Ozwater’25: Making the most of Day Three

It’s the final day of Ozwater’25, and we’re closing out the conference with a line-up that’s all about future-focused solutions, global perspectives and inclusive leadership. Day Three offers a chance to reflect, recharge and dive deep into how we want to shape the water sector for the next generation. 

This morning’s keynote will be delivered by Dr Mark Fletcher, Chair of British Water and Global Water Lead at Arup. With nearly four decades of experience, Mark is one of the world’s leading voices in sustainable water management.

Dr Fletcher will bring a global lens to today’s challenges and share insights on nature-based infrastructure, water resilience and the importance of elevating diverse leadership across the sector. 

Here’s how to make the most of the final day. 

On-the-ground highlights for Day Three 

Don’t miss the final day’s activations, conversations and celebrations happening around the venue: 

Education Hub (9.00am–2.00pm) – Primary School Water Discovery Day, sponsored by Fulton Hogan 

Skilled Migrant Professionals Morning Tea (10.00am, SUEZ Stand) – A space to connect, share and support new pathways into the sector 

Closing Drinks (3.30pm–4.30pm, Foyer E)  
Say your farewells and raise a glass to the connections made and ideas sparked over the past three days 

Dive into Day Three panels 

Day Three continues with thought-provoking sessions covering workforce transformation, technology, climate resilience and inclusion. Here are a few standouts worth bookmarking: 

The evolution of water authorities’ future workforce: The skills and ways of working to serve communities of the future 
Hosted by Jacobs and facilitated by Marta Malchevski, this session will showcase a professional development model designed for complex, modern water challenges. Speakers from Yarra Valley Water – Bridie Fennessy, Laura Barstow, Liran Podolsky and Candice Sargent – will share how reimagined learning is reshaping workforce capability and culture. 

Desalination technology and projects for climate independence, water security and resilience in an ever-changing world 
Facilitated by Neil Palmer for the AWA Desalination Specialist Network, this session will examine the expanding role of desalination in supporting water resilience. Speakers Rod Naylor (GHD), Lisa Chan (SUEZ), and Dr Domingo Zarzo (Sacyr) will explore both local success stories and the global innovations moving the technology forward. 

Workshop highlight 

Building LGBTQIA+ inclusion together: From top tips on building your own Pride network to the experience of LGBTQIA+ leaders across the sector 
Facilitated by Zoé Kennedy from Pride in Water, this workshop will bring together Ben Stone (Water Corporation), Sally Armstrong (TasWater) and Paul Mulley (Melbourne Water) to share lived experiences and practical strategies for building inclusive, empowered workplaces. Expect a conversation full of heart, insight and actionable ideas. 

It’s been a huge week of inspiration, collaboration and momentum – and we’re ready for Day Three. See you at the final sessions and celebrations as we wrap up Ozwater’25.