The water industry boasts many amazing and passionate professionals. At the recent Australian Water Association Victorian Water Awards, five Young Water Professionals were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to the industry. These worthy recipients are highlighted in this edition of Vic Source.
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Bill Robinson is a Senior Civil Engineer at Arup and is paving the way for a sustainable future. His leadership within Arup Digital Water had led to ground-breaking projects, including the City of Melbourne’s IWM Priority Map and the Australia India Water Security Initiative. As President of Yarra Pools, Bill envisions a swimmable Yarra, and his most recent venture, Afterglow Surfboards, aims to disrupt the surfboard industry with sustainable practices. |
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Brendan Moore is the Manager of Recycled Water Planning and Compliance at Yarra Valley Water. Having 12 years of multifaceted experience, including leading initiatives in recycled water and co-founding Pride in Water, an Australian LGBTIQ+ network in the industry. Brendan has left his mark on various landscapes, from regional to metropolitan areas. His initiatives at Yarra Valley Water, such as re-establishing Recycled Water Carting and piloting the Recycled Water Offset Scheme, stand as testaments to his dedication to environmental conservation.
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Georgina Catto-Smith is a Senior Process Engineer at Jacobs. She combines engineering expertise with a focus on social value. Georgina has been involved in a diverse range of water infrastructure projects contributing to sustainable future including improving wastewater systems in remote Aboriginal communities. Actively mentoring emerging professionals, Georgina's contributions extend to leadership roles in organizations such as the Australian Water Association, Engineers Without Borders, and AMES Australia, earning her recognition in Out for Australia's 30Under30 list. |
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Marzieh Lotfollahi is a Major Projects Integrated Planning Leader from South East Water, who takes the lead on crucial projects aimed to upgrade Melbourne's aging sewer systems. Her efforts aim to bolster wastewater network capacity, reduce environmental risks, and ensure continued safe and reliable services. Beyond her projects, Marzieh advocates for women in STEM and diversity in the water sector through mentoring programs, inspiring the next generation of talent to the water industry. |
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Sam Skinner is a Lead Process Engineer at Aurecon and has been contributing to HEWO (hydrogen, energy, water and oxygen) projects for more than 10 years. Sam’s dedication to resilient water systems is evident in his work, including recently the Future Ready Goulburn Valley Renewable Hydrogen Ecosystem. His work spans from Melbourne Water’s Carbon Recovery Complex to providing pro-bono water solutions in Cambodia with Engineers Without Borders. Sam is dedicated to embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within projects and organizes events addressing complex challenges like bushfire recovery. |
Congratulations to all the nominees, it goes to show the calibre of professionals in the water industry, and provides optimism on the future of the industry.
by Doug Whattam
