YWP National Water Week Webinar 2025

Bring water into focus this National Water Week and discover how you can create meaningful change for a sustainable water future. Hear from leading voices in the sector about the essential role water plays in our communities and environments, and learn how you can become an ambassador for a better water future.

Dr Leslie 'Phil' Duncan will delve into why every drop of water matters—highlighting the urgent need to conserve and respect our water resources.

Learn from John Brelsford about how data and emerging technologies can deepen our understanding of water’s value and help guide informed decisions at every scale.

And be inspired by Tracey Willingham to discover practical ways you can champion positive change and become an ambassador for water sustainability.

Hosted by the Australian Water Association Young Water Professionals Taskforce, this webinar is for anyone who wants to be part of shaping a sustainable water future for generations to come.

Register now to play your part in sustaining our shared water future.

Speakers

Professor Leslie (Phil) Duncan is a member of the Gomeroi Nation, his homelands are Moree and Terry Hie Hie. Phil has over 40 years’ experience working with Aboriginal people and government to improve the lives of Aboriginal people through recognition of our rich cultural history, the return of our lands, the improvement of our living conditions and education of our next generation, through both his employment and active volunteer community work. Phil is extremely passionate about promoting greater partnerships and collaborations using two-way knowledge exchanges and enhancing the voices of Traditional Owners in land and water management via the integration of cultural science into western scientific frameworks and models.

Tracey Willingham is a driven, diligent, and tenacious water literacy advocate with over 17 years in the education sector. As Chair of the Australian Water Association Water Literacy and Education Specialist Network and Manager of Water Literacy and Education at Sydney Water, Tracey leads efforts to champion national water literacy through collective action, fostering empowered communities and inspiring stewardship for a sustainable water future. With a deep passion for making a difference and leaving a legacy, she supports her team in cultivating a water-sensitive community through dynamic, effective education programs. 

John Brelsford leads Business Development for Optimatics which is an integral part of the Suez Digital Solutions team. He also represents the Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN) as their Rising Smart Water Professional (RiSWP) Lead for Australia. John has a background in both Chemical Engineering and Finance with a specific interest in the macroeconomics of water. He has previously been published by the Institute of Water for his work on UK water industry investment behaviours and the role which innovation may play in reducing Capital and Operational spending.