Our longstanding connection with Defence
In 1928, after taking part in the battles of Ypres and the Somme, World War One (WWI) veteran Alan Gordon Gutteridge established the engineering consultancy in Melbourne that would grow to become the global professional services company GHD.
When World War Two (WWII) broke out in 1939, many GHD employees enlisted. One of these employees was the leader of our Tasmania operations at the time of enlistment, Sir Bernard Callinan. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in Australia’s Citizen Military Force and joined the Second Australian Imperial Force a year later. His service included command of the 2/2nd Independent Company, a 270-man force which operated in Timor.
Following WWII, Callinan returned to GHD and channeled his leadership skills into developing the practice in Victoria and Tasmania. In doing so, Callinan created a vibrant and enthusiastic team with a reputation for efficiency and integrity and went on to diversify the scope of work that GHD performed.
Callinan was appointed GHD's Chairman and Managing Director in 1971 and received a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his services to engineering. In 1977 he was knighted for services to engineering and retired from GHD in 1978, after 44 years of service.
Today, GHD continues to work closely with Defence on many projects, and actively supports employees through the transition from careers in the Defence force.
Read our real stories on what a career in Defence at GHD involves:
- Natalie Ambroso on backing yourself when opportunity knocks
- Rebecca Orr on embracing challenges to accelerate career progression
- Krystal Tang on following a non-linear career path