Snowy Hydro is excited to announce the winning names for two of our Snowy 2.0 tunnel boring
machines (TBMs) – Kirsten and Florence.
Students in the Snowy Mountains were invited to nominate groundbreaking Australian women in the
fields of science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) for the Snowy 2.0 TBM Naming
Competition. Almost 3,000 people voted on a shortlist of six influential women, with astrophysicist
Kirsten Banks and electrical engineer Florence Violet McKenzie receiving majority votes.
We congratulate the two students who nominated these influential women: Kobe Burnes (Brungle)
choosing Kirsten Banks and Riley Douch (Berridale) selecting Florence Violet McKenzie.
Our student competition winners will receive prizes including a visit to the Snowy 2.0 construction
site to see their named TBM before it goes underground and a VIP experience for their class at the
Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma.
The three Snowy 2.0 TBMs now all have names, with the first already titled the Lady Eileen Hudson,
in honour of the original Snowy Scheme ambassador and wife of inaugural Commissioner, Sir
William Hudson.
Tunnel boring machines are always named after women, a tradition stemming from the 1600s when
miners working underground prayed to Saint Barbara for protection.
Snowy Hydro, with its commitment to inspiring students to become the next generation of
innovators, asked local children in school stages 3-6 (years 5-12) to highlight the achievements of
inspiring Australian STEM women as part of the Snowy 2.0 TBM Naming Competition. More than 70
nominations were received from 15 schools throughout the Snowy Mountains region.
Kirsten Banks is an astrophysicist, science communicator and proud Wiradjuri woman. She loves to
share her passion for the stars and is well-known for her short and entertaining TikTok videos about
space and astronomy. Currently she is doing a PhD in the field of galactic archaeology, studying the
stars of the Milky Way to uncover secrets of its formation and evolution.
Florence Violet McKenzie (1890 – 1982), Australia’s first female electrical engineer, is best known for
her contribution to women’s technical education and for creating the Women’s Emergency Signalling
Corps during World War II. She taught women telegraphy so they could replace men in this civilian
occupation, however, she also trained more than 12,000 servicemen in morse code.
Find out more by visiting https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/tbm-naming-competition
Author: James Hanna
Local community members, including business owners, are invited to find out more about Snowy 2.0 project progress and opportunities at an information session being held at the Cooma Car Club on Thursday 3 June, starting at 5.30pm.
Snowy Hydro and Snowy 2.0 principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture, with the support of the Cooma Chamber of Commerce, are hosting the event to provide updates about the project, particularly in relation to jobs and local business involvement.
Hear from the Snowy 2.0 project team about:
- Local procurement and the pre-qualification process for suppliers;
- Job opportunities for locals;
- Current construction activities and news
- Traffic management updates.
Snowy Hydro CEO Paul Broad said Snowy 2.0 was playing a significant role as the Snowy Mountains region bounced back from the lows of bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic.
“There are more than 150 local businesses across the region already involved with Snowy 2.0 and together with Future Generation, we are working hard to provide even more supplier opportunities.
“I’m sure people have questions to ask so I would encourage everyone to come along to the information session to hear the latest news about Snowy 2.0 and learn more about business, training and work opportunities,” Mr Broad said.
There will be formal presentations and Q&As at the Cooma event, plus the chance to speak one-on-one with project team members while enjoying light refreshments.
Snowy 2.0 Business and Community Information Session
Date and time: Thursday 3 June, 5.30pm (for a 6pm start) – 7.30pm
Where: Cooma Car Club, 11 Bolaro St, Cooma
No RSVP required.
Thinking about applying for an apprenticeship or traineeship at Snowy Hydro? Come along to a community drop-in session at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma on Saturday 8 May for more information!
Year 12 students considering a traineeship, their families and prospective apprentices of all ages can ask questions to find out more about the Snowy Hydro 2022 Trainee and Apprentice program in one convenient spot.
The session, which runs from 9am to 11am, complements the school presentations conducted throughout the Snowy Mountains region and provides additional opportunities for the community to learn more about Snowy Hydro’s annual apprentice and trainee intake.
Applications for a 2022 Snowy Hydro traineeship or apprenticeship are open now. Visit https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/entry-level-programs/ and apply by Friday 28 May 2021.
Snowy Hydro Managing Director and CEO Paul Broad, said a Snowy Hydro apprenticeship or traineeship combined paid, on-the-job experience with vocational education and training.
“We’ve been running school-leaver programs for 31 years and we’re going to keep investing in locals and the future workforce because it’s a win-win for all,” Mr Broad said.
“We’re equipping the region’s next generation with job-ready skills and qualifications, and Snowy Hydro benefits by developing a pipeline of highly-trained staff, which is critical to ensure we have a skilled workforce in the future.”
Snowy Hydro traineeships and apprenticeships can lead to longer-term roles with the business, as well as further training, university, or jobs with other employers.
Information technology trainee Maria Tarasyuk completed her two-year Certificate III early, and has taken up a new year-long contract while she completes a software engineering degree at university. “I feel like I’m learning twice as much because I learn in both environments and I can apply it in real life at Snowy Hydro,” Maria said.
Apprenticeships
This program provides a four-year apprenticeship with Snowy Hydro while completing either a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining), or Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician Electrical Trade through Wagga Wagga TAFE.
During the apprenticeship there is on-the-job training and mentoring by experienced tradespeople in an exciting and unique work environment.
To ensure apprentices develop a wide range of skills, they rotate through the Snowy Scheme’s operating and maintenance centres in Jindabyne, Khancoban, Cabramurra and Talbingo.
Traineeships
Traineeships are available to students who are in year 12 this year, in a range of business areas, including information technology, energy generation and asset management, communications, human resources, finance, community relations, Snowy 2.0 and procurement.
During the year-long program, trainees complete a Certificate III and IV in Business Administration or Certificate III in Information Technology through Cooma TAFE, paired with on-the-job training and mentoring by experts. The trainee intake also feeds into our cadetship program, in which Snowy Hydro sponsors cadets to study a relevant STEM degree at the University of Wollongong.
Calling all year 5-12 school students in the Snowy Mountains!
Before Snowy Hydro’s newest tunnel boring machines (TBMs) start digging the Snowy 2.0 tunnels, they need to have names – and we want school students in the Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Snowy Valleys Council areas, and the Corryong township, to come up with their best STEM-related suggestions as part of our TBM Naming Competition.
There are two TBMs to be named, with the first Snowy 2.0 TBM already titled the Lady Eileen Hudson, in honour of original Snowy Scheme ambassador and the wife of inaugural Commissioner, Sir William Hudson.
TBMs are always given female names, a tradition stemming from the 1600s when miners working underground prayed to Saint Barbara for protection.
To be a part of the Snowy 2.0 TBM Naming Competition, students should nominate a ground-breaking or inspiring Australian woman in STEM and explain their choice in 200 words or less. The students whose shortlisted names gain the most public votes are the winners.
Snowy Hydro managing director and CEO Paul Broad said the competition was a fun way to spark children’s interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
“We see our local kids as the future – the next generation of engineers, scientists and innovators at Snowy Hydro,” Mr Broad said.
“Snowy 2.0 is a nationally-important infrastructure and engineering project right here in the Snowy Mountains, so the chance to name one of our massive, 11-metre tunnel boring machines is an exciting opportunity. I encourage local students to get involved in the competition.”
To enter the Snowy 2.0 TBM Naming Competition, local students in years 5-12 should:
- Complete the entry form on the Snowy Hydro website by 11.59pm Sunday 23 May 2021.
- Nominate a TBM name inspired by a ground-breaking Australian woman in STEM and the reason for your choice (up to 200 words) on the competition webpage.
- Provide your parent or guardian’s name, email and street address and phone number so you can be contacted if your nomination is shortlisted for the community online vote.
Snowy Hydro will choose a shortlist from the names suggested by students for a public, online vote in June – keep an eye on Snowy Hydro’s social media channels and the Snowy Hydro website for details.
The two most popular names, as voted by the public, will be used to identify the Snowy 2.0 TBMs and the students who nominated them will receive a visit to the Snowy 2.0 construction site to see a TBM before it goes underground, plus a VIP experience at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma.
The Snowy 2.0 project is a nationally-significant renewable energy project that will provide 2,000 megawatts of on-demand energy and large-scale storage, underpinning Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Together, the three Snowy 2.0 tunnel boring machines will excavate 27km of tunnels linking Tantangara and Talbingo dams, with a pumped-hydro power station to be built 800 metres below ground.
To enter, and for competition T&Cs, visit the competition page at snowyhydro.com.au
Snowy Hydro today celebrated a major milestone, with commissioning underway for the first tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Snowy 2.0 project.
The ‘Lady Eileen Hudson’ TBM will soon commence tunnelling for Australia’s largest renewable energy project, the 2,000 megawatt pumped-hydro expansion of the mighty Snowy Scheme.
Named after an important Snowy Scheme ambassador and the wife of inaugural Scheme Commissioner Sir William Hudson, the Lady Eileen Hudson TBM is set to excavate the 2.6km main access tunnel and provide access to the site of the underground power station cavern.
Snowy Hydro CEO Paul Broad joined Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor and representatives from principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture at the Lobs Hole construction site to inspect the TBM.
Mr Broad said Snowy 2.0 construction had been progressing at a rapid rate.
“The commissioning of the Lady Eileen Hudson TBM is an important milestone for the project and it’s great to see the cutterhead rotate. Tunnelling operations will soon be underway around-the-clock at Lobs Hole, building about 40km of tunnels needed for the project,” Mr Broad said.
“We’ve already got 1,000 people working on Snowy 2,0, including locals from the Snowy Mountains and surrounding areas.
”Overall this project is delivering 4,000 direct jobs and thousands more in the supply chain.
“There are huge economic multiplier effects from our Snowy 2.0 investment, with almost a billion dollars already spent in Australia and more than $55m with 150 Snowy Mountains businesses.
“Snowy 2.0 is critical for the energy market and consumers, and will provide on-demand energy and large-scale storage to underpin Australia’s transition to renewables.”
The Lady Eileen Hudson TBM will excavate two tunnels. Firstly the main access tunnel, and then it will be relaunched underground to excavate the tailrace tunnel to the Talbingo Reservoir intake – for a total of 7.9km.
Snowy 2.0 project background: Snowy 2.0 will link two existing Snowy Scheme reservoirs, Tantangara and Talbingo, with 27km of waterway tunnels and a power station with six pump-turbines located about 800m underground. Water in the top storage will be released for energy generation at times of peak demand and pumped back at times when there is excess energy in the grid, so Snowy 2.0 is ready to meet demand when needed.
Work is about to start on a 500m section of channel between the Murrumbidgee / Eucumbene tunnel outlet and the Eucumbene river at Providence Portal, to improve safety and environmental outcomes downstream.
This section of channel is designed to sit below the Lake Eucumbene full supply level, but due to the current lake levels, it has been exposed, resulting in some unstable banks. As a short-term measure, the area has been fenced off.
Improvement works have been designed and funded to address the instability, according to Snowy Hydro area manager Kent Allen.
“The banks of the channel would benefit from ‘laying back’ and armouring with local rock material to address these concerns. This work is also expected to improve water quality outcomes downstream,” said Mr Allen.
The work is being carried out for Snowy Hydro by Leed Engineering and Construction and is due to commence in late March so it can be finished prior to winter.
“Snowy Hydro regrets any short-term impacts to people who use this small section of channel. This can be a busy time of the year for fishing and camping. However, the works are not expected to impact anyone who is fishing upstream of the Portal on the Eucumbene River or visiting the wider Eucumbene foreshore area,” said Mr Allen. “The long-term benefits of these improvement works will result in a much safer and improved foreshore experience for people visiting this area of Lake Eucumbene.”
The works are being carried out in close consultation with the local trout fishing advocacy group, the Monaro Acclimatisation Society. MAS spokesman Steve Samuels said the works should improve conditions downstream for trout breeding and fishing, which are an important economic driver for the region.
The work is expected to be completed by 30 April 2021.
Snowy Hydro is excited to officially launch its Australian curriculum-aligned online
education platform, the Next Generation Education Hub. This digital learning platform
aims to spark an interest in STEM-related (science, technology, engineering and maths)
subjects for young people.
Snowy Hydro has a proud history of supporting the next generation of innovators by
providing in-person programs to both local and visiting schools at the Discovery Centre
in Cooma. The Next Generation Education Hub allows us to take these learning
experiences online to be more accessible to students across the Snowy Mountains.
The Next Generation Education Hub has been developed to offer study material across
the STEM subjects, as well as history and geography. Learning modules cover elements
of engineering and power generation, the history of the Snowy Scheme, Snowy 2.0 – all
based on the past, present and future of the Snowy Scheme.
Snowy Hydro CEO Paul Broad said: “Snowy Hydro has a proud Australian history of
innovation and engineering excellence. We are delighted to provide an online education
platform to inspire the next generation of young Australian minds.
“The Next Generation Education Hub will bring the Snowy Scheme back into the
classroom,” he said.
The education hub provides easy-to-access teaching materials including downloadable
fact sheets, activity sheets and learning resources with lesson plans and additional
extension activities. It also features the Snowy 2.0 digital pop-book which brings the
Snowy 2.0 project to life for young minds.
The platform provides engaging, critical thinking opportunities with fun, practical
activities including making snow, building a turbine and creating precipitation.
The education programs at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre have been redesigned
for the 2021 school year. With three different packages available and optional extras
including ‘meet a real-life engineer’ and dam-building demonstrations, there is
something to suit all learning needs .
For more information on the tailored programs available to local schools contact
education@snowyhydro.com.au
Snowy Hydro is buzzing with fresh energy and new faces after welcoming the 2021 trainee intake.
As part of its commitment to providing employment opportunities, skills training and insight into STEM careers for local young people, Snowy Hydro annually offers 12-month, paid traineeships to school-leavers from the local area.
This year, 12 trainees have taken up positions in a range of business areas including information technology, energy generation and asset management, communications, human resources, finance, community relations, Snowy 2.0 and procurement. Ten are based in Cooma and two of the trainees are regionally based, with one in Khancoban and the other in Talbingo.
Snowy Hydro CEO Paul Broad said the highly-successful traineeship program was in its 30th year.
“Snowy has been giving local young people a start in their careers since 1991 – literally hundreds of trainees have gained on-the-job experience with us while combining business administration studies at TAFE.
“We’re very proud to support local people and our communities and also to offer opportunities that focus on training and development. This helps make sure our company has the people and skills that are needed now and into the future,” Mr Broad said.
Some of the new trainees are second and third generation Snowy employees. Talbingo-based trainee Aylah Rice’s grandfather was a diesel mechanic who helped build the Snowy Scheme. A 2020 trainee, Ian Grant, has just embarked on an electrical apprenticeship with Snowy Hydro based at Talbingo, while his father Martin is a Snowy Hydro Maintenance Manager at Jindabyne.
A number of the trainees are planning to go to university to study engineering. The Snowy Hydro traineeship provides participants with the opportunity to apply for a cadetship, in which the company sponsors students to study at the University of Wollongong.
“We see the traineeship program as a valuable pathway young people can take as they embark on their working lives and we encourage them to explore study opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM),” Mr Broad said.
“There are so many talented young people living in this region and we see them as our next generation of Snowy Hydro engineers, scientists, and information technology experts.”
Applications for 2022 Snowy Hydro traineeships will open in Term 2 – keep an eye on the Snowy Hydro website and social media channels for more information.
Snowy Hydro has launched a new digital pop-up book showcasing the Snowy 2.0 renewable energy project for a younger generation.
Bringing to life the engineering and purpose of Snowy 2.0 in a lively and interactive way, the pop-up book is designed to engage and inform young people.
It is an exciting online resource that will help spark community interest in the huge pumped-hydro project by explaining the journey from water to wire.
Paul Broad, CEO of Snowy Hydro, said the Snowy Mountains Scheme is an iconic part of Australia, however, not every child can visit the mountains so our challenge is to bring the experience to them.
“As Australia moves to a renewable energy future, it is important for young people to understand how energy is made. This digital pop-up book brings Snowy 2.0 to life for children. It is fun and interactive, as well as being educational.
“We are also looking to inspire the next generation of Snowy Hydro scientists, engineers, apprentices and trainees. Who knows? Maybe the pop-up book will kick start a young person’s passion for energy and science,” he said.
Kids and their parents can access the pop-up book on the Snowy Hydro website and enjoy the animations that explain how the Snowy Scheme works, where Snowy 2.0 fits into the energy mix and the scale of this important regional project.
The Snowy 2.0 digital pop-up book makes it easy to see the ‘big picture’ and how important Snowy 2.0 will be as we transition to a low-carbon emissions future.
The pop-up book takes users through the Snowy 2.0 project in a cascading series of tiles featuring animated characters and colourful graphics, clickable elements, videos and a project timeline.
The pop-up book is the first stage of Snowy’s online education website, the Next Generation Education Hub, which is set to launch later this year. The website will bring the power of water and renewable energy into classrooms and living rooms across the country.
People can also sign up for our Snowy Hydro e-newsletter and connect with us via social media.
To experience the Snowy 2.0 digital pop-up book visit popupbook.snowyhydro.com.au
Snowy 2.0 today achieved another significant milestone with the Federal Government’s approval for the project’s main works construction.
The Snowy 2.0 pumped-hydro project is a major expansion of the Snowy Scheme, linking two existing dams, Tantangara and Talbingo, through 27km of tunnels and building an underground power station.
The approval today allows construction to commence on the underground power station, waterways and access tunnels, and other supporting infrastructure.
It follows on from exploratory works, which got underway in 2019 and has included constructing site access roads, establishing a construction compound and excavating an exploratory tunnel.
“This approval marks the next stage in Snowy 2.0’s construction and brings our vision to become Australia’s biggest battery and storage for renewable energy one step closer,” Snowy Hydro’s CEO Paul Broad said.
“It’s full steam ahead for the Snowy 2.0 project that will pave the way for Australia’s energy transition.
“It also unlocks billions of dollars of investment that will create thousands of jobs over the life of the project and provide a much-needed boost to the local and regional economy, which has been hit by drought, bushfires and COVID-19.
“Snowy 2.0 is already playing a major part in kick-starting the local economy, with more than 100 local businesses involved and more than $35 million spent in the Snowy Mountains region.
“On completion of the project in 2026, it will provide 2,000 megawatts of new peaking power and firming capacity that will provide clean and reliable energy to millions of Australians.”
The Australian Government has given environmental approval for Snowy 2.0’s Main Works, which will create up to 4,000 jobs, drive significant infrastructure investment and underpin Australia’s renewable energy future.
The approvals include almost $100 million in offsets, which will be invested in conservation and recreational projects in Kosciuszko National Park that will benefit the local environment and park users.
Snowy Hydro’s CEO Paul Broad said the Federal Government’s approval on 30 June 2020 now finally cleared Snowy 2.0 to go ahead.
“This is the final approval for Main Works including the tunnelling after a comprehensive and robust assessment process,” Mr Broad said.
“This is a very exciting day for Snowy Hydro and marks a major achievement in our vision to become Australia’s biggest battery and storage for renewable energy.
“Snowy 2.0 will provide 2,000mw of new peaking power and firming capacity that will provide clean and reliable energy to millions of Australians.
“We’re now moving full steam ahead with this vitally important project for Australia’s future.
“Snowy 2.0 is already playing a major part in kick-starting the local economy, with more than 100 local businesses involved and $35 million spent in the Snowy Mountains region.
“To date, more than 500 people are working on the project as we progress the Exploratory Works that have been approved and underway for more than 12 months,” Mr Broad said.
There has been significant project activity at the Lobs Hole work site, with access roads and permanent bridges built, an initial construction camp established and excavations at the main access tunnel portal, in preparation for the first tunnel boring machine, which is expected to arrive in the coming months.
The Main Works will see construction continue to ramp up and will include an underground pumped-hydro power station, a range of tunnels, chambers and shafts, and roads, power and communications infrastructure.
“For a small permanent and mostly temporary construction footprint covering just 0.1% of the park, Snowy 2.0 will deliver 2,000MW of clean energy and large-scale energy storage to support many other wind and solar projects coming online,” Mr Broad said.
“We have been operating in Kosciuszko National Park for more than 70 years and we are committed to seeing it left in better shape for future generations.
“Snowy 2.0 will continue to be a major economic boost for local and regional communities dealing with the double impact of bushfires and COVID-19, with the workforce predicted to total 4,000 over the life of the project.”