Chief Executive Officer, Karen Rouse, will depart Water Research Australia after eight years of transformative leadership. Karen will step down soon after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 23 October 2024 to pursue new passions.

Under Karen’s guidance, WaterRA has experienced significant growth and success, reinforcing its role as a leader in collaborative water research. Mark Gobbie, Chair of the WaterRA Board, expressed deep gratitude for Karen’s contributions, describing her as a visionary who has made an “extraordinary contribution” to the organisation. “We are deeply grateful for her leadership and unwavering commitment to WaterRA and its members,” he said.

One of Karen’s final achievements will be the blueprint of WaterRA’s new membership model, a forward-thinking initiative designed to ensure the organisation continues to support healthy communities and a sustainable future. The blueprint will be unveiled at our upcoming AGM and is expected to shape the organisation’s direction for years to come.

While Karen’s departure marks the end of an era, WaterRA is well-positioned for continued success. “Our operations and services will continue without interruption, and our team is well-equipped to maintain the high standards of service and support you expect from us,” Mark Gobbie said.

The Board of Directors is actively searching for a new CEO who will build upon Karen’s legacy and guide WaterRA into the future.

To register to attend WaterRA’s AGM, or for further information, click here.