Our birthday Standards Heroes have been nominated by their peers to represent all our contributors - individuals we consider to be the real heroes of standards, in Australia and internationally. We thank those who contribute their knowledge and expertise, service, and time to Standards Australia for the benefit of the Australian community.  

Henk van den Heuvel graduated from the University of Sydney and worked as a mining engineer in some of the deepest mines in the world in South Africa. He has worked as an engineer for 30 years first in mining and then moving onto both structural and civil. He has also completed further education at Macquarie University acquiring a degree in Economics with a major in Business law, followed by a Post Graduate diploma in Applied Finance.  

Henk is a participating member on Standards Australia’s BD-038-02 Technical Specification Working Group, which advises BD-038 Wet Areas in Buildings.
How did you become involved in standards development? 

I originally got involved in the revision of SA HB 84 “Guide to Concrete Repair and Protection” when the Australasian Concrete Repair and Remedial Building Association (ACRA) wanted to up-date and revise the original version. So, I chaired that work group. After that I became involved in several other reviews.

What role have standards played in your career?   

Standards have been prominent throughout my career. Standards are the foundation for much of the building and construction sector. The reason for my involvement in Standards development is to help the industry, volunteer time and provide his expertise where possible to help keep people safe. I've been able to discuss better standards with peers in the industry to help make positive change.  

What is a project you’ve been particularly proud to have helped deliver? 

My highlights have been working on the revision of HB84 ‘Guide to concrete repair’, working on the waterproofing project through Master Builders association, as well as working on internal waterproofing standards - AS 3740:2021, Waterproofing of domestic wet areas, - which are brand new for new National Construction Code - that were released in 2021.

Outside of standards development, what have been some highlights of your career? 

21 years serving on the Board of ACRA. 8 years of serving on the waterproofing technical committee for the NSW Master Builders Association (MBA) and help deliver books 2 & 3 of the Waterproofing Guides for the MBA. Also receiving an Order of Australia Medal (General Division) AOM for my volunteer work in the building industry.  

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