Business Details
Human-Centred Engineering for Lasting Change
Engineers Without Borders Australia is a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to creating sustainable, equitable change through human-centred engineering. Founded on principles of partnership and collaboration, we have spent nearly two decades developing skills, knowledge and appropriate engineering solutions that empower communities. Our approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of local needs, delivering real-world impact across education, clean energy, water sanitation and inclusive design. With operations in Australia, Cambodia, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu, we work alongside communities to co-design solutions that address systemic challenges. Our team of experienced engineers, educators and development professionals brings decades of technical and humanitarian expertise to every project.We maintain rigorous ethical standards through our Constitution, policies and accreditations including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications. Our 2020-2030 strategy focuses on harnessing engineering potential to create equitable outcomes for both people and planet. Through our education programs, we are redefining engineering pathways from primary to PhD levels while developing a future-fit workforce through immersive learning experiences. Our community projects demonstrate a commitment to meaningful, sustainable change through local partnerships. We maintain transparency through our governance framework and welcome support through volunteering, donations or professional collaboration.
Services
Community Projects
Clean Energy Solutions
Inclusive Design
Water Sanitation
Education Programs
Highlights and features
- We employ a human-centred engineering approach proven over 20 years of impactful projects
- Our ISO-certified quality and environmental management systems ensure project excellence
- We maintain permanent field operations in four countries with deep local partnerships
- Our team combines technical engineering expertise with community development experience
- We focus on sustainable solutions co-designed with the communities we serve
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- ISO 45001
Services
Community Projects
We facilitate meaningful, sustainable change through community-led engineering projects. Our approach combines technical expertise with local knowledge to create solutions that address specific needs in water, sanitation, energy and infrastructure. Projects are co-designed with communities to ensure cultural appropriateness and long-term sustainability, with ongoing monitoring to measure impact and effectiveness.
Clean Energy Solutions
Our clean energy initiatives develop appropriate technology solutions for off-grid communities. We specialise in solar power systems and energy-efficient designs that improve quality of life while reducing environmental impact. Projects include solar-powered coffee processing in Timor-Leste and renewable energy solutions for remote Australian communities, always incorporating local capacity building.
Inclusive Design
We apply human-centred design principles to create accessible engineering solutions. This approach ensures our projects consider diverse needs, particularly for marginalised groups including people with disabilities. Our inclusive design process involves extensive community consultation, prototyping and iterative testing to create solutions that truly meet user requirements.
Water Sanitation
Our Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs develop sustainable infrastructure solutions for underserved communities. We implement climate-resilient systems that improve public health outcomes while considering local environmental conditions. Projects include water supply systems, sanitation facilities and hygiene education programs tailored to community contexts.
Education Programs
We deliver real-world education programs that transform engineering pathways. Our initiatives include school outreach, university partnerships and professional development programs that promote humanitarian engineering principles. These programs develop future engineers with the skills to create equitable solutions through hands-on learning experiences and industry collaboration.
People
Russell Shewan
Chief Executive Officer
Accomplished executive with 29 years engineering and leadership experience across multiple sectors. Holds Masters of Engineering and Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors. Focuses on strategic thinking and sustainable community outcomes.
Dr Alexandra Gartrell
Senior Manager - Learning Programs
International development expert with 20+ years experience in disability inclusion and community development. Academic background combined with field experience in policy and program implementation across diverse cultural contexts.
Mihir Joshi
Senior Manager - First Nations Australia Program
Disaster risk reduction specialist with 20+ years experience. Holds postgraduate engineering qualifications and extensive experience in climate resilience and humanitarian networks across Asia and Australia.
Ratha Kong
Country Manager - Cambodia
Climate resilient WASH sector professional with 10+ years experience. Combines engineering expertise with management qualifications. Implements innovative water and sanitation solutions across multiple countries.
Felisbela Guterres Pires
Country Manager - Timor-Leste
Environmental scientist with Masters in Environmental Management. Extensive experience in integrated management systems and project implementation. Holds multiple ISO certification accreditations.
Questions
What is Engineers Without Borders Australia's primary mission?
We create sustainable engineering solutions through community partnerships to address global challenges in water, energy and education across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
How does EWB Australia approach engineering projects?
We use human-centred engineering that combines technical expertise with community input to develop culturally appropriate, sustainable solutions tailored to local needs and conditions.
Can I volunteer with EWB Australia?
Yes, we welcome volunteers with engineering, education and development skills. Opportunities exist locally and internationally, matching your expertise with our project needs.
What education programs does EWB offer?
We deliver STEM education programs from primary to PhD levels, including school outreach, university partnerships and professional development focused on humanitarian engineering principles.
How can I support EWB Australia's work?
Support through donations, workplace giving, or corporate partnerships helps fund our community projects. We also accept in-kind contributions and professional volunteering.
Where does EWB Australia operate?
We work in Australia, Cambodia, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu, with permanent field operations and local partnerships in each country to ensure effective project implementation.
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Reviews (2)
Victor Macko
Jun 06, 2016
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Awesome place to drop into for co-working for the day (or more!) .. See 'The Dream Factory' for more info.
Simon Curran
Jan 04, 2016
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Volunteering here allows myself to come into contact with the nicest people you can find. Selfless, organized and always moving forward. Their views on society are world class and I see it as an honour to offer my help to them.
