By Julius Lumsden, member of ATSym
Our recent ATSym event, Unlocking Underground Opportunities: The World of Tunnelling, was a great success, attracting around 60 attendees from a wide range of backgrounds. The audience included students, young professionals, lecturers, and experienced industry experts, creating an environment rich with curiosity and learning.
The event had a lively atmosphere throughout, especially during the Q&A session, where the audience took the lead, posing thoughtful questions to the panel. The speakers, representing different aspects of tunnelling (from consultants to contractors and I&M sub-contractors), shared valuable insights and real-world experiences, giving attendees a comprehensive look at the opportunities and challenges in the field.
One of the standout moments was the high level of participation from students and young professionals. Their engagement was a clear sign of how much interest there is in tunnelling among the next generation. It was particularly rewarding to see them asking questions, taking notes, and making the most of the chance to learn from experts who are currently shaping the industry. The event provided them with a rare opportunity to connect directly with professionals, hear about real projects, and explore future career paths in tunnelling.
After the formal presentations ended, many attendees stayed back for an extended networking session, where conversations continued for over an hour. This level of engagement speaks to the lasting impact of the event. Many of the students shared how insightful and motivating they found the discussions, and they left looking forward to the next ATSym event.
Huge thanks to the event sponsors: AECOM, Aurecon, and Geomotion Australia, we can’t run events like this without you!
