Meet IWN team member, Michael Thomas
After almost 20 years in the Australian Defence Force, Michael was an ‘outsider’ when he joined the water industry. He became an IWN Champion to help fix that, and he hasn’t looked back. Here, he answers a few questions about his life and work.
Michael Thomas
LET’S START PERSONAL. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
I was born and raised in Geelong (this used to be said in a hushed tone, but the town has a lot more confidence now so I’m proud and out there!).
Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family - my wife and two kids - doing a bunch of activities like running, junior sport and surfing. My biggest personal achievement is having a safe, happy and healthy family.
WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
I’ve been a Research and Development Co-ordinator at Barwon Water for four years. I love it!
WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
After high school, I went straight into the Australian Defence Force, doing three years at the academy and then one year at RMC Duntroon. After my training, I spent about 20 years being posted around Australia in various roles. My first job was in East Timor as an Electronic Warfare officer where I worked out of a Portuguese Fort at Balibo for six months. I also became an Adventurous Training leader, including kayaking to Papua New Guinea.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY (BUT TO YOUR GRANDMA)?
My role is to work internally to identify our key research gaps and needs, and then work with research partners (e.g. universities, WaterRA and WSAA) to develop projects that help us deliver our Strategy 2030.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR IWN JOURNEY. WHAT HAS IT INVOLVED?
I’ve got a huge amount of respect for the role that IWN plays in the Victorian water sector. I started out as an acting Champion and then became Barwon Water’s IWN Champion. Then I became a Program Lead for Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration. With every step, I’m learning more and more about the water sector and the positive role that IWN plays in fostering technology trials and pushing the innovation envelope.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE AN IWN CHAMPION?
As an ‘outsider’ to the water sector when I began working at Barwon Water, I saw IWN as an excellent vehicle to meet people and learn about the industry. Everyone across the IWN fraternity has been incredibly engaging, supportive and helpful, even when I ask a silly question… or 12 (“OK Google: What is a rising main?”).
WHAT DID YOU ACHIEVE AS A CHAMPION?
I think I was able to stimulate some degree of enthusiasm and understanding at Barwon Water about what IWN does. I’ve also been involved in a number of IWN projects – particularly the Lorne Smart Sewer that IWN became a key sponsor for.
WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?
My Jack Russell. He barks at shadows. More seriously, during the pandemic I’ve been very grateful to work on the WaterRA COVID monitoring program. It’s just so rewarding to know that I’m doing something to help our community, our businesses and our decision makers get ahead of the COVID curve.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ANYTHING ELSE?
Having moved from the military to the water sector, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be contributing to the community in such a meaningful way. Perhaps more than this however, is the culture of the sector. This is a stand out for me. The people in our industry are second to none: genuine, compassionate, honest and hard working. It makes me proud to be part of it all.