Attending the Young Water Professionals (YWP) Day at Ozwater ’24 was an extraordinary experience! The day overflowed with captivating speakers, engaging workshops, and enriching site tours, all centered on the theme of ‘Accelerating Action’. The day was concluded with a delightful Welcome Reception, providing YWPs with the opportunity to connect and network with other Ozwater attendees.
The YWP Day began with a compelling address to delegates by Chelsea Hayward (Jacobs), the 2023 YWP of the Year, in which she shared her experiences and journey towards building a sustainable water future and called delegates to action. Her work and her passion is a shining example of the potential that every YWP holds to drive the change we want to see in the world.
Not long after the opening address, Dr. Lisa Ehrenfried (Yarra Valley Water) delivered a compelling presentation on the pressing issue of Climate Change. She clearly outlined the challenges and risks, emphasizing the impact of inaction on global temperatures. Following this, Jo Lim (VicWater) shared valuable insights on communicating complex issues. The audience wasted no time in putting these new skills to use, as they took part in a workshop drafting elevator pitches to communicate the necessity of action on climate change.
In the afternoon session, Prof Cynthia Mitchell AO and Prof. Phil Duncan facilitated a powerful and moving session on two way knowledge sharing with Australia’s First Peoples. They invited delegates to challenge their knowledge and incorporate cultural science into their practice in their efforts to create a regenerative futures that is built on respect, relationship, and reciprocity.
Before heading to the Reception Welcome at Aerial, delegates had an option of attending one of the three site tours:
– Tour A: Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk
– Tour B: Yarra Park Water Recycling Facility
– Tour C: Birrarung Trial Floating Wetlands
Ozwater ’24 broke the record for the highest number of Young Water Professionals (YWPs) ever in attendance, showcasing this group’s remarkable energy and passion to create positive change. If you’re joining us for the rest of Ozwater ’24, make sure to check out additional sessions tailored specifically for YWPs. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
QANAT 