AWA is seeking members who can bring the skills, experience, perspectives and attributes needed to govern the Association effectively and support the delivery of Strategy 2030.

You do not need to have previous Board or Director experience to nominate. We are looking for people who are interested in contributing at a governance level, bring sound judgement and strategic thinking, and are committed to AWA’s purpose and future.

We welcome members with experience from across the water sector as well as other sectors and backgrounds.

Priorities for the 2027–2029 Board

For the 2027–2029 Board, we are particularly seeking nominees with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• CEO and enterprise leadership – leading complex organisations across strategy, people, financial performance, risk and stakeholders.

• Board governance and strategic leadership – governing organisations, providing strategic challenge and overseeing performance, risk and transformation.

• Financial and commercial leadership – including CFO-level experience, commercial strategy, sustainable business models and investment.

• Private sector and the water supply chain – leadership across technology, engineering, consulting, manufacturing, construction, infrastructure or other organisations partnering with the water sector.

• Cross-sector leadership – experience across infrastructure, energy, resources, housing, climate, government or other sectors where water is a critical enabler.

• Digital, data, technology and innovation – strategic experience in digital transformation, data, AI, technology adoption and innovation.

We also value different perspectives, backgrounds, geographies and experiences that reflect the breadth of AWA’s membership.

Nominees must be current AWA Members and maintain their membership throughout the nomination process and, if appointed, throughout their term as a Director.

The SAC will consider the collective skills and experience required across the Board.

Nominees are not expected to demonstrate expertise across all areas. The SAC will consider each nominee’s contribution in the context of the collective skills, experience and composition of the Board, as well as personal attributes.

Skills, knowledge and experience

• Strategy development and Implementation

• Finance and accounting

• Governance, risk, & statutory compliance

• Digital, AI and transformation

• Business and commercial experience

• • Member and stakeholder engagement

• • People, culture and organisational development
    

• • Experience governing or serving on other boards
    

• • Water sector knowledge and experience
    

• • Cross sector experience and perspectives

Personal attributes

• Integrity and sound judgement

• • Effective listening and communication
    

• • An ability to constructively question and challenge
    

• • Collaboration and commitment to collective decision-making
    

• • Critical and innovative thiking

• • Leadership and strategic thinking

AWA believes that diversity of people, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives strengthens decision-making and governance.

Consistent with AWA’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, we encourage nominations from across our diverse membership and water community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

When considering nominations, the SAC will consider all forms of diversity, alongside the skills and experience required across the Board.

Our aim is to support a Board that brings together the breadth of perspectives needed to effectively govern AWA into the future.

The Powers and Duties of the Board are set out in Clause 19 of AWA’s Constitution. This includes contributing to strategic direction, overseeing organisational performance and risk, and meeting the legal and governance responsibilities associated with being a Director.

Directors do not receive remuneration for their services as Directors. Reasonable expenses associated with attending Board meetings and approved AWA activities are covered in accordance with AWA Policy.

All Board members are expected to attend and actively participate in Board and relevant Board Subcommittee meetings, whether held online or face to face.

Members of the Board are required to use the current communication frameworks of the Association, with onboarding assistance and support provided as required. 

Australian company Directors are required to hold a Director Identification Number (Director ID). Applying for a Director ID is free. Successful nominees who do not already hold a Director ID will be required to obtain one in accordance with legislative requirements. For more information, please go to the Australian Business Registry Services website www.abrs.gov.au.

AWA Directors can expect (as a minimum):

• Board Meetings: 6–8 full-day meetings per year, plus pre-reading. Meetings are a mix of face-to-face, with travel required, and online.

  
  

• Board Subcommittee Meetings: Approximately 3–6 two-hour meetings per year, per subcommittee. Directors are generally appointed to two subcommittees.
  
  

• Ozwater: Attendance at Ozwater in May each year.
  
  

• Other AWA events: Directors are encouraged to participate in relevant AWA events and activities throughout the year.