Upcoming Events

ACT Minister's Breakfast 2025

Written by Laura Jarimba | Sep 7, 2025 11:19:36 PM

The 2025 ACT Industry Breakfast theme is "Planning for Growth and Resilience of the Canberra Region ." Join us for an insightful discussion featuring a panel by key decision makers in Canberra. 

Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion with leaders from across the ACT water industry as they discuss current and emerging water management challenges facing a rapidly growing Canberra Region. Population growth, climate variability and increasing competition for scarce water resources will require innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure sustainable development, regional water security, liveability outcomes for our communities and the protection of healthy and resilient ecosystems.

Speakers 

Panel Facilitator Nicole Vonarx
Manager Infrastructure Planning and Engineering, Icon Water

Panel Members
Suzanne Orr MLA
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water
Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services
Minister for Seniors and Veterans

Born, raised, and educated in Canberra, Suzanne began her career as an urban planner for the Australian Public Service with a passion for environmental protection and minimising the impact urban lifestyles have on the environment. 

Suzanne was first elected as a Member for Yerrabi in October 2016. Since then, she has worked closely with local groups and community members to ensure that local infrastructure reflects the wants and needs of the community. This includes the introduction of laws that recognise the importance of unpaid carers in our community and providing universal provision of period products.

Suzanne holds a diverse combination of portfolios spanning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs; Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water; Disability, Carers and Community Services; and Seniors and Veterans.

As a Minister, Suzanne continues to work with people with lived experience to shape policies and programs that make our community more inclusive, supporting all of those who need it. 

Dr Fiona Dyer
Professor in Water Science with the Centre for Applied Water Science and the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE), University of Canberra. 

Professor Fiona Dyer is a freshwater scientist with the Centre for Applied Water Science and the Associate Dean of Research for the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Canberra. Fiona’s research is centred around freshwater systems and she has worked across south-eastern Australia in the areas of environmental flows, urban water quality and the management of freshwater resources. An important element of her research for the past 25 years has been to inform the water management challenges of the ACT and surrounds.

Ray Hezkial 
Managing Director, Icon Water

Ray Hezkial joined Icon Water in 2003 and has undertaken multiple roles prior to his appointment as Managing Director in November 2018. In his previous role as General Manager, Infrastructure Services, Mr Hezkial was responsible for managing Icon Water’s capital works program, provision of network operations and all aspects of day-to-day maintenance relating to the ACT’s water and sewer reticulation systems.

Mr Hezkial has a Master of Business Administration, Diploma in Project Management, and Bachelor of Engineering (Civil). Mr Hezkial is a Member of the Institute of Engineers Australia and of the Australian Institute of Company Director

 



Event Details

Date

Friday, 31 October 2025
Time

Arrival from 7:15am for a 7:30am start - 9:30am

Venue

Eureka Room, QT Canberra

Address

1 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601

 
 Corporate Tables
 
To secure a full table, all tickets must be purchased individually so that we can collect each individual's relevant contact details. Tables will consist of eight (8) persons. If you wish to purchase a full table, you must purchase eight (8) individual tickets - select the "or add multiple" option displayed under a ticket type and input the quantity required.
 
Not a member? To find out more about AWA's membership benefits, please contact membership@awa.asn.au. 
 
Registration Type Registration Fee
Member $110
Non-Member $154
Concession Member (students, retired members, YWP under 25) $66


Registrations close Friday 17 October 2025.

If you require more information, please contact:

Laura Jarimba, Events Manager | P: 02 9467 8435 | E: ljarimba@awa.asn.au
Peter Fry, Member Engagement Manager | Ph: 02 9467 8419 | pfry@awa.asn.au
Troy Waite, Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager | P: 02 9467 8426 | E: twaite@awa.asn.au to secure one of these opportunities.