nick Luzar GM for NSW at Hansen & Yuncken, Phil DeGail Executive Chairman of Prime Construction group, Paul Michael Chairman of Weathertex, Tim Strong from Strongbuild, Josh Horan Director at Qanstruct and Andrew Fowler past graduate of the CM program and founder of Austruss. Others included post graduates Andrew Steventon principal of Solutions Consulting and Ben Dirks from FDC. There were many staff legends including Dr Mary Hardie, Phil Love and Swapan Saha. Some of our up and coming staff including Brendan Kirkland was on hand to share his excitement for what lays ahead. New Deputy Dean Kerry London and Srinath Perera Chair of CM and Director of c4SMC contributed to a memorable evening and a big future for Construction Management.We will be running articles on our team to share their stories, there are to many to list here.
We have started the development of an Industry Benefits and Engagement Plan that will be actively managed going forward. This will be a central feature of how c4SMC funds will be deployed and the results of these investments evaluated. We will be conducting regular industry forums to share the many insights that will help inform the industry, clients, government and academia about how they can embrace Modern Construction.