Welcome to our new QLD Committee and YWP Subcommittee Members

The Queensland Branch Committee and Young Water Professionals Subcommittee have welcomed new members and said goodbye and thank you to other members after nominations and elections were held recently. 

We asked our newest committee members to tell us a bit about their careers in water and reason for getting involved in the AWA QLD Branch:

Richard Bladon, Engineering Sales, Xylem Water Solutions (YWP Subcommittee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
I began my career working in the pump industry for a distributor in the UK, but it wasn’t until I moved to Australia and started working for Xylem where I developed a passion for water. Australia being known for its arid climate and periodic droughts, it’s a country that faces unique water challenges, making it an important and rewarding industry to work in.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career in water so far?
The most rewarding part of my career has been assisting utilities and engineers to solve crucial water challenges that impact our communities. Access to clean and reliable water is essential for our health, sanitation, and economic development, and I believe as a society we should all be entitled to this.

What are you hoping to achieve being part of the QLD YWP Subcommittee?
One of my personal goals is to grow my knowledge in the water industry, and what better way to that by supporting the future generation of water leaders. This collaborative environment will foster the exchange of knowledge, promotes learning, and encourages innovative thinking within the water industry.

If you were deserted on an island what 3 things would you want?
A fishing rod, plastic bottle to create a solar still and a book titled ‘How to survive on a deserted island’.

Nina Clark, Consultant, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, EY (YWP Subcommittee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
I love the ocean and trying to fathom its unfathomableness. I wanted to work in an area that attempts to mitigate the human impact on the ocean.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career in water so far?
I find the work interesting but it’s definitely been the people. It’s amazing to meet people and be part of a team with a similar mindset to you. Knowing that they’re affected by the same thing and working together, bouncing thoughts and ideas off one another. It’s an amazing sense of harmony.

What are you hoping to achieve being part of the QLD YWP Subcommittee?
Probably the same thing I mentioned above. A group of people who are interested in the same things but comes at it from amazingly different backgrounds, providing an array of different approaches which I can learn from.

If you were deserted on an island what 3 things would you want?
Logically, taking into account the rule of 3s: A desalination system, Swiss army knife, and a shelter of some sort. Illogically, according to my own whim: an iPad with unlimited internet and tea with milk.

Zak Floyde Smith, Products and Services Manager, Aquatec Maxcon (Branch Committee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
My father worked in the water industry while I was at University and whilst at the time I wasn’t drawn to it, I did hear many stories about the projects he worked on and they all sounded really interesting. “No two jobs are ever the same” he would exclaim with frustration but he always seemed to enjoy the problem solving. After University and some time traveling abroad, I found my way into a trial for a cadet salespersons role. I didn’t have the engineering background that the other candidate had but somehow we made it work. Our industry is full of such bright and fascinating people so I am never the smartest person in the room but that’s how know I’m in the right room.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career within the water sector?
Being able to contribute a small part to the delivery of innovation, maintaining environmental protection and public health. We support water authorities every day to deliver on their promises to protect the environment and deliver services to the public. We also develop and introduce new products that can make a job easier or deliver a better result. So, in short, contributing to a better industry for the future whilst delivering results on the ground each day.

As a Committee member, how do you see your role supporting the water sector?
I am fortunate to I travel extensively around Australia and I can see common threads in smaller segments of the industry that don’t get the air time of others. I’d like to think I can give a voice to those smaller member segments, not just in QLD but nationally and give them an opportunity to be heard through my role on the committee. If I can make a connection and give a group a voice, I will do so.

If you were deserted on an island what 3 things would you want?
My phone, 5G and an ice cold beer.

Dinuka Ginige, Senior Engineer – Civil, Witthoft Engineering (YWP Subcommittee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
With my father being a water engineer amongst others in the family, trips away typically included detours to water treatment plants, pump stations and pipe laydown yards (even though I had no interest back then…). I was determined to take my career in a slightly different direction (be a structural engineer and design buildings), but job availability at the time led me to become a water engineer. Upon reflection, I am very thankful for the sequence of events that led to a career in the water industry and the opportunities I’ve had – I absolutely love it! Water is such an important resource, and with my career spent working in the municipal space, I have a sense of pride in serving our communities.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career in water so far?
I enjoy seeing projects go through the lifecycle (from planning to construction), knowing that that they will benefit the community (whether it is now, or will benefit the community in the future). I think my time spent at Banana Shire Council where I first started my career as well as working on the Logan Water Infrastructure Program Alliance were my highlights.

What are you hoping to achieve being part of the QLD YWP Subcommittee?
I am looking forward to organising events, and work towards increasing YWP engagement. I grew up in North Queensland and also began my career in regional Queensland; I want to use this opportunity to reach out to YWP’s in the regions. I believe there are many ways YWP’s can become involved, and I didn’t realise the breadth of opportunities when I first began my career.

If you were deserted on an island what 3 things would you want?
A boat, fuel and a GPS.

Samantha Guy, Water Engineer, Arup (YWP Subcommittee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
I started in the water industry as a vacation student while completing my undergraduate degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast. I was passionate about my local town and motivated by learning and growing as an early professional in this context. I most enjoyed building my understand and awareness for the importance of the water industry especially in relation to how decision making occurs within the utility context and recognising the corresponding impacts and outcomes on community and the environment. This is something that continues to keep me invested in the industry.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career in water so far?
The most rewarding part about working in the industry for me is the opportunity to expand my own understanding and view of water. The realisation that water is a vital part of our society, livelihoods, and wellbeing but that there are diverse histories and views that need to be considered alongside one another. I appreciate how my role in industry allows me to learn about contexts and perspectives different to my own and understand the integral factors that play a role in shifting my connection to water.

What are you hoping to ache being part of the QLD YWP Subcommittee?
I am hoping to achieve two key things as a member of the subcommittee. First, as a regional member I'm hoping for the opportunity to connect with other regional YWPs to promote the ability to more broadly ensure how the industry is defined is more inclusive and responsive to the depth of challenges across the region. Secondly, I hope to connect with others in the AWA committees and subcommittees to continue to build a network of people who inspire and motivate me.

If you were deserted on an island what 3 things would you want?
Not so practical, but I'd have an enjoyable first day... My dog, coffee and some chocolate.

Declan Hearne, Project Manager Water Stewardship, Seqwater (Branch Committee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
In a way I started in the water sector back on our family farm in Ireland, where we delt with a near full spectrum of integrated water management issues: floods and droughts, E.coli in our drinking water, wastewater and nutrient recycling challenges with storage cattle indoor over winter . In my undergrad I studied conversation science. That took me on a catchment management journey, focused on ecosystem health outcomes. Later I ventured into international development where I encountered challenges with access to basic needs where I pivoted from a conservation perspective to focus on WASH within the water cycle.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career within the water sector?
Working with communities to enable greater say and participation in management of water. One example included a project in Marilog, Southern Philippines where standing in community, listening to community, we were able to pivot a water conservation project into a project that supported addressing basic needs for vulnerable communities members to gain access to water and sanitation as precursor to community led water conservation measures. Another worth mentioning was in Nias Selatan, Indonesia, where I witnessed the power of engagement with traditional elders, to unlock gotong royong (a traditional form of mutual assistance) to protect source waters and rehabilitate traditional bathing areas.

As a Committee member, how do you see your role supporting the water sector?
Carrying forward some of Mark Pascoe’s legacy. I spent best part of decade working with Mark and team at the International WaterCentre, where the essence of our mission statement was challenging the way we think, act, and solve, complex water challenges. This statement still resonates strongly with me today. While I acknowledge we rarely solve water challenges, rather we progress them for one state to the next as societal expectations evolve.

If you were deserted on an island what 3 things would you want?
A surfboard, my family (though they would probably kill me for dragging them on to the island) and clean water.

Shihu Hu, Associate Professor, Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, University of Queensland (Branch Committee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
I am passionate about environmental protection and sustainable future, so I studied environmental engineering and get involved in water research.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career within the water sector?
That would be when I see the full scale installation of the novel water treatment processes we developed in university laboratory. It doesn’t happen very often but it is really rewarding when it does!

As a Committee member, how do you see your role supporting the water sector?
I would like to bring in the perspectives of higher education sector, e.g., R&D directions, university education of further water professionals, CPD of industry workforce, etc.

If you were deserted on an island what 3 things would you want?
I am tempted to say a solar panel, a Starlink and a laptop, however, in the spirit of sport, I would say a knife, a box of matches and Stephen Hawking’s book of ‘A brief history of time’!

Jonathan Jo, Process Engineer, Gold Coast Desalination Plant, Veolia (YWP Subcommittee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
Unlike many of my peers and advocates of the industry, I did not initially have a direct or straightforward path into a role in Water. To be perfectly honest, I took the next best thing (after leaving the FMCG industry) which happened to be within the Water sector, and it was indeed the best thing. I quickly learnt about the impact and role the industry has on the environment and communities, which would certainly form part of the many reasons why I would like to stay and become a long-term industry contributor.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career in water so far?
Knowing that my work has an influence on more than just the bottom line of an organisation, particularly being involved in projects such as the side-wide replacement of the RO membranes at the Gold Coast Desalination Plant. This ensures the plant's capacity and secures access to clean drinking water for South East Queensland, particularly during periods when conventional water treatment facilities are compromised in the face of challenging natural disasters.

What are you hoping to achieve being part of the QLD YWP Subcommittee?
To meet and collaborate with peers in the industry. The water industry is a "small world", but a diverse one nonetheless. I would love to know what's happening in the Water sector outside of Operations (which is where I function), and I can't think of a better way to do just that!

If you were deserted on an island what 3 things would you want?
Drinking Water, Flint Fire Starter, and a reliable knife to survive!

Toni Veronese, A/Associate Director Service Delivery, Cairns Infrastructure & Assets, Cairns Regional Council (Branch Committee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
I grew up on a farm, loving the hands-on nature of it all and learning about the delicate balance between the environment and people. Both of my parents were heavily involved in the community in many groups/committees and as well as local famers, and so I knew from a young age the importance of being proud and a part of something that you can see and feel every day. Seeing the essential role that water and wastewater services plays in the community is not only rewarding but is inspiring in many ways. It’s what drew me to the industry and what keeps me in it.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career within the water sector?
That’s a tough one. I have loved so much of each and every role I have had. I had a lot of rewarding moments working collaboratively during my time at Torres Strait Island Regional Council (the list is long for this one) and have recently had some enjoyable moments working with our team at Cairns Regional Council on a challenging treated water storage structural issue while balancing the needs of the community and ensuring repairs were made to be long lasting.

As a Committee member, how do you see your role supporting the water sector?
I enjoy connecting with people in the industry and advocating for improvements that help us all. Maintaining the strong connection AWA has within the industry and supporting members in the pursuit of strengthening the industry.

If you were deserted on an island what 3 things would you want?
Wine… I mean Water (treated of course), flint (surely we would need a fire) and a cooking pot (love to cook, I’m sure it could be used for many things).

Dr Min Zheng, Senior Research Fellow, Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland (YWP Subcommittee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
Water quality and climate change, both are critical problems that draw my attention in the industry and that we are making changes.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career in water so far?
Through research, my career to date has contributed to developing next-generation wastewater treatment technologies towards net zero emissions in the wastewater sector.

What are you hoping to achieve being part of the QLD YWP Subcommittee?
Engagement with industrial experts, learning real industrial problems and trying to find innovative solutions regarding the problems.

If you were deserted on an island what 3 things would you want?
A sharp weapon to find food, a fire seed for cooking and decontamination, and a container for water collection.

Dr Ming Zhou, Research Fellow, Centre for Catalysis and Clean Energy, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University (YWP Subcommittee)

What drew you to the water industry and why?
Growing up in a city where three prominent rivers flowed through, I witnessed vibrant activities and interactions that revolved around them. From shipping cargo to people enjoying leisurely activities along the riverbanks, swimming areas, and even occasional flood events, these experiences deeply ingrained in me the significance of water in shaping communities and enhancing liveability. This personal connection to water and its impact on communities motivates me to pursue a career focused on contributing to the development of sustainable water management solutions and enhancing water resilience in communities.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career in water so far?
The most rewarding part of my career in water has been the opportunity to make a tangible impact on water resource management and environmental sustainability. Initially, as a water professional, I worked on climate change adaptation projects and created environmental management plans for water infrastructure development, ensuring long-term sustainability. With the advent of the AI era, I transitioned my focus towards field-based water sensing technologies that have the potential to provide real-time and holistic data to enable decision-making for better water resource management. Seeing the practical application of these sensing techniques and their potential to contribute to the development of water-resilient communities has been incredibly rewarding. Additionally, being able to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private firms, and academic institutions, has been rewarding in terms of fostering partnerships and advancing innovative solutions in the water industry.

What are you hoping to achieve being part of the QLD YWP Subcommittee?
As a member of the QLD YWP Subcommittee, my primary goal is to contribute to the progress of water-related initiatives and facilitate professional development opportunities for young water professionals. I aim to collaborate with fellow committee members to organize events, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms that promote networking, skill-building, and knowledge exchange within the water industry. By actively engaging with young water professionals, I hope to create a supportive and inclusive community that encourages innovation, learning, and career growth. Additionally, I aspire to leverage my expertise in integrated water governance and sensing technologies to provide valuable insights and contribute to the committee's strategic initiatives for sustainable water management in Queensland.

If you were deserted on an island, what 3 things would you want?
If I were deserted on an island, the three things I would want are: a reliable water source, a fire starter and a satellite phone.