Sarah Henry, Water Skills Manager, Queensland Water

Sarah is the Water Skills Manager at the Queensland Water Directorate, leading state-wide initiatives to strengthen the capability and recognition of water industry operators. With a background in Construction and Plumbing Services and extensive experience in the VET sector, she has created and implemented training programs across multiple packages, working closely with regulators, RTOs, councils, and utilities.

Sarah helps to give voice to the sector’s call for a three-year water industry apprenticeship, contributes to discussions on reform of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package, and supports projects that address trainer shortages. Known for her collaborative and solutions-focused approach, she ensures operators’ perspectives remain central to workforce and training reform. 

Jarrod Cowley-Grimmond, Deputy Director-General, Water Resource Management

Jarrod has more than 20 years’ experience in leadership roles in government, delivering on outcomes for the government and the community. He has experience in a wide range of policy and operation areas including effective and pragmatic regulation in the areas of environment, financial services and markets; development of policy and legislative reform, economic development; project facilitation, public health and safety, structural reform of government entities, corporate governance, and business transformation. Jarrod represents the Queensland Government on a number of national reform committees including the Murray–Darling Basin Officials Committee and the National Water Committee.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Jarrod is the Executive Champion of the LGBTQ+ Subcommittee within the department. He is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees feel safe, supported, and empowered.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of s with Honours and a Master of Laws.