An update from the AWA VIC YWP Chair 2023

Written by Christopher Lee | Jul 24, 2023 1:13:58 AM

With the Financial Year 2022-23 behind us, we embark on a new chapter filled with fresh opportunities and exciting challenges.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of what is often a busy period of the year, we are delighted to welcome a new Young Water Professionals (YWP) Committee and thank outgoing committee members. We are proud to announce that the new team officially commenced its term on the 1st July 2023 and that this year, we are thrilled to introduce a new approach by appointing not one, but two co-chairs to lead the committee and provide continuity. You can read more about our bios below. As new co-chairs, we congratulate Flora Markis who has been elected as YWP Committee Vice Chair. You can more about Flora as well in her bio below.

The Young Water Professionals sub-committee has an exciting calendar ahead for our YWP members. We are eager to invite you to our upcoming events, where we can gather and exchange stories, experiences, and ideas related to the water sector. Your insights and involvement will be instrumental in shaping the future of our industry. We look forward to hearing your water story!

Stay tuned for updates on our events, workshops, and networking opportunities, as we strive to create a vibrant and inclusive platform for all YWPs.

- Ali and Chris

Chris Lee
Chris brings an extensive background in the water sector from strategic policy to water emergency management, making him an indispensable member of the executive team. As a returning chair, his experience and expertise will ensure that we have a stable footing this year continuing some of our most successful programs and events. Currently working at the Essential Services Commission, Chris has a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges facing the sector and a strong vision for its future. Chris is passionate about bringing about more social networking opportunities for YWPs, so watch this space!

Ali Rahmini
Ali has been involved in the water industry in both project management and commercial roles working primarily with civil contractors and specialist suppliers. Hailing from Iran, raised in Malaysia, and a proud migrant in Australia, he welcomes the chance to join the executive committee striving to deliver a fresh set of programs and events. Ali’s passionate lies in enabling more contractors and suppliers to enter the water sector, where their diverse perspectives can shape discussions on sustainable and thriving water industry.

Dr Flora Markis
Dr Flora Markis is an infrastructure leader committed to building climate and drought resilient cities across urban and rural communities in Australia as well as providing humanitarian aid.

She has worked in a variety of infrastructure roles including technical, leadership and managerial positions in research, strategic planning, government business case development, design, and delivery. Flora’s commitment to supporting urban and rural communities was born from her own experience and hardships. Born in a war-torn country – Iraq, Flora was exposed to many hardships, ranging from limited water infrastructure services to the restrictions facing women receiving an education to working in professional services, especially women from minority groups. She has worked hard to give back by providing safe and secure drinking water to urban and rural communities across Australia as well as promote causes such as creating meaningful opportunities to integrate refugees and immigrants into the workforce.

Flora brings her leadership, a motivated and driven attitude coupled with a highly technical aptitude and strong communication skills ensuring her role as part of YWP executive team is a success that enables exponential growth for the YWPs.

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