NSW Heads of Water Forum, Gala Dinner & Awards 2026

Facilitator - Carmel Krogh OAM

Carmel is an exceptional Australian engineer with over 40 years of experience spanning local government, international projects, and community outcomes. A trailblazer for women in engineering, she was the first female civil engineering graduate from NSWIT (now UTS) and has held numerous leadership and honorary roles across the water industry.

She served as National President of the Australian Water Association from 2019–2021 and currently sits on the Boards of CONEXA Infrastructure Partners and Urban Utilities. Carmel was awarded an OAM in 2019 for her contribution to civil engineering and received AWA’s highest honour for exceptional service in 2023.

She holds a Master of Engineering, MBA, Bachelor of Civil Engineering, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Local Government Engineering, and is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Panelist - The Hon Rose Jackson MLC | Minister for Water, Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Youth, Minister for the North Coast

Rose Jackson is a Labor Member of the NSW Legislative Council and Minister for Mental Health, Housing, Homelessness, Youth, Water and the North Coast. Rose was elected to the Legislative Council in May 2019 and has been fighting for real action on climate change and tackling homelessness and housing affordability.

Rose has also held a variety of roles within the labour and union movement including Assistant Secretary of NSW Labor and as an official for United Voice (formerly LHMU.)

Rose lives with her family in Rockdale and is passionate about making our society fairer for everyone.

Speaker and Panelist | Darren Cleary, CEO Sydney Water

Darren Cleary joined Sydney Water as Managing Director in November 2025.

Darren is a highly respected leader in the Australian water industry, bringing extensive experience in strategic planning, infrastructure delivery and regulatory engagement. He joins Sydney Water after serving as Managing Director of Hunter Water from 2020 to 2025.

During his tenure at Hunter Water, Darren oversaw major initiatives to strengthen the Hunter Region's water security, including developing the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan and commencing construction of the Belmont Desalination Plant, the region's first new water source in 30 years.

Darren is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and inclusion, and focused on delivering sustainable solutions and creating value for customers and communities through strategic partnerships.

Darren is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) with Honours from the University of NSW and a Master of Engineering Management from the University of Technology Sydney. He has also served on the Strategy and Policy and Utility Excellence Committees for the Water Services Association of Australia.

Speaker and Panelist | Jennifer Hayes, Acting CEO, Hunter Water

Appointed Acting CEO in October 2025, Jennifer joined Hunter Water in 2018, previously serving as CFO and Executive Manager, Finance & Business Performance. Her career spans executive roles across utilities, FMCG, health, education, and regional development in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Jennifer is a proven strategic and operational leader, committed to positive impact at organisational and community levels. She serves on several boards, co-founded the community foundation City2City, and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow in 2023. Jennifer holds an MBA, is a CPA, and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Speaker and Panelist | Carmel Donnelly PSM, Chair, IPART

Carmel is the Chairperson and agency head of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). IPART provides independent advice and regulatory decisions to help the people of New South Wales get safe, reliable services at a fair price. IPART has statutory and commissioned roles across the transport, energy, water, local government, environment and human services sectors.

Prior to becoming Chair of IPART in 2021, Carmel held board, chief executive and senior executive roles in emergency services and in financial and safety regulation. Her career has been focused on improving financial, economic, health and social outcomes for the people of NSW.

Carmel holds qualifications in psychology, management, governance and public health. In January 2022, she was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to regulatory reforms in NSW.

Speaker and Panelist | Robert Scott, Director Infrastructure & Engineering Services MidCoast Council

Rob Scott is a senior infrastructure leader in NSW local government, specialising in civil engineering, water utilities, and asset management. He’s currently the Director of Infrastructure & Engineering Services at MidCoast Council, responsible for delivering essential services across transport, water, sewer and more. Known for his direct, collaborative approach, he’s passionate about sharing knowledge to improve outcomes for communities.