Who Is Don Fry?

Don-225Fifty years with NQEA, a diverse engineering and shipbuilding company established in 1948 in Cairns, by Don’s Father, Richard (Dick) George Fry CBE, Don’s Father.

As a Fitter and Turner, then Engineer, Don took over management of the company in the late 1960’s, and gradually increased his stake-holding until full ownership was obtained in the late 1980’s.

In 2005, the company changed its name to AIMTEK and sold the majority of its land, building and slipway assets – yet continued to operate substantial engineering, maritime design and maritime in service support activities.

During the late 2000’s, Don’s youngest son Mark, acquired the engineering and marine business activities and has traded as NQEA since that time.

Projects of interest with NQEA

COMMUNITY SERVICE

List organizations:

  • Salvation Army: 40 years’ service. Chairman of the Red Shield Appeal and Red Shield Advisory Board for first 10 years and again Chairman from 2005
  • Jaycees: 20 years’ service. JCI Senator No. 15952
  • Far Nth. Qld. Electricity Board: Government appointment Board member – 13 years
  • Qld. Industry Development Corporation: Board member – 2 years
  • Qld. Science & Technology: Board member – 4 years
  • Queensland Marine Board: Chairman – 2 years
  • Commonwealth Advisory Committee on Homeless: National Committee advising the Federal Government on Homelessness (Chairman 1999-2004)
  • James Cook University: Chairman, School of Engineering Advisory Board
    Patron – Cyclone Testing Station

EDUCATION

  • Cairns State Schools: Primary and Secondary
  • Apprentice Fitter & Turner: NQEA (Photo of Don with lathe)
  • Diploma in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (Correspondence student of Queensland Technical College and Queensland University – 5 year course)

SPECIFIC COURSES

  • Structural Engineering: BIET UK Correspondence
  • Basic Aeronautical Engineering: College of Civil Aviation
  • Nuclear Engineering: Prof. Manfred Shaw, University of Queensland
  • Nuclear Science: Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights
  • Computers in Engineering: James Cook University
  • Seakeeping Analysis and Modelling Ships: DNV, OSLOSSPA (Chalmers University, Göteberg, Sweden)
  • Medical Terminology: Medical Register of Australia (2010)

AFFILIATIONS

  • Hon. FIE Aust., CP Eng. NER (Engineers Australia)
  • FSTE (Fellow – Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering
  • FRINA (Fellow – Royal Institution of Naval Architects)
  • CMarEng, F Mar. Est. (Fellow – Institute of Marine Eng., Science & Technology)
  • Registered Professional Engineer Qld. – Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering & Naval Architecture
  • Hon. Doctor of Engineering (James Cook University)
  • Adjunct Professor – School of Mech. Engineering (University of Queensland)

LICENCES

  • Queensland Registered Builder – Domestic & Commercial. No. 5834
  • Victorian Registered Builder – Commercial (CB-U 37123) and Domestic (DB-U 37122)
  • Accredited Marine Surveyor – National Maritime Safety Authority No. 127712
  • Restricted Master Class 4 No. AO12389

AWARDS

Engineering:

  • President’s Medal 1978 (Aust. Society of Sugar Cane Technologists)
  • Dept. of Defence Quality & Achievement Award 1983 (Inaugural recipient)
  • Jack Finlay Medal 1987 (Institution of Production Engineers – National Award)
  • Engineer of the Year 1989 (Engineers Aust. – Qld. Division)
  • AGM Michell Prize 1997 (Engineers Australia Mechanical – National Award)
  • Peter Nicol Russell Medal 1999 (Engineers Australia’s Highest National Award)
  • RWH Hawken Award 2001 (Engineers Australia – Qld. Division)
  • Hall of Fame [Inaugural Inductee] 2003 (Engineers Aust. – Qld. Division)
  • Distinguished Constructor Award – Hall of Fame Inductee 2004 (QUT)
  • Innovation Hero Award 2006 (Warren Centre, Sydney University)
  • Eric Brier Memorial Award 2008 (In recognition of contribution to advancing the public status of the Profession of Engineering, particularly in the field of sustainable development) (Engineers Aust. – Qld. Division)

Civilian:

  • JCI Senator No. 15052 (1972)
  • Citizen of the Year for Cairns (1998)
  • Paul Harris Rotary Fellowship (1998)
  • Order of Australia [for services to Engineering particularly marine engineering and the community] (1998)

Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service Award [Salvation Army] (2012)

MUSICAL INTERESTS

  • Cornet and Flugal Horn: Cairns Brass Bands
  • French Horn: Cairns Choral Society & Civic Orchestra
  • Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Subscriber/Patron
  • Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Subscriber/Patron
  • Cairns Choral Society: Patron since (WILL ADVISE)