This special episode of Our Water Connection is part of Podcasthon, a global movement where podcasters spotlight organisations working to make the world better.

To mark the occasion, we’re exploring the work of Engineers Without Borders Australia, an organisation that shows engineering is not just about technical solutions, but about people, partnerships, and long-term impact.

We are joined by Jack Nugent, Senior Manager for International Engineering Programs at EWB, and Meg Cummins, a water engineer at Aurecon who spent a year volunteering in Cambodia.

Together we discuss:

• What Engineers Without Borders does
• Why community-led engineering matters
• Water and sanitation challenges across the Asia–Pacific
• What volunteering can teach young engineers
• What the water sector can learn from humanitarian engineering

We explored what it really means to engineer with communities rather than for them, and how humanitarian engineering experiences can reshape our thinking about water, development, and the role of engineers in society. This conversation is about listening, collaboration, and designing solutions that truly last.

Get involved

Interested in supporting or learning more about Engineers Without Borders?

Visit: https://www.ewb.org.au

There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering and joining local chapters to supporting their programs.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

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Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

What’s keeping the water industry up at night? And how can young professionals help bring water into focus this National Water Week?

In this Season Two Finale, we bring together three generations of AWA Young Water Professionals of the Year: Chelsea Hayward (2023), Sam Skinner (2024), and Jess Bohorquez (2025) our host, for a special conversation on the challenges, opportunities, and impact of YWPs across the sector.

From tackling water security and climate resilience to attracting new talent and advocating beyond the industry, this episode dives into how the next generation is driving change and shaping the future of water.

To round out the conversation, AWA President Kevin Werksman joins the discussion, sharing reflections on leadership, visibility, and the role of initiatives like the Chris Davis AM Fellowship, which has supported this season and helped secure the podcast’s future.

Recorded across Kaurna Country, Naarm (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and Cammeraygal Country, this National Water Week special episode celebrates the people and ideas bringing water into focus for all of us.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

What keeps the water industry up at night?

How can young water professionals shape the future of our sector?

And how do we make sure everyone (not just those of us in the industry) truly values water?

Tune in NEXT WEEK for the Season Two Finale Episode with:

✨ Chelsea Hayward (2023 YWP of the Year), process engineer at Jacobs and global volunteer currently based in Cambodia.

✨ Sam Skinner (2024 YWP of the Year), Associate Process Engineer at Aurecon and leader in sustainable water innovation.

With the special appearance of Kevin Werksman, President of the Australian Water Association!

Tune in for inspiration, insights, and some honest reflections on where the water sector is headed and the role of the next generation in getting us there.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva