2025 Branch Committee Nomination Statements

"As the Managing Director of my consulting firm, my mission is to advance water management practices, focusing on non-revenue water reduction and operational efficiency. With a background as a Project Officer at Dormway Pty Ltd and team experience at Detection Services Queensland, I bring a vast array of knowledge in project management and business analysis to the table.

My approach is characterized by the implementation of district and pressure-managed areas, ensuring business efficiency in operational water management. This proficiency, coupled with my expertise in strategic business planning and corporate financial reporting, has empowered our team to secure sustainable advancements in the water sector.

My Interest in Joining the Qld Committee is to help smaller & more regional water service providers engage with greater efficency with the AWA service offerings, available information and the current members."

With nine years of experience as a senior water engineer across both public and private sectors, I am deeply committed to advancing the water industry in regional and remote areas. Having worked outside of Southeast Queensland, I understand the unique challenges faced by professionals in these areas, and I am eager to advocate for greater industry opportunities and relevant training. My strong connections within Cairns and its surrounding regions allow me to effectively support the Australian Water Association’s mission to share knowledge, connect members, and inspire positive change. I am particularly passionate about strengthening partnerships between industry and local universities to showcase the possibilities within the water industry. By continuing to host regional forums and workshops, I aim to enhance engagement and provide valuable face-to-face opportunities for professionals. Through this role, I hope to contribute to expanding AWA’s presence and impact across regional Queensland.

I nominate to become a member of the AWA Qld Branch committee as I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the AWA over the past 18 months and would love to contribute more to the association. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Stormwater Qld executive committee over 15 years ago! I believe I can bring a people centred approach to the events that are organised and contribute ideas to help shape how AWA continues the conversation around mental health, psychological safety and self-leadership for water industry professionals and leaders alike. We’re hearing more stories of skills shortages, stress, burnout, and productivity demands increasing;with no end to the wicked challenges we face in the water industry. I believe my skillset of facilitation, coaching, training and leadership would be a valuable addition to the committee.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the water industry, I've had the privilege of working across customer, operational delivery, and strategic leadership roles. From utility management and leadership to my current national advisory role with Stantec, my focus has always been on driving better outcomes for communities through sustainable water and wastewater management. I've led initiatives in service transformation, policy reform, business strategy and integration, all grounded in collaboration and strong connection to community needs. I'm actively involved across the industry - locally, regionally, and nationally - sharing insights, learning from peers, and helping shape a more resilient, innovative sector. I'm passionate about supporting the next generation of water professionals and contributing to a shared vision for a sustainable water future. I'd be honoured to bring my experience, energy, and collaborative approach to the AWA Queensland Committee.

"I am nominating for the Australian Water Association (AWA) QLD Branch Committee to actively contribute to the growth and sustainability of Queensland’s water sector. As General Manager – Water at Egis, I lead multidisciplinary teams delivering innovative water infrastructure and advisory services across Australia. This role provides me with a broad perspective on current industry challenges and opportunities, as well as strong connections across government, utilities, and the private sector.

I am passionate about driving sustainable water solutions, fostering collaboration, and supporting the next generation of water professionals. I believe the AWA plays a critical role in uniting the sector, promoting knowledge sharing, and advocating for best practices. Through the QLD Branch Committee, I hope to support these goals by contributing strategic insight, industry experience, and leadership. I am committed to being an active, engaged member who helps shape the future of water in Queensland and Australia."

"Providing high-quality water to meet the demands of our society is a challenging task due to depleting water sources, aging infrastructure, a growing population, climate change, rising capital and operational costs, and insufficient funding. By collaborating with water professionals, we can discover innovative solutions to address the challenges. We need to work together, share our valuable experiences, and learn from one another to develop sustainable and creative approaches to tackle these issues.
I am serving as a member of the AWA Regional Rural and Remote Specialist Committee and was a member of the WA Branch Committee from June 2022 until my relocation to Queensland in August 2024. I believe that being a committee member provides valuable opportunities to share my experiences and learn from others. This collaboration will ultimately assist us in developing sustainable water management solutions that enhance the health and well-being of our society while safeguarding the environment."

"I’m a water governance specialist with 20 years of experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors.
I’m passionate about inclusive, integrated water management and have worked extensively with maraglised communities and First Nations peoples, to embed opportunities for their voice and knowledge into water planning, policy and actions.
I have led capacity-building programs across the Indo-Pacific, contributed to national policy dialogues, and supported community-led adaptation programs.
I’m proud to have served one term with the AWA Queensland Branch Committee, where I have enabled three first nation keynote speakers at two QWater conferences, and enabled technical dialogue on ESGs while contributing respectfully in branch sessions.
My contribution is grounded in systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and a deep respect for Country and community. As a Branch Member, I bring both technical expertise and a values-driven mindset to support AWA’s mission and amplify the voices of those most affected by complex water challenges."

I am an Environmental Specialist with extensive experience, expertise and skills in a variety of scientific and engineering fields, particularly in water and wastewater. My ability to see things differently, along with my unique critical analytical skills with emphasis on logically sound, evidence-based decision making that allows me to make effective decisions under highly challenging circumstances is instrumental. In addition, my strong commitment and a passion to find cost effective environmentally sustainable solutions to address the issues to protect environment, with a vision to build healthy communities. So, I believe my values and goals align with AWA’s vision and mission, making me a best fit for this purpose. As such, I strongly believe, I would certainly be able to make a positive difference to the AWA Branch Committee and YWP Subcommittee.

I’ve spent over 15 years in the water sector — and I’m still just as passionate about the impact we create for communities. As Queensland Market Leader for Sequana, I work with councils, utilities, and industry across the state, helping to plan and deliver smarter, more sustainable water solutions, especially in regional areas. My background spans infrastructure strategy, planning, and building strong, trusted partnerships across the sector.
In 2024, I proudly took part in the AWA Mentoring Program as a mentor - a fantastic experience that reinforced my commitment to developing future water leaders. I'm passionate about driving collaboration, amplifying regional voices, and backing our emerging talent. I’d love to bring fresh energy, strategic focus, and a strong regional perspective to the AWA Queensland Branch Committee — and help keep our industry connected, resilient, and full of opportunity for the future.

I’m a highly collaborative leader, keen to contribute my passion for connecting people, data, and innovations to the AWA Queensland Branch Committee.

With 20+ years’ experience leading strategy, digital transformation and sustainability, mainly in Queensland’s water sector, I have:

- Served as Sunwater’s portfolio strategist, pioneering participatory partnerships and adaptive investment, tackling water security and climate resilience.

- Driven digital benefits, from managing Seqwater’s asset systems and information to shaping value cases for AI and Sydney Water’s award-winning customer-centric hub.

- Embedded sustainability, including ESG plans underpinning $15B+ in funding and developing Queensland Hydro’s $35M community benefits strategy.

I’m committed to building sector capacity through knowledge sharing, mentoring and championing diversity, especially for women, youth and underrepresented groups. As chair of GHD’s neurodiversity group, and a former committee member for AWA sustainability, climate change and asset management, WSAA, WaterAid, and Engineers Australia, I bring experience fostering cross-sector collaboration and advancement.

I have been involved in the water industry for 20 years through consulting and now construction. I value the collaborative environment of this industry. My personal interest is in identifying value-adding and innovations and supporting women's careers.

"With experience in water policy, regulation, and strategy, I am committed to shaping a sustainable and equitable water future. I have contributed to consulting projects in the rural water sector across Australia and internationally, including water management and planning, non-urban metering, water markets, floodplain and environmental water reform, and water security. My work is grounded in systems thinking, policy analysis, governance and stakeholder engagement, focusing on delivering practical, impactful outcomes.
I recently relocated to Brisbane, and I’m keen to connect with other water professionals and foster inclusive dialogue across disciplines in this incredible industry. Joining the AWA YWP QLD Committee presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to this community—sharing knowledge, building networks, and advancing discussions on key water challenges. I’m eager to bring strategic insight, a collaborative mindset, and genuine enthusiasm for cross-sector learning to the role."

"I am nominating for the Queensland Branch Committee because I am passionate about advancing the Queensland water sector. I strongly believe that together we can support the AWA’s purpose to inspire and drive a sustainable water future, with water recognised by all as essential to economic prosperity, health, the environment and First Nations connection to Country.
With over 40 years of experience in the water industry—spanning infrastructure delivery, policy and stakeholder collaboration—I have had the privilege to work across urban and regional water management. I have seen firsthand how connection, collaboration and innovation can transform outcomes for communities and the environment. I seek to continue the legacy that successive committees have developed.
As an active and supportive AWA member, I am committed to representing you and to fostering diversity, supporting emerging professionals as well as water elders, and representing regional perspectives."

I am an experienced professional, having served on a number of professional and special interest committees and working groups, including in a Chair role. I am new to the water sector (18 months), but have deep national and international experience across a number of Corporate Affairs roles, including resource sector sustainability. I am enthusiastic about applying my skills for the benefit of the water sector in Queensland and nationally.

"Six years ago, I relocated to Brisbane and became an active member of AWA, immersing myself in the incredible knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities this community offers. For a couple of years, I was also a proud member of the QLD Young Water Professionals Subcommittee and National Taskforce, and I am now ready to onboard the QLD Branch to keep learning and contributing to our ever-evolving water sector.

Coming from a French and Spanish background, I started my career with Veolia in Europe, worked on some energy, waste and water projects in Latin America, the US and Australia. After that, I joined Corporate Carbon, a consultancy for a couple years to better understand how we can decarbonise our industry. In my current role at John Holland, I look after the strategies and partnerships we can develop across the industry to prepare for the upcoming wave of construction projects (dams, treatment, pipeline, desal, recovery).

In my spare time, if I'm not hiking, camping or rock climbing, I like to read in my hammock or wander around my veggie garden and check on my worm farm.

With the coming decade of once-in-a-lifetime water projects coming our way, I look forward to collaborating with AWA’s members and bringing my diverse background, perspectives, network and passion to help the water industry exchange, learn and grow together."

I have been actively engaged with the Australian Water Association for over five years, initially as a PhD researcher and later as a scientist at the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB), UQ. My academic and industry experiences—ranging from methane- and nitrogen-related microbial processes to inovative sludge treatment with Queensland Urban Utilities—have shaped my commitment to advancing sustainable water solutions. Now a Research Fellow at QUT, I continue to work on emission control and emerging contaminant removal in wastewater systems. I hope to contribute to the QLD Branch Committee by strengthening the connection between early-career researchers and industry, supporting science communication, and promoting diversity within the water sector. I believe my interdisciplinary background, field and lab experience, and long-standing AWA involvement place me in a strong position to add value to the committee and contribute meaningfully to its initiatives.

"Over the past four years as a committee member of the AWA Queensland Branch, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed contributing to AWA’s ethos of SHARE, CONNECT, and INSPIRE. During this time, I have been active on the Membership Sub-committee, am the current Qld Source Coordinator and helped plan and volunteer at key events including Ozwater, Queensland Conferences (North QLD and QCon), and various technical and networking events. I’m passionate about fostering knowledge sharing, showcasing innovation, and promoting diversity across the water sector.
I’m committed to continuing this work—especially strengthening Women of Water networks, regional engagement, and supporting the emerging generation of water professionals. With a diverse background spanning both the water and civil sectors, I bring a unique ability to connect people across industries, spark new ideas, and encourage broader thinking. I look forward to continuing to support the amazing team of volunteers that makes AWA such a vibrant and impactful community."

"With a strong foundation in environmental science and extensive qualifications in water management, I bring a distinguished career spanning policy advisory, strategic leadership, and ESG reporting. My experience in regional Queensland has provided deep insights into water systems, environmental frameworks, and policy development across the mining, agriculture, and energy sectors.
I have developed expertise across all water ecosystems—from freshwater to coastal and ocean environments, grounding my work in a strong scientific understanding of water processes and sustainability. My proficiency in research, data analysis, and investment strategy informs decisions that drive long-term environmental health.
Passionate about sustainable water management, I integrate scientific analysis, policy development, and stakeholder engagement to create impactful change. My process-driven leadership fosters collaboration across government, industry, and community sectors to enhance environmental outcomes and strategic decision-making."

I have worked in the water industry for over 20 years, mainly as a researcher at UQ. I am currently an Associate Professor at UQ, where I focus on developing next-generation water treatment technologies, teaching water engineering courses, and supervising PhD students.

Over the past two years, I have served as a Branch Committee member, with a strong focus on fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer across the sector. During this time, I have contributed as an organising committee member for three state conferences, supported the development of the future water workforce by promoting AWA student memberships and the mentoring program, and helped organise various AWA outreach events.

If re-elected, I will continue to:

1. Strengthen the connection between the education and water sectors to refine the training of future water professionals;
2. Promote cross-sector collaboration to drive end-user–oriented research and innovation in the face of a changing climate.

"I am a Water Engineer with over 20 years of experience spanning network and asset management, as well as the process design, improvement, and operation of various municipal water and wastewater treatment plants. My career began in water quality assessment, providing a strong foundation for my current work.

I am eager to contribute to the QLD branch committee by sharing knowledge, fostering connections across the industry, and engaging with fellow members and stakeholders. I believe this platform will also offer valuable opportunities to understand the challenges others face and to learn from their problem-solving approaches."

"I have worked in water supply and sewerage engineering since commencing a Cadetship with Brisbane City Council in 1971. My experience has been with the operation, maintence and construction of water supply and sewerage infrastructure both in Australia and overseas both as a local government employee and as a consultant since that time.
I have been involved with AWA for a considerable number years (too many to admit to) and have previously served on the Branch Committee and have been awarded the Regional Service Award for my efforts to facilitate the inclusion of regional members into AWA activities. I look forward to being more closely involved with the Committee."

"I am honoured to nominate myself for the Queensland Branch Committee, bringing over 13 years of specialised water infrastructure experience as a Chartered Engineer (CPEng) and RPEQ.
As General Manager - Engineering, I lead a multidisciplinary team delivering critical water and wastewater solutions across Queensland, from major infrastructure planning for large urban developments to complex trunk infrastructure design & delivery.
Currently, I am overseeing vital water infrastructure projects for remote Aboriginal communities throughout regional and far north Queensland. This experience provides firsthand understanding of unique challenges facing remote communities in accessing safe, reliable drinking water - from technical complexities to cultural considerations and funding constraints.
This experience has reinforced my commitment to water equity and tailored solutions for underserved communities. I am passionate about contributing my technical expertise and project leadership experience to AWA's mission of advancing water practices and ensuring equitable access to quality water services across Queensland."

"Over the past two years on the AWA QLD Branch Committee, I’ve actively contributed to regional engagement initiatives, supported event planning, and provided input into strategic discussions. This has been a privilege and a highlight working with so many amazing contributors in the industry.
I bring lived experience from regional and remote contexts, offering a valuable and often underrepresented viewpoint. With a career dedicated entirely to the water industry, I have been fortunate to contribute to urban, rural, and remote communities essential service provision.
The industry continues to evolve and inspire—with innovations in technology, training, and infrastructure—I am committed to supporting this evolution, working with the industry to ensure many voices are heard. I believe in giving back to the industry that has given me so much, and serving on the AWA QLD Branch Committee offers a meaningful platform. I would be honoured to represent our diverse and vibrant sector."

"I am a Professor and Chair of Sustainable Water Technologies at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), an ARC Future Fellow, and the Director of ARC Research Hub in IoT for Water. Prior to joining QUT in 2023, I was a Professor at the University of Alberta, Canada (2008–2023), where I held both a Canada Research Chair and an NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Sustainable Urban Water Development. I am an elected College Member of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) and a Fellow of Engineers Australia (FIEAust).

With over 20 years of international experience in water and wastewater management, my expertise spans environmental biotechnology, industrial waste treatment, and the translation of research into practical, scalable solutions. My work is strongly grounded in collaboration with industry and government, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and innovation in water systems.

I currently serve on the AWA Industry and Trade Waste Committee and would welcome the opportunity to contribute further as a member of the Queensland Branch Committee. I am particularly interested in strengthening cross-sector partnerships, supporting knowledge exchange, and fostering a dynamic and inclusive water community across Queensland."

"With four years in the Water Industry as a civil engineer at WSP, I have contributed to the planning and detailed design of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Additionally, participating in AWA events, including OzWater’23 and OzWater’25, has been a fantastic experience, allowing me to champion Indigenous participation and young leadership. Co-presenting my technical paper in Adelaide and having it recognized by an AWA journalist in a published article made the experience even more rewarding.

At just 3.5 years of experience, I was entrusted with the role of Team Coordinator for a group of 20 people, which has been a fulfilling journey of leadership, collaboration, and trust-building. I am eager to contribute my expertise while learning from peers, driving innovation, inclusion, and professional growth. As a YWP Committee member, I look forward to amplifying voices and fostering meaningful change to ensure water remains a sustainable resource for future generations."

I am a Process Engineer at Arup, working in the water treatment space. I have under 2 years of experience and have contributed to various projects focusing on sustainable water solutions. I am passionate about sharing my experiences to support other young professionals in their career journeys. Joining the AWA YWP Branch Committee presents an opportunity for me to give back to the community, foster connections, and promote knowledge sharing. I am eager to enhance my soft skills, including communication and leadership, while collaborating with peers to drive initiatives that benefit the water industry. My goal is to create inclusive platforms that encourage professional development and innovation among emerging water professionals. I believe that by working together, we can inspire positive change and contribute to a sustainable water future while having fun.

"As a Graduate Engineer at Seqwater, I have gained experience across diverse areas, including Operations, Asset Sustainability and Network Water Supply Assets. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the water sector and fuelled my passion for safeguarding this vital resource.

I studied at UQ, completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering. My degree equipped me with a unique multidisciplinary perspective to help drive meaningful change. Over the past 2 years in my graduate role, I’ve developed not only a love for the water industry, but also a commitment to innovation and collaboration.

As a Young Water Professional, I would bring energy, curiosity, and a dedication to help advance sustainable water solutions. Thank you."

"My name is Dinuka Ginige, and I’m a Water and Wastewater Engineer with experience spanning both planning and design. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Queensland Young Water Professionals (YWP) Branch. I also represented Queensland on the National YWP Taskforce and currently serve as the outgoing Chair.

This journey with AWA has been incredibly rewarding. Collaborating with both state and national committee members to deliver initiatives to support our members has been a professional highlight. On a personal level, the most meaningful moments have come from connecting with new people, facilitating events for idea sharing, and working alongside passionate colleagues from across the sector.

I would be honoured to serve a final term on the QLD YWP Branch - my last two years of eligibility. My focus would be on supporting the committee to deliver impactful and engaging events for our industry."

"Relevant experience - I have 30 years’ experience in strategic communications and 6 years’ experience in the water sector. I hold a B.A (Public Relations) and Bachelor of Laws (Hons). My 2024 honours legal research paper topic was ‘Improving collaborative water governance’.
Past involvement - I am an AWA Mentor to AWA member from Sydney Water (March 2025- present). I provided an interactive member session at OzWater24 on ‘Enabling Social License’ in the water sector which attracted over 60 attendees.
Areas of deeper experience/ knowledge includes collaborative water governance, water quality, bulk water supply, blue carbon, water retailing, and regional community collaboration for water quality protection and catchment management.
Aspirations for nomination - to utlise my unique skills in service of the AWA in achieving its aims for YWP members. Specifically, to help increase member capacity for collaboration."

I am a Colombian water engineer with more than a decade of international experience in hydrology, hydraulics and water-resources management across three countries and two continents. Since graduating in 2013, I have delivered applied research, policy advice and industry solutions, ensuring science translates into resilient infrastructure. My PhD in Civil Engineering (The University of Queensland, 2022) centred on hydrology and flood modelling. In Australia I have worked for the Sustainable Minerals Institute, the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, and currently WSP, where I lead flood-risk studies for clients in the resources sector. I have previously volunteered on university committees and participated in the AWA’s mentoring Program 2023 edition. I seek election to the Young Water Professionals Subcommittee to share evidence-based practice, champion diversity and foster interdisciplinary dialogue that equips emerging engineers to tackle water security and climate-adaptation challenges.

My nomination is rooted in more than two years of service as a YWP Subcommittee board member. Throughout this period, I have had the privilege of actively contributing to most of the subcommittee’s events and programs. I have also valued opportunities to support initiatives led by the committee board. These experiences have provided me with a solid understanding of the subcommittee’s operations and the diverse interests of our members. I am eager to be part of the subcommittee team to apply my experience and dedication to further support our YWP members in their efforts to connect, share, and grow.

"With close to three years in the water industry, I’ve worked in research and operations, and I am now a consulting engineer at Sustainable Solutions International (SSI).

As an active member of the AWA, I have participated in conferences, technical and social events, and award nights. Additionally, I was a mentee in the 2024 Mentoring Program. Having grown up in regional and remote Queensland, I am passionate about advocating for the ongoing representation and needs of these communities.

I’m actively building a professional network across the water sector and related industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, mining, education and construction services. I am eager to share insights and explore collaboration opportunities with the YWP and AWA communities.

As a naturally inquisitive person, I will bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the YWP committee. I will commit my time and availability to the YWP committee and represent its needs effectively."

"Water is life, so the people working with it have a powerful role shaping our future. Since 2017, I’ve worked across drinking water and wastewater services in urban and remote contexts, with a focus on sustainability and environmental initiatives. I’m most passionate about contributing to a more inclusive water sector, one that embraces news ways of thinking and doing, especially through valuing the knowledge and leadership of First Nations Peoples.

For the past two years, I’ve been actively involved in the Young Water Professionals network, including serving as Secretary over the past year. As a regional member, I bring perspectives that help broaden the committee’s reach and relevance. Being part of this community has helped me grow professionally and personally connecting and sharing has built my confidence and sense of belonging in the industry. I’m excited to keep contributing to a network that connects emerging professionals with purpose and creates space for meaningful impact."

"I’m a water scientist and environmental engineer currently completing a PhD focused on the removal of emerging contaminants from treated wastewater using advanced treatment technologies. I’ve also done pilot-scale research on disinfection by-product removal from drinking water during my Master’s in the US.
Professionally, I’ve worked as an environmental specialist at multinational engineering firms in Dubai and Pakistan, contributing to large-scale infrastructure projects with a focus on environmental compliance, impact assessment, and sustainability.
I’m now keen to connect with a professional association to better understand the water sector’s challenges and opportunities in Australia, build meaningful professional relationships, and learn from experienced peers in the field.
Outside of work, I’m a mum to a very enthusiastic three-year-old who fills my life with energy and joy. Joining a professional community is also a personal challenge to step outside my comfort zone—one I’m ready to embrace and excited to grow from."

"As a near-completion PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at UQ, I bring three years of research experience in microbial one-carbon conversion technology at ACWEB, alongside with prior work on disinfection technologies during my master’s and three years of involvement in wastewater resource recovery and water security projects. I am passionate about engaging my expertise in data analysis, environmental technology in resource recovery to support sustainable solutions, and eager to contribute to AWA’s Strategy’25 while broadening my perspective within the water sector.
I have actively volunteered within the water community, including at major conferences such as Ozwater’22, MEWE 2023, and NRR24. These experiences deepened my appreciation for cross-disciplinary collaboration and community engagement. I aim to align my small step with AWA’s giant step in community-focused water strategies. It would be an honour to be a YWP member, contributing to AWA’s value proposition by sharing knowledge, connecting stakeholders, and inspiring engagement."

I've been in the water industry as a process engineer for three years in operations and consulting. I have experience in being on and establishing committees. In 2024, I initiated the Emerging Professionals Network at TasWater obtaining executive approval, securing an annual budget of $20 000 and chaired the committee. This has been endorsed to continue as an initiative and has gained sixty members across TasWater from all areas of the state. I led the committee to hold monthly lunch and learns, as well as an inter-industry networking event with Hydro Tasmania. I was the Communications Lead on the Aurecon Limelight (Emerging Professionals) Committee in 2022-2023. I would love to join the AWA 2025 QLD YWP committee because I want to continue creating opportunities for YWPs in the broader water industry. Additionally, I’m moving back to Queensland from Tasmania in June 2025.

Hi, I'm Vidura. I've been in the water industry for the last 3/3.5 years, working at Logan Water as a grad electrical engineer. I've been involved with AWA through numerous programs/events, such as participating in the mentoring program and tech event nights, as well as the Amazing Race. My area expertise is in electrical/switchboard design and instrumentation and a bit of process design/development. I'm interested in the renewables space, especially regarding solutions such as gasification and solar. I'm also interested in sustainable designs and solutions. I'd love to join the committee to get more involved with the organization as well as to meet and connect with others in the same industry.

"Hi everyone,
I'm in my first year working in the water industry after graduating in Construction Management. During my internship at a consulting firm, I developed a strong interest in water—an industry I find both fascinating and closely tied to everyday life. I’m currently working as a project engineer and estimator, supporting procurement and tender processes. With a background in marketing and skills in Excel and data analysis, I enjoy finding efficient ways to manage and present information. I'm looking to connect with like-minded young professionals who are passionate about the future of the water industry. Joining the committee would be a great opportunity for me to contribute, learn, and grow alongside others who share the same drive.
Thanks!"

I am a postdoctoral research fellow with over nine years of experience in water and wastewater treatment research, including a 1.5-year career interruption. I have worked across a wide range of wastewater treatment processes, with a focus on bioprocess optimization, microbial communities, functional profiling, and translating fundamental science into applied solutions. I bring hands-on expertise in bioreactor maintenance, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis. I have collaborated with industry partners, including local city councils, landfill operators, CRC funding bodies, and local industries. I also spent three years working overseas at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore on wastewater treatment process and biomaterial research, one year at UQ on pure microbial metagenomic sequencing research. I built a strong international network with top-level researchers from Singapore, Denmark, Brazil, and China. I can bring this global perspective and reputation to the committee. I have supervised six PhD students (two completed and retained in academia), and serve as a reviewer for several international journals, an invited editor to one special issue, and a examiner for many PhD students. I believe I can bring the global perspective, industry connections, and mentoring and evaluative experience to the committee. I am also keen to serve on the committee to help foster the development of the next generation of researchers and contribute to a vibrant, collaborative research community.

I have 3 years of experience in the Water Industry – specifically in the areas of water quality and compliance, and process control. I have a keen interest in water quality and processes from source water through to final drinking water product. I work in the rural city of Mount Isa in the North-west of the state, where MIWB as a bulk water supplier delivers potable, semi-treated and raw water to industrial, commercial, and local government customers. I think I’d be able to give value to the QLD YWP Branch Committee as a voice for the rural and remote areas of Australia and I think the Committee would be a great opportunity for me to network and garner knowledge from the rest of the state on issues that we may be facing or will face in the future.

My name is Mark Scanlan, I am a Water Quality Scientist for Gympie Regional Council with a focus on treatment advisory and compliance in both water and wastewater. With a Bachelor of Science majoring in marine biology, I started my career in commercial aquariums and aquaculture. It was in these roles where I found my passion for water quality, treatment and filtration. I then made the leap to water and wastewater treatment, starting out as a treatment plant operator, and finally landing in my current role.

Please accept this nomination to join the Australian Water Association Young Water Professionals. I look forward to the opportunities provided through the subcommittee such as mentorship, networking, events, and further learning, growing and developing as a professional in the water industry.

Branch Committee Elections

Queensland Branch Committee Nominees

Queensland Young Water Professionals Subcommittee Nominees