2025 Branch Committee Nomination Statements

"Offering over thirty years’ experience I have driven the design and Engineering management of complex water, wastewater and sludge digestion plants, including one of the World’s largest pumping stations.
I have a background in consulting and EPC which comes from working in the UK, Australia and Middle East. I am a natural relationship builder and mentor able to engage with staff and clients to drive project performance.
My experience in the water industry began as a design standards drafter, then developed to design engineer, lead engineer to Engineering Manager
I am currently working on Woodman Point in an Alliance comprising Clough, Jacobs and Water Corporation.
I have worked in WA since 2011 mostly with Water Corporation as a client but also FMG,BHP and Roy Hill. I’ve never actually been on the AWA committee, but I have had many dealings with committee members and attended AWA and water Aid events."

"I am nominating for the WA Branch Committee to continue contributing to the Australian Water Association’s Strategy’25 vision. As Water Market Leader for Jacobs in WA, I lead multidisciplinary teams delivering complex water infrastructure projects across the state. This role gives me a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our sector, particularly in climate resilience, digital innovation, and regional engagement.

Having previously served on this committee, I understand the importance of strong governance, member engagement, and strategic alignment. I am committed to advancing AWA’s goals—supporting professional development, fostering diversity and inclusion, and strengthening partnerships that deliver sustainable outcomes.

I bring industry insight and a collaborative approach. I’m passionate about creating value for members and ensuring AWA remains a trusted, forward-thinking voice in the water sector"

I am excited to submit my nomination for the Australian Water Association (AWA) branch committee position. With over 8 years of engineering experience in the water industry, I am passionate about raising the profile of the water industry, supporting the committee's goals and proving back to the community. My journey with the AWA began over three years ago as a Young Water Professional (YWP), with two years spent contributing to the NSW division and one in WA. Currently, I am employed as the water infrastructure manager at Stantec, the world's largest water engineering firm, where I continue to advocate for innovative solutions and support the new generation of engineers. Recognized as the AWA Water Professional of the Year in 2024, I bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to this role. Additionally, I am a committed member of the IChemE, further broadening my perspective and network within the industry.

"I am a +25 year Industry professional specializing in the design, construction and operation of wastewater treatment infrastructure. Growing up in Perth I have seen first-hand the impact of climate change on the rainfall patterns and the measures taken such as desalination and AWRP to help us maintain the Perth water supply.
Over the past few years I have been involved in mentoring roles which has both helped me reflect on my career to date, but also help guide junior professionals on what they want to achieve from their career. I have helped delivery water workshops for the Engineering Aid Australia IAES program with the second one coming up in July.
I would like to nominate for the committee for a number of reasons. Firstly to meet and work with similarly minded water professionals, and secondly to become a more active (not passive) member."

"Hi, I’m Garth Walter and I’m nominating for a position on the WA Branch Committee.

I have spent my whole career of more than 30 years’ experience in the water industry across the mining, infrastructure, services and utility sectors. I first attended AWA events in the late 1990s from WA events to Ozwater. I then got more involved in 2008 when I joined the WA Branch committee. Since then I have served continuously as a committee member and been WA YWP President, WA Branch VP (twice) and WA Branch President. I am currently serving as Immediate Past President. I have also served AWA on the Strategic Advisory Council (SAC) as a WA Branch representative. In addition, I spent 4 years as a National Director of AWA from 2015 – 2019

I am looking forward to continuing to serve the AWA and WA water community, helping it to grow and develop sustainably."

"I am an experienced Process Engineer with a background spanning water treatment, mining, energy, and chemicals. My career has included roles in project delivery, engineering design, consulting, and operational support.

Throughout my postgraduate studies and professional journey, my focus has consistently centered on water management, treatment, and related technologies. I am passionate about advancing sustainable water practices and developing practical solutions to water challenges.

Currently, I am engaged in Managed Aquifer Recharge, a field that presents unique opportunities to enhance water security across Australia. I am eager to join the committee to help strengthen the AWA network and foster greater collaboration among water professionals in Perth. Although we may work across different organizations, a connected and collaborative professional community is essential to advancing effective water solutions in Western Australia."

Sock-Hoon is a highly qualified process specialist with 23 years of experiences who specializes in wastewater treatment/reclamation/reuse, process modelling, odour treatment, biogas scrubbing, pilot/demonstration, and process commissioning/troubleshooting. Recently relocated to Perth, Australia, she is currently involved in the concept design of the 90LMD upgrade of Subiaco WRRF for Water Corporation. Early on, she led the process design of the 180MLD upgrade at Woodman Point which converted from SBR to MLE. Internationally, she led many award-winning designs including the dedicated animal wastewater treatment and recycling plants in Singapore;12.5MLD Validation Demo Plant with multiple A-stage configurations to prove the greenfield 800MLD Tuas WRP. Sock-Hoon designed the first hybrid polymeric and ceramic MBR plant at the Changi WRP and led the process optioneering effort for 20+ STPs for BNR retrofit in Manila, PHL. With expertise and interest in BNR, MBR, MABR, energy-efficiency, GHG, and odour control, Sock-Hoon hopes to be part of the AWA committees and make a contribution.

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.

Associate Professor Amir Razmjou is a prominent expert in membrane and water treatment technologies. He currently serves as a Board Director of the Membrane Society of Australasia (MSA) and a judge for the global XPRIZE Desalination competition. As the founder and director of ECU’s Mineral Recovery Research Centre (MRRC), his research encompasses desalination, advanced water treatment, and critical mineral extraction. He has published over 210 peer-reviewed papers (h-index: 59;>12,000 citations) in prestigious, high-ranked journals and led research projects exceeding $7.95 million in funding, including MRIWA and CRC-P grants. His accolades include the 2023 WA FHRI Innovation Fellowship and the 2024 ECU Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence. He serves on the editorial boards of Desalination and Water Treatment and the Journal of Water Process Engineering, and was a finalist for the ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Technology. His extensive expertise and commitment to sustainable water solutions make him a valuable asset to the committee.

As a Professor at Edith Cowan University (ECU) with a specialised focus on water and renewable energy, I am committed to advancing sustainable practices in water and wastewater. My expertise spans critical areas such as desalination and resource recovery, where I have led innovative research projects aimed at optimising water use and promoting environmental sustainability. My passion for water sustainability drives my dedication to developing cutting-edge solutions that address global water challenges. I am eager to contribute my knowledge and experience to the Australian Water Association (AWA) as a committee member, where I can collaborate with industry leaders to foster sustainable water practices and influence strategy development. My goal is to ensure a resilient and sustainable water future for all communities.

"Hi guys I'd like to nominate myself to join the AWA WA Branch Committee please, as I'm wanting to get involved more in the community. Sarah Lambert, who was previously on the committee, recommended that I join. I have a history in community-based events in the past.

Gerard brings over 20 years of consulting experience and has contributed to hundreds of urban developments, infrastructure and mine site related projects across Western Australia.
He specialises in stormwater design, flood modelling, Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), strategic planning, water resource management, project management, the preparation of water management plans, stakeholder consultation and navigating agency approvals.
Gerard possesses technical expertise in assessing project opportunities and constraints, leading to the delivery of practical, high-quality outcomes that support sustainable development."

I have been a member of AWA for almost 30 years and a committee member of the WA Branch since 2016, including President from 2020-2022. I am Senior Principal Process Engineer at Water Corporation providing strategic technical and design leadership across water treatment and water resource recovery facilities. I have a strong track record of R&D and innovation and facilitating productive relationships between the utility sector, Universities and technology developers. I am an advocate for continuing professional development and lead Water Corporation’s engineering workforce credentialling program. The AWA has grown to become the principal organisation facilitating our collegiate water industry in connecting and inspiring our growth, development and innovation, both at a personal professional level and at enterprise level. I look forward to continuing on the WA Branch committee to help ensure the AWA can continue to play this role successfully.

Branch Committee Elections

Western Australia Branch Committee Nominees