Bill, as he was known to most in the industry, was a true trenchless legend as the first Australian member on the ISTT and also the first to introduce cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) to the Australian industry.
He was considered the industry’s ‘go-to person’ for Sydney’s underground infrastructure, after he built up an intimate knowledge of Sydney’s sewerage system from trailing the pipes himself in the times before CCTV inspection.
Bill’s contribution to the no-dig industry was featured in ‘King of Sydney’s underworld’ in the March 2011 edition of Trenchless Australasia, which coincided with his 85th birthday.
Commenting on Bill’s passing, ASTT Secretary Jeff Pace said “On behalf of the ASTT, I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the families of William ‘Bill’ James Goodman OAM who recently peacefully passed away at home.
“Bill was a founding member of the ISTT when he joined on the 13 May 1987. He clearly saw the benefits of the formation of a trenchless society.
“When the ASTT was formed in 1991, Bill also became a founding member. His membership number was 48.
“I will always remember him. Rest in peace, Bill.”
Bill was aged 91 and is survived by his four children, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.