Taking place in the heart of Australia, Alice Springs will set the scene for the inaugural national conference. The conference will bring together decision-makers and policymakers from water utilities, service providers, government agencies and consultants to share knowledge for developing, maintaining and operating smaller water supplies for Indigenous and remote communities and local governments in regional, remote and rural Australia.

Proudly hosted by The Australian Water Association (AWA) and Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA)

Ministerial and Keynote Address 

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Health Senator Malarndirri McCarthy is a Yanyuwa Garrwa woman from the Gulf country in the Northern Territory. She first entered the public sphere as a journalist with the ABC and more recently for SBS/NITV. Senator McCarthy was elected to the Northern Territory Assembly as the Member for Arnhem in 2005 and held a number Ministerial appointments in the NT Government between 2008 and 2012. Senator McCarthy has served as Senator for the Northern Territory (including Christmas and Cocos Keeling Islands) since 2016. She was recently sworn in as the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Health in the Anthony Albanese Labor Government.  Senator McCarthy’s Ministerial Address will set the scene for two days of critical discussion about the future for water management in regional, rural and remote communities, including a focus on Indigenous communities and engagement.

Patricia Turner AM, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation The daughter of an Arrernte man and a Gurdanji woman, Pat was raised in Alice Springs. As CEO of NACCHO, she is at the forefront of community efforts to Close the Gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Pat has over 40 years’ experience in senior leadership positions in government, business and academia including being the only Aboriginal person, only woman and longest serving CEO of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission (ATSIC). Amongst her many appointments, she also spent 18 months as Monash Chair of Australian Studies, Georgetown University, Washington DC, and was inaugural CEO of NITV. Pat is the Coalition of Peaks Lead Convenor and Co-Chair of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap. Pat holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Canberra where she was awarded the University prize for Development Studies. The keynote address given by Patricia Turner AM will provide valuable insights and discuss The Coalition of Peaks perspective on Closing the Gap.

Event Details

Please note that the start and end times of the social functions are subject to change.  Transport is provided to and from the Dinner venue.

Why Alice?
Not just a location, but a destination! Alice Springs is not just a beautiful location in the heart of Australia but the most appropriate place to discuss Regional, Rural and Remote issues and look for solutions.

The red centre is a popular family-friendly destination that boasts beautiful desert landscapes, colourful outback characters, opportunities for adventure and a strong Aboriginal culture.  Consider bringing the family, exploring the region, and extending your trip whilst you are in Alice Springs.  CLICK HERE  to view family-friendly touring activities provided by Tourism Central Australia.
Note: You will be directed to the official third-party website.

Travel & Accommodation
When should you arrive in Alice Springs? To benefit the complete program of events for Voices for the Bush, we recommend that you arrive in Alice Springs by midday on Monday, 8 August.

Thanks to Accommodation Link, discounted accommodation rates have been secured for Voices for the Bush attendees at a range of hotels in Alice Springs. The rates and accommodation in Alice Springs are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to book now to ensure you have secured accommodation to attend the conference – the rooms will go quick and Alice Springs will book out!

For any queries regarding accommodation, contact Accommodation Link:
PH: 1300 79 20 30 (Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:30pm AEST) E: registrations@accommodationlink.com.au


Note: You will be directed to the official third-party website.

Registration
Registration includes access to the Networking Welcome Function and Conference Dinner. The member rate is available to members of AWA & WSAA.

Registration Type	Member	Non- Member
Early Bird Conference Registration (closes 1 July)	$825	$1155
Standard Conference Registration (from 1 July)	$935	$1315

Not a member?
Join a community of almost 5,000 individual and 500 corporate members driving a sustainable water future through education, engagement, and connection. f you wish to learn more about AWA's membership benefits or join online, visit our website or contact membership@awa.asn.au.

For more information about Voices for the Bush contact: