It is with great sadness that I report the death of Dr Don Williams, our Chairman, colleague and friend. Don died suddenly on 6 August 2001.

Don was 63. He was born in Fremantle, Western Australia, in 1937 and received a BE degree from Western Australia and a PhD degree from Imperial College (London, UK). During his distinguished career as an engineer and business executive, Don's appointments included the position of Deputy Chairman of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Chairman of the Australian National Railways Commission, Managing Director of the Australian Submarine Corporation and Chairman of two Cooperative Research Centres. He guided the CRC for Materials Welding and Joining through its transition to becoming the CRC for Welded Structures and the successful operation it has become.

As the current CEO for this latter CRC, I will miss his guidance, support and friendship.

C G Chipperfield
Chief Executive officer