Utility Leaders: the Australian water sector podcast

Season 3

Season 3, Episode 3 | Live from the Road: Faith Styles, Intersect Co

How can water utilities prepare their people for the future? Recorded while Faith Styles was Group Manager, Future Workforce at South East Water, this conversation explores the human capabilities behind a resilient water workforce: curiosity, adaptability, collaboration, leadership and recognising potential. Faith also discusses practical ways to build capability and create meaningful career pathways across the water sector. She has since founded Intersect Co, a leadership systems practice.

Season 3, Episode 2 | Live from the Road: Andrew Forster-Knight, South East Water

From chemical engineering to operational technology and utility leadership, Andrew Forster-Knight shares the career journey that has kept him in the water industry for more than 20 years. The conversation covers South East Water’s digital meter rollout, reducing non-revenue water through data and sensing, IOTA, AI and machine learning, and the mix of technical and people skills shaping modern utilities. Andrew explains why water careers extend well beyond engineering into technology, data, customers, environment, project delivery and leadership. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn.

Season 3, Episode 1 | Live from the Road: Zoe Walsh, Sequana

Zoe Walsh describes her move from consumer public relations into the water sector and how clear storytelling can make water conservation relevant to more people. The conversation explores community engagement, water literacy and creative communication, including Zoe’s children’s book Wanda the Water Warrior. It also highlights the wide range of water industry careers beyond engineering and the value of connecting utilities with the communities they serve. Learn more about Sequana and Wanda the Water Warrior.

Season 2

Season 2, Episode 22: Darren Barlow, Gladstone Area Water Board

Gladstone Area Water Board’s 50-year story provides the backdrop for a conversation about regional water infrastructure, leadership and the role a water utility plays in its community. Darren Barlow reflects on the people and purpose behind long-term water services, with a memorable trophy-fishing story along the way. Hear more about careers and leadership in regional utilities through this episode with Gladstone Area Water Board.

Season 2, Episode 21: Tom Muller, WaterAid Australia

WaterAid Australia CEO Tom Muller discusses what it takes to make clean water, sanitation and hygiene services sustainable, especially where infrastructure, funding and workforce capacity differ from place to place. The conversation looks beyond construction to local capability, context, operations and maintenance, and considers how Australia’s water sector can contribute to lasting outcomes. Explore WaterAid Australia to learn about its work on water, sanitation and hygiene.

Season 2, Episode 20: Sascha Kurz, Infrastructure Project Solutions

Sascha Kurz, Director and Founder of Infrastructure Project Solutions, talks about building an engineering business while staying present for her family. Drawing on her experience in infrastructure project delivery, Sascha discusses leadership, business growth and the practical realities of working across complex projects. This episode offers an insight into women’s careers in engineering and the water and infrastructure sectors. Learn more about Infrastructure Project Solutions and connect with Sascha on LinkedIn.

Season 2, Episode 19: Robert Scott, MidCoast Council

Robert Scott, Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services at MidCoast Council, shares a local government perspective on leading the infrastructure and engineering work that supports regional communities. The discussion is relevant to people interested in water services, council infrastructure, engineering leadership and public sector careers, and the many teams involved in planning and maintaining community assets. Find out more about MidCoast Council.

Season 1

Season 1, Episode 18: Jessica Bohorquez, Inside Infrastructure and the University of Adelaide

Jessica Bohorquez shares her journey from Colombia to Australia and from civil engineering research into infrastructure advisory work. With experience across Colombia and Australia, a PhD in civil engineering and roles with Inside Infrastructure and the University of Adelaide, Jessica discusses making a change within an established career and staying open to what comes next. Hear a cross-sector perspective on water, infrastructure consulting, research and international career pathways. Visit Ricardo and the University of Adelaide.

Season 1, Episode 17: Linda Dobe, Queensland water resources

Linda Dobe, Queensland’s Deputy Director-General for Water Resource Management at the time of recording, discusses senior leadership across government and the private sector, including water, mining, finance and education. The episode explores leading large multidisciplinary teams, transforming workplace culture, delivering strategic solutions and building trusted relationships in a complex stakeholder environment. It offers insight into executive water careers and public sector leadership. Learn about Queensland Government.

Season 1, Episode 16: William Speirs, Urban Utilities

William Speirs, Futures Strategist for Liveability and Economy at Urban Utilities, brings a future-focused view of the connection between water services, thriving communities and liveable places. The conversation considers how water utilities contribute to the places people live and work, and the value of strategic thinking across the water industry. For listeners exploring water sector careers, it is a reminder that utilities need people who can connect infrastructure, communities and long-term planning. Discover Urban Utilities.

Season 1, Episode 15: Barton Maher, Queensland water infrastructure

Assistant Chief Engineer Barton Maher reflects on a career across government agencies and water organisations, including NSW Public Works and Services, South East Water and Seqwater. The conversation touches on engineering, water infrastructure and the professional community, including Barton’s involvement in Engineers Australia’s Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium. An episode for people interested in water engineering careers, public sector project delivery and professional development. Explore Seqwater and Engineers Australia.

Season 1, Episode 14: Dona Tantirimudalige, Western Port Water

Dona Tantirimudalige, Managing Director of Western Port Water, shares her perspective as an experienced leader in Victoria’s water industry. The conversation considers the purpose of public service and how water organisations contribute to a fair and well-functioning society. For listeners interested in water utility leadership, regional water services and executive careers, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the values behind the work. Visit Western Port Water.

Season 1, Episode 13: Jessica Kahl, Sunwater and Dream Big Australia

Jessica Kahl joins the podcast as Strategy Lead at Sunwater and Founder and Director of Dream Big Australia. This conversation introduces her work in water utility strategy alongside her leadership of an organisation focused on big ideas and ambition. It is a useful listen for people exploring water careers, strategy roles and the different ways professionals can contribute to the industry while building initiatives beyond their day job. Learn more about Sunwater.

Season 1, Episode 12: Kate Bowker, Water Corporation

Senior Planner Kate Bowker offers an introduction to planning work inside Water Corporation, one of the organisations delivering essential water services. The episode gives listeners a closer look at a water-sector planning role and the skills that support a large utility. If you are considering water industry jobs or a career move into utility planning, this conversation is a starting point for understanding the people and professional pathways behind reliable water services. Visit Water Corporation.

Season 1, Episode 11: Steve Adamthwaite, Arup

Steve Adamthwaite, NSW and ACT Water Leader for Arup, discusses his work in the water sector and the opportunities and challenges facing water professionals. The episode brings an industry leadership perspective to water consulting, engineering and the delivery of services and infrastructure across New South Wales and the ACT. For people looking at water engineering careers or sector leadership roles, it offers a chance to hear directly from a senior water leader. Explore Arup.

Season 1, Episode 10: James Benjamin, Bowen River Utilities

James Benjamin, CEO of Bowen River Utilities, shares a regional utility leader’s perspective on delivering essential water services. The conversation is relevant to people interested in the leadership, operations and project work that support water supply in regional Queensland. Hear how a career in the water sector can connect executive decision-making with infrastructure and community needs. Find out more about Bowen River Utilities.

Season 1, Episode 9: Sam Rinortner, Veolia

In this Under 10 conversation, water process engineer Sam Rinortner describes moving from chemical engineering and science studies into the water industry. The episode follows experience across consulting, government and private-sector work, showing how technical study can lead to different roles in water and wastewater. A concise introduction for graduates and career changers considering process engineering, water treatment and jobs across the Australian water sector. Explore Veolia’s water services.

Season 1, Episode 8: Anna Murray, Barwon Water

Anna Murray, Infrastructure Operations Manager at Barwon Water, reflects on more than 20 years in operations, maintenance and reliability. The conversation looks at the work required to keep essential water infrastructure operating for customers and communities, and the people and skills behind dependable utility services. For listeners interested in water operations jobs, asset reliability and long-term careers in regional utilities, Anna shares an experienced practitioner’s perspective. Visit Barwon Water.

Season 1, Episode 7: Janice Wilson, Double Black Diamond Solutions and Mount Isa Water Board

Engineer and business founder Janice Wilson shares her path from rural Québec to infrastructure and utilities work in Canada and Australia. With more than 20 years’ experience in infrastructure delivery and utilities, she discusses taking on challenging projects and founding Double Black Diamond Solutions, a water and wastewater treatment consultancy. The episode explores international engineering careers, regional water security and consulting pathways. Learn more about Double Black Diamond Solutions.

Season 1, Episode 6: Shaun Nesbitt, Urban Utilities

Urban Utilities’ Chief Digital and Information Officer discusses a 20-year career in ICT and the role of digital leadership in a modern water utility. Topics include digital transformation, resilient systems and building effective technology teams to support essential water and wastewater services. This episode is relevant to technology professionals considering utility careers, digital transformation roles and the growing connection between information systems and water infrastructure. Explore Urban Utilities.

Season 1, Bonus Episode: Deb Frecklington MP

Queensland MP Deb Frecklington discusses water policy, dam construction and regional development from her perspective in state parliament. The conversation connects public decision-making with the infrastructure and planning issues that affect water supply and regional communities. For listeners following water policy, Queensland water infrastructure and the future of regional development, this bonus episode adds a government perspective to the Utility Leaders series. Read more about Queensland Parliament.

Season 1, Episode 5: Robbie Goedecke, Sydney Water

This Under 10 episode follows strategic planning advisor Robbie Goedecke’s water-sector career and his experience building expertise in the industry in under a decade. The discussion is useful for people early in their career or considering a move into water utility strategy, planning and advisory work. It highlights the range of pathways available in a major water organisation and the value of developing industry knowledge over time. Visit Sydney Water.

Season 1, Episode 4: Geoffrey Veneris, Goldenfields Water

Geoffrey Veneris, Manager of Production and Services at Goldenfields Water, shares his path from a trade background into senior water operations and infrastructure management in local government. His story offers practical insight into the different entry points and career pathways available in regional water utilities. A useful episode for people exploring water operations jobs, technical careers and leadership opportunities supporting regional communities. Find out more about Goldenfields Water.

Season 1, Episode 3: Bradd Hamersley, Southern Seawater Alliance

Alliance Manager Bradd Hamersley discusses leading people and working across a major water infrastructure alliance. The conversation offers a view into the collaboration, leadership and project delivery involved in complex water infrastructure, and the different organisations and disciplines that contribute to these projects. For professionals exploring water infrastructure careers, alliance management and major project leadership, this episode connects the people side of delivery with the water sector’s long-term needs. Learn more about the Water Corporation.

Season 1, Episode 2: David Wiskar, Urban Utilities

David Wiskar looks at the future of the water sector, the range of careers it offers and the opportunities associated with major events and infrastructure. This episode is for people wondering what jobs exist in water beyond traditional engineering roles, and how utilities contribute to planning and delivering the infrastructure communities need. Hear a forward-looking perspective on water industry careers, utility work and the future of essential services from Urban Utilities.

Season 1, Episode 1: Olivia Newman, CPM Advisory and Project Management

Olivia Newman draws on more than 20 years across infrastructure, water and public services to discuss leadership, diversity and technology in the sector. This opening episode explores the experience and perspectives needed to shape essential services and deliver complex infrastructure, with relevance for people considering leadership and project careers in water. Hear how professional pathways can span public services, advisory work and the wider utilities industry. Learn about CPM Advisory and Project Management.