Our People

Lawrence McKenna LinkedIn

Principal Engineer (Manager) - MIEAust |CPEng |NER | RPEQ | IntPE(Aus) | RBP(Vic)

How will I help?

My focus is on client goals to ensure that the solutions proposed are those most appropriate from a functional, design, cost and construction perspective. My wealth of knowledge and experience in telecommunications and ICT Systems allows me to help client’s gain an understanding of technology, how to apply that technology to meet their current business requirements, and to plan correctly for tomorrow.

My goal is to deliver positive and tangible solutions and leading services to my clients.  

Who is Lawrence?

Lawrence is a Telecommunications/ICT Systems Engineer with 30 years of Telecommunications and ICT Systems industry experience. Lawrence has worked for Queensland Rail, Project Services (QLD Dept of Works), SKM/Jacobs and Wood & Grieve Engineers; conducting projects in all jurisdictions for both government and private sectors.

Lawrence’s engineering experience includes voice networking (inc. PABXs, regional-wide networks, VoIP), telecommunication and transmission networks (optical fibre and microwave radio), Structured Cabling designs, WANs, CANs, LANs, Audio-visual systems, security systems, and various radio (LMR, DMR, Sat) communication systems, WLANs and WWANs and other ICT systems.

Lawrence’s audio-visual experience includes emergency response rooms, control rooms, secured/unsecured conference rooms, classrooms and educational facilities, and digital signage. This includes the AV system for the Qld Police Commissioner’s Board Room.

Lawrence has undertaken complex security and video surveillance designs for Police Stations, Watch-houses, Courthouses, Correctional facilities, public spaces (including railway stations, tunnels), and commercial facilities and buildings.

Lawrence is a member of a number of committees, including:

Standards Australia (Institution of Engineers Australia’s representative):

  • CT-001 (Communications Cabling)
  • CT-002 (Broadcasting and related services)

Communications Alliance:

  • WC45: Update of Industry Code - External Telecommunication Cable Networks Code
  • WC80: Update of Industry Regulations AS/CA S009 and AS/CA S008
  • CA IoT Advisory Group to Standards Australia IT-042 (Internet of Things and Related Technologies)

[Former] ITU-R ARSG-5 terrestrial radio working group

[Former] Deputy Chair Victorian ITEE College (Institute of Engineers, Australia)

[Former] Director of BICSI-South Pacific (Building Industry Consulting Service International, Inc.)
Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical & Computer Systems)
  • Advance Diploma Electronic Engineering;
  • Diploma Telecommunications
Industry Accreditations
  • Certified Data Centre Designer; Certified Reichle & De-Massari (R&M) Planner
  • Registered Cabler - ACMA Cabling Licence (Open, S,O,C,U,A)
  • Victorian Private Security Individual (Security Adviser / Security Equipment Installer)
  • NSW Security Industry Licence
  • Construction Induction (White Card)
  • Qld Restricted Electrical Work Licence
  • Rail Safety Worker Card
  • Australian Defence Clearance
Projects

Education

  • SkillsTech Australia- New Acacia Ridge Campus
  • SkillsTech Australia- Eagle Farm Campus Redevelopment
  • Docklands Primary School
  • Prahran Primary School
  • Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy, Whyte Island.
  • LTU Accommodation Services
  • LTU Surveillance Audit
  • La Trobe University – Franklin Street Relocation
  • Victorian Schools PPP
  • QUT Caboolture
  • Mt. Gravatt TAFE (Media broadcast)

Defence

  • Non-Tactical Radio Sustainment (Department of Defence)
  • ADF Robertson Barracks
  • RMAF Butterworth
  • NQ mid-term refresh - 5% Masterplan and Feasibility Review
  • Boeing Defence relocation
  • RAAF Amberley
  • Puckapunyal Training Area
  • RAN SMB MOXA trial and upgrade
  • Defense RCD Project
  • DFSS TTW Bld 342 Simpson Barracks

Justice

  • AFP Edmund Barton Building
  • Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre
  • Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre
  • Ararat Prison
  • Queensland Supreme Courthouse Complex
  • Queensland Police Commissioner’s Conference Room
  • NSW Mt. Druitt Police Station
  • Queensland Supreme Courthouse Complex.
  • Southport Courthouse.
  • Pine Rivers Courthouse.
  • Strathpine Watchhouse.

Infrastructure

  • PTV DTRS Obsolescence and Franchisee Position Statements
  • Regional Rail Link (Work Package C)
  • Department of Transport -  SISD (Systems and Information Services Division) Secondment
  • Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project
  • East West Link (Tunnel) Bid
  • Melbourne Underground Rail Loop (MURL)
  • NSW M5 Motorway
  • Queensland Rail – Replacement Train Control Radio Project
  • Craigieburn Station (Rail)
  • Mordialloc Stabling Yard
  • FerrAus East Pilbara Railway
  • Nunawading Station
  • Queensland Rail - various

Health Care

  • St. John of God – Berwick Hospital
  • Sutherland Hospital Re-Development
  • Queensland Health – various

Other

  • Arts Centre Melbourne – Digital Radio Replacement
  • Office of the Governor
  • Roma House Lady Bowen Precinct.
  • QAS & QFES Roma Street Station
  • QAS Stations - various
Testimonial

I was Arts Centre Melbourne’s Project Manager responsible for overseeing our two-way radio communications upgrade.

Arts Centre Melbourne is a multi-site campus which needs high quality, robust communications to manage large visitor flows and enhance our safety and productivity.

We were very fortunate to work with Laurie McKenna. He designed a high capacity, feature rich networked solution to replace our aging, inadequate system and seamlessly implemented it in the Arts Centre’s challenging operational context. Laurie’s technical acumen, appreciation of complex organisations, project management skill and extensive experience in radio communication projects strongly recommend him to any large organisation seeking to successfully navigate this process.

Please contact me with any questions you may have.

Simon Austin. (2013)