Panel Sessions
Urban Recreational Water Quality - Is Swimming a Real Driver to Waterway Health?
Swimming in our urban rivers, lakes and estuaries is making a big comeback – but why? This panel will explore the growing community interest in urban swimming, asking whether the push for swimmable urban waterways is a catalyst for investment, and will it really influence waterway health?
Drawing on international and local examples such as the Parramatta River, Canberra’s lakes and initiatives across Western Sydney, our panel of experts will discuss how the interest in swimming is shaping policy, planning and catchment management. Join us as we unpack whether swimming is simply a liveable cities trend or a genuine driver for healthier waterways.
Alexa McAuley - Facilitator
Managing Director, Civille
Alexa has more than 20 years’ experience in green and blue infrastructure policy, planning and design. Alexa has substantial experience consulting to local government and has helped many local government clients shift water sensitive urban design from a niche practice to a mainstream activity.
Leanne Niblock - Panelist
Waterway Coordination Manager, Sydney Water
Leanne is responsible for leading a transformative program focused on improving how catchments are managed to create healthier waterways. Since joining the organisation in 2019, Leanne has been instrumental in shaping Sydney Water’s evolving waterway management function, fostering strong partnerships with local councils and catchment groups across Greater Sydney.
Dr Ralph Ogden - Panelist
ACT Healthy Waterways Program Manager, ACT Government
Dr Ralph Ogden has been the ACT Healthy Waterways Program Manager for the past six years. Previously he worked as Director of Knowledge and Communications at the Australian Water Partnership, was the Senior Scientist at the National Water Commission, held several Executive Manager positions in the eWater Cooperative Research Centre, and served as Director of Knowledge Exchange in the Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology.
Alexi Gilchrist - Panelist
Waterway Coordination Manager, Sydney Water
Alexi is the Coordinator of the Parramatta River Catchment Group. With over a decade of experience in managing natural areas within the local government sector, Alexi is passionate about connecting communities with their natural environment. He has a background in restoration ecology, environmental education, and collaborative leadership. Alexi is a strong advocate for increasing First Nations engagement.
franc.2025
Key Dates
Early Bird Registration Open
Thursday, 29 May 2025
Early Bird Registration Ends
Friday, 8 August 2025
Standard Registration Open
Saturday, 9 August 2025
Standard Registration Closes
Thursday, 9 October 2025
Conference Opens
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Conference Closes
Thursday, 16 October 2025