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Entura farewells ‘quiet achiever’ Ambrose Canning after 40 years of hydropower excellence

23 September, 2025

After notching up an impressive 4 decades with Hydro Tasmania, Hydro Tasmania Consulting and Entura, a long-serving self-described ‘quiet achiever’ is retiring. Ambrose Canning, Entura’s Principal Consultant, Mechanical Engineering, has made a profound impact on hydropower in Tasmania, Papua New Guinea, Sarawak and beyond – and a lasting impact on his colleagues.

Ambrose’s original job advert from 1984

Ambrose is proud of having worked on the last of the big new hydropower schemes in Tasmania in the 1980s and 1990s – helping keep the lights on for Tasmanians and power the state’s future. Since then, he’s supported hydropower projects across Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Indonesia – and, most notably, Papua New Guinea.

In PNG, Ambrose made significant contributions over many years: exploring the feasibility of new hydropower developments, supporting the modernisation of the Rouna and Ramu power stations, increasing safety for power station workers, and sharing knowledge to build capacity.

Ambrose (L) at Hombrom Bluff, PNG in 2005

Ambrose’s colleagues have appreciated his technical excellence, generous knowledge sharing and encouragement, and unwavering patience, composure and integrity.

Leigh Smith, who has worked closely with Ambrose for the full 40 years, describes Ambrose as setting the standard for mechanical engineers, especially in the design space, and having played a key role in building Entura’s respect among clients. Through his mentoring of other Entura engineers, he has ensured that Entura will maintain that esteem and continue to deliver excellence and value to our hydropower clients.

Ambrose’s award-winning Kunzea ambigua bonsai

Retirement for Ambrose promises more time to do more of what he loves: gardening, bonsai, and outdoor activities including volunteering at the Mt Mawson ski slopes (Mt Field, Tasmania).

“Ambrose has made a wonderful contribution to our business, our culture, our people, and to clients and communities throughout our regions,” says Amanda Ashworth. “He’s been an excellent mentor, technical expert, and generous, reliable presence over many years. Congratulations, Ambrose on your 40 years with Entura. We wish you all the best for a very happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement.”

Ambrose at his farewell, with one of his gifts: a pressure valve from Trevallyn Power Station