Who we are

Robert is a Visiting Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.  He also serves on the boards of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and the Climate Action Network Australia.  He was previously the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction. Earlier roles include Secretary-General of CARE International, Chief Executive of CARE Australia and Assistant Director-General at AusAID.

Francois is Managing Director of the TRILITY Group of companies which operates water facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Francois has over 20 years of international experience in the water industry.

Leading the strategy practice at impact-led consulting firm Spark Strategy, Felicity works predominantly with not-for-profit organisations on strategic planning and business models. Felicity has extensive experience in profit for purpose funding models, cross-sector collaborations and social innovation.

Kate has two decades of cross-cultural experience, consulting in 16 countries across Australia and Asia Pacific, designing, implementing and evaluating capacity building and leadership programs for organisations across many sectors including international aid and development, the Defence and Intelligence communities, and the Australasian and Asian water sectors. Her particular passion focuses on gender equality and social inclusion.

Alex is a Principal Legal Officer in the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. Prior to this, she worked at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for 7 years, including a posting in Timor-Leste, and has held other legal and policy roles in the private and not-for-profit sectors.

Mal has over 35 years of experience in the water industry. With a public water utility background, Mal is the Chief Development Officer at Sunwater, responsible for the development and delivery of bulk water infrastructure for industrial, mining, irrigation or urban use throughout Queensland.

Kevin has over 40 years of experience working for utilities, authorities and private industry in Australia and overseas. Kevin also has over 18 years of experience as a Director.

Dr Salmah Eva-Lina Lawrence has run a risk management consulting practices for Deloitte & Touche in London, New York and Sydney, has worked for United Nation's agencies and for CSOs/NGOs in strategic and operational management, as well as managing programs to enhance gender equality and build ethical leadership capacity. In her scholarly life, she researches decolonial epistemology and ethics, and teaches courses in gender and development

Heather Brown has over 20 years of experience in international development including senior management in Australian NGOs as Program Director for the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) and Plan International Australia. Heather currently works as a consultant in the areas of gender equality, eliminating violence against women and providing organisational development advice for Women's Rights Organisations in the Pacific, Australian NGOs and development organisations and United Nations agencies.

Isabelle is a proud Jaadwa woman and currently works as the Project Lead for Aboriginal Health at Monash Health. She is a qualified nurse and holds a Masters degree in Health Administration. Isabelle successfully completed the Australasian College of Health Service Management Internship Program in 2018 as well as the Joan Kirner Young and Emerging Leaders Program in 2019. She is passionate about Aboriginal affairs, equity and the environment.

Teresa has more than 20 years’ experience as a marketing, communications and fundraising professional across the NGO, corporate and government sectors. Her career has included consulting and senior leadership roles with leading international NGO’s and publicly listed companies, as well as co-founding a successful international startup.

Joining WaterAid in 2015, Tom oversees WaterAid’s programming, policy and influencing activities. Tom has over 20 years’ experience working with international development and Australia social policy organisations.

James’ passion for international development was formed early, sparked by a year working in Russia and established in a 16-year career in accounting and Finance Manager roles in international development organisations. CPA qualified, James is an experienced CFO with leadership roles in a commercial property fund, Australian community and aged care services providers. He is excited to be returning to his first love – international development – and the innovative and dynamic family of WaterAid.

Ms Navara Kiene is the Deputy Country Director – Programs for WaterAid Papua New Guinea. Navara joined WaterAid in May 2019. Navara has over 10 years’ experience in the development field having managed contractors to implement donor-funded programs in Papua New Guinea. Navara holds a Master’s Degree in Development Practice from the University of Queensland.

Justino started with WaterAid in 2013 and has been active in local NGOs since 1999, including holding the positing of Chairman of Board of NGO Forum for five years. Justino brings his longterm focus on advocacy and experience in engaging with decision-makers and skills facilitation to lead the WaterAid Timor-Leste team.

Sophiep has worked in community development for over 20 years and believes deeply in working for humanity and social justice. Sophiep studied International Relations and Development and is also a speaker to youth groups and social entrepreneurs in Cambodia.