OUR WATER LEADERS

Laura Fluck is a highly experienced professional in the water and infrastructure sectors, currently serving as the Business Line Director for Water and Program Management at AECOM in Australia and New Zealand. In her role, she is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, and client engagement of the company's water and program management business lines.

With more than 18 years of industry experience, Laura has held leadership positions on various projects and programs. She has worked with diverse delivery models, including integrated owners teams and capital delivery programs for prominent water authorities. Throughout her career, Laura has demonstrated a strong focus on meeting client’s needs and delivering excellent project outcomes for communities, infrastructure, and the environment.

Laura's educational background includes a Master’s in Construction Law and a Bachelor’s in Geomatic Engineering. Her expertise in the water and civil infrastructure sectors encompasses engineering delivery, design management, and commercial management. She has also held strategy and commercial roles, providing valuable advice and leadership in areas such as risk management, governance, water strategies, and market assessment. Laura's broad experience spans across multiple industries, reflecting her ability to adapt to different delivery models and effectively contribute to project success.

Overall, Laura Fluck is recognised as a passionate and pragmatic leader who prioritises client satisfaction and strives to achieve positive outcomes for the communities, infrastructure, and environment she serves.

Dr Ryan Signor is Aurecon’s Industry Director for Water. He leads Aurecon’s water community, drives the positive impact we seek to have within the industry and communities it supports, and connects clients and organisations that have roles to play in water stewardship. Ryan’s early career research was on the links between water and public health. Over two decades, he has built extensive experience in development and delivery of water programs and projects, design and implementation of strategic transformations for water entities, and providing water policy and sustainable development advice. He is passionate about building teams with the desire, ideas, and diversity to deliver a more liveable and sustainable world.

“I grew up in a place where water was at the heart of the community and its identity. Early in my life I came to appreciate the array of values that water supports. Everyone deserves access to clean water.

At Aurecon, we understand and take seriously our deep responsibility to be water stewards and create a better world for tomorrow. We do this by collaborating with our industry partners to address some of the world’s most urgent needs including access to clean water and sanitation for all, transitioning to a circular economy and a changing climate, working to restore and protect natural environments, and advocating for change.

By joining Walk for Water, we are contributing to a better future for many.“

Louise Dudley is best known for her ten year tenure as CEO of Urban Utilities, a major Australian water utility, which transformed under her leadership to win widespread recognition for its innovation and sustainability.

Louise herself was acknowledged in the Global Water Intelligence 2022 Women in Water Power List and she is known to many for her current roles as President and Chair of the Australian Water Association and as a Board member of both WaterAid Australia and WaterStart (Nevada USA).

Louise is a Chartered Accountant by profession and holds a range of qualifications including a Bachelor of Commerce. She has completed INSEAD’s Executive Education Program and AICD’s Company Directors Program. She is a member of Chief Executive Women and her contribution to the engineering profession was acknowledged with the Engineering Executive title, conferred by Engineers Australia in 2021.

In August 2022, Louise concluded her CEO role with Urban Utilities and she is now expanding her Board portfolio as a professional non-executive director. In addition to her current water sector roles, Louise is also a member of the Queensland State Advisory Committee for the Committee for Economic Development in Australia (CEDA) and a member of the Queensland chapter policy committee for Chief Executive Women (CEW).

Neal has recently joined Downer in the newly-created role of Executive General Manager – Water, with responsibility for leading all Australian and New Zealand-based water contracts, projects and joint ventures.

Neal has more than 35 years’ global business experience across a diverse range of industries, based in the USA, UK, Europe, Asia and ANZ. Over the last 15 years, he has held several Executive General Manager roles, which involved overseeing the delivery, safety and financial outcomes of large project and contract portfolios. Throughout his career, Neal has also held executive roles at Qantas, ResMed Ltd, PWC, and Harman International. 
Neal is looking forward to making a positive impact at Downer and bringing his demonstrated project and contract governance experience to the role, driving margin improvement and enhanced performance for the benefit of Downer’s portfolio of customers across the trans-Tasman.

“Water is a life-sustaining, precious resource, and I am excited to play a role in safely and sustainably managing Downer’s trans-Tasman water portfolio. Helping to make a positive difference to people’s lives is a cause that’s close to my heart and I look forward to standing with WaterAid and the Walk for Water Leaders to help realise our shared goal of delivering safe and sustainable services and infrastructure to connect communities and enable them to thrive.”

Logan Water’s Group Manager Mike Basterfield has a long history in the Australian water industry with extensive experience in various senior leadership roles at several major contracting and engineering services businesses. Mike applies his technical knowledge, commercial acumen and open leadership style to actively encourage the Logan Water team to continue their strong focus and momentum on innovation, customer experience and investment in people to continuously improve service quality and the delivery of water and wastewater solutions for the growing City of Logan. 
 
Mike supports Walk for Water because he believes “the water industry plays an important role in bringing awareness to the emerging and future challenges in our global commitment to provide reliable and sustainable water services to our communities. The team at Logan Water has a longstanding history of getting behind initiatives like Walk for Water and I am proud to lead the team as a small way for us to help to improve access and quality of water to communities around the world.”

In his current role as General Manager Customer, Community and Engagement for SA Water, David leads a passionate group of customer focussed people connecting with and delivering services for communities spread right across South Australia. David has been a senior leader within the water industry for over 20 years. With a philosophy of people first, David has dedicated his career to delivering water and wastewater outcomes that enable customers, the broader community and the State of South Australia to thrive. 
 
Here is what David said when asked about the partnership with WaterAid.
  
"At SA Water we take great pride in delivering safe, clean drinking water and reliable wastewater services, 24 hours a day, every day of the year to around 1.7 million customers. We know that's what our customers need and expect and we know that most of our customers rarely need to think about us.  For our people and our community, this is considered a  basic human right.  
 
Unfortunately, that's not the reality for far too many people across the globe, which is why I wanted to get involved with this initiative. I know it will help me to better understand the important work that WaterAid does and I intend to use this opportunity to further raise awareness of WaterAid within SA Water and across my broader network. I'm hoping I can also play a part in encouraging people to become involved themselves and/or making a financial contribution that will help to change the lives of others."

South East Water Managing Director, Lara Olsen, is passionate about the role water plays in a healthy life and healthy communities, and has a special interest in the role of purposeful innovation and technology in enabling efficient and affordable water and wastewater services.

Before joining South East Water in 2020, Lara was Global Head of Business Development and Industrial Products at Tesla Energy in America, and also led the Business Development and Industrial Products team for Tesla Australia.

Lara’s extensive experience in the utility sector includes roles as head of strategy for CitiPower PowerCor and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Project Leader with the Boston Consulting Group and co-founding Billcap, an energy platform that helps customers and retailers manage their usage and bills.

Here is what Lara said when asked why she supports Walk for Water and joined on as a Water Leader.

“Supporting WaterAid Australia and Walk for Water is true to South East Water’s purpose to deliver healthy water for life for our customers, community and environment.

For communities that don’t have healthy water – for hygiene, for health, for liveability – the impacts are far reaching, impacting gender equity to education. Our employees not only understand this but know that the work we do every day to deliver clean water and treat waste supports healthy and flourishing communities. We want that for our global neighbours too and it’s why we commit to Walk for Water.”

Denisha is a practising lawyer and governance professional with over 20 years experience in commercial law and corporate governance, across a variety of sectors. Denisha is currently a General Manager of Sydney Water, and leads multi-functional teams, providing trusted advice to meet legal and regulatory obligations, manage risk, and enable delivery of business objectives. Prior to joining Sydney Water 10 years ago, Denisha practised law in a top-tier global law firm for 14 years, focusing on technology transactions and intellectual property law. Since joining the water industry, Denisha has become passionate about the essential role that water plays in creating a better life for our communities now and into the future. Denisha’s personal values of service and giving back, led her to become involved in WaterAid in 2018 as an Executive sponsor of one of Sydney Water’s Winnovator teams. Denisha expanded on this in 2021 by becoming an Ambassador to the NSW WaterAid Committee before being appointed as a Non-Executive Director of WaterAid Australia in October 2022.

This will be Denisha’s 3rd year participating in Walk for Water and this is why Denisha supports this initiative and has joined as a Water Leader this year:

"At Sydney Water, everything we do is about creating a better life for our customers through world class water services. However, across the world there is a water and sanitation crisis that keeps hundreds of millions of children out of school, adults out of work and traps people in poverty. If we solve this crisis, we can provide these communities with the hope and the power to change their future.

The one hour of walking, riding or cycling each day for one week as part of WaterAid’s Walk for Walk represents the daily reality endured by millions around the world to access their closest water source. It’s something tangible and healthy we can do to raise much needed funds for underprivileged communities. For less than $10,000 we can give school students in Papua New Guinea access to clean water and handwashing facilities by installing a rainwater tank and tap stands at a school. For $50,000, we can help a whole village access a sustainable clean water system. These are life-changing projects for entire communities. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live healthy and dignified lives."

Roch Cheroux is a key influencer in the water industry, with experience shaping and leading public and private corporations across the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.

Roch commenced with Sydney Water as the Managing Director on 2 September 2019. Before joining Sydney Water, Roch held roles as Chief Executive of SA Water, Chief Executive Officer of SUEZ for the South East Asia region and SUEZ-Degrémont Australia and New Zealand, Managing Director of United Utilities Asia and Pacific (TRILITY), and Chief Executive and Chairman of Tallinn Water in Estonia.

In any organisation Roch leads he champions customer, innovation and workplace diversity and has successfully led transformation programs to embed technology, culture and systems changes to deliver improved experience for customers.

Roch is active across the industry and the Chair of the Water Services Association of Australia, and member of the Australian Water Partnership Advisory Committee. He holds formal qualifications in Engineering and Business Management.

Here is what Roch said when asked why he supports Walk for Water and joined on as a Water Leader.

"As Australia’s largest water utility, Sydney Water is proud to do its part to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water around the world.

We have a long track record in supporting Wateraid and I’m looking forward to getting out and about to support this great cause.

Whether it’s walking, running and bike riding, this is great opportunity for our people to support their health and well-being during this challenging time."

Paul Arnold is the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Utilities – Queensland’s largest water and wastewater service provider.

Prior to joining Urban Utilities in 2022, Paul had a successful career with Rio Tinto and BHP, most recently holding the position of Chief Executive and Managing Director of Energy Resources of Australia, based in Darwin. 

With over 30 years’ experience in the natural resources and energy sectors, Paul’s areas of speciality include operations, project development and execution, stakeholder relations, Indigenous engagement, business development, and strategy.  
This will be Paul’s second year as a Water Leader. Here is what he said when asked why he supports Walk for Water.

"I’m honoured to, again, take part in Walk for Water to help raise much-needed funds for WaterAid and generate awareness around the important global issue of water inequality. Each day I walk will act as a sobering reminder to be grateful for safe and reliable water supply we enjoy in Australia.

Along with many other Australian water utilities, Urban Utilities is a signatory of the Water Services Association of Australia’s pledge to support and promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. If we are to achieve this goal, it is imperative that the water industry supports WaterAid and events like Walk for Water. We must all play our part, however small, in creating the future we want to see."

Gillian Blythe is Chief Executive of Water New Zealand – the country’s largest water industry body with more than 3000 water sector professional and corporate members.

Prior to joining Water New Zealand in 2020, Gillian’s career was focused on the electricity sector.

Originally from the UK, Gillian studied at the University College London where she attained a bachelors degree in economics, followed by a Masters in environmental economics which considered the ‘marginal cost of carbon constraints”. Gillian worked as an economic consultant focusing on the electricity markets often with an environmental lens, as well as major energy reforms in the Former Soviet Union. She then came to Aotearoa New Zealand in the mid 1990s to work on electricity reform, and then in senior roles at the country’s biggest electricity generator retailer, Meridian Energy.

But it was an easy transition to water and the opportunities to be part of a water community making a difference in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is an exciting time to be working in water and to be focused on valuing and looking after this precious resource, or taonga (treasure), as wai (water) is often referred to Aotearoa.

For Gillian, joining WaterAid Australia is a natural progression, 

"Water issues are global issues and there are huge challenges facing the entire planet and many communities locked out of opportunities because of lack of access to basic necessities such as safe drinking water and sanitation. As a water leader, I'm motivated to support any efforts to increase access to water for deprived people across the world and to improve quality of life. Walking for water is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved.

In a personal connection to water, one of my favourite leisure activities are my early morning runs around Wellington’s magnificent harbour."

Adam is the Executive Director of WSAA, a position he commenced in 2011. Adam provides national leadership in policy positions for the Australian urban water sector on issues including industry reform, liveable cities, water quality, climate change, customer engagement and asset management. Adam also holds a number of non-executive Board roles including the Global Water Research Coalition.

Here is what Adam said when asked why he supports Walk for Water.

“WSAA is pleased to be joining Walk for Water in 2023 and I’m excited to join as a Water Leader to highlight how many people, especially women and children, around the world need to walk to get their water. As we seek to meet SDG 6 - clean water and sanitation for all, Walk for Water is another way to raise awareness about those who need our support.”

The Hon Karlene Maywald has dedicated her career to the sustainable management of water and improving access to water for all.  Karlene is the Managing Director of Maywald Consultants and holds a broad portfolio of Board positions including Chair of the CRC for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agriculture, Food and the Environment; Chair of the Peter Cullen Environment and Water Trust; and a Director of the Australian Water Association. 

She is currently the South Australian Water Ambassador where she is focused on water policy advise, international water diplomacy and supporting Australian water businesses to improve export opportunities.

Karlene was elected to the South Australian Parliament between 1997 and 2010 and served as a cabinet minister from July 2004 until March 2010. Her portfolio responsibilities included the River Murray and Water Security,

At the National level, Karlene was a Member of the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council from 2004 to 2010 and she chaired the Australian National Water Commission between 2012-2015.

Brian Krishna is Managing Director Xylem Australia & New Zealand, with twenty-five years of experience in the water sector working and living on Australia's east and west coast. Brian holds an MBA leading an executive team passionate about solving water challenges. Brian is a genuine person in the workplace and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to accomplish their goals and have fun doing it. Brian is inspired daily by the challenge of solving our water issues, bringing education and technology to many communities. He is also very passionate about attracting youth into the water sector, becoming the heroes of the future. Being authentic drives and motivates Brian. Married with three children, he enjoys beach holidays, bush walks and family fun together.

Here is what Brian said when asked why he supports Walk for Water and joined on as a Water Leader.

“Xylem’s vision is that water is essential to life. And our life’s work is water. We devote our technology, time and talent to advance the smarter use of water. We look to a future where global water issues do not exist. We hope that by joining the Walk for Water we can bring more awareness to the challenges faced around the globe.

I am proud to be a Water Leader as I am inspired daily by the challenge of solving our water challenges, and am passionate about bringing education and technology to many communities.”

Pat is Managing Director of Yarra Valley Water, one of Australia’s largest water utilities providing water and sanitation services to 2M people across Melbourne. In a career spanning over 30 years in the water industry, Pat has played a lead role in the water sector in addressing critical challenges such as extreme drought and rapid population growth.

Here is what Pat said when asked why he supports Walk for Water and joined on as a Water Leader.

“We have a fundamental role in ensuring the UN Human Right to safe, affordable, and reliable water and sanitation is a reality for the community we serve. But we know that for so many other communities this is not a reality. Taking part in this challenge not only reminds us of the importance of our work but also extends our impact to make a positive difference in communities less fortunate than ours.”