International Women's Day Webinar 2026 - Balance the Scales: Women in Water Operations

Sally Rewell
Water Resource Recovery Lead - North, Sydney Water 

Sally has over 15 years’ experience in the water industry. She graduated from University of Technology, Sydney with a Master of Engineering Management, and the University of Sydney with an honour’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Sally started at Sydney Water on their graduate program in 2010. She now holds a senior management position at Sydney Water as Water Resource Recovery Leader North, managing 8 water resource recovery facilities. She is currently Vice President of the AWA NSW Branch committee and co-chair of the National Operations Specialist Network. She also actively mentors young engineers both within Sydney Water and AWA to grow and develop their careers in the water industry. She was recently honoured at the AWA NSW Water Awards with the Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award.

Kate Bardy
Manager Operations Projects & Maintenance, North East Water

Kate is a committed grassroots member of the water sector, bringing 14 years of experience in operations with a focus on project and asset management. In her role as a senior leader at North East Water in regional Victoria, she is dedicated to improving operational efficiency and effectiveness by assisting operators in implementing initiatives that promote sustainability and innovation. As the founder of WIOA’s Women in Water Operations network, Kate is passionate about empowering women and recognises the significant contributions they make to the industry. She actively advocates for diversity and inclusion, believing that diverse perspectives foster innovative solutions.

Alliance Manager, Perth Seawater Desalination Plant, WA State Director
SUEZ

Lisa Chan is a Water Infrastructure leader with 30 years’ experience delivering and operating complex water and wastewater projects across Australia and internationally. Lisa is a qualified Mechanical Engineer, and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Currently serving as Alliance General Manager, Perth Seawater Desalination Plant and WA State Director at SUEZ, she is leading the ProAlliance in the sustainable production of drinking water from Water Corporation’s premier seawater desalination facility—supplying approximately 15% of Perth’s water needs.

With a career spanning role in project delivery, innovation, asset management, operations, and commissioning, Lisa has led major infrastructure programs including Stage 2 of the Water Corporation's Beenyup Advanced Water Recycling Plant. Her experience includes leadership positions with various Tier 1 and Utility organisations, driving high-performing teams to deliver sustainable, resilient water solutions that support growing communities.