Women of Water and Young Water Professionals Connect at Queensland Sundowner

Sundowners provide regular opportunities for the water community to connect in a casual atmosphere. Queensland Branch Committee Member, Natalie Muir shares her highlights of the most recent event that brought together experienced professionals and water industry newcomers.

The Sundowner event hosted by the Queensland Branch on 27th March was a fantastic opportunity for water industry professionals to come together and build connections. It's always heartwarming to see the sense of community and the ‘water family’ that exists within the industry.

During this informal gathering at the Jubilee hotel, almost 50 people had the chance to engage in relaxed conversations about all things water. The event, hosted by the Women of Water and Young Water Professionals (YWPs) provided a platform for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to connect, share experiences, and inspire one another.

Some highlights from the event include:

1. Mentoring Program Launch: Participants discussed the recently launched mentoring program, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in fostering growth and knowledge exchange.
   
   
2. Connected by Water Stories: Attendees shared captivating stories from the Connected by Water conference in Perth. These narratives likely served as a source of inspiration and motivation for everyone present.
   
   
3. Upcoming Conferences: Conversations revolved around the upcoming Ozwater and NQ Water conferences. These events offer valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and staying updated on industry trends.
   
   
4. Young Water Professionals (YWPs): The event saw significant interest from YWPs, with many expressing enthusiasm about attending the open meeting held on 9th April. Encouragement was also extended to those considering joining the committee.
   
   
5. Mentoring Connections: A great example emerged where a mentoring pair continued their discussions beyond the event. They headed out for dinner, marking their first official mentoring catchup.

In summary, events like these reinforce the AWA’s core values of share, connect, and inspire within the water industry. It's heartening to witness the genuine camaraderie and passion that bind professionals together.