Water Skills Forum 2023

The afternoon also included a panel session on Journeys to the Industry featuring a range of talent pools including Simin Sabah, Senior Utilities Engineer at the Port of Brisbane (previously at Urban Utilities) Renee Wallace, previously Director, Infrastructure Services at Mount Isa City Council and Shaun Johnston, Water & Wastewater Manager at North Burnett Regional Council

Simin shared some of her experience arriving in Australia on a skill nominated visa and how the language barrier and lack of local experience affected her when she first started working as Principal Water Engineer at Banana Shire Council.

She believes there are many opportunities for the water sector to absorb this available workforce with some assistance to settle in initially.

Shaun shared his experience as a cadet at the age of 40 and how he got hooked on this everchanging industry and embraced the challenge of leading teams.

Shaun has been a great mentor to many water industry workers over the years and believes in hiring for attitude – the rest can be learned!

Renee is currently on a break from the industry while she is completing further studies, but we trust she’ll be back to build on her experiences at Southern Downs Regional Council and Mount Isa City Council.