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Looking Back, Moving Forward

17 December 2025

The end of the year is a natural moment to pause and reflect on the path taken and to reconnect with the people who matter. In this edition meet some of the Watertrust team that are the core of what we do and hear from them about their commitment to doing things better, to fairness and inclusive processes. Also, in this edition read about just how challenging water planning can be, as Kane shares some of our early work in South Australia’s Mount Lofty Range’s. Complexity and difficult decisions – it’s a place where the Watertrust approach makes a difference.

Turning lived experience to policy in the NT

24 August 2025
With strong local knowledge and deep relationships, Watertrust’s Kate Peake is helping Territorians see their local priorities for water reflected in government policy. Those priorities range from healthy rivers and cultural care for Country, to reliable town water supply and livelihoods. She explains why, in the NT where policy is still taking shape, co-designed, inclusion-first work is the sensible way forward. And how this approach brings the right people to the table to capture lived experience alongside evidence, giving government practical ways to apply that input.

Local stories are informing Snowy water discussions

22 August 2025
Peter Horne and the Watertrust Upper Murrumbidgee team have been filming local voices to capture what matters now for the river. A clear message is coming through. Act now to protect and repair, and plan for generations ahead. Peter explains why he is filming and how the stories reflect local priorities for water. He is listening for common threads across different perspectives and making room for detail that is often missed. The result is a grounded picture of what people value and what they want to see happen next.

What Basin-wide research reveals about fairness in water policy

22 July 2025
New research commissioned by Watertrust Australia has provided new insights into how Australians think about fairness in water policy. The preliminary findings highlight not just what people believe, but why those beliefs differ and where common ground might be found.

A Young Voice, A Clear Direction

17 July 2025
After six months with Watertrust, Mikayla Hyland-Wood is heading to Oxford, carrying with her the questions, insights, and confidence sparked during her time on the team.

Doing the hard work, where it matters most

16 July 2025
What does real engagement look like when the issues are complex and the community is weary? Chris Cumming explains why Watertrust is showing up where it matters most.

Trust takes time and so does lasting change

14 July 2025
Dr Deb Nias is the CEO of the Murray Darling Wetlands Working Group, Chair of Watertrust’s Influence Advisory Committee and one our Directors. She has over two decades of experience working with landholders, First Nations leaders, scientists and government, and remains a trusted voice across the Basin. Deb has strong views about trust and collaboration, and she shares some hard-earned wisdom about what it really takes to make water policy work.