Board of Directors

WaterRA's Board of Directors brings together respected leaders from across the water sector. Elected by our members, the Board reflects the diverse expertise within our community and play a vital role in guiding WaterRA's strategy, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring we deliver on our mission. Our Board is comprised of up to nine directors, committed to forging strong relationships and promoting interconnectivity across the sector. Each director brings a diverse range of skills, expertise and experience ensuring diversity of opinion and a strategic direction which is beneficial for our members. For more information on the roles and responsibilities of our Board of Directors, visit the Become a Board Director page.

Our Board

Mark Gobbie

About Mark

Appointed as the Chair of WaterRA in 2020, Mark has over 40 years’ experience as a professional engineer and general manager in infrastructure delivery and water utility operations with specialist expertise in water and wastewater. His great energy, enthusiasm and passion for the water sector represents the values WaterRA strives for as a member-driven and member-funded organisation. Mark is also an experienced Company Director, bringing a wealth of knowledge in ‘best practice’ governance, having served on the Board of Diving South Australia (Chair) for the past four years. In addition to this, he was also a past President of the SA Branch of the Australian Water Association; a former Chair of the School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering Advisory Board at the University of Adelaide; a trustee of the Edwardstown Football Club (SA) and provides Board Advisory services to a number of private sector companies through is own business. His strong local, national and international network perfectly complement the activities and ambitions of WaterRA now and into the future.

Collene Castle

About Collene

Appointed as a Non-Executive Director in 2023, Collene’s Independent position was created as part of WaterRA’s commitment to bring First Nations people’s perspectives to all that we do, including decisions at the Board table where our strategy is set and our performance monitored. Collene is a Menang Gnudju yok from Western Australia. Through her work as Director with Wonnil Partners, Collene passionately supports businesses across WA to deliver reconciliation initiatives. Collene also has a long history in leading successful training and employment outcomes for First Nations people. She was the recipient of the 2022 NAIDOC Perth Outstanding Achievement award through her work with Water Corporation leading reconciliation and First Nations engagement and employment outcomes.

Assoc Prof Helen Stratton

About Helen

Appointed as Non-Executive Director of WaterRA in 2021, Helen is an Associate Professor in Microbiology at Griffith University. She has over 25 years of experience in water research and consultancy as an academic complemented by multiple management and leadership appointments, including 10 years as Board Director for the Australian Water Association and 20 years of service to the AWA, including Branch President. Helen is also an advisor for the Water Research Foundation, the Fitzroy River Partnership, a member of the International Water Association (Australia Branch) and an editor/reviewer of international journals and national competitive grant schemes. Helen brings capability in water research, industry training and skills needs, and a deep understanding of the economic, social, cultural, political and technical issues the water sector faces in Australia and globally. Helen is also a member of external community management committees as a volunteer, including Australian Families 4 Genomics and volunteers her time to improve health outcomes for children who survive cancer treatment.

Nadelle Brooks

About Nadelle

Appointed as Non-Executive Director of WaterRA in 2024, Nadelle is Manager of Business Architecture in the transformation team at Western Australia’s Water Corporation. A civil and environmental engineer with over 25 years of experience, she has dedicated much of her career to improving water quality and services in regional and Aboriginal communities. Nadelle brings expertise in community engagement, water quality management, governance, and strategy development, as well as leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia and a Fellow of Engineers Australia

Prof Stuart Khan

About Stuart

Appointed as Non-Executive Director of WaterRA in 2024, Stuart is Professor and Head of the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications, his expertise spans water quality and treatment, including drinking water, wastewater, water recycling, and desalination. Stuart has supervised more than 20 PhD students and 30 Masters projects and has been an active contributor to WaterRA since its inception in 2008, serving on project review teams and leading key research projects. He also brings governance experience as a Director of The Better Cities Initiative and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Stephanie Clarke

Non-Executive Director (Industry/Research)

About Stephanie

Appointed as Non-Executive Director of WaterRA in 2025, Stephanie Clarke is a senior executive with over 25 years in infrastructure and 18 years in the water industry. As VP Growth & Innovation at SUEZ ANZ, she focuses on advancing sustainability, environmental stewardship, and resource recovery by connecting global innovations with local opportunities. Her career spans utilities, government, consulting, and major projects, including leading Sydney Water’s Upper South Creek Advanced Water Recycling Centre. Stephanie brings deep industry knowledge, strong stakeholder engagement, and a collaborative leadership style to drive innovation and deliver lasting community and environmental value.

Graham Hawke

About Graham

Appointed as Non-Executive Director of WaterRA in 2025, Graham Hawke is an experienced non-executive director and senior executive with over 20 years in the water sector. Currently Chief Scientist at TasWater, Graham brings deep expertise in strategy, governance, interdisciplinary research, and innovation. He has held leadership roles at the Bureau of Meteorology, including Chief Strategy Officer, and served on multiple national and international science collaborations, research centre boards, and advisory forums. A long-standing contributor to WaterRA, Graham has served on its Strategic Advisory Committee since 2016 and is committed to advancing research that delivers real societal impact.

Emma Milburn

About Emma

Appointed as Non-Executive Director of WaterRA in 2025, Emma is Group Manager, Research, Development and Innovation at South East Water. She brings expertise in innovation commercialisation, strategic partnerships, and program management, with prior roles at GE Digital APAC and Iota. Emma contributes strong industry connections, marketing insight, and a passion for advancing sustainable water solutions. She is President of the AWA Victorian Branch and a member of the SWAN APAC Leadership Group.

Our Committees

There are a host of opportunities for members to become actively involved in helping to build a vibrant future for our organisation in a way which best suits their individual strengths and interests. Every opportunity is unique—some focusing on strategy and business governance while others influence our research direction and impact.

Board Sub-Committees

Risk and Audit Committee

The Risk and Audit Committee (RAAC) plays a critical role in supporting the Board's oversight of WaterRA's financial health and organisational integrity. The RAAC provides guidance on risk management, statutory compliance and financial practices, helping to ensure WaterRA remains sustainable, and well-governed.

RAAC MEMBERS

• Nadelle Brooks, (Chair), Water Corporation
• Ross Hughes, Independent Committee Member
• Graham Hawke, TasWater
• Glen Pearson, Independent Committee Member

Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee (HRC) supports the Board in all matters related to people and culture. From recruitment strategy succession planning and staff engagement, the HRC helps ensure WaterRA attracts, retains, and supports the talent needed to deliver on our mission.

HRC MEMBERS

• Prof Stuart Khan, (Chair), University of Sydney
• Stephanie Clarke, Suez
• Julie Mouka, Independent Committee Member
• Lee Scales, Independent Committee Member

Advisory Committees

Strategic Advisory Committee

The Strategic Advisory Committee (SAC) helps to guide the research agenda at WaterRA, providing insight on sector research needs, trends, and emerging challenges, trends. Its members are leading experts from the WaterRA's membership and broader fields, representing utilities, academia, peak industry bodies, regulators and key policy agencies. Their collective experience ensures WaterRA's research strategy stays aligned with evolving needs of the sector.

SAC MEMBERS

• A/Prof Helen Stratton, (Chair), Griffith University 
• Collene Castle, Independent Director of WaterRA
• Emma Milburn, South East Water
• Dr Gary Lum, Commonwealth Department of Health
• Brett Anderson, Melbourne Water
• Nellie Hirschausen, SA Water
• Jeremiah Mulcahy, SA Water
• Carolyn Hills, Water Corporation
• Leigh Staas, Sydney Water
• Dr David Bergmann (Secretary), WaterRA
• Dr Christobel Ferguson, WaterRA

Health Stream Editorial Advisory Committee

The Health Stream Editorial Advisory Committee (HSEAC) plays a key role in shaping the direction and quality of our flagship publication, Health Stream.  this expert group supports the Editor in curating and reviewing articles, setting themes, and recommending special features. With their industry knowledge and collaborative approach, HSEAC ensures Health Stream remains a trusted, relevant, and engaging source of information for global water professionals.

HSEAC MEMBERS

• Prof Nicholas Ashbolt (Chair), Queensland University of Technology
• Dr Daniel Deere (Editor), Water Futures
• Dr David Bergmann, WaterRA
• Marilyn Braine, University of New South Wales
• Dr David Cunliffe, SA Health
• Prof Karen Gibb, Charles Darwin University
• Dr Alex Keegan, SA Water
• Dr Peta Neale, Griffith University
• Rachael Miller, Water Corporation
• David Sheehan, Coliban Water
• Dr Melita Stevens, Melbourne Water