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.

Pat McCafferty is Managing Director of Yarra Valley Water, with over 30 years experience in the national and international Water Sector. He is also Chair of the Thriving Communities Partnership and past Chair of the Water Services Association of Australia. He is a signatory to the UN Global Compact and a passionate advocate of the SDGs.

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.

Louise has been Chief Executive Officer of Urban Utilities since 2012, and prior to this, was the utility’s founding Chief Financial Officer. Preceding Urban Utilities’ formation, Louise held several senior management roles at Brisbane City Council, including Executive Manager Water Retail, where she helped facilitate Australia’s largest water sector transition that merged five local government water and sewerage businesses into Australia’s fourth-largest water retailer (Urban Utilities).

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

Caleb is a Sustainability Analyst at AMP Capital, with experience in ESG, decarbonisation and policy. As a proud Wulli-Wulli Aboriginal man, he is also passionate about First Nations education and economic development. Caleb has previously worked at Lendlease Group and the Australian Department of Infrastructure, with an academic background in Engineering and Development Studies. He is also involved in several NFP advisory bodies and policy advocacy initiatives. 

Chiedza is a public health professional with experience in refugee health and sexual and reproductive health and research in multicultural communities. Chiedza has worked in statewide programs across Victoria, ranging from individual and community-based programs through to policy and advocacy initiatives. 

Denisha is a practising lawyer and governance professional with over 20 years experience in commercial law and corporate governance, across a variety of sectors. Denisha joined the water industry in 2012 and since then has become passionate about the essential role that water plays in creating a better life for our communities now and into the future.

Brian Krishna is Managing Director Xylem Australia & New Zealand, with twenty-five years of experience in the water sector. Brian is inspired by the challenge of solving our water issues, bringing education and technology to many communities and is passionate about attracting youth into the water sector. Married with three children, he enjoys beach holidays, bush walks and family fun.

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.

Jeffrey is a CPA qualified finance professional with over six years of experience in the International Development sector. As well as the Director of Finance and IT, Jeffrey currently serves as the Treasurer of the THREE Foundation and the Chair of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group at WaterAid Australia.

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. 

Jenny has worked in international development for over 12 years, working with WaterAid for over four years. Prior to working in international development, Jenny worked as a senior finance officer in the private sector. Starting as a Senior Accountant with WaterAid PNG, Jenny moved to Operations Manager and is now Director of Operations.