Ozwater’18 inspires young water professional Tamarin Taylor

The Water Directorate’s sponsorship of the Ozwater’18 Conference Attendance Award gave young water professional Tamarin Taylor the opportunity to travel to Brisbane to attend this major three-day national event.

Tamarin reports that there were many inspirational and motivational moments, especially the opening ceremony and keynote speeches by Dr Adriana Marais, a Mars 100 candidate and astrophysicist Dr Alan Duffy.

The Emerging Leaders Forum lived up to Tamarin’s expectations in providing excellent networking opportunities as well as valuable insight into cost vs value, as explained by a panel of industry leaders. “This enabled a broader view on the water industry and how the value is measured against things such as the environment, community and various other factors,” Tamarin said. “The panel session was followed by a workshop discussion and the real-life scenarios really encouraged broader thinking, negotiation, clear communication and the ability to present to a group of professionals.”

Tamarin’s ultimate highlight was the Gala Dinner “… an extravagant event with amazing entertainment” where she enjoyed meeting other like-minded young water professionals.

“I have grown professionally and personally and am truly grateful for having been afforded this wonderful professional development opportunity,” she said.

Tamarin is Engineering Project Officer at Riverina Water County Council. The Water Directorate sponsored Tamarin’s travel and accommodation, while the Australian Water Association sponsored the conference attendance fee.

Pictured with Tamarin from left to right are Chief Executive Australian Water Association Jonathan McKeown, President Australian Water Association Francois Gouws, Water Directorate Executive Committee Chair Wayne Beatty and Executive Officer Gary Mitchell.