New Team Members & Team News

NEW IPWEAQ TEAM MEMBERS

Jodie Oldfield – Project Coordinator James Price – Media Coordinator

Thank you to all the IPWEAQ staff for welcoming me. I am very glad to be part of the team. When I am not working, I enjoy watching Netflix and Stan and finding a series that I can binge watch. I enjoy watching sport so these past couple of weeks have been very exciting watching the Olympics and seeing new sports in a competitive way. The BMX and the skateboarding were a blast to watch although quite scary to see what tricks they can do on a bike and board. I relish spending time with family and friends and catching up for a drink and a meal which at times has been challenging with lockdowns and restrictions.

Melissa Bradley – Member and Services Coordinator

Known to be a mixed bag of lollies kind of person, as I do welcome (nearly) any new experience, habit and season of life.

Born and bred in Sydney, raised by a family of Kiwis (I’m the only Aussie), I moved to Brisbane in 2008. I’ll never move back!

A minimal, simplicity driven individual who is also a mother to a 7-year old son, half marathon runner, a wannabe personal growth writer, wine and coffee lover. In my free time, you’ll find me humming away on a hike, yelling at the referee watching any kind of football or either around or in the water.

If there was a Guinness World Record for losing the most at ‘scissors, paper, rock’, my name would be right next to it. I am a recent Business and Media & Communications graduate. I love capturing exciting moments on film and editing those moments into interesting and fun to watch videos. Regardless of what I’m filming, it’s always enjoyable being behind a video camera. When I am at home, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching YouTube and playing games.

I enjoy being active and spend a lot of time playing volleyball, tennis and being at the gym. Come next year, I hope to be playing for a Brisbane club volleyball team on a more competitive level.

Savannah Roberts - Events Coordinator

Part Brisbanite, part Goldie Girl, I grew up on the Gold Coast riding horses and playing touch footy. Later I moved to Brisbane to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Business majoring in Events Management at UQ. I have been an event professional for many different industries for the past 10 years across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast but eventually returning to Brisbane for love!

My partner and I recently got engaged and settled on our first block of land in Tingalpa in June this year. I am becoming very familiar with the building process and seeking building approvals. As I am currently living with my in-laws, I would like the process to move a little quicker.

I also have a fur baby – Charlie. Feel free to check out his Insta page @awesomelifeofcharles for your daily dose of cuteness!

CONGRATULATIONS, VARUNI!

Congratulations to IPWEAQ Marketing Coordinator, Varuni Chandola graduating with a Master of Communication (Strategic Communication). Since graduation ceremonies have been cancelled indefinitely, the IPWEAQ team hosted a morning tea to celebrate this achievement with Varuni.

Varuni is excited about applying her learnings and developing her skills at IPWEAQ.

MILESTONES AT THE WATER DIRECTORATE!

Congratulations Dr Rob Fearon and Dr David Schletinga, celebrating 15 years and 10 years service to qldwater and the Queensland urban water and sewerage industry.

Rob Now Then David Now Then

Rob commenced with qldwater in 2006 as CEO before moving into his current position as Director, Innovation Partnerships. His current priority is the Queensland Water Regional Alliances Program (QWRAP) as well as advocacy work. In 2018, Rob received the Australian Water Association Regional Service Award in recognition of his pivotal role with QWRAP and promoting regional collaboration.

Rob’s enthusiasm for developing and advocating the industry is well-known and demonstrated by his support for initiatives which ultimately improve the capacity of our members. His strategic foresight, technical understanding, and policy and government experience are core to the success of qldwater.

Rob is also known for his interesting presentations, for example, A Brief History of Urine. But as a result of his efforts, the industry has witnessed tangible improvements to drinking water for communities and environmental health. David commenced with qldwater in 2011 and is responsible for managing the SWIM program. Since joining us 10 years ago, David has managed the growth and development of both SWIM and swimlocal, with 100% of members now using SWIM for reporting purposes and 47 subscribing to swimlocal. David has produced nine Benchmarking Reports and travelled the width and breadth of Queensland to support members in their compliance requirements each year. He has an incredible work ethic and has been at the core of reducing the reporting burden on members, including influencing various regulators to improve consistency. He brings vast knowledge and value to the industry and is a vital asset.

Congratulations, Drs Rob and David!