Would you like to spend 5 days on a mountaineering trip in the Wanaka area in New Zealand? The UEC has opened applications for this year's Barry Armour Award, which involves exactly that. The award goes to a final/penultimate year student enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics that actively participates in all aspects of university life. The successful applicant must be fit, enthusiastic and have a passion for nature and the outdoors. They must have a strong history of contributions to University and Faculty events. If you think that you fit the description, please apply to the UEC by September 22nd, 2008. An application form is attached.

History of the Award

The late Mr. Barry Armour, who died under tragic circumstances in 1997, had bequeathed part of his estate to the University Engineers’ Club (UEC). In his will he outlined how the UEC shall use said funds to sponsor an annual grant for one (1) UWA Engineering student to undergo a mountaineering course in New Zealand, under the supervision of a Mountain Recreation Mountain Guide. The director of Mountain Recreation Inc. is Mr. Geoff Wayatt, husband of Beryl, Mr. Armour’s close friend.

The Wanaka region, in which Mr. Wayatt’s Mountain Recreation Inc. is based, always held dear to Mr. Armour - his final testament reads:

"Send my remains to Geoff Wayatt... and ask him please to place it down a crevasse on the Quarterdeck glacier in order that I may rest in peace in magnificent surroundings."

A fund has been established to support the Barry Armour Memorial Award, thanks to donations from the following:

• The South West Forests Defence Foundation Inc.
• The University of Western Australia
• The Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at UWA
• The University Engineers’ Club Inc.
• The Engineering Graduates Association

Purpose of the Award

The object of the award is to encourage the recipient, through participation in an adventure activity, to appreciate the natural wonders and unsurpassed grandeur of scenery of the South Island of New Zealand and, in facing challenging situations, to develop their strength of character and leadership qualities.

Regulations

The award is made in accordance with the following regulations:

1. To be eligible of the award an applicant must:
   • be enrolled in an Engineering course offered by the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics;
   • have completed at least 96 points but not more than 144 points towards the Engineering course;
   • have achieved 60% or better course-weighted average; and
   • be sufficiently physically fit to accomplish the chosen adventure activity.
2. The recipient must:
   • have made and continue to make a significant contribution to University and Faculty life through involvement with, and participation in, social, sporting and other extra-curricular activities;
   • demonstrate an interest and involvement in, physical activity and the outdoors.
3. Activities for which awards may be made are limited to New Zealand Alpine Club approved courses or other struct ured activities with an emphasis on self-reliant travel in the mountains or wilderness areas.
4. The amount of the award is AU$3050 and the recipient must provide additional funds sufficient to cover the difference between the value of the award and the costs of travel, any additional equipment hire and a ny additional course costs.
5. The Selection Committee for the award comprises the University Engineers’ Club Executive Committee and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.
6. The award is administered through the Board of Examiners in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.
7. If in the opinion of the selection committee there are no applicants of sufficient merit, the award will not be made.

Application Procedure

1. Students are asked to complete the attached application form and mail it to the UEC. Alternatively, the completed form can be handed to the ECM faculty office (2nd floor in the EE building). Applications must be recieved by 5:00pm, Monday the 22nd of September, 2008.
2. The successful applicant will have 18 months in which to use the holiday after which time the award will be forfeited.