AWA & WSAA National Reconciliation Week 2023 Webinar

Meet Your Presenters

David Kirby
Born and raised in Brewarrina, David is a proud First Nation Ngemba man and Grazier from the Northwest Flood Plains of NSW. David’s life has revolved around water with a deep spiritual connection as a custodian of the oldest man made structure on earth, Baiame Ngunnghu (Brewarrina Fishtraps), which is testament to the first recorded aquaculture and water management by humans on earth. David has been able to continue this through both Rural and Urban Water being the Utilities Manager at Brewarrina Shire Council for the past 12 years, as well as volunteering in a number of community groups and forums.

Veronica Murphy
Veronica is a proud Kamilaroi yinnar (woman) from Moree NSW, her links to Country are through her father who grew up in Moree and her mother who was born on the banks of the McIntyre outside of Boggabilla. Veronica currently lives and works on Dharug Country in Western Sydney. In her role as First Nations Inclusion Specialist Veronica is leading the implementation of Sydney Water’s Innovate Level Reconciliation Action Plan. Veronica has a strong background in education, employment, and workforce development with a Bachelor of Arts in Community Management and Adult Education and a Master of Education. Veronica has over 20 years’ experience in public sector administration, program management and community education, Veronica is passionate about creating opportunities for more Aboriginal people to join an industry that plays a significant role in caring for such an important asset as ‘water’.

Hmalan Hunter-Xénié
Hmalan is an environmental scientist of Tiwi/Iwaidja and Kaytej/Warlpiri descent [Northern Territory (NT), Australia] and Drehu descent (Lifou, New Caledonia). In 2020 she was awarded a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours from the Australian National University (ANU). Hmalan works on Larrakia Country, in Darwin, at Power and Water Corporation. She is the chair of its Reconciliation Action Plan working group. Hmalan is in the operations engineering support team within water services. In her role she coordinates contingency planning regarding water security for Aboriginal communities across the whole of the NT. Hmalan also volunteers her time outside of her nominal duties:
•    ANU Institute for Water Futures Indigenous Scholars Program Advisory board
•    National Indigenous STEM Professional Network
•    Tutor for Aboriginal Studies, beginner French and Science mentoring Indigenous undergraduates.