World Water Day panel to discuss climate hopes and challenges

World Water Day will be celebrated in Geelong with an expert panel discussion on the major challenges of climate change, the positive opportunities unlocked by our fast track to climate mitigation and adaptation and the public health implications of climate inaction.

Celebrated on Wednesday 22 March, World Water Day is an international day of significance intended to draw attention to the water and sanitation issues facing the world. This year’s theme is “Accelerating Change”.

Barwon Water has partnered with Geelong Regional libraries for the panel that will bring together Emily Hoey and Jesse Holden, two local young people with a passion for the environment, public health physician and Chief Strategy and Regions Officer for Grampians Health Dr Rob Grenfell, and Barwon Water Managing Director Tracey Slatter.

Ms Slatter said bringing together different voices and understanding the impacts of climate change on young people in particular, would make for a fascinating discussion.

“The interconnectedness of water, health and wellbeing along with young people’s deep concerns for the future in light of climate change, are huge issues for the community,” Ms Slatter said.

“The Barwon region is facing the dual challenges of decreasing rainfall and an increase in demand for water. It is imperative that we at Barwon Water partner with the community and regional leaders to tackle climate change and start building up trust and awareness around the actions we’re taking to reduce our impact on the environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The discussions that days like World Water Day prompt are key in helping us get there.’

Geelong Regional Libraries Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Schernickau will chair the panel and is excited by the opportunity for Geelong Regional Libraries to partner with Barwon Water.

In addition to the panel discussion, Geelong Regional Libraries will host several activities at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, including a water-themed story time for pre-schoolers and an information display highlighting where our drinking water comes from.

“We are proud to present this day of free activities for our community and share the messages of World Water Day,” Ms Schernickau said.

“We are thrilled to be working with our Barwon Water neighbours on delivering this program of events to mark World Water Day. Only by working together can we ensure the prosperity of our region, and we are excited to develop our relationship with another leading organisation in our region.”

The free World Water Day activities at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre will take place on Wednesday 22 March. The free panel session will commence at 7pm. Bookings are not required.

World Water Day Panel Discussion

Accelerating Change: Combating Climate Anxiety
Date: Wednesday 22 March
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Location: Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, 51 Little Malop Street, Geelong

Panel members

Tracey Slatter, Managing Director, Barwon Water

Tracey is a transformational leader who listens to and partners with customers, the community and key stakeholders to identify and act on new opportunities and challenges.  Tracey has the distinctive ability to innovate in traditional sectors, delivering exceptional outcomes and services that build trust and confidence.  Tracey is committed to good governance and high performance, appreciating the unique talents and perspectives of every person through inclusion and diversity.

Dr Rob Grenfell MBBS, MPH, FAFPHM, Chief Strategy and Regions Office, Grampians Health

Dr Rob Grenfell, a Public Health Physician, is the Chief Strategy and Regions Officer for Grampians Health. He also holds the following roles as a Special Advisor Health for the CSIRO, the Chair of Biogrid board, Member of Australian Institute of Clinical Governance advisory committee and Advisor SGH Medical Technology Fund.

He was recently the Director of CSIRO’s Health and Biosecurity Business Unit.  Leading a broad portfolio covering Nutrition, eHealth, Medtech and Diagnostics and Biosecurity. He has played a significant role in Australia’s response to COVID19, which he continues to do with CSIRO and the local Public Health Unit.

Jesse Holden

Jesse studies the interconnected nature of human and environmental issues, and works in eco-tourism as a wilderness guide, connecting people to place, encouraging custodianship and environmental responsibility.

As a young person of the current age, Jesse feels the need to be pragmatically engaged in the climate change issue and is earnestly excited by the many projects across fields that are making real progress. He sees climate change as a challenge of human imagination, resourcefulness, and accountability.

Barwon Water's bio-char project is one such exciting step towards environmentally sensitive, climate conscious human system design, hopefully the first of many!

Emily Hoey

Emily is an Environmental Engineering student with a deep concern for nature and solving environmental problems. As any young person today, she feels a crushing sense of responsibility to learn, act and bring awareness about our rapidly destabilising planet.

Water security is fundamental in protecting not only society but our truly wild and beautiful world. Emily believes that ways of life are possible where we can repair damage and allow humanity to thrive.

Choosing to be ambitious and act on visions that show us a more examined way of living is the story we must write.