Jack Buckskin
Respected Kaurna, Narungga and Wirangu man
Tuesday 20 May
Jack Buckskin is a proud Kaurna, Narungga, and Wirangu man who has dedicated his life to the revitalization and promotion of Aboriginal culture and language. As the only person fluent in the Kaurna language - a language once thought to be extinct - Jack has played a pivotal role in its resurgence.
Jack will lead a traditional Smoking Ceremony before delivering the Welcome to Country. Jack will speak to the origins and enduring importance of water for First Nations peoples and Country.
Professor Juliet Willetts
Research Director at University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures
Tuesday 20 May
Professor Juliet Willetts brings over 25 years of global experience in climate adaptation, governance, and gender equality. She has worked with the WHO, governments, and UN agencies to drive impactful change across diverse sectors. A leading expert in her field, Professor Willetts holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles.
Professor Juliet Willetts, will explore how the modern water sector in Australia continues to be shaped by its public health roots — and why those foundations matter more than ever in today’s world.
Stuart Khan
Professor and Head of School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney
Wednesday 21 May
Stuart Khan is a Professor and Head of the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney. He has published over 200 articles on water quality, treatment, and sustainability, including drinking water, wastewater, and water recycling. A Fellow of Engineers Australia, The Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), and an IWA Fellow, Stuart is a recognised global leader in water management.
Professor Stuart Khan will speak on Day 2, exploring the big-picture challenges we’re facing: water resilience, climate impacts, and how we can practically adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Dr Jane Doolan
Member of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, a Director of Southern Rural Water Corporation and a Founding Member of the Water Policy Group
Wednesday 21 May
Dr Jane Doolan has over 30 years experience in sustainable water resource management, providing policy advice at senior levels to both the Australian and state governments on issues such as water supply and security, national water reform, river health, environmental water allocation, catchment management, and the management of water during drought and climate change. Jane is currently a Member of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, a Director of Southern Rural Water Corporation and a Founding Member of the Water Policy Group. Previous positions include Environment Commissioner with the Australian Productivity Commission, Commissioner with the National Water Commission, Professorial Fellow in Natural Resource Governance at the University of Canberra and Deputy Secretary for Water in the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries. In 2024, she was appointed as an Honorary Member of the International Water Resources Association.
Jane will speak on Day 2 and take a broader look at the current landscape — unpacking today’s water challenges through the lens of policy, governance, and on-the-ground realities. With decades of experience bridging science, policy and implementation, Jane will explore how we can better align our systems to support sustainable water management.
Lara Olsen
Managing Director of South East Water
Thursday 22 May
Lara is the Managing Director of South East Water, which serves 1.8 million customers in the South East of Melbourne. She has extensive experience in the utility sector, focused on customer experience and innovation. Before joining South East Water, Lara was the Global Head of Business Development and Industrial Products at Tesla Energy based in the USA and also led the Business Development and Policy team for Tesla Australia. Lara was also Head of Strategy for CitiPower PowerCor and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Project Leader with the Boston Consulting Group and co-founded Billcap (an energy management software as a service business).
Lara is a fellow of the Academy of Technology, Sciences and Engineering and a member of Chief Executive Women.
Lara will speak on Day 3, bringing a powerful blend of innovation, strategy and global energy experience. Lara will explore the future of customer-centric utilities, digital transformation, and how emerging technologies, AI and bold leadership can reshape how we deliver water services in a changing world
Dr Mark Fletcher
Global Water Lead at Arup
Thursday 22 May
Mark leads the Global Water Business of Arup. He has been with Arup for 37 years. He is an international thought leader on sustainable water management, nature-based solutions and water resilience and has worked around the world.
He is on the Organising Committee for Singapore International Water Week and has led the initiative to include Young Water Professionals at Stockholm World Water Week for the last 8 years.
He is an Arup Fellow and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Society for the Environment and Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and received an Honorary Doctorate from Bradford University for his work on sustainable water management. He has been a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor in Engineering Design for Sustainable Development since 2003.
He is also Chair of British Water and former Chair of the Water Industry Forum.
Mark will speak on Day 3, offering a global perspective on future-focused solutions — from nature-based infrastructure to inclusive leadership — and challenge us to think beyond borders as we shape the next generation of water systems.