2025 Branch Committee Nomination Statements

As a Water Resources Management graduate from the University of South Australia and a proud resident on Kaurna Land, I am deeply committed to protecting our water, land, and environment. In pursuit of intergenerational water security and facilitate the livability, I am currently working with Infrastructure Planning Strategy team at SA Water, contributing to asset management and the development of resilient infrastructure.

To continuously grow and give back to the community, I actively participate in professional engagements, including the Ozwater'25 conference, the AWA Mentoring Program, and the Migrant Morning Tea event with AWA and YWP. In addition, I have proudly volunteered with Engineers Australia for over two years, facilitating meaningful collaborations with engineering professionals across various platforms, such as YWP through Engineers Australia's Monthly Mixer, the upcoming Climate Smart Engineering Conference 2025 (CSE25), and as a M.C. for the National Early Career Webinar of Engineers Australia in May 2025.

Drawing from my professional engagement and volunteering experience, I am enthusiastic about applying for the IWAA Young Water Professionals (YWP) Subcommittee (or IWAA Branch Committee), where I hope to make positive impacts on the water professionals community in South Australia and beyond.

With strong connections to both senior leaders and a large network of emerging engineers and engineering students in South Australia and interstate, I believe I can leverage my strengths and influence to broaden engagement and promote meaningful opportunities to shape the future of the water industry.

I am an IWA Fellow and full professor at UNSW Sydney and President of Australasia Practical Zero Emissions Society. I have been working in the field of sustainable water and wastewater management for over 15 years, focusing on the integration of multiple disciplines to develop innovative and sustainable technological solutions to achieve high levels of pollutant removal with minimised carbon emissions and maximised energy recovery. My research is all working towards the same goal: to shift the focus of global wastewater systems from treatment to resource recovery in service of a greener future. I developed novel solutions that will meet the world’s water needs without worsening the climate crisis. I continuously sustained my membership with IWA since 2014 and contributed to the IWA development significantly. I have been sitting on the Management Committees of both IWA Specialist Group for Anaerobic Digestion and IWA Specialist Group for Modelling and Integrated Assessment (MIA). I have mentored over 10 IWA YWPs for IWA Specialist Groups & Programs. I have been Organizing Committee and/or Scientific Committee members for 15 IWA conferences and chaired many sessions for these conferences. I have also published about 110 articles in IWA Publishing journals/book (e.g., Water Research) and guest edited a Special Issue of “Microplastics and nanoplastics in urban water” that was published in Water Research. I have received more than 50 awards & prizes, such as Nature index rising stars, Australia Research Leader in Water supply and treatment, among others. I have been recognized by Engineers Australia as one of Australia’s most innovative engineers primarily for my work on greenhouse gas neutral wastewater treatment.

Longstanding (dating to 1997) ongoing role as lead author, co-author, and peer reviewer, of multiple IWA publications (publication record can be provided). Longstanding (dating to 1995) attendee, poster and oral presenter, and organising committee member of multiple IWA events as an IWA member (at least one per year, including attending two, and organising one, in 2025, likewise in 2024). Active member of multiple IWA Specialist Groups, including IWAA. Successful led IWAA initiative to improve remote and Aboriginal water supply and sanitation service level reporting - ongoing activity, as recently published. Actively seeking to improve IWAA meeting organisation to improve member attendance, which demonstrates commitment to the committee and its work. Recipient of IWA Young Professional Award (biennial) in 2022 for pioneering Water Safety Plans through IWA publications using the South East Water 'world first' certified WSP as proof of concept and producing a series of IWA publications and supporting the IWA Bonn Charter whilst at Sydney Catchment Authority.

Having been involved with AWA for some time, including as a Victorian branch member, I value the opportunities the association can bring to raise awareness to important matters and collaborate on meaningful initiatives. In my role as corporate partnerships manager I regularly liaise with industry partners nationally and internationally and represent our net zero partnership on the communications working group. These experiences have enabled meaningful international connections and continued learning across global water issues, including initiatives in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change initiatives. I would welcome the opportunity to support the IWAA committee in its future strategic approach and delivery.

I am excited to submit my nomination for a position on the IWA committee, drawing upon my 15 years of extensive experience in the Australian and APAC water sector. My career journey includes significant stakeholder and program development roles within associations such as the Australian Water Association (AWA) and the Pacific Water and Waste Association (PWWA), as well as 7 years with a major water utility in Sydney Water. Currently, I facilitate regional local water utilities with the NSW Water Directorate, further enhancing my understanding of diverse water management challenges and solutions here and abroad. I am passionate about promoting sustainable water practices and enhancing the resilience of water services in both Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

My experience being based in Samoa with the Pacific Water and Waste Association secretariat provided invaluable insights into the unique needs and priorities of Pacific Island and other developing nations. Most recently, I had the opportunity to lead a strategic capacity-building project in Cambodia with the Cambodia Water Association. This experience reinforced my commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange as a holistic international water sector.

The breadth of my background equip me with a unique perspective to contribute to the IWA committee. I believe my skills and dedication within multiple representation organisations makes me a valuable addition to the IWA committee, and I look forward to contributing to our shared goals in servicing members in water management and sustainability.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate at UNSW’s School of Chemical Engineering, I am deeply committed to advancing water sustainability in Australia and globally. My research focuses on the detection and quantification of cyanotoxins in various water matrices and the development of sensor technologies for PFAS monitoring. I also have hands-on experience in advanced oxidation processes, the treatment of emerging contaminants and heavy metals, and biological processes such as nitrification and denitrification. Currently, I serve as a committee member for the Australian Water Association’s Water Literacy and Education Specialist Network. In this role, I advocate for accessible water education and contribute to initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry, while inspiring the next generation of water professionals. I am seeking to join the IWAA Committee to contribute to the advancement of water science and technology, particularly in promoting innovation, best practices, and alignment with international frameworks for sustainable water management. I am particularly passionate about knowledge sharing and ensuring that scientific progress translates into practical, real-world impact. By joining the IWAA Committee, I aim to further support interdisciplinary collaboration and help shape the future of water research, policy, and practice across Australia.

Through my long-standing involvement and commitment to the Australian Water Sector, as a President, Director, Chair, Author, reviewer and committee member of the AWA and Australian Water Research, I have always promoted the IWA as the best way to network, build a career and for researchers, be recognised to learn from others and share their knowledge. This commitment has culminated in being awarded an IWA Fellowship in 2024.

My strong connections with the AWA as a Life Member and past President, ensure I have the opportunity to promote IWA events and opportunities through these networks and more. I also promote IWA connection and involvement opportunities to the WRA organisation, of which I am a Director. WRA hosted the 2023 Health-Related Water Microbiology Symposium in Darwin, Australia. If re-elected to the IWA Australia Committee and various conference committees, I will assist with the following strategic focus areas:

• Promoting Australian speakers at global events

• Increasing access to global information and expertise through professional networks and social media

• Assist in promoting the IWA Australia activities and values to AWA members

• Ensure that the IWAA committee has adequate resources to sustain branch operations and deliver activities and value to members.

• Seek partnerships to sustain and deliver IWA events regionally and in Australia, eg. through joint delivery/sponsorship for IWA events and activities.

• Continue to foster and promote the AWA/IWA connectivity and partnership.

• Promote the opportunities and value of memberships between IWA and AWA specialist groups

• Demonstrate to AWA and IWA members how to engage within Australia and regionally.

As an engineer and environmental scientist with over 20 years in the water industry, I have experience in regulation, water utility operations, public health, risk engineering, source protection, research, and guideline development. This extensive experience has helped shape my career and contribute to improvements within the water sector.

In my position at the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, I conducted research on topics including source protection and safety culture. I also developed courses on risk management in complex systems and contributed to collaborative projects between academia and industry. Additionally, I have taught courses on risk engineering for complex systems, engineering economics, and construction management.

In my previous role as Principal Compliance Officer at the Victorian Department of Health, I enhanced regulatory approaches for water quality and public health. My work included fostering successful multi-agency collaborations for safe drinking water outcomes and providing technical input to remaking the Victorian Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2015. These efforts have maintained high standards of public health and safety through modern risk management approaches for safe drinking water.

I look forward to contributing to the IWAA Committee, where my extensive experience and commitment to water quality and public health can help support the committee's mission and objectives.

I am honored to seek a position on the branch committee of the Australian Water Association.

Representing Danfoss, I bring extensive national, regional, and global experience in the water industry. My career also includes Advisory services and non-executive support to businesses, enhancing their operational efficiency and sustainability. I have actively contributed to various Boards, fostering collaboration and innovation.

My expertise lies in business management, sustainable solutions, and advanced technologies. I am passionate about driving progress in water conservation and resource management. Joining the committee will allow me to leverage my experience and insights to support the association's mission and contribute to the advancement of the water industry.

I am committed to promoting best practices and innovative solutions for a sustainable future and believe this is evidenced through my participation and membership in bodies such as the Water Positive Think Tank and the AWA Industrial Water & Trade Waste Specialist Network Committee.

With over 20 years of global experience in water resource management, I bring a diverse perspective to the IWAA Committee. My career spans strategic leadership roles at water focused organisations including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Water Association (IWA), the Australian Water Partnership (AWP), and Water Sensitive Cities Australia at Monash University, where I currently lead on international programs and nature-based solutions.

I have experience focusing on water governance, climate resilience, nature-based solutions, urban water systems, and the water-energy-food nexus. I’ve worked across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Australia with NGOs, governments, and the private sector on a variety of water initiatives from digital water to nature-based solutions to basin-connected cities.

I am a long-standing member of IWA and currently co-chair the Working Group on Nature-Based Solutions for Water and Sanitation, which is hosted by the IWA Wetland for Pollution Control Specialist Group. With colleagues from different specialist groups I have been a key driver in the establishment of the recently endorsed IWA Cluster on NbS.

I continue to be excited about supporting the water sector through leadership, capacity development, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Joining the IWAA Committee would be an honour and a valuable platform to contribute to showcasing Australia’s water expertise and agenda, particularly in promoting innovative, climate-smart and inclusive approaches.

As an active member of the Australian Water Association (AWA) and the International Water Association (IWA), I have proudly served on the IWAA Committee for the past two years. I am deeply committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across the global water community and would welcome the opportunity to continue contributing to the committee’s important work.

With over 20 years of experience in the water sector, I have led initiatives across the full water cycle—from water recycling and bulk water supply to service delivery in both metropolitan and remote regional settings. My leadership spans program management of large capital and R&D portfolios, quality assurance, strategic planning, water quality risk management, and water resources modelling.

Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered innovative, practical solutions that improve compliance, performance, and service outcomes. I am passionate about driving continuous improvement and enabling transformative change across the sector.

Currently, I lead the Operating Strategy Business Unit at WaterNSW, where I am responsible for developing strategies that support a sustainable and resilient organisation. This includes advancing integrated catchment health and water supply management practices to address emerging challenges and future needs.

I bring a strategic mindset, a collaborative approach, and a strong commitment to the future of the water sector. I am excited by the opportunity to support the committee’s goals and help shape a more connected, innovative, and resilient industry.

I am excited to nominate myself for the AWA 2025 Subcommittee. With years of experience across the water, waste, energy, and transport sectors, I bring a strong track record in leading complex infrastructure programs that deliver real value for communities. Currently, I serve as a Senior Manager at ACCIONA, where I lead major water projects with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence.

Previously, I held leadership roles at Veolia and Sydney Water, where I’ve successfully delivered large-scale treatment plants, waste to energy plants , negotiated critical contracts, and steered multidisciplinary teams through strategic project phases. I see this subcommittee as an opportunity to contribute to meaningful industry change, and to help shape conversations around future-ready water infrastructure.

I am also deeply passionate about increasing representation of women in engineering—particularly in the water industry—and I hope to use this platform to champion greater inclusion. As a woman who has built a career in technical leadership, I’m committed to mentoring and amplifying diverse voices and showing by example what’s possible.

I look forward to contributing my insights and energy to the AWA community.

I am a Professor of water quality and treatment at UNSW, with 20 years’ experience working across the Australian and UK water sector. I have a long relationship with the IWA: from 2008-2011, I was the YWP representative on the IWAA Committee, chairing the 5th IWA YWP conference, Sydney, in 2010, and receiving IWA Young Water Professional (YWP) Award the same year. More recently, I was Chair of the 13th IWA Specialist conference on Wastewater Ponds and Algal Technologies, July 2022, Melbourne, and have been a member of numerous other IWA conference committees. As a founding Editor-in-Chief of the IWA H2Open Journal (2016-2023) and current Editor of Water Research (2023 to date), I also work closely with IWA Publishing. Outside of IWA, I have experience with Water Research Australia. I chaired the WaterRA Education Committee (now Research Leadership Program) from 2016-2019 and was nominated as a Non-Executive Board Member (2019-2021). At UNSW, I have served as Associate Dean, Equity & Diversity (2021-2023), and from 2023 as Deputy Dean (Societal Impact & Translation), where I continue to lead UNSW Engineering’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as ensuring our research and education is well-connected to society’s needs, with focus on partnerships both locally and in the Pacific region. I am excited at the opportunity to reengage with the IWAA committee so I can contribute to further raising the profile of IWA within Australia and to providing opportunities for Australian young water professionals interested in engaging with the global water sector.

Steve joined Goulburn Valley Water as Managing Director in September 2020. With a strong technical background, he has extensive experience across the water services value chain including asset management, operations, commercial and business services and major project delivery. Steve was intimately involved with the planning, construction and operational integration of Perth’s climate resilience projects including the two large scale seawater desalination plants and the Beenyup groundwater replenishment scheme.

At Goulburn Valley Water Steve has a focus on climate adaptation and water security, operational excellence, and circular economy initiatives as well as stakeholder engagement and improving resilience and liveability in the Goulburn Valley region. In the years prior to joining GVW, Steve was part of the executive team at Water Corporation in Western Australia which included leadership of operations and service delivery across regional Western Australia.

Throughout his career Steve has maintained a presence in international water forums and represented Australia’s water sector innovation through regular participation in Singapore Water Week, the Global Water Summit, World Water Congress as well as several International Water Association conferences such as IWA Leading Edge Technologies, IWA-Aspire and other Specialist group conferences. He has been a member of the IWA Water Reuse and IWA Design, Operations and Maintenance of Drinking Water Plants specialist groups.

As an IWA-Grundfos Youth Action for SDG6 Fellow and Founder/CEO of WASH Education Pty Ltd (WASH-Ed), I'm committed to advancing water security through innovative education and community engagement. My journey in the water sector spans over 9 years, from leading WASH-Ed's development of learning curricula that have reached 150,000+ students across the Philippines and broader Asia-Pacific, to co-leading research for the Gates Foundation's sanitation technologies in the region.

My experience bridges technical expertise with community-driven approaches. In my current role as Advisor at E3 Advisory, I provide strategic and commercial services for social infrastructure projects, including in the water and places sectors, supporting NSW's disaster recovery response capabilities. I've also established the Australian government-funded Building Health Resiliency Systems Specialist Group, a multilateral workforce leveraging GIS/LIDAR technologies to enhance WASH resilience against natural hazards.

My committee experience includes founding the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership, where I provided governance and strategic direction to 900+ professionals. As a Westpac Future Leaders Scholar and UTS Faculty Award of Excellence recipient, I bring a collaborative leadership approach focused on practical solutions.

I'm particularly interested in strengthening Australia's disaster resilience through novel technologies and community-led applications, and developing stronger linkages between education, infrastructure, and community sectors for sustainable water management.

I aspire to join the IWAA Committee to contribute my diverse perspective spanning technical, educational, and community dimensions of water security, while learning from and collaborating with Australia's esteemed water professionals.

I have loved every minute of my 35 years’ experience in the water industry, both here in Australia and in the UK. I have always enjoyed attendance at water industry conferences, like Ozwater, and have participated in YWP activities and the mentorship programs. It feels like a great time for me to take a more active role to support and lead some of these activities in a mor proactive way. Recently I have become the Asia Pacific Water Business Leader at Arup, and this sees me spending more time outside of Australia, especially in Southeast Asia and East Asia, and I feel that offers me the opportunity now to connect and engage more frequently with IWA members and assist with the organisation of valuable activities, events and publications etc. here in Australia. I also have strong links to our UK business and recognise that the IWA has great depth and membership here too.

I have completed my AICD course, operated at an executive manger level in a number of companies now, and feel like I have strong experience in strategy, governance, and commercial;all of which could be valuable for the IWAA.

Whilst I have had experience across the board in my career, I am currently focusing on some of the emerging challenges as we look to purposefully mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

I have over 12 years of research experience in water engineering, including a Master by Research from Wuhan University (China), a PhD from the University of Adelaide (Australia), and three years of postdoctoral research focused on hydraulics and water resources. I am currently an ARC DECRA Fellow and Lecturer at the University of Adelaide. I have also approximately one year of industry experience as a co-founder of a start-up company Adelitics Pty Ltd, Australia. The company focuses on developing and applying advanced AI and IoT technologies to address critical challenges in the water industry. These techniques have been applied to multiple Australian water utilities.

In 2015, I served on the committee of the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR), Wuhan Branch, and took a leadership role in 2016. My key contribution was organising research seminars to engage members.

My areas of interest include water digitisation, IoT applications in water, urban water systems, water distribution systems, drainage system, and water loss.

I am eager to join this committee to collaborate with professionals in driving sustainable water management. I believe that working together at the committee level enables the exchange of valuable insights and fosters impactful, long-term solutions for the challenges facing our water systems. It also offers an opportunity to contribute my experience and continue learning from diverse perspectives.

IWAA Committee Elections

IWAA Branch Committee Nominees