With IET President Andy Hopper briefly in Melbourne to deliver A Perspective On Innovation, it was the perfect opportunity for him to present the 2013 Sir Lionel Hooke Award to this year's winner, Reuben Medding.  The Sir Lionel Hooke Award is presented in honour of one of Australia’s great electronics and telecommunications engineers, and is one of the highest honours that the IET in Australia bestows.



The award considers eminence and distinction in the fields of electrical, electronic, communication, computer systems engineering, or in related fields that may develop in the future.  It also takes into account services to the community, and assistance to educational and public institutions.

Reuben Medding was nominated for the Sir Lionel Hooke Award by his peers for his outstanding contribution to the Engineering profession throughout his 60 year (and still ongoing!) career.  Reuben is also the Vice Chairperson of the IET Victoria Local Network.



Sir Lionel Alfred George Hooke (1895-1974) , long associated with AWA and its Chairman from 1961-1974, was a true pioneer of radio in Australia.  He organised the first demonstration of broadcasting in Australia in 1920 when a programme was transmitted 20 km from his home in Brighton, Victoria to Federal Parliament, then sitting in Melbourne.

Sir Lionel Hooke was also a long term force for engineering education and the value of associated industrial experience.