Careers in Water: Stories of Passion, Purpose, and Growth

SEASON 01 | EPISODE 21

Listen below:

What does working in the water industry look like?

Welcome to Season One Finale released on 2024 National Water Week. This week is all about encouraging individuals, communities, schools and organisations to be inspired to promote the importance of water.

In today’s episode, we’re shifting gears a bit. Instead of diving deep into a specific topic, we’ll focus on the people behind the water sector—their career journeys, their challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned. I’ve invited three incredible professionals who’ve each followed unique paths in water.

Listen from:
Dr Lionel Ho - Senior Manager of Water Expertise at SA Water

Emma Milburn - Partnerships and Strategy Director for Iota, the commercialisation entity of South East Water

Steve Adamthwaite - Water Business Leader for NSW/ACT at Arup

The idea behind this episode came from an exciting initiative by the Australian Water Association called Careers in Water. It’s a great platform that highlights diverse opportunities in the water sector, shares inspiring career stories, and connects passionate professionals working toward sustainability and innovation.

If you’re curious about a career in water:

Check out www.careersinwater.com.au

If you have not listened to other episodes of Season One find 20 more conversations to learn about the water sector!

We will return in 2025 with Season Two supported by a fantastic sponsor. Keep an eye out for our Social Media to stay updated!

Our Water Connection, where education, communication, and connection converge to increase your water curiosity!

Guests: Dr Lionel Ho, Emma Milburn and Steve Adamthwaite

Lionel has over 25 years’ experience in the water industry and he is currently SA Water’s Senior Manager Water Expertise. Lionel has a distinguished research and technical background and he holds adjunct positions at the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia. He is a prominent leader in the Australian water industry most notably the Australian Water Association (AWA), Water Industry Alliance, and the International Water Association. Lionel has recently been recognised not in one but in two of the most prestigious awards within the water sector: the SA Premier’s Water Medal and the AWA’s Exceptional Service award - awarded in recognition of long and meritorious service, and a positive and demonstrable contribution to the Association and the sector.

Emma is the Partnerships and strategy director for Iota, the commercialisation entity of South East Water. She is an innovative thinker and collaborative leader who has spent much of her career working in the Asia Pacific region. She is passionate about sharing and incubating technology created in South Wast Water and sharing it with the broader water sector. She also contributes to the water industry on her role as President of the Victorian Branch of the AWA.

Steve Adamthwaite is the Water Business Leader for NSW/ACT at Arup. Steve’s work focuses on driving water strategies centred on implementing sustainable, community-oriented solutions and delivering the best levels of service and infrastructure for the community and industry. He is an influential innovator passionate about driving change. He is actively involved in shaping future strategy through leadership positions with WaterAid NSW (Chair), Australian Water Assoc (Vice President NSW) and Engineers Australia (Chair – Young Engineers National Committee and Shadow Board)