YWP Program

Opening Session 
Australian Young Water Professional of the Year 2023, Chelsea Hayward, will provide leadership for the day, beginning with her water story, what inspired her to initiate a water career, and how she hopes to accelerate action.

Communicating Climate Change
In this collaborative workshop, you will hear from experienced climate change and communication/engagement subject matter experts. Based on different scenarios, you will work on strategies to communicate the real risk of climate change to the water sector. With plenty of opportunities for creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, this workshop will help develop key skills in communication on an issue that will be a factor for the water industry to face for generations to come. Featuring speakers Dr. Lisa Ehrenfried and Jo Lim.

Two Way Knowledge Exchanges to Regenerate Our Future
Facilitated by Prof. Phil Duncan and Prof. Emeritus Cynthia Mitchell AO
In this session, Phil and Cynthia will encourage Young Professionals to examine their knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and actions concerning our current state and the future we want, in terms of Australia’s First Peoples and our country more broadly. The invitation is to develop awareness of ourselves alongside awareness of our First Peoples’ cultural values, history, beliefs, practices, knowledge, and philosophies. Young Professionals will be challenged and inspired to unlock their potential as advocates for Australia’s First Peoples’ success through regenerative futures.

Site Tours 
The locally based site visits held in the afternoon will round out the discussions already undertaken throughout the day.