WaterRA is driven by passionate and highly-skilled members of our BIG Team who sit on the Board of Directors. Every year, our elections give you the opportunity to contribute to this role and ensure a strong strategic focus and good governance for WaterRA.
Meet the 2024 Nominees
For 2024 nominations closed on Tuesday, 10th September 2024 and a total of eleven (11) nominations were received for three (3) vacancies.
Individuals were sought with one or a combination of the following skills and qualifications:
- Finance expertise: a deep understanding of financial principles and practices, including risk-management, investment and compliance.
- Research and Education experience: a strong background in academic or applied research, and a commitment to continuous learning. Experience in hybrid and/online learning is an asset.
- Legal expertise: an in-depth understanding of legal principles, capable of ensuring compliance and guiding strategic decisions.
- Early-career professional: to increase age diversity and provide development opportunities, the Board encourages early- to mid-career professionals to nominate.
A description of each candidate and their response to the essential and desirable characteristics for new Board Members can be found below.
Industry (Utility) Member Position | ONE (1) vacancy
Voting instructions for Member Representatives
- Learn about our 2024 Nominees
- Log-in to the online voting system using the details emailed to you
- Indicate your preference by clicking on the tick boxes
- Review your selection
- Confirm prior to the closing date
Voting is now open and will close on Wednesday 2nd October at 5.00pm AEST

Ms Nadelle Brooks
Water Corporation, Western Australia
I am a civil and environmental engineer, focused on water, strategy, and collaboration.
An Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Western Australia (UWA), a Fellow of Engineers Australia, and former Chair of UWA’s Environmental Engineering Industry Advisory Panel, I am currently Manager Business Architecture in the Transformation team at the Water Corporation, WA. Passionate about the role of engineering in society, I have devoted most of my 25 year career to driving change to improve water quality and services in regional and Aboriginal communities. My experience ranges from community engagement, remote operations, and water quality management, to strategy, governance, regulation, and transformation.
I have extensive experience in navigating challenging stakeholder relationships, developing and implementing technical and strategic advice, policy and programs, and leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver projects and outcomes. I enjoy working with people from various disciplines and backgrounds, and collaborating to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Experience gained in Water sector: I am a civil and environmental engineer, focused on water, strategy, and collaboration. A subject matter expert in water services in Western Australia’s Aboriginal communities, I have extensive experience in navigating challenging stakeholder relationships, developing and implementing technical and strategic advice, policy and programs, and leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver projects and outcomes. Passionate about the role of engineering in society, I have devoted most of my 25-year career to driving change to improve water quality and services in regional and Aboriginal communities. I have pursued opportunities to influence and communicate, including through committee membership and education. My experience ranges from community engagement, remote operations, and water quality management, to strategy, regulation, and transformation. I am skilled at working with people from various disciplines and backgrounds and collaborating to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. I excel at negotiating outcomes, building teams and relationships, and engaging at individual, organisational, community, local, State and Commonwealth Government levels. I am an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at UWA, a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a former Chair of UWA’s Environmental Engineering Industry Advisory Panel, and currently a Manager of Business Architecture in the Transformation team at the Water Corporation.
Research and Education experience: I am an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Western Australia (UWA), a Fellow of Engineers Australia, and a former Chair of UWA’s Environmental Engineering Industry Advisory Panel. Since 2017 I have regularly delivered guest lectures and workshops at UWA, and most recently worked with the Waterways WA Program within the School of Engineering, where I managed and developed strategic planning. Waterways WA Program was a collaborative research effort incorporating workshops with the community, Traditional Owners, and government and industry stakeholders, which aimed to create impactful social, economic, and environmental outcomes by weaving scientific and traditional knowledge, engaging with community values, and developing action plans for sustainable waterway management leading up to and beyond the 2029 Bicentenary. Following a comprehensive workshop series, business architecture principles and processes were used to collate hundreds of data points, to develop the program’s Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives. Waterways WA adopted an agile proof-of-concept methodology, to allow the program to test, review, and refine the approach over time via case studies, with the first – Helena River – put forward for a Lottery West grant in 2024.

Dr Paul Harvey
Icon Water, Australian Capital Territory
Dr Paul Harvey is an environmental scientist and chemist currently working at Icon Water as the Strategic Asset Planner for wastewater.
Prior to joining Icon Water in 2023, Paul was the General Manager for Yarrawalk Pty Ltd, a Supply Nation Certified company. After completing his PhD in 2017, Paul started his own consulting business, attracting clients including Transurban, Orica, Tetra Tech Coffey, Shell, Ramboll, and many others. Previously holding a Director role with Biami Scientific Pty Ltd, Paul is a highly experienced leader with a focus on success. Through adopting new ways of thinking, exploring emerging trends, and strategically adapting to a rapidly evolving market, Paul offers a broad breadth of experience and expertise to the role of Non-Executive Director (Utility) at Water Research Australia. Having worked previously in the research sector, Paul understands the complexity of the current Australian funding landscape and the challenges this can present.
Paul is an avid believer that science communication is core to the role and function of a scientist and has published a book and podcast examining plastic pollution. Paul regularly appears in the media (both in Australia and internationally) as a subject matter expert for water pollution and other environmental matters.
- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Experience gained in the Water Sector: My current role is as a Strategic Asset Planner for wastewater in Icon Water. I work closely with the Executive, Board, and external stakeholders to drive Icon Water’s future direction through the corporate strategy.
Finance/Accounting expertise: My current role is finance-focused, embedded within the Finance and Strategy group of Icon Water. Previously I have operated my own business and held a Directors role and a General Manager’s role, all of which require finance and accounting skills and expertise.
Research and Education experience: I have a PhD in environmental chemistry. I worked in research and academia in various capacities for nearly 10 years prior to entering the world of consulting. I retain a connection to research and education through work with The Australian National University, Melbourne University, and other research institutions globally.
Legal expertise: I have gained a broad coverage of legal expertise through my various senior leadership roles.
Early- to Mid-career professional: 6-10 years

Dr Karen Kennedy
Power & Water, Northern Territory
I have a valuable mix of experience including 10 years in research and 11 years in the utility sector. This creates the foundation for understanding the criticality of industry-driven, collaborative, quality research to drive continuous improvement, manage risk profiles, and inform decisions.
As Senior Manager of Performance Reporting and Improvement, I manage the strategic planning and reporting function for Water Services at Power and Water Corporation. I link risk to strategy, monitor and report performance, ensure compliance, and embed and improve the drinking water quality management system. This is undertaken within the challenging remit of making a difference in the lives of Territorians across a complex portfolio of 92 urban and remote communities over 1.3 million square kilometres.
I am passionate about closing the gap for First Nation communities and have been instrumental in driving improved consideration of good practice and aligned governance. I am most proud of the Corporation’s open and transparent approach to emerging water quality issues, building trust with communities, and creating constructive cultures to achieve the best possible outcomes. I bring this same passion and perspective to the Water RA Board. I am registered as a Director and will complete the AICD in 2025.
- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Experience gained in Water sector: Experienced manager of function in the water utility industry sector at Senior Manager level, and more recently as acting Executive General Manager of Water Services. Skills in coordination of strategic planning for Water Services, linking risk to strategy through the creation of a business unit plan and statement of corporate intent. Some more recent experience in the executive leadership team, strategic insights, and governance for Power and Water Corporation (multi-utility).
Finance/Accounting expertise: Experience with the development of monthly business unit performance reports under the remit of Performance Reporting and Improvement – inclusive of financial statements. Management of our CAPEX and OPEX budgets as a member of the Senior Leadership Group for Water Services. Undertaking further study at RMIT in October to improve financial acumen – Finance for Business Leaders.
Research and Education experience: 10 years in research commencing as a research assistant, then progressing through to a research officer, and ultimately post-doctoral research fellow. This experience was gained in a Group of Eight University (University of Queensland) research centre – then known as the National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology. I completed my PhD on an ARC industry scholarship during this time. We completed numerous research consultancy services and had water utility sector industry partners on various projects. I have over 30 journal articles published and have continued to collaborate with research partners and publish while in the utility sector.
Legal expertise: I manage a compliance-assurance function for Water Services with teams responsible across three core remits – water, wastewater, and tradewaste & backflow prevention. My teams manage, negotiate and ensure compliance with all related licences and legal agreements. My team’s remit is to influence incoming legislation such as the Safe Water Act or other pertinent regulatory reforms such as the Water Act and ensure readiness for change in this respect.

Dr Daniel Livingston
Hunter Water, New South Wales
I’m a mid-career professional with diverse and relevant skills and experience in senior leadership and governance across health, humanitarian development, and the non-profit sector. My 13 years at Hunter Water have spanned expert and management roles in a broad range of domains including energy, carbon, climate, wastewater treatment, environment, and science/research.
I have been a Director on the Board of Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat for 14 years. This has given me plenty of development in a broad range of governance responsibilities including mergers/acquisitions, regulatory compliance, fiduciary duties, recruitment of senior leaders, etc. My history with WaterRA also goes back a long way, having done my PhD with the CRC-WQT in the early to mid-2000s.
I would serve with a fresh set of eyes with an interest in developing WaterRA’s research program in climate, carbon, wastewater, environment, integrated water management, circular economies, and social sciences. These areas of interest and passion stem from my work history and PhD research on institutions and decentralised urban water management.
- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Experience gained in the Water Sector: I have led teams for multiple years in energy, carbon, climate, wastewater treatment planning, and science and research.
Finance/Accounting expertise: I have plenty of experience reviewing financial reports as a Board director, and some experience preparing them.
Research and Education experience: I completed my PhD in a water topic, taught as a guest or casual lecturer at two universities (Newcastle and Avondale), and currently lead the Science & Research team at Hunter Water.
Legal expertise: Multiple times (at least three) when I have engaged lawyers to provide advice to governance boards.
Research (University) Member Position | TWO (2) vacancies

Dr Andrew Groth
University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales
Dr Andrew Groth is Director of Industry and Research Partnerships for the Faculty of Science at the University of Technology Sydney. Andrew holds a PhD in Chemistry and was previously Global Director of Research and Development at Memcor Products in Siemens Water Technologies, as well as Research Group Leader in Nanostructured Materials and Stream Leader of High Throughput Polymer Science at CSIRO. He has expertise in polymer and synthetic chemistry, materials science, water, and wastewater treatment, membranes, and manufacturing technology. Andrew has always been driven by a desire to see his and others’ research applied to benefit the economy, employment, and the environment.
Key skills in the private sector:
• Research leadership – initiating, planning, and directing research for long-term product development and meeting short-term problem-solving and operational needs.
• Setting strategic directions based on market and community needs as well as technology push.
• Initiating and undertaking collaborations with world-class research groups.
At UTS, he leads, mentors, and encourages the pursuit of excellence in commercial engagement with business, industry, the professions, government, and the community, including identifying and realising viable opportunities for the development of research programs through risk-sharing partnerships, joint ventures, alliances, and networks, as well as self-funded initiatives.
- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Experience gained in Water sector:
Global Director Research & Development, Memcor Products 2008 – 2016 Siemens Industries Limited
- Leading a team of up to 40 Engineers, scientists and technicians, undertaking research and development that enhances Siemens’ market leading position in membrane technologies for water and wastewater treatment
- Member of executive leadership team of Siemens Water Technologies Global R&D, encompassing seven R&D centres located across four continents
- Development and global launch of N series membranes across all Memcor drinking water products lines; superseding the V Series and saving >US$10M/year in warranty costs
- Development, validation and global launch of CPII Membrane Filtration system
Key skills: Research leadership; initiating, planning and directing research for long term product development and meeting short term problem solving and operational needs; setting strategic directions based on market and community needs as well as technology push; initiating and undertaking collaboration with world class research groups (NTU, Imperial College London, VU, UNSW) and other Siemens research centres; recruiting, mentoring and developing early and mid-career researchers and science leaders.
Finance/Accounting expertise: In both the industry and the public sector, I have managed budgets for large research groups and research programs. As Global Director of Research and Development at Siemens, my budget was over $11.5M for a team of 40+ researchers. The successful research programs that took products to market were all driven by my understanding of concepts such as Return on Investment (ROI), time to break even, and Net Present Value (NPV). I am familiar with accrual accounting, balance sheets, profit and loss (P&L), investment and depreciation as well as financial reporting. In my current role at UTS as Director of Industry and Research Partnerships, I am intimately familiar with project costs, project management, and investment processes for establishing new capabilities, partnerships, and facilities. While I do not have a formal qualification in finance, I have decades of practical and hands-on experience in successfully building and managing budgets to deliver outcomes. My understanding of a breadth of financial concepts and documentation has been a critical factor in my success.
Research and Education experience: After my PhD I spent 11 years at CSIRO, starting as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and climbing to become Research Group Leader in Nanostructured Materials. After that, I spent over 8 years in the industry as Global Director of Research and Development at Siemens Water Technologies. These foundations gave me an excellent understanding of both public and private sector research, spanning blue sky discovery to applied incremental research. Importantly, the combination of those two roles has led me to my current role as Director of Industry and Research Partnerships at the University of Technology Sydney. In this role, I have responsibility, at a Faculty level, for the strategic development, delivery, maintenance, and evaluation of all industry, professional, government, and community relationships, as these collaborations and developments are of strategic importance to the University. In this capacity, I meet and exceed research funding targets year on year. Key skills encompass identifying, maintaining, and developing external engagement opportunities so as to generate increased research and philanthropic income for the faculty and strengthen its reputation with relevant industries, professions, and communities.
Legal expertise: At UTS, as Director of Industry and Research Partnerships, I am responsible for negotiating commercial contracts on behalf of the Faculty of Science on a day-to-day basis. I work hand in hand with the university Office of the General Counsel where they have authority over legal and insurance aspects of the contracts and I have authority over the commercial terms. These two aspects of every contract are inextricably linked and interdependent. At UTS, I am also responsible for the management and protection of intellectual property. This includes patenting, licensing, assignment, and sharing arrangements.
Early- to Mid-career professional: 6-10 years

Professor Stuart Khan
University of Sydney, New South Wales
I am Professor and Head of the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney.
I have published over 200 peer reviewed journal articles on issues relating to water quality and treatment, including drinking water, wastewater, recreational water, environmental water systems, water recycling, and desalination. I have supervised more than 20 PhD students and over 30 Masters research projects. I have been an active member of WaterRA since its inception (as WQRA) in 2008. I have been an Investigator on WaterRA projects focused on stormwater (Project 3048), triple bottom line analysis (Project 3030), potable water reuse (Project 3039) extreme weather events (Project 1063), and UV/chlorine advanced oxidation (Project 3046). I was also a member of the WQRA Project Review Team (PRT) during 2012-2016. I successfully completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Foundations of Directorship course in (2020). I completed the Company Directors Course in 2024 (assessment results pending). I am a Director of a Not-for-Profit organisation, ‘The Greater Cities Initiative’. Thus, I bring an ideal combination of water quality research experience and company directorship qualifications to the board of WaterRA. I have strong industry and government connections and a thorough understanding of current research needs and emerging challenges. Thus, I am well placed to contribute to the development and guidance of future WaterRA strategy.
- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Experience gained in Water sector: Member of Independent Water Advisory Panel (NSW Government). Appointed by NSW Minister for Water, Rose Jackson MP to provide independent expert advice to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on statewide urban water management issues to support the achievement of outcomes sought by water strategies and understand emerging risks and challenges (2024-2026). Member of the Independent Metropolitan Water Advisory Panel (NSW Government). Appointed by NSW Minister for Water, Melinda Pavey MP to advise the Water Sector Leadership Group on the development and implementation of water plans for the Lower Hunter and Greater Sydney regions (2021-2023). Member of the National Water Grid Advisory Body. Appointed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Michael McCormack MP to provide independent expert advice to the Australian Government through Mr McCormack as the responsible Minister, and in close consultation with the National Water Grid Authority, on a range of matters relating to water infrastructure (2020-2022). Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Recreational Water Quality Advisory Committee (RWQAC). The key task is to revise the Australian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines. (2018-2024). Member of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Water Quality Advisory Committee (WQAC). Leader of the WQAC Organic Chemicals Reference Group. A key task has been the revision of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011). Appointed to five consecutive terms of the WQAC (2007 – 2010, 2011-2013, 2013-2015, 2016-2018, 2019-2022). Member of the International Water Association (IWA) COVID-19 Task Force (IWA COVID19 TF). Established to provide the global water supply and sanitation sector with an authoritative reference point regarding both the relevant science and operational matters (2020). Member of the Water Advisory Group to Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA). An advisory group was formed to guide the development of v2.0 of the Australian Infrastructure Sustainability rating scheme. IS evaluates the sustainability performance of the quadruple bottom line (Governance, Economic, Environmental, and Social) of infrastructure development in Australia and New Zealand.
Finance/Accounting expertise: As Head of the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney, I am currently responsible for managing and overseeing the annual budget for the School. I completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) – Foundations of Directorship Course in 2020. In doing so, I successfully completed the module on Finance for Directors. I completed the learning activities for the full AICD Company Directors course, which includes a module on Financial Literacy and Performance, in September 2024. Assessment and outcomes for the latter course are pending (due in late 2024).
Research and Education experience: Stuart Khan is Professor and Head of the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW and a Hans Fischer Fellow at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. He has received funding for over 40 major competitive research projects from Australian, US, and European funding agencies. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles on issues relating to water quality and treatment, including drinking water, wastewater, recreational water, environmental water systems, water recycling, and desalination. Major university teaching subjects during the last two decades have included water & wastewater treatment, water quality & analysis, sustainability assessment, and risk assessment. He has supervised over 20 PhD students and over 30 Masters research projects.

A/Prof Pierre Le Clech
University of New South Wales, New South Wales
Pierre Le-Clech is an Associate Professor at the prestigious UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology at UNSW, Sydney.
For more than 20 years, he has specialised in industry-relevant research, targeting treatment processes used in water and wastewater applications. With the regular support from WaterRA to bridge research and industry, Pierre gained hands-on experience and picked up many lessons, potentially valuable in creating a stronger framework for future WaterRA projects.
Pierre was instrumental in developing the Australian validation guidelines for MBR systems used in water recycling and is currently leading two projects funded by WaterRA, aimed at refining guidelines for MBR and ultrafiltration systems. His presence on the board has the potential to strengthen WaterRA’s current efforts on this important topic. As a passionate educator in engineering, Pierre has observed recent shifts in how students view careers in the water industry and changes in employers’ expectations. In addition to WaterRA educational activities, Pierre aims to contribute to the development of new schemes able to further empower the next generation of water professionals.
- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Experience gained in Water sector: Pierre Le-Clech is an Associate Professor at the prestigious UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology at UNSW, Sydney. For more than 20 years, he has specialised in membrane processes for water and wastewater applications, with a particular focus on membrane bioreactors (MBRs). His research has expanded to address health risks associated with pathogens, particularly Legionella, in water and wastewater treatment aeration assets, through ongoing collaboration with Water Corporation in Western Australia. Pierre was instrumental in developing the Australian validation guidelines for MBR systems used in water recycling and is currently leading projects aimed at refining guidelines for MBR and ultrafiltration systems. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications, his work has earned widespread recognition, reflected in an h-index of 56 and more than 14,000 citations. Beyond his research, Pierre serves as an Associate Editor for Desalination and Water Treatment and is the inaugural Deputy Head of school engagement at the School of Chemical Engineering, UNSW. In this role, he fosters connections with stakeholders, including future students, alumni, and industry partners.
Finance/Accounting expertise: I have been teaching process economics to 3rd-year chemical engineering students for 7 years
Research and Education experience: After completing his PhD on fouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) at the renowned Cranfield University, UK, in 2002, Pierre Le-Clech joined the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology at the University of New South Wales where he now works as an Associate Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering. He has researched many aspects of the water and wastewater treatments by membrane processes and has been publishing extensively on that topic with significant impact (total h-impact of 56 and more than 14,000 citations). One of his literature reviews on MBR fouling published in the Journal of Membrane Science has been cited more than 2,800 times. Pierre also regularly offers his expertise to industrial clients challenged by membrane operations. Some of Pierre’s recent research activities have been in collaboration with the National Centre of Excellence in Desalination Australia (NCEDA) on the topics of (1) forward osmosis and (2) pre-treatment of RO in desalination applications, (3) membrane aging and (4) new opportunities to reuse, recycle and dispose of old membranes (projects totalling $3.1m funding). Of specific significance, one of Pierre’s most recent significant contributions includes the development of the novel pressure-assisted osmosis (PAO) concept for combined desalination and water recycling schemes. Pierre also seeks to better define the impact of the aging of the membrane asset within the water industry, by studying degradation, failure mechanisms, and end-of-life options for membrane systems. Finally, Pierre has recently led a milestone project funded by the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence (AWRCoE), developing a new set of national validation guidelines for MBR and RO used in water recycling (part of a $6.6m project). Under his leadership, significant advancement has been obtained, in particular in the scientific demonstration -and acceptance by major national stakeholders- of the default performances of MBRs in removing pathogens of concern in water recycling schemes. Pierre has been teaching extensively at UNSW for a range of courses, from thermodynamics fundamentals to chemical engineering design projects.

Professor Swee Liang Mak
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Victoria
I bring more than 30 years of experience as a researcher, research leader, and senior roles executive in a publicly funded research organisation (CSIRO) as well as in Higher Education (RMIT University). This gives me deep and unique perspectives across the entire research and innovation value chain, built on direct engagement and delivery of research across multiple industry sectors, translation of research for both commercial and social impact, building capability for research and innovation as well as proper governance practice.
I am highly experienced in strategy development and providing strategic leadership to large-scale, complex portfolios of research and innovation programs. This deep leadership and managerial experience is built on a personal passion for enabling the development and translation of research based solutions to achieve sustainability outcomes. I am also highly experienced in developing eco-systems that enable inter-disciplinary engagement and collaboration to bring together diverse expertise to solve large-scale complex problems. More specifically in my current role as Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Capability at RMIT, I have deep insights on addressing capability gaps that exist within the Higher Education sector to drive improved industry engagement and to create pathways for research impact.
- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Corporate governance experience: I have more than 2 decades of experience on various committees and boards across a wide range of research and innovation settings. These include advisory and company board positions in technology startups across diverse industry sectors, Chair/membership of various publicly funded industry organisations, Chair/membership of many strategy and governance committees at CSIRO and RMIT, as well as deep experience in the design, development, delivery of and decision making on various programs to build capability and funding of innovation/translation of research.
Finance/Accounting expertise: I have extensive experience in managing large portfolio budgets eg up to $100m/yr when I led the Manufacturing Flagship program at CSIRO and in the vicinity of $20-25m annually at RMIT. This involves providing strategic oversight on budget planning as well as accountability of financial management of program delivery, requiring sound knowledge of best practices in financial management.
Research and Education experience: I have 3 decades of deep experience in research and innovation, firstly as a researcher and then in research management and leadership. In that time, my experience has covered the entire spectrum of activities from delivering research to industry, management of large multi-disciplinary portfolios, building partnerships with industry, acting as a trusted advisor to government, and commercialisation of research. Within the Higher Education sector, in my role as Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor at RMIT, I have focused on strategic capability building and shaping the research and innovation eco-system to enable impact. More specifically I have strategic leadership and oversight of a range of programs designed to build researcher capability, enhance entrepreneurial mindset, impact awareness/skills, and support research translation pathways. I also have oversight of the University’s 8 inter-disciplinary Enabling Impact Platforms which have a key role in bringing diverse research expertise to conduct mission-oriented research across many different industry domains.
Legal expertise: Most of my legal experience relates to issues around Intellectual property development, protection, and management due to my research activities that involve commercialisation as well as capability development programs that support translation and commercialisation. In addition, I have the requisite knowledge relating to contractual relationships and transactions related to the conduct of collaborative research with industry.

A/Prof Helen Stratton
Griffith University, Queensland
Helen Stratton is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Environment and Science, at Griffith University.
Helen has over 39 years’ experience in water and wastewater research developing a comprehensive understanding of the technical, social, and economic issues that the industry faces. She has worked extensively as a consultant to the water industry and has developed strong partnerships throughout Australia and internationally. Helen has built an international profile, publishing over 90 refereed articles in internationally peer-reviewed journals, reports, and conference papers. She has been a passionate volunteer for the Australian Water Association (AWA) since 1998, including being elected to roles such as the QLD Branch president, and was an AWA Director for 10 years. This dedication has resulted in her being awarded the AWA Queensland Branch Distinguished Service Award in 2015 and Life Membership in 2016.
Helen maintains her service to the Water Sector as a committee member of the Australian Branch of the International Water Association, Advisor on the Water Research Foundation USA, Scientific Advisor for the Fitzroy River Partnership, and maintains an active membership with AWA. Helen is an IWA Fellow as of 2024.
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- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Experience gained in Water sector: I have over 30 years of experience in water research in Australia. My successful career has always been applied to solving water and wastewater issues with national and global impact. In a water-focused research career, every project I have undertaken has been in partnership with water sector organisations and government agencies. In giving back to the Water Industry I have also had various volunteer positions that have also provided an insight into the social, political, and economic issues for water in Australia – two examples here: As a member of the Australian Water Association – Strategy and Policy Committee for over 20 years (and chair for 2 years) we investigated and participated in State Government policy and strategy. I Chaired this group 2004-2006 and have remained an active member until recently. As chair, I implemented regular meetings with relevant State Government Ministers and Local Government offices. I have been an invited expert to various Local and State Government groups including the Queensland Water Recycling Strategy; Invited to participate in the Qld State Government 30-Year Strategy; and Gold Coast Water – Water Futures (Risk Assessment for water recycling). I am currently an elected scientist on the Fitzroy Partnership for River Health, Scientific Panel. The partnership is a collective of government, agriculture, resources, industry, research, and community across the Fitzroy Basin that enables the sharing of data, informing policy, and assessing river health culminating in the publication of Report Cards each year. I have recently been awarded an IWA Fellow.
Finance/Accounting expertise: Executive Manager of the Smart Water Research Centre and lead Chief Investigator of projects to a value of over $18M. As a Director I had shared responsibility for the financial management, setting, reviewing, and forecasting budgets, and directing necessary changes in expenditure and activities when required. Over the past 30 years, I have had to understand a wide range of accounting systems and budget reports as the not-for-profit sector and University financial reporting systems are very different, as are our commercial and research financial reporting processes. In my role as Program Lead and Executive Director for the SWRC, I was required to have monthly finance meetings with the CFO of the University to ensure our budget remained on track and foresee any changes required and implement the management of our financial decisions. I also had to prepare financial reports for the quarterly SWRC Board meetings. I have also over 13 years of Board experience requiring legal responsibility for reviewing, querying, and approving budgets and financial reports.
Research and Education experience: My entire research and teaching career for almost three decades has been dedicated to the Australian and international water industry. The 90 refereed articles in internationally peer-reviewed journals, reports, and conference papers have all focused on water industry research and for the most part, have been the output of industry collaborations. My work has been cited over 2700 times, she has a current h-index of 27 (iH 44) and has supervised 13 HDR and honors students in water research projects. I was the cofounder, and developer and have delivered training courses to Water Treatment Plant Operators since 1997. We have trained over 800 operators and deliver the course up to four times per year. The wastewater course I co-developed has been adopted as a unit of competency in the National Water Training Package. Other courses I have developed and assisted in delivering include communication of water Science for various industry and community groups. While being responsible for teaching undergraduate science, bioscience, and biomedical students and supervising HDR students, I have also delivered industry training courses nationally and internationally for the past 27 years. The industry training courses are now micro-credentials that are delivered online, in person, or in blended modes, attracting formal and informal qualifications. Some of these courses map to Units of Competency for the Australian National Water Training package and lend themselves to credit for undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications.
Legal expertise: I have acquired robust legal acumen and contract literacy through my various executive and management roles, including the establishment and administration of contracts, dispute resolution, and legal risk mitigation. The roles that have afforded me this experience: are chief investigator of multiple large projects; 30 years of sustained consultancy work and contract research through the University system; 10 years’ experience as an AWA Director; and two years as Executive Manager of the SWRC. One example of my experience dealing with complex legal issues was a successful project in which I was a lead chief investigator that focused on improving wastewater treatment ponds as a low-cost, low-resource option for wastewater treatment and had two sources of funding – the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence and the Queensland State Government. This project involved 17 partners (universities; government and industry) employed 8 staff, trained 3 PhD students, and 2 honours students, provided 8 student industry placements, and trained over 35 postgraduate and vocational students through collaborative training that was established through the project with international experts. I was responsible for negotiating, setting contract details, and putting in place multiple contract types for the different partners and staff engaged in the project.

Dr Arash Zamyadi
Monash University, Victoria
As a mid-career academic at Monash University, my research focuses on water, wastewater, and public health within the framework of a circular economy.
I am dedicated to applying scientific and engineering innovations to real-world challenges, collaborating with academic institutions, government agencies, utilities, and industry partners both in Australia and globally. As a Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust graduate, International Water Association Fellow, and Specialist Group leader, I have a deep understanding and knowledge of the architecture of international research. My primary objective is to bridge the gap between industry and research to drive impactful change in the sector. My work centres on advancing monitoring and treatment technologies, particularly in response to the challenges posed by climate change and population growth. As a strategic thinker, I focus on the broader system, engaging multiple stakeholders, from industry to communities, while anticipating current and future technological disruptions including AI and machine learning. Youth empowerment and knowledge dissemination are also central to my career.
A strong advocate for equal opportunities, I believe diversity enhances team performance and organisational growth. As a naturalised Australian, I am committed to supporting the water sector in fostering an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.
- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Experience gained in Water sector: As a mid-career researcher my career has been dedicated to advancing water research and contributing to innovative solutions for industry and community needs. My academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering from the École Polytechnique de Montréal, Canada. This strong foundation allowed me to explore critical areas in water systems, treatment processes, and environmental sustainability. Throughout my career, I have held several senior academic and research positions, including Senior Lecturer at Monash University, The University of Melbourne, and The University of Montreal, where I have led research initiatives focused on water management and civil engineering. These roles have sharpened my expertise in applied research, particularly in addressing water quality challenges and promoting sustainable water practices.
In addition to my academic achievements, I have played a significant role in the water research community through positions such as Senior Research Manager at Water Research Australia, and Project Lead for the Water Research Foundation projects. These roles have provided me with invaluable insights into the intersections of academic research and industry needs, helping to shape water research strategies in Australia. My work as Senior Research Associate at the Water Research Centre, UNSW, as a Postdoctoral Fellow with the University of Toronto’s Drinking Water Research Group, and a Fellow of International Water Association (IWA) and IWA Specialist Group chair, further broadened my understanding of international research structures. With a global perspective and a deep understanding of Australian water research, I am committed to contributing to Water Research Australia’s mission by bringing forward strategies that benefit the industry and communities alike.
Finance/Accounting expertise: I am developing expertise in financial principles and practices, with a particular focus on risk management, investment strategies, and regulatory compliance. My experience across both academia and industry has sharpened my ability to navigate these complex areas with precision and insight. From 2019 to 2023, as a Senior Research Manager at WaterRA, I played a key role in driving strategic growth initiatives. This position required a deep understanding of financial management, especially in assessing and mitigating risks associated with new projects. By analysing performance data and forecasting outcomes, I was able to identify high-potential project opportunities. I successfully secured funding for various water research initiatives and ensured that resource allocation was closely aligned with WaterRA’s long-term strategic objectives. In my current role as a mid-career research and project lead at Monash University, I have successfully built and managed national and international collaborations. Balancing financial risk with innovative investment strategies has been a core element of my approach, enabling me to deliver successful outcomes both in Australia and globally. My ability to align financial management with strategic objectives ensures that projects remain both innovative and financially sound, driving sustainable growth and impact.
Research and Education experience: I am a Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at Monash University, with a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Montreal, Canada, specialising in advanced water treatment technologies. As a mid-career academic, I bring a unique combination of deep technical expertise and practical, applied research experience, coupled with a strong track record of fostering international research collaborations and knowledge of the architecture of the international research sector. My diverse background as a naturalised Australian enables me to offer a broad, inclusive perspective on WaterRA’s mission. Representing the voice of early and mid-career researchers, I am committed to promoting diversity of thought and driving innovation in the water sector. My vision is to close the gaps between planning, adaptation, funding, and implementation to collectively advance the transition to sustainable water management. I see WaterRA as a pivotal organisation in building strong, enduring partnerships between industry and academia, and I am dedicated to supporting strategic initiatives that open new pathways for collaboration. With expertise in water engineering and a career dedicated to the sector, I have consistently delivered outcomes that blend academic rigor with practical, real-world impact. My work on enhancing water and recycled water quality, particularly within the context of the circular economy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, has directly influenced industry practices, reducing public health risks while improving environmental outcomes. I am passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that research not only contributes to the academic community but also delivers measurable, tangible benefits to the water sector. As a Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust graduate and an International Water Association Fellow, I am a firm advocate for translating scientific research into policy and practice, a key area where WaterRA can continue to lead. I aim to contribute to this vision by promoting collaborative research that drives innovation and sustainable practices across the water industry. Via my work with the Water Research Foundation and The KWR, I have seen the strategic benefits of international collaborations. Beyond my research, I am equally committed to the future of education in engineering. I hold certificates in teaching excellence from both Monash University and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), underscoring my dedication to pedagogical innovation. I have successfully transformed courses through strategic curriculum redesign and enhanced student engagement, resulting in improved learning outcomes. Notably, I have developed a pioneering unit on the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) in civil and environmental engineering, preparing the next generation of engineers for the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies. My extensive experience in both hybrid and online learning environments further demonstrates my ability to adapt and innovate in response to the changing needs of students and the broader educational landscape. This adaptability mirrors my approach to the evolving challenges in the water sector—fostering forward-thinking solutions that benefit both industry and academia. By joining the WaterRA Board, I aim to support the organisation’s strategic objectives by fostering collaboration, enhancing industry-research partnerships, and advocating for science-driven, sustainable water practices that benefit all members of society.
Legal expertise: I possess a clear understanding of legal principles, which significantly enhances my ability to navigate complex compliance requirements and make informed strategic decisions across both academic and industry contexts. My expertise in this area is rooted in a multidisciplinary approach that integrates my technical knowledge of water engineering with a comprehensive grasp of legal frameworks. This ensures that my work not only complies with regulatory standards but also aligns seamlessly with the broader strategic objectives of the organisations I support. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a deep awareness of the legal considerations that are critical to the success of my projects. I actively seek out opportunities to stay informed on evolving legal and regulatory trends, enabling me to guide strategic decisions, lead research initiatives, and effectively manage national and international collaborations. This proactive approach ensures that I remain at the forefront of compliance and governance while driving innovation and impactful results in the water sector.
Early- to Mid-career professional: 6-10 years

Dr Masoumeh Zargar
Edith Cowan University, Western Australia
With extensive experience in advanced filtration membranes, water and wastewater treatment, and environmental sustainability, I am well-equipped to contribute to WaterRA’s mission of advancing water science and innovation.
As a Senior Lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow at ECU, I lead cutting-edge research in water treatment technologies, including the development of advanced functional materials for contaminant removal, and the application of novel filtration and separation processes. My research spans a broad spectrum of water-related issues, including microplastics, PFAS, desalination, and resource recovery, aligning well with WaterRA’s focus on public health and sustainability.
My role in supervising PhD students and leading impactful projects equips me with a deep understanding of the challenges facing the water sector and the need for collaborative solutions. I am committed to leveraging my expertise to support WaterRA’s collaborative approach, driving innovation, and translating research into practical solutions. My goal is to contribute to the Board by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring strategic alignment with WaterRA’s objectives, and enhancing the organisation’s impact in advancing water research and technology.
- Corporate governance experience
- Accounting / finance experience
- Legal experience
- Experience gained in industry, research or regulation relating to the Australian water sector, water recycling and wastewater management
Experience gained in Water sector: I am a Senior Lecturer and an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow at ECU within the Chemical Engineering discipline. I have extensive experience in the water sector, particularly in water and wastewater treatment and resource recovery. Throughout my education and academic career, I have contributed to several industry projects focused on industrial wastewater, municipal wastewater, desalination, and water recovery processes. My expertise lies in developing advanced functional materials and membrane filtration systems for the removal of emerging contaminants, such as microplastics and PFAS, as well as mitigating membrane fouling. I have also applied various separation and purification technologies to address these challenges. Additionally, I have taught the Environmental Engineering unit at ECU, with a focus on water and wastewater treatment, for two consecutive years. My practical experience, combined with academic research, allows me to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications in the water industry.
Finance/Accounting expertise: I have extensive experience managing research project funds, having served as the Principal Chief Investigator (CI) in 6 out of 8 of my recent research projects, including two ARC-funded initiatives and several industry collaborations. In these roles, I have been responsible for overseeing project budgets, ensuring the efficient use of allocated funds, and aligning financial decisions with project milestones. While I don’t hold a formal finance degree, I possess a strong understanding of project investment and cost management, which has enabled me to ensure the financial success of these projects.
Research and Education experience: I have a strong background in both research and education, with notable achievements in both areas. As a Senior Lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow at Edith Cowan University, I am dedicated to educating and preparing the next generation of water professionals. I have authored over 70 high-impact publications, with a citation record reflected in an h-index of 21 and a FWCI of 2.3. My research includes securing prestigious funding, such as two ARC grants—an ARC Discovery Project and a DECRA fellowship—with a combined value exceeding $850,000, along with several industry projects focused on water treatment and recovery. My research expertise encompasses advanced materials, membrane filtration systems, and various separation and purification technologies. I am particularly involved in developing innovative solutions for wastewater treatment, microplastics removal, and PFAS degradation. In addition to my research, I have supervised 14 HDR students (PhDs and MScs), with three completions to date. My goal is to equip students with the skills needed to tackle future water challenges. In my teaching role, I deliver a range of Chemical and Environmental Engineering courses, incorporating innovative methods to enhance student engagement. My commitment to education is also demonstrated through my roles as co-chair of the ECU Early Mid-Career Researchers Network, active support for female engineers via ECU’s Women in Engineering network, and participation in scientific committees for international conferences and journals. This combination of cutting-edge research, student mentorship, and educational leadership reflects my dedication to advancing both the field and the education of future water professionals.
Early- to Mid-career professional: 3-6 years
Voting
All current member organisations are entitled to vote in the election.
The Member Representative is the only person able to register your organisation’s vote for the nominated candidates.
The 2024 election will commence on 18th September and will close on 2nd October at 5.00pm (Sydney time). If a Member Representative is unavailable to vote during the election period, a suitable proxy must be notified to the Returning Officer Ella Pietsch so that arrangements can be made for them to access the voting process.
The election voting form will be available online to Member Representatives to register their organisation’s vote for the nominated candidates and the link to vote will be emailed separately to each Member Representative.
Please direct any enquiries to the Returning Officer, Ella Pietsch.
Director election results will be announced at our AGM to be held on Wednesday 23rd October 2024.