Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, congratulates employer representative Michael Holmes, Engineering Manager at Tasmanian Irrigation (middle), and Captain Dan Probert (left).

Acknowledgement: Photo by Emily Egan / Australian Defence Force

Dan Probert has just received national recognition for his prowess in two roles – as a project engineer with Tasmanian Irrigation and as a reservist with the Australian Army.

Dan was recently presented with the Australian Defence Force’s Prince of Wales Award, which provides an opportunity for reservists to undertake training or a development activity related to their civilian occupation.

This prestigious award will support Dan to complete a Graduate Certificate in Construction Project Management at the University of New South Wales, recognising his commitment, dedication and hard work across both his military and civilian careers.

Since joining the Army almost 14 years ago Dan has progressed from being a recruit, to an artillery solider, to becoming a commissioned officer. He is currently a Captain, posted as an Instructor to the Melbourne University Regiment, where he trains officer cadets for commissioning across Tasmania and regional Victoria.

He has also deployed on a variety of domestic response operations, supporting the Australian community to recover from floods, fires and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been awarded both the Australian Defence Medal and National Emergency Medal.

At Tasmanian Irrigation, Dan works as part of an interdisciplinary team of engineers, project managers, and environmental managers supporting the design and construction of the Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation.

“Balancing the competing demands of military service, civilian work and family life is challenging, but extremely rewarding,” Dan said, “especially after my wife, Millie, and I just welcomed a son, Arthur, to join our daughter, Maisie.

“All these roles involve a great deal of organisation, planning, innovation and leadership, so in that respect they are complementary. I’m very grateful to Tasmanian Irrigation and my family for supporting me, as I value the way all my roles help me contribute and give back to the community.”

In addition to working towards his Graduate Certificate in Construction Project Management, Dan already holds degrees in engineering, philosophy, business and education.

“I am extremely fortunate to have been awarded the Prince of Wales Award, which will enable me to continue my life-long commitment to learning,” Dan said.