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Branch Committee Elections

2025 Nomination Statements

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Victorian Branch Committee Nominees

I've spent over 20 years working as a consulting environmental engineer in the water sector in Queensland, Western Australian and now Victoria. I'm passionate about ensuring that water remains reliable, safe, and affordable. I enjoy working in diverse project teams to identify and realise the benefits that water in all its forms can brings to the communities we live and work in. I love finding ways to use water more effectively, enjoy connecting with people from different industries and backgrounds to learn together, share ideas and solve complex problems. I'd value the opportunity to contribute my experience, knowledge and enthusiasm as part of the committee. I'm specifically excited about the opportunity to work with the existing committee members to achieve the AWA vision and realise the strategy here in Victoria. to help make sure our water resources are used efficiently and sustainably.

Dr Ashok Sharma has nearly 35 years’ experience in research, academia, consulting and construction. His area of expertise includes: centralized & decentralised urban and peri-urban water supply, wastewater and storm water infrastructure systems/ treatment, sustainability assessment, IUWM and WSUD systems. He has worked with CSIRO, Australia and is currently working as Assoc. Prof. Water Resources at Victoria University.
 

As a chemical engineer with a multidisciplinary background, I bring a systems-based approach to water sustainability. My career spans water and wastewater treatment design in industrial and oil & gas sectors, followed by work in carbon capture and hydrogen, where I focused on decarbonization and emissions reduction. Now at ABB, I specialize in continuous water analyzers that support smarter, data-driven water quality management. Water has always been integral to my work—whether optimizing treatment processes or designing sustainable infrastructure—and I see immense potential for applying innovations from energy and emissions sectors to enhance resilience in water systems. I aspire to join the committee to contribute this cross-sector expertise, support digital transformation, and champion emissions-conscious practices within the water industry. I’m also passionate about mentoring young professionals and believe this platform will enable me to give back to the community while helping shape a more sustainable and integrated future for the water sector.

David has been a member of the AWA Vic Committee for 15 years. During his time on the committee, he has served as branch president twice and has contributed his knowledge to support various committees within AWA. In addition to his role on the branch committee, David has been a member and chair of Specialist Networks and is currently part of the Independent Assessment Panel, which advises the Board on Awards.
 

I have worked across financial services and the power utility sectors but found my place truly once I entered the water industry over eight years ago. As a current committee member, I value what we can achieve by listening to members, finding shared passions and addressing current issues. With optimal input I'm keen to continue my support of the broader Victorian branch for another term and utilise the relations associated with my position at Melbourne Water combined with my experience across sectors in a decade where multi-lateral thinking is becoming increasingly important.

I believe passionately in the value of connection and collaboration to bring out the best in teams and to deliver project outcomes that are overwhelmingly positive for the community. During my 20 years in the water industry, I have lived this as a core value to tap into our collective passion for water and the ability it has to connect people in so many facets of life. My desire to be a member of the AWA Vic Branch Committee is to contribute to our industry’s journey to sustainability, climate resilience and positive community outcomes. If there’s one thing that stands out to me about the people in our industry, it’s that we all care so much about the impact that we have. I want to work with you to make it positive.

As an archaeologist and heritage consultant I have been involved in the management of historical water supply infrastructure in Victoria for over 15 years. More recently, having been the President of the Australian committee of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) I became the inaugural President of the the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Water and Heritage, the mission of which is to build connections between the heritage and water worlds, respond to traditional wisdom to improve current management and strengthen the role of water heritage in social engagement and policy-making.

I'm hoping to join the Vic committee to be more active in the AWA in Victoria and nationally. In my 30 years' in the sector I've been involved in the AWA through OzWater (workshops, presentations, reviewer), IWA (workshops and presentations) , multiple stormwater industry associations, WSAA and Australian Water Partnerships. I enjoy the opportunity to set the direction and to create opportunities for people in our industry and meet, learn and grow. I'm a consultant these days and a board member on a not for profit called Our Future Cites that helps graduates find experience in the water sector while having an impact. I've previously worked at the CRC for Water Sensitive Cites in a national role, and at Melbourne Water and Southern Rural Water in state based roles. My key interest areas include climate resilience, capacity building and R&D, and I bring a national perspective of urban water issues to the committee.

I have been in the water industry for over 25 years. I am passionate about working together to move the industry forward. I am particularly interested in working together to tackle issues around sustainability, livability and our changing climate and to encourage more young, talented and passionate people, particularly young women, to join our industry.

I have been involved with the water industry for over 20 years through my time at Steel Mains. I have previously been a member of the Vic YWP committee back in 2007/2008. My current involvement with the AWA through events in Victoria is still strong and I feel I could be a valuable contributor to the AWA moving forward. The main reason for wanting to join the committee is to expand my knowledge of other areas in the water industry beyond current role, work with some great people in the water sector and help contribute to a fantastic line up of events held throughout the year.

It has been an incredible 2 years in the committee and would love to continue on that journey and assist even further on the various initiatives, tasks and activites happening all year long. It has been such a breath of fresh air post covid and also getting to build some great friendship and networking along the way with people within the same industry. Thank you for the opportunity.

My career in the water sector has led me across the globe, have been based in Australia, the USA, and the UK, and with further project experience in New Zealand, the Middle East, and Europe. My background includes various consulting roles and four years at Barwon Water, with roles in operations, maintenance, strategy, transformation, design, and construction. I have also had the privilege of leading teams ranging from 4 to 50 people.
As a Project Director and Partnership Manager at Jacobs, I oversee delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects and lead our team to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We solve increasingly complex problems, and I enjoy the opportunity to connect with passionate individuals across organisations. A key aspect of my role is facilitating conversations across various skill sets and backgrounds to harness our collective power.
As Chief Marketing Officer at Aquatec, I bring over 25 years of senior executive experience in strategy, marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement across consumer services and infrastructure. I collaborate with clients, government, and industry partners to deliver strong outcomes in water and wastewater projects.
My previous roles span ACS, AMA Victoria, Delaware North, KPMG Consulting, and Vision Australia. I’ve also served on the boards of the Warwick Cancer Foundation, TechDiversity Foundation, and the WIOA DEI Committee, reflecting my commitment to inclusive leadership.
I’m passionate about advancing the water sector through customer-focused strategy and initiatives that attract and support diverse talent, particularly women in water. I have led mentoring and development programs and delivered industry events and forums that foster knowledge sharing and professional growth.
These contributions strongly align with AWA’s pillars of Networking, Information Sharing, and Professional Development, and I’m eager to support the industry’s future through this committee.

I'm a Chartered Professional Engineer with over 17 years in the water industry and a 10-year AWA member. Until recently, I was Process Engineering Manager at IXOM, and I know lead as Business Development Manager for IXOM Watercare APAC, continuing to work closely with clients to deliver innovative outcomes. I've contributed to the design, commissioning, and operation of tens of water and wastewater treatment projects, with particular expertise in membrane separation and ion exchange technologies. With more than a decade of team leadership and mentoring, I'm passionate about supporting junior engineers and building strong technical capability across the sector. As a former board membrane of Membrane Society of Australasia, I'm eager to bring my experience, energy, and collaborative mindset to support AWA's mission and its Victorian members.

I am passionate about driving change in the water sector and have been actively involved in diversity and inclusion advocacy for the sector for the past five years, having worked in the water sector for more than 20 years. I am currently employed by Melbourne Water to lead a partnership between the metro and Geelong water corporations, and have previously had roles spanning infrastructure planning, program delivery and strategy for local government, consultancy, Sydney Water.
 

With a background spanning research, consultancy, and public sector roles, I bring experience in IWM, stormwater, contaminated land management, and drinking water quality improvement. I hold a Master’s degree in Water Science from Utrecht University in the Netherlands, a country recognised globally for its leadership in flood mitigation. I also completed degrees in Engineering Management and Environmental Economics in Hungary, giving me a strong technical and interdisciplinary foundation. I currently work in strategic and adaptive planning for flooding, with a strong focus on managing dynamic risk in the face of uncertainty. I have a deep interest in emergency management and preparedness, and how we can strengthen collaboration across sectors to build resilience. I'm excited about the opportunity to represent Melbourne Water on the committee, especially in building strong partnerships across the industry. Following the success of OzWater'25, I’m eager to foster more in-person connection and knowledge sharing, and contribute my capacity building expertise to the committee's work.

I am nominating for the Victorian Branch of AWA to collaborate with likeminded people to tackle industry challenges. My experience in construction and design, on both Client and Provider sides, in traditional and collaborative contracting models, can drive innovation in a resource-constrained world. I am passionate about digital technologies and leveraging data to assist decision-making and maximise benefits from Artificial Intelligence. My background in design and construction, coupled with extensive experience in sustainable water management, aligns with AWA's mission. I have successfully fostered collaborations among businesses, government and communities. Committed to advancing innovative and inclusive solutions, I actively participate in industry, leveraging my expertise and network to enhance AWA. My strategic vision and hands-on experience in the water industry equip me to support members in building their careers and businesses and the community, and I am excited about driving positive change through AWA.

I have over 15 years’ experience in community and stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on the water sector. I currently lead a team of engagement practitioners delivering strategic engagement across major infrastructure, policy, and place-based initiatives. I’ve been a long-time member of IAP2 and bring a deep understanding of best practice engagement and its role in building community trust, shaping sustainable water futures, and supporting complex decision-making. My work has included leading community conversations on recycled water, environmental flows, and long-term water planning. While I haven’t previously been involved with AWA committees, I am passionate about contributing to the sector beyond my role and supporting professional collaboration and innovation. I’m particularly interested in helping strengthen engagement capability across the sector and advocating for inclusive, transparent approaches to water planning and management. I would value the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to the committee.

I’m passionate about the water industry and the important role it plays in our communities. I have experience across water and wastewater treatment, water quality management, and risk assessment, and have been actively involved with AWA for several years. I currently Co-Chair the Water Quality Specialist Network and have a Water New Zealand Technical committee, as well as reviewer for OzWater and Water NZ events. I’m also an active member of the WSSA Water Quality and Health Network. I would love the opportunity to contribute to the VIC Branch Committee — to help support members, share ideas, and give back to the industry that has supported my journey so far.

I have 30 years consulting experience in flood modelling and flood risk assessment, coastal hazard assessment, water sensitive urban design, integrated water management and digital water systems. I am a director of Water Technology. I am interested in sustainable and integrated water management. This includes climate change adaptation and resilience to rainfall and heat extremes. Hopefully my background in surface water management brings some diversity of perspectives to the committee and I'd like to continue to assist if I can.


 

Victorian Young Water Professionals Subcommittee Nominees

I am a PhD researcher at the University of Melbourne, specializing in stormwater management and water quality enhancement through innovative permeable pavement systems. My research focuses on evaluating hydrological and water quality performance, with the aim of developing sustainable urban infrastructure solutions. I have previously been involved in Low Impact Development (LID) research and collaborative field projects with industry partners, gaining practical experience in water-sensitive urban design. My areas of expertise include stormwater treatment, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental hydrology. I am passionate about advancing water management practices to support resilient communities. Joining the YWP Subcommittee would allow me to contribute my technical background, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and help promote innovative and sustainable water initiatives across Victoria.

Since moving to Melbourne I have taken the opportunity to participate in as many AWA activities as possible. I believe it is important to network amongst peers and learn about interesting projects within the water industry. The AWA YWP committee organises and facilitates such events which is a big reason for my interest in joining the committee.

I am a Civil Engineer in the water industry, with 5.5 years of experience (5 years in NZ, 0.5 years in Australia). I have gained experience in both contracting (site engineer) and consulting (design and contract management engineer). I have been involved with various committees, both in my company and external industry groups. My company (WSP) committee involvement includes being the Chair of the WSP NZ Pathways program (WSP NZ’s national emerging professionals network), and now as vice-chair of WSP Australia's national equivalent, the EPN (Emerging Professionals Network). My involvement in external committees includes being the chair of the Water NZ (NZ’s AWA equivalent) South Island YWP committee, and a committee member on the Nelson/Marlborough Engineering NZ (Engineers Australia equivalent) committee. I am passionate about helping fellow emerging professionals develop and would love the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience from NZ, while growing my professional network in Australia.

My name is Cathy, and I’m a recent mechanical engineering graduate. During my internship in consultancy, I explored real-world applications of fluid dynamics, which inspired me to build a career in the water industry. Since then, I’ve engaged with AWA through the YWP open committee meeting and YWP Sundowner Social to learn from young professionals.
 
After two rewarding years on the VIC YWP Committee, I’m excited to nominate again to keep building momentum, share what I’ve learned, and help drive programs that bring people and ideas together.
I have previously served as Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator and now as the Professional Development series lead. Highlights include hosting YWP student guests, co-leading the Geelong hybrid OzWater VIC Papers event, and delivering the Chain of Ponds site tour with a fun interactive clap jam to start. At OzWater’24, I had the opportunity to chair technical sessions and host panel discussions at the Education Hub, where I engaged with students and early-career professionals, encouraging them to explore career pathways in water, engineering, and STEM.
 
I hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering and work as a Circular Economy Project Advisor at Barwon Water, where I lead innovation projects on hydrogen, sludge, biosolids, and resource recovery. I also co-lead the Intelligent Water Networks Circular Economy Gas Stream, supporting cross-utility collaboration in resource recovery.
 
Look forward to contributing to the YWP Subcommittee again. Thanks for the support.
Hi all, I'm Emma Baillie. Currently, I am working as a laboratory / technical assistant at Clean TeQ Water, or the lab wizard as my colleagues like to put it.
After several years in hospitability and events management, I completed my double environmental and biomedical science degree and moved into the water industry.
My key areas of interest include nutrient removal, metallurgy and drinking water treatment for remote communities. I have been lucky enough to travel and undertake extensive research test work programs in South America, Europe and around Australia, while also travelling to Southeast Asia for remote community volunteering expeditions.
While at University I was the events manager for Swinburne's Women in Stem Club, where I passionately delivered educational, social and industry events.
As a hopeful future YWP committee member, I will bring my passion for sustainability, culture and event planning to represent young water professionals. I am committed to promoting technology and uniting our water sector to tackle global water issues. I am confident my role in the committee would bring fresh ideas, while also contributing to the AWA and YWP goals for prolonging our global water future. I would love to connect with fellow YWP and mash our brains together to create a forward focused Vic YWP group.
I am a civil engineer with expertise in design, construction, and project management. I strive to create meaningful impacts through projects like the 5-West Nutrient Removal Plant, which is innovating treatment processes and future proofing our community.
 
I share AWA’s values of passion, collaboration, and inclusivity. At university, I was a Women* in Science and Engineering committee member and continue to support its initiatives as an alum. I volunteered in school programs, encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers by programming robotic machines. Currently, I volunteer for Gems in STEM (CMP), advocating water engineering to high-school students.
 
Helping others brings me joy and fulfillment by knowing I have contributed to something greater and brightened someone’s path. There is power in kindness and support. Through the YWP committee, I hope to share my passion and expertise to deliver impactful events for AWA members and the community.
Hi YWPers! I’m an energetic and bubbly young water professional who's keen to make a splash on the AWA YWP committee. I work at Spiire, specialising in the design of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) assets, including constructed wetlands, raingardens and waterways.
My skills in developing practical and well-structured project plans and designs will be useful and highly transferable to the committee – particularly for planning and delivering engaging initiatives. I’m passionate about encouraging the stream of strong ideas, boosting industry engagement and want to help other young professionals tap into the incredible network and opportunities that the AWA has to offer. I'm keen to go with the flow, bring fresh energy and ideas to events and look forward to contributing to a fun and inclusive environment.
I would be honoured to join the AWA YWP committee – and to contribute my droplet to the powerful YWP flow!
As a dedicated professional with experience serving on this committee (VIC YWP from 2021 to 2023), I bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of contribution. My past tenure has equipped me with an understanding of our objectives and processes, allowing me to hit the ground running and make immediate, impactful contributions.
I love being involved in the industry which is evident through my consistent participation in networking events, academic conferences, and fundraising initiatives. For example, in 2024 I took part in the WaterAid Winnovators challenge where our team raised more than $12,000 in donations to support WaterAid. These experiences have not only broadened my perspective but also allowed me to forge valuable connections that can benefit our committee's initiatives.
It would be an honour to be a part of the VIC YWP committee again, delivering awesome events that bring together the community of the water industry.
 
(Note: Membership number was left blank as I am a member through Jacobs membership and it did not accept letters in the field)
Hi, my name is Max! I am a Civil and Environmental Engineer. I have loved taking part in AWA events over the last 4 years. I would love the opportunity to continue to build this community by joining the YWP subcommittee and helping organise some of the best events in the industry.
Working primarily in an office, it can sometimes be difficult to see the water industry outside of drawings, reports, and LinkedIn. As a committee member, I would push to organise more site visits on projects happening in all areas of the water Industry. From cultural sites, treatment plants, construction sites, and even manufacturing, I believe every part of the industry deserves to be showcased!
Committed to bringing people closer together and facilitating knowledge sharing, I’d like to create support networks of like-minded people to help with technical, career, or general challenges.
As a Process Engineer in Arup's water team, I have worked on wastewater and water treatment projects as well as projects within the energy-water nexus. Recently, I have been seconded to Melbourne Water as a Project Manager for major construction at the Western Treatment Plant.
I have a strong passion for resilience in water supply. I feel my “why” as a process engineer in the water space is to support vulnerable communities to have continued access to reliable and high quality drinking water, whilst supporting opportunities for localised circular economies.
During my time at Arup I have had the privilege of sitting on a number of committees, (Australasia YWP & Victorian Social). It has been a rewarding experience to support and collaborate with my colleagues, and as a hopeful committee member, my aim is to support YWPs in the broader water industry on their professional journeys through collaboration, creativity and connection.

I’ve been fortunate to be working in the water industry for over 10 years, bring together my passion for technology, innovation, leadership and water sustainability. I’ve had the honour of working with amazing individuals in our industry including technology vendors and various researchers from Australian Universities to deliver well known R&D projects (recognised by the AWA through award nominations) like Aquarevo, Tank Talk®, Urban Cooling research and HydroTrak®. Some of these projects have brought cutting edge technology to water sector for IWM, Circular Economy and Environment protection benefits. Being a strong believer in collaboration and knowledge sharing, I’ve actively presented my work at Ozwater. I’ve also been involved in the IWN community (being SEW’s IWN champion in the past) and I feel I’d be able to bring my industry connections and expertise to AWA for advancing various initiatives in-line with AWA’s Strategy’25 focus areas.

Working on the Sewer Maintenance team at South East Water, I have developed capability in water infrastructure maintenance – from detailed inspections to strategic repairs that ensures the continuous reliability of our sewer systems. My role as a Civil Engineering Graduate has provided me practical exposure to both routine and complex maintenance jobs, strengthening my technical and collaborative skills. I am excited about the opportunity to join the Victorian Young Water Professional Branch Committee to share practical insights, learn from experienced colleagues, and push for innovative solutions in water and sewer asset management. Driven by my passion for continuous learning and growth mindset, I am dedicated to creating a positive impact in our industry.

I am a passionate young professional based in Shepparton, with a background in Government roles across economic development, trade, and investment. Now working in the water sector at Aquatec, I have quickly demonstrated my ability to support both my company and the broader industry. I also bring strong event management experience, having supported major initiatives such as Hort Connections and Asia Fruit Logistica, and coordinated international delegations during my time with Greater Shepparton City Council and Regional Development Victoria. My nomination is strongly supported by Aquatec’s CEO, Harvey Seeley, and Executive Strategy and Growth, Ivan Reolon. I actively work with key sector bodies such as WSAA, and have engaged with VicWater and IWN, fostering collaborations between AWA and Victorian Government colleagues. Aged 33, I am eager to learn, grow, and contribute my skills to the Young Water Professionals Subcommittee.

I’d love to join the Young Water Professionals Subcommittee to connect with others passionate about shaping the future of water in Australia. Over the past 2.5 years at WSP, I’ve worked across asset management and planning—most recently focusing on master planning and carbon measurement. I’m really interested in exploring more sides of the water industry, especially how we can deliver sustainable and equitable WASH services. I believe good water infrastructure is holistic, integrated, and essential for a fair and liveable society. I’m also passionate about professional networks that bring people together to drive positive change. I’ve been involved with Engineers Without Borders and WSP’s Emerging Professionals Network, and I’ve seen how valuable it is to learn from others and share ideas. I’d be excited to contribute to the YWP Committee and help support the next generation of professionals making a difference in the water space.

As a Process Engineer at Jacobs with 1.5 years experience, I'm passionate about collaborating with others for a sustainable future and lowering treatment plant emissions.
I'd love to join the AWA VIC YWP Committee to strengthen my industry relationships and further my interest in and knowledge of the water sector. I've felt a sense of belonging at the YWP events I've attended so far, such as lawn bowls, and would be keen to continue growing an environment where all YWPs feel championed and included.
To the committee I'd bring teamwork, event management, and leadership skills gained on other committees, from 5 years with the Monash Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science Society, to more recently as a Lead for the Jacobs Network of Emerging Water and Wastewater Technologists. I believe I could make an impact on the YWP community by organising events that connect and inspire the next generation of water leaders.

I am a Research Fellow in Hydrology and Water Quality at the University of Melbourne, specialising in tracer based water modelling to better understand catchment transit times, baseflow separation, nutrient transport, and hydrological processes. Over the past five years, I have contributed to national and international water research initiatives, combining field investigations, statistical analysis, and emerging deep learning approaches. I have actively mentored young researchers and collaborated within interdisciplinary hydrogeochemical teams. During my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, I organised civil engineering workshops and conferences, and helped foster industry–student engagement through placement activities. These experiences shaped my strong commitment to professional development and sector collaboration. I am passionate about contributing to the VIC Young Water Professionals Subcommittee to promote innovation, strengthen technical leadership, and support the visibility and growth of emerging water professionals. I look forward to helping build a vibrant and future focused water community across Victoria.

Hi, I’m Stephanie, a civil engineer at WSP. I worked at WSP New Zealand for the first two and half years after university. I have now been working at WSP in Melbourne for almost a year, where I am part of the local emerging professionals committee. While at The University of Auckland, I was part of the Sustainable Future Collective club committee. Sustainability and climate action are strong interest areas for me. In my career to date, I have built my experience in carbon management alongside three waters design engineering. I am interested in joining the Vic YWP committee to grow my network in the Australian water industry as well as support with sustainability and water literacy events and initiatives.

I am excited to nominate myself for the Australian Water Association (AWA) Young Water Professionals Sub Committee. As a water resource engineer at SMEC, I specialise in hydrology, working with clients to develop sustainable water management solutions. My experience also includes roles at Gippsland Water and Southern Rural Water, where I gained expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy implementation, and resource management.
 
I have a strong academic foundation in water resource management, with a notable university project investigating the impacts of agriculture on water quality in the Macalister Irrigation District. This experience deepened my understanding of how land use affects water systems.
 
I aspire to join the committee to contribute my technical skills, share my insights, and collaborate with like-minded professionals. I am passionate about sustainable water management and eager to help drive initiatives that benefit both the environment and the broader community.
Xinyun has been working in the water industry for almost five years, specialising in surface water and catchment management. Growing up along the Yangtze and Birrarung (Yarra) Rivers, she has a deep emotional connection with water. Her expertise includes hydrological and hydraulic modelling, flood mapping, and regional water drainage system management, with experience across Australia, New Zealand, and China.
 
Xinyun excels in both technical work and project management, with a strong passion for urban water planning and flood management. She presented at OzWater 2024 on Innovative Flood Solutions Investigations - Permeable Pavements and has conducted social science research to improve volunteer recruitment for Melbourne Water’s Water Watch Program.
 
As a dedicated volunteer with Green Seeds and Friends of Skeleton Creek, Xinyun is committed to promoting environmental resilience and fostering community dynamics. She aspires to join the YWP committee to organise and support activities that enhance communication between industry and community and facilitate knowledge sharing.