Andrew Francis from Parkes Shire Council speaks to Damian Morgan about a multi-generational approach to delivering water infrastructure.

Andrew Francis from Parkes Shire Council speaks to Damian Morgan about a multi-generational approach to delivering water infrastructure.

The Australian Water Association's Podcast Series brings you water industry information, projects and research from professionals working in Australia and abroad.

The Australian Water Association's Podcast Series brings you water industry information, projects and research from professionals working in Australia and abroad.

Australian Water Association Podcast Series Archive

The Australian Water Association's Accelerating Action Podcast Series brings you water industry information, projects and research from professionals working in Australia and abroad. Recorded during Ozwater'24, hosts Jo Taranto and Justin Matters interview key water professionals on their career, achievements, promising research and more.

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The Australian Water Association's Accelerating Action Podcast Series brings you water industry information, projects and research from professionals working in Australia and abroad. Recorded during Ozwater'24, hosts Jo Taranto and Justin Matters interview key water professionals on their career, achievements, promising research and more.
Proudly sponsored by <a href="https://www.downergroup.com/">Downer</a>

Australian Water Association Podcast - Accelerating Action

Australian Water Association Podcast

Andrew Francis on delivering water infrastructure

In the latest episode of the Accelerating Action podcast, Donald Hughan (Corporate Risk Coordinator, Goulburn-Murray Water) and Sylvia Campbell (Process Improvement Lead, Greater Western Water) sit down with the Australian Water Association to explore the critical work being done to dismantle employment barriers for people with disabilities in the water sector. 

Both Donald and Sylvia share insights from their involvement with WaterAble, a national network dedicated to supporting and advocating for people with disabilities within the water industry. 

The conversation delves into the various challenges and misconceptions that individuals with visible and invisible disabilities face in the workforce. Donald discusses WaterAble’s initiatives, including leadership programs and national workshops, aimed at fostering inclusivity across the sector. Sylvia shares her personal journey of embracing her own disability and advocating for greater understanding and acceptance in the workplace. Together, they highlight the importance of proactive efforts to create accessible environments and encourage diverse talent in the water industry, making it a more inclusive space for all. 

In the latest episode of the Accelerating Action podcast, Donald Hughan (Corporate Risk Coordinator, Goulburn-Murray Water) and Sylvia Campbell (Process Improvement Lead, Greater Western Water) sit down with the Australian Water Association to explore the critical work being done to dismantle employment barriers for people with disabilities in the water sector. 
Both Donald and Sylvia share insights from their involvement with WaterAble, a national network dedicated to supporting and advocating for people with disabilities within the water industry. 
The conversation delves into the various challenges and misconceptions that individuals with visible and invisible disabilities face in the workforce. Donald discusses WaterAble’s initiatives, including leadership programs and national workshops, aimed at fostering inclusivity across the sector. Sylvia shares her personal journey of embracing her own disability and advocating for greater understanding and acceptance in the workplace. Together, they highlight the importance of proactive efforts to create accessible environments and encourage diverse talent in the water industry, making it a more inclusive space for all.

Donald Hughan and Sylvia Campbell explore the critical work being done to dismantle employment barriers for people with disabilities in the water sector. 

Build it and they will come with Donald Hughan and Sylvia Campbell

In the latest episode of the Accelerating Action podcast, Jamie Kaye (Principal Scientist, Water Technology) sits down with the Australian Water Association to explore how First Nations knowledge is being integrated into water modelling and land management projects. 

Through the Queensland Water Modelling Network project, Jamie and his team have partnered with Mandandanji Traditional Owners and Aboriginal rangers, focusing on ways to bring Indigenous land management practices into technical frameworks for water modelling. This episode offers insights into the challenges and rewards of collaboration, including meaningful engagement, data sovereignty, and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches. 

Jamie shares the transformative lessons learned from engaging with First Nations communities, including the rethinking of traditional conservation models. Instead of aiming for "undisturbed" landscapes, he discusses the value of understanding historical land management methods, which could offer more resilient outcomes. Jamie also talks about ongoing restoration work at Munga Lake, where these principles are being put to the test. 

In the latest episode of the Accelerating Action podcast, Jamie Kaye (Principal Scientist, Water Technology) sits down with the Australian Water Association to explore how First Nations knowledge is being integrated into water modelling and land management projects. 
Through the Queensland Water Modelling Network project, Jamie and his team have partnered with Mandandanji Traditional Owners and Aboriginal rangers, focusing on ways to bring Indigenous land management practices into technical frameworks for water modelling. This episode offers insights into the challenges and rewards of collaboration, including meaningful engagement, data sovereignty, and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches. 
Jamie shares the transformative lessons learned from engaging with First Nations communities, including the rethinking of traditional conservation models. Instead of aiming for "undisturbed" landscapes, he discusses the value of understanding historical land management methods, which could offer more resilient outcomes. Jamie also talks about ongoing restoration work at Munga Lake, where these principles are being put to the test.

Jamie Kaye discusses how First Nations knowledge is being integrated into water modelling and land management projects.

Incorporating First Nations knowledge with Jamie Kaye

In the latest episode of the Accelerating Action podcast, Steve Martin (Project Manager, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council) sits down with the Australian Water Association to discuss the challenges and progress of delivering sustainable water and sewer services for Indigenous communities. 

Palm Island—the largest Aboriginal community in Queensland—is a unique and self-reliant community where the council not only manages essential services but also undertakes a variety of infrastructure projects to support local needs. 

The conversation delves into the realities of maintaining water infrastructure in remote areas, the impact of historical decisions on current water supply issues, and the complexities of funding for Indigenous councils. Steve highlights the need for a shift towards guaranteed, long-term funding that would enable proper planning and robust construction standards tailored to the needs of remote communities. From managing ageing asbestos cement water mains to navigating the constraints of competitive grants, this episode provides insight into the crucial work being done to improve water resilience and sustainability on Palm Island and other Indigenous communities across Queensland. 

In the latest episode of the Accelerating Action podcast, Steve Martin (Project Manager, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council) sits down with the Australian Water Association to discuss the challenges and progress of delivering sustainable water and sewer services for Indigenous communities. 
Palm Island—the largest Aboriginal community in Queensland—is a unique and self-reliant community where the council not only manages essential services but also undertakes a variety of infrastructure projects to support local needs. 
The conversation delves into the realities of maintaining water infrastructure in remote areas, the impact of historical decisions on current water supply issues, and the complexities of funding for Indigenous councils. Steve highlights the need for a shift towards guaranteed, long-term funding that would enable proper planning and robust construction standards tailored to the needs of remote communities. From managing ageing asbestos cement water mains to navigating the constraints of competitive grants, this episode provides insight into the crucial work being done to improve water resilience and sustainability on Palm Island and other Indigenous communities across Queensland.

Steve Martin discusses the challenges and progress of delivering sustainable water and sewer services for Indigenous communities.

Andrew Francis on delivering water infrastructure

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