OBITUARY

Else Shepherd died on 20/02/2023.

Else Sheppard was elected as a Fellow of the Academy in 2000 for her contributions to industry-focused engineering research and development. She was a member of ATSE’s Membership Committee and Queensland Division.

In the same year, she was named the Queensland Professional Engineer of the Year by the Institution of Engineers Australia — although she could not attend their meetings at the time as they were held in the local men’s club. She was a trailblazer and a lifelong advocate of making space for women in STEM. She was appointed Chairman of Powerlink Queensland in 1994 with excellent leadership and oversaw the employment of many new technologies.

Else Sheppard contributed to breaking through barriers to women’s professional acceptance and pursued a career in engineering after being inspired by the launch of Sputnik in 1957.

She was a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), the Executive Director of Mosaic Information Technology Pty Ltd and Microwave and Materials Designs Pty Ltd. She contributed significantly to technical education, teaching at TAFE and several universities and working on university boards.

In 2020, one of the cross-river rail’s twin tunnel-boring machines was named after Shepherd.

Else Sheppard was also named one of the 2022 Queensland greats for her contributions to the state, especially through the development of community music opportunities.

Else Sheppard was a valued member of the Academy, a pioneer in diversifying the engineering sector and an inquisitive soul. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

Else Sheppard passed away peacefully on 20th February 2023, aged 79 years, surrounded by family.

Else Shepherd has specialised professional expertise in electrical engineering and management. She manages her own R&D company and has spent her working life in industry-focused engineering research and the development of new technologies in response to customer needs.
As Chairman since the formation of Powerlink Queensland, a Government Owned Corporation, she has demonstrated her leadership skills, overseeing dramatic improvements in the organisational culture, operating costs, and employment of new technologies.
Else Shepherd is an Honorary Fellow of the LE.Aust and a Fellow of the A.I.C.D. She has made a significant contribution to technical education, teaching at T.A.F.E. and several universities and working on university advisory boards.