Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) 1st class Honours, 1985; Graduate Certificate Environmental Engineering Management, 2001
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Award
Growing up on a dairy farm on the NSW south coast, Warren Sharpe knew he wanted to be an architect or an engineer. He got a cadetship at Sydney Water Board when he was 18 years old, moved to the city and started a part-time Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) at UTS. Working during the day and mostly attending classes at night, Warren enjoyed learning on the job and in the classroom. It was a solid foundation to a remarkable career.
After graduating university, Warren landed a job with Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) as a Junior Works Engineer. By the time he retired 38 years later, he was the Director of Infrastructure Services and was responsible for all council infrastructure including community spaces, sewer and water services, emergency management, stormwater and flood management, and transport.
The council provided the variety and career progression Warren was looking for, but being able to shape the community for the better is what kept him there. Warren’s commitment to growing engineering expertise in the local government workforce has seen him heavily involved in innovative programs for cadets and trainees, in both professional and operational areas. He is known as a committed, passionate, humble and visionary professional, a dedicated mentor, and an advocate for the community.
Warren is also passionate about disaster resilience in public infrastructure and held the role of As Eurobodalla’s Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO) for 16 years. He guided the Shire through the devastation and recovery from the extreme fires of 2019/20 working around the clock over a 100-day period.
Warren’s work has been recognised nationally, receiving the Order of Australia Medal in May 2014 for services to engineering and to the community. He was also named NSW and National Public Works Leader of the Year 2011.
Warren is the Immediate Past President and Emeritus of the Institute of Public Works & Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) NSW & ACT. Following his retirement from ESC he has continued consulting to government on models for improving regional roads, bridges and infrastructure. His expertise, commitment and genuine care is as impactful as it is inspiring.
In a regional space, the full gamut of infrastructure that supports the community is vital. You are helping to shape the community for the better.