More than 70 guests representing universities, government and industry have celebrated the 10th anniversary of Brisbane’s International WaterCentre.
Griffith University is a founding member of the IWC, which brings together national and international expertise across sectors to foster leadership, learning, dialogue and action to meet the complex water challenges of the 21st century.
Griffith’s role includes delivery of the Master of Integrated Water Management with the University of Western Australia, The University of Queensland and Monash University.
“The IWC owes its success to the vision and championship demonstrated by individuals who played key roles in creating the vision of an international hub for integrated water management,” said IWC CEO Mr Mark Pascoe.
“But IWC’s success is also testament to the hard work and dedication of IWC’s team, which helped shape the organisation into what it is today — a key player in the national and international water arena.”
IWC board member and Griffith University Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Ned Pankhurst, said the IWC had engaged in more than 500 projects with 170 collaborators during the past decade.
“Master of Integrated Water Management students have delivered 200 projects in 45 countries in collaboration with more than 140 organisations,” said Professor Pankhurst.
“Our education program has generated a global alumni network of more than 800 members drawn from 76 countries; and nearly 400 government officials from 23 countries have graduated from our capacity building and leadership programs.”
In her keynote address, Ms Louise Dudley — CEO of Queensland Urban Utilities — spoke about leadership and the need for innovation and change in the Australian water sector.
She acknowledged IWC’s education and training programs, particularly the award-winning Water Leadership Program, as well as the many opportunities offered to IWC Masters students to undertake placements within QUU.
IWC’s board members reflected on the organisation’s vision and impact in a special anniversary video.
The event was held at Griffith University’s Webb Centre at the South Bank campus.