SA Mentoring Special Sundowner November 2025 - Stories, Learnings & Tips

Following the 2025 AWA National Mentoring Program Virtual Closing Event, the SA YWP Committee invites you to join our in-person Closing Event. We have invited some of our mentoring pairs based in South Australia to share about their experience in the Mentoring Program. Our pairs of mentors and mentees will speak about how they connect, what they talk about, what they have gained from the relationship, any bumps that have come up along the way, and advice they have for mentors and mentees based on their experiences.

Over light refreshments and networking, we will create the space for attendees to reflect on their own mentoring experiences and set some tangible mentoring goals for 2026. As part of this, we will provide details about the 2026 AWA National Mentoring Program and how you can sign up and get involved.

Thank you to our National Mentoring Program Supporters AECOM and SMEC - Solving Complex Challenges and to AECOM for hosting and providing refreshments for this event.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meet our panel

Caitlyn Obst – Graduate, SA Water – Caitlyn completed a Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) at the University of Adelaide and started her career in the SA Water Graduate Program in 2024. In her two years at SA Water, Caitlyn had the opportunity to work in a variety of teams across the business from Engineering, Chemistry, Water Science, and now Treatment Operations, and have built connections with like-minded colleagues along the way. This year, Caitlyn took the opportunity to join the AWA mentoring program as a mentee which has been a valuable experience especially as she nears the completion of the Graduate Program.

Josh White – Senior Process Engineer, Aurecon – Josh is a Chartered Process Engineer with over eight years of experience in water and wastewater treatment, energy efficiency, and infrastructure design. He has contributed to the investigations and design of major projects for SA Water and other utilities, including conventional & advanced water and wastewater treatment processes. He has experience leading multidisciplinary teams, supporting stakeholder engagement, and guiding technical investigations and options assessments. His work has focused on technical investigations and concept designs, with an emphasis on sustainable outcomes and public health protection.

Daniel Bonini – Major Contracts Manager, Department of Infrastructure and Transport – Daniel is a Major Contracts Manager with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, which currently leading the pre-delivery and procurement Northern Water Project, an ambitious initiative to deliver a climate-independent water source to support regional growth and sustainability in South Australia. With a background in both engineering and finance, Daniel brings over a decade of experience in water and wastewater treatment, desalination, energy management, and commercial strategy. He is passionate about mentoring and fostering collaboration across technical and commercial disciplines in the water sector.

Carly Soutter - Associate Marketing and Bids (Water AU) at Beca HunterH2O- Carly Soutter has spent 18 years shaping business development, client experience, event management and marketing teams specifically within the water industry. As immediate past AWA Branch President, she advocates passionately for both technical and non‑technical career pathways and enjoys empowering and helping build personal brand and confidence in young water professionals—a commitment strengthened by graduating from Beca’s coveted Killibinbin leadership program. A passionate advocate for AWAs mentoring program, Carly champions its benefits for participating as both a mentor and mentee and is dedicated to retaining South Australian talent and elevating it on the National stage. In her spare time she loves true crime podcasts, dog walking, great coffee and Haigh's chocolate.

Sundowner events are open to anyone with an interest in the water industry, and present an opportunity to meet with other professionals, regardless of experience levels. This is a free event where you can grab a refreshment hear about some mentoring experiences and network with like-minded people.

 Looking forward to seeing you there!

Event Details

Date: 20^th November 2025

Time: 5.15pm – 7.30pm

Location: AECOM, Level 18, 91 King William Street, Adelaide, SA, AU