Carmel Krogh OAM
Carmel Krogh is an outstanding Australian Engineer who has contributed significantly in the realm of local government, international projects and community outcomes across her more than 40 year career. She is a known mentor to many engineers and a strong advocate for the development of professionals in the sector. Carmel has been an inspiration to many women in engineering and was the first female civil engineering graduate from NSWIT (University of Technology).
Carmel has combined both executive and non-executive roles and is known for her achievements in water utility excellence and innovation as well as for her strong leadership. Her career has included water supply, sewerage and sanitation projects within government and the private sector, with a strong focus on improving essential services in regional areas.
She served as National President of the Australian Water Association (AWA) from 2019-2021 and was also recognised by her peers in 2023 and received the AWA’s highest Award for exceptional service.
Chris Chesterfield
Chris is a Professor of Practice at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute where he is a key strategic thinker and research leader with a focus on water governance, urban and water planning and city scale transitions to more sustainable and liveable futures. Chris is nationally recognised for his leadership in waterway and urban water management and for his contribution to establishing Melbourne as a world leader in water sensitive urban design. He previously held roles as General Manager at Melbourne Water and CEO of the Office of Living Victoria before joining Monash University.
He has contributed to advancing water and urban planning practice through a number of other recent roles including as chair of several Ministerial advisory committees that have led to significant planning and legislative reforms. He is a non-executive director at Barwon Water and chair of the Birrarung Council, a bicultural statutory body that acts as the ‘voice for the Yarra River’.
In 2022, Chris received the Paul Jerome award from the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association in recognition of his contribution to the sustainable development of cities over the last two decades.
Louise Dudley
Louise Dudley is a distinguished leader in Australia's water sector, with over four decades of experience spanning professional services and utility operations. Currently serving as Strategic Advisor – Water at Aurecon, Louise leverages her extensive expertise to guide clients in developing sustainable and resilient water infrastructure solutions.
Prior to joining Aurecon, Louise was the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Utilities from 2012 to 2022, where she spearheaded transformative initiatives that enhanced sustainability, innovation, and customer engagement. Before her tenure as CEO, she was the founding Chief Financial Officer of Urban Utilities, following a successful career in senior management roles at Brisbane City Council and a 17-year tenure in the professional services sector.
Louise served on the Australian Water Association’s Board from 2018 to 2024, including a term as AWA President from May 2021 to 2023. She is also a director on the boards of WaterAid Australia and WaterStart.
Rosie Wheen
There are three threads that run through Rosie no matter where you encounter her– compassion, courage, and service. Rosie began her career in education before discovering water! With a love of adventure and languages, she jumped at an opportunity to volunteer in Indonesia. This formative experience had a big impact– the community was resource poor with no electricity or running water but rich in so many other ways. At many points, Rosie can point to examples like this where she has had the courage to seize opportunities that take her out of her comfort zone and help her to grow. Rosie is a purpose driven leader, she was the CEO of WaterAid Australia and is the CEO of the Peter Cullen Trust. She is also a Board Director, foster carer and parent.
Pat McCafferty
Since 2014 Pat has served as Managing Director of Yarra Valley Water, one of Australia’s largest water utilities providing services to 2M people across Melbourne. His career in the water sector has spanned over 40 years, including advising the Australian Government as part of the National Water Initiative, experience working in the USA, and playing a lead role in navigating the Millenium Drought.
Pat is Deputy Board Chair of WaterAid Australia, a Board Trustee of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, and was the inaugural Chair of Thriving Communities Australia, where he continues as a Director. He is a past Chair of the Water Services Association of Australia.
Kiara Johnson
Kiara Johnson, a proud Aboriginal woman from regional South Australia, is owner and founder of three businesses – KSJ Consulting, Platinum Civil and Argyll Recruitment – as well as being a Peter Cullen Trust Fellow, 2023 Vicky Cullen Scholarship recipient, Leith Boully Award recipient and winner of the 2024 40 under 40 Social Impact Award.
Sam Skinner
Sam Skinner is an Associate Process Engineer for Water at Aurecon, specialising in hydrogen, energy, water and oxygen projects that support various water utilities. He is dedicated to advancing the water industry’s journey to net zero and beyond. Sam earned his PhD from Melbourne University, focusing on improving water recycling and sludge handling. He has been recognised as the AWA Australian Young Water Professional of the Year 2024, for his innovative contributions to sustainable water management and community-focused engineering solutions.
Ali Ahmadi
Ali Ahmadi is an engineer, speaker, and board director. He currently serves as the Manager of Integrated Water Planning, Strategy, and Performance at Mount Barker District Council, where he leads the sustainable management of wastewater and recycled water systems by focusing on improving asset management systems and maturity.
As a keynote speaker, Ali is labelled a resilience expert by his audiences. He delivers impactful keynotes that weave together lessons from his lived experience as a refugee, his professional journey, and extensive research into resilience. He also serves on the board of the Australian Refugee Association.
A strong believer in the power of emerging voices, Ali co-founded and now chairs the Water Services Association of Australia’s Young Utility Leaders Advisory Group, helping ensure the next generation plays an active role in shaping the future of water.
Dr Katrina Wruck
Dr Katrina Wruck is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Chemical Engineering, specialising in sustainable materials and water treatment technologies for industrial and environmental applications. A proud Mabuygilayg woman with kinship ties to Panay Clan in the Torres Strait, she focuses on the removal and destruction of PFAS and other emerging contaminants using low-energy, green chemistry approaches. Katrina earned her PhD from QUT, where she developed novel methods to convert industrial waste into high-performance zeolites. She was named the 2025 Young Australian of the Year in recognition of her contributions to science, sustainability, and Indigenous community engagement.