UPDATE: In a remarkable achievement, a trio of regional students has just been awarded the prestigious 2025 Industry Reviewer Award from Engineers Without Borders. This accolade comes as they topped a field of 2,000 student teams, chosen from 10,000 first-year engineering students across Australia, New Zealand, and international campuses.
The award-winning team consists of Dane Torresan, Mal Kul, and Ross Aloniu, all current students at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst. Their innovative project, titled “Sustainable flood mitigation solution for vulnerable and culturally sensitive areas on Saibai Island,” addresses critical flooding challenges faced by the island’s residents.
Just announced, the challenge required participants to design sustainable engineering solutions that cater to environmental, cultural, and social needs. The team’s solution involved creating a temporary flood mitigation system using bamboo, rope, and tarp to combat flooding on Saibai Island, Australia’s northernmost island, which is only one metre above sea level.
“We focused on using sustainable materials that they would have readily available on their remote island,” said Torresan.
This urgent solution is especially crucial, as the island is at severe risk of flooding. The recognition from industry professionals underscores the real-world impact of their work. Following this success, local council members from Saibai are now considering implementing the design to actively mitigate flooding.
Torresan expressed his excitement, saying, “It has given me the affirmation that this is what I want to do.” He emphasized that this opportunity has not only validated his decision to return to university but also ignited his motivation to complete his engineering degree.
Dr. Miao Li, the course director and mentor for the team, remarked that this win is tangible proof of the quality of the engineering program at Charles Sturt University. “I think that it says something about the quality of our teaching, and the quality of the program that we won,” he stated. The course, which began in 2016, aimed to address the regional shortage of skilled engineers.
With the win coinciding with the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the program in 2026, the university is set to celebrate the achievements of its students and the expansion of its engineering offerings, including new mechanical and electrical courses.
As Torresan and his team look to the future, they remain focused on their goal of becoming civil engineers and making a lasting impact on infrastructure development, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Expect more updates as the implementation of their award-winning design progresses, potentially transforming the lives of many on Saibai Island.
