Abhaya Simkhada
Professional Summary
Graduate Civil Engineering Technology professional with practical local government experience in GIS analysis, transport infrastructure planning and technical reporting. Strong foundation in hydrology, stormwater, road design, municipal services, geotechnics and infrastructure data management. Interested in graduate engineering roles where practical analysis, clear documentation and community-focused infrastructure delivery matter.
Education
University of Southern Queensland — Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil), GPA 5.45 / 7.00, completed December 2025.
Relevant coursework: Engineering Hydrology, Road Design and Location, Geology and Geotechnics, Hydraulics, Structural Design I, Stress Analysis, Municipal Services and Public Health Engineering.
Experience
Student Engineer — Transport Planning, Toowoomba Regional Council, 2024–2025
- Reviewed Traffic Impact Assessment information for the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project using LRRS multi-criteria analysis methodology.
- Digitised and scored 3,500+ footpaths across the Toowoomba Region using Intramaps, GIS and Queensland Globe to improve data quality for the Footpath Network Development Plan.
- Developed the 2024 Future Walking Network Plan by collecting spatial data, scoring footpaths against proximity criteria and mapping pedestrian routes in Excel and GIS.
- Maintained GIS infrastructure layers for 100+ bus stops under PTAIP and BSSP programs, supporting disability-access compliance and data accuracy.
- Coordinated Sustainable Transport Strategy Report Card 2024 updates and document control.
Team Leader — Care Services, Teman Retirement Village, 2023–2025
- Led 10+ staff per shift while supporting safe operations for 60+ residents.
- Built transferable skills in leadership, communication, risk awareness, documentation and process discipline.
Key Projects
- USQ Campus Catchment Flood Management: Used RORB, ARR Data Hub and Excel to estimate design rainfall, peak discharges and routed design hydrographs aligned with ARR 2019.
- Geology and Geomechanics Study: Conducted field mapping, rock classification and lab tests including Atterberg limits, triaxial shear strength, compaction and permeability.
- Transit-Oriented Car Park Design: Contributed to scalable car park design covering transit flow analysis, cost estimation and stormwater management planning.
- Structural Truss Design and Load Testing: Designed, fabricated and load-tested roof truss systems with member force calculations and limit-state checks.
Technical Skills
Tools: Intramaps, Queensland Globe, ArcGIS, RORB, ARR Data Hub, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, TRC Document Management System.
Standards: ARR 2019, AS 4100, AS 1720, ADWG, PTAIP, BSSP, Queensland WHS Act and LRRS Framework.
Core skills: Hydrological modelling, stormwater design, GIS spatial analysis, traffic impact assessment, geotechnical testing, field inspection, technical reporting and data management.
Certifications
White Card, First Aid Certificate, CPR and Manual Handling Certificate, Virtual Water Engineering Certificate, Certificate III in Individual Support, Full Australian work rights.