The Garey Sparks Award
Sparking the legacy
In 2024, on the occasion of Garey Spark’s retirement, Sparks+Partners instituted a new annual award. The Award seeks to honour and carry forward the living legacy of Garey Sparks. It recognises individuals who embody the traits we admire in Garey. Those who know this doyen of hydraulic engineering can attest to these traits:
- Unwavering commitment to quality.
- Dedication to hydraulic engineering and innovation.
- Integrity in person and by design.
- Fostering loyalty and enduring relationships.
We can say without hesitation, Garey is a giant of the hydraulic services industry, notably recognised in 2019 when, by recommendation, he became a Fellow Member of the then Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants (NSW) Inc. (AHSCA), now the HCAA. Reflecting on Garey’s talent as an engineer and the positive impact he has had on his field and peers, it is befitting to adapt the words of Isaac Newton, “If hydraulic engineers have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Garey”.
We thank you, Garey, for your contribution to hydraulic engineering, the construction industry, Sparks+Partners and the many people and projects you have supported along the way. Consider this Award a “thank you” to you, each and every year it is awarded.
Larson DSouza received the inaugural Garey Sparks Award at the Sparks+Partners 10th Anniversary event and Garey’s formal farewell in August, 2024. In the future, we will present the Award at the end of the year, around Christmas.