At Water Research Australia’s Next Water ’25 conference, we explored a theme that resonates deeply with our sector: “Riding the Wave of Resilience.” In a time marked by unprecedented change, climate extremes, and shifting societal expectations, resilience is no longer a buzzword. It is a fundamental necessity.
The metaphor of surfing, invoked often throughout the conference, beautifully captured the essence of our collective journey. Like surfers, we in the water sector must read the conditions, respond with agility, and lean into the momentum of change.
Responding to uncertainty
Our keynote speaker, Professor Ariella Helfgott, Foresight Director of the SA Futures Agency and a globally recognised foresight expert, reminded us that resilience begins with acknowledging uncertainty. Her insights into scenario planning and signal detection challenged us to think beyond linear projections and prepare for multiple plausible and possible futures.
Tuning into our environment
Featured speakers Collene Castle (Wonnil Partners) and Dr Stacey Hamilton (Busselton Water) brought powerful perspectives from Western Australia, highlighting Indigenous knowledge systems that have long understood the rhythms of nature. The six seasons of the Noongar Nation and the seven of the Kulin Nation offer profound lessons in environmental attunement. These are lessons we must integrate into modern water management.
Learning and adapting
We heard compelling updates on genomic profiling and big data applications, providing new options for tracking antimicrobial resistance and managing algal blooms. We also learned how innovations in modelling, sensing, and analysis are drawing on past events such as droughts, fires, and floods to evolve our responses to meet new challenges.
Sharing and collaborating
Resilience also means coming together. WaterVal® showcased how collaborations between Australian and Californian utilities and associations are bringing powerful outcomes, building trust in purified recycled water through shared knowledge and community engagement.
Taking action, not just watching
We were inspired by progress in circular-economy solutions, emissions reduction, and the tackling of emerging contaminants. Most of all, we were energised by the next generation of water professionals. Participants in our Research Leadership Program are already making waves in resilience science.
As we reflect on Next Water’25, I extend heartfelt thanks to all organisers, speakers, attendees, exhibitors (Emtivac, HPE, Ionode, Onel, Bestech and the Australian Water School) and sponsors Melbourne Water, The City of Melbourne, Monash University, Goulburn Valley Water and the Global Water Research Coalition. Your contributions are shaping a more resilient and secure water future. Let us continue to take the stance of the surfer: alert, agile, and ready to ride the next wave.