Meet three inspiring leaders at the forefront of protecting our precious water catchments and waterways. In addition to their technical expertise, they’re also exceptional people leaders, fostering inclusive and supportive work environments.
Kirsten Shelly – DEECA Water and Catchments Deputy Secretary
It was in the waters of the Southern Ocean, aboard a ground-breaking research expedition, that Kirsten Shelly knew she wanted to dedicate her career to protecting water.
“As part of my postdoctoral research on algae, I secured funding to embark on an oceanographic voyage aboard Australia’s ice-breaker, Aurora Australis. Alongside 80 other world-renowned female scientists, I investigated the impacts of climate change and nutrient limitation on microalgae.
"This incredible experience deepened my passion for water research and my interest in further understanding the effects of climate change.”
As Kirsten’s research career progressed, she saw the potential to strengthen the link between science and policy.
"Working in science led me to think about how science wasn’t always well represented in policy, and that led me to move into the policy space, to help bridge that gap."
Motivated to make a difference, Kirsten undertook the Peter Cullen Trust Science to Leadership Program, an initiative designed to equip scientists with the skills to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, actionable language that could drive policy change.
"That program changed the way I approached communication. It’s not enough to have the right data — you have to be able to convey it in a way that decision-makers can understand and act on."
Moving on from her role in research at Melbourne University, Kirsten transitioned into water policy, contributing her expertise to the Queensland and Victorian Governments and later in management and executive roles at Melbourne Water. In 2024, she became DEECA’s Water and Catchments Deputy Secretary, overseeing the development of policies and programs to ensure the sustainable management of water resources.
Kirsten describes her leadership style as collaborative and believes effective leadership benefits from a team that reflects a range of experiences.
“Having diverse perspectives is essential. If you don’t have representation, you’re missing voices that should be shaping decisions. I’m proud that my leadership team is well-balanced, and that balance strengthens the work we do."
“Whether you’re a parent, not a parent, caring for a loved one, or at a different stage in your career, those experiences shape how you approach work and leadership. I’m passionate about creating environments that get the best out of everyone going through these different times in their lives.
Dona Tantirimudalige, Managing Director of Westernport Water
Dona’s appreciation for water quality started from a young age. Born in Sri Lanka, Dona was 4-years old she moved with her family to rural Nigeria, where her parents worked as teachers within the local community.
“From childhood, I was really centred on the importance of water. I grew up in a little fishing village in Nigeria, where we had plumbing but there was no running water.”
“My dad would fill barrels of water from the public pump for us to use at home. It was the same for everyone in the community, and we would all boil and filter the water to make sure it was safe to drink.”
Life for our family and the whole community centred around the rains, the river and the fishing festival. So right from the word go, I appreciated the importance of clean, healthy water.”
Following university study in civil engineering, Dona has worked in Victoria’s water sector for 27 years, in a career that has progressed across numerous organisations and areas.
“I started at Melbourne Water, and over the years, moved into people management. I feel like I’ve worked in almost every part of an organisation – strategic planning, asset management, land development, field crews, capital works, customer service, operations, as well as IT.”
“In the water sector, there is so much you can do. No matter where you go, there is scope to explore so many opportunities while undertaking very purposeful work.”
Dona is proud of the role she has had in supporting gender equality, chairing a committee which created the first Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the water sector.
“When we began in 2016, the conversation started with the need to acknowledge that biases exist. Then, we worked to eliminate conscious and unconscious biases, addressing everything from attitudes to the tangible impacts.”
“What we saw as a result, was so much progress - including far more women in leadership roles across the sector. It’s been fantastic to see, and I feel lucky to have played a small part in that shift.”
VicWater’s most recent Annual Performance Report shows 38.9% of Managing Directors across the sector are female. That number has increased from just one Managing Director in 2016 (5%).
Dr Amber Clarke, CEO of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA)
“I was lucky to grow up on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, which definitely inspired an appreciation for the outdoors. Surfing, hiking and family camping trips along rivers across Victoria were all part of that experience, and it’s why I’ve always felt strongly about protecting nature.”
Amber’s appreciation for the natural environment led her to study environmental science, specialising in freshwater ecology, which paved the way for what has been a 15-year career in the water sector.
Her time at the Victorian Government started with a 3-month student placement and progressed to a seven-year tenure as the Director of Waterway Programs.
“Some of the most rewarding work I’ve led has been developing statewide policy frameworks to improve waterway and catchment health across Victoria.”
“By setting directions for how decisions are made, where investment goes and what sort of mechanisms are used to protect and restore waterways - it really came with a statewide impact.”
As Director of Waterway Programs at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Amber worked closely with partner organisations to improve the health of rivers, estuaries and wetlands.
“A real highlight of my career at DEECA was working in partnership with CMAs to drive tangible, on-ground results. I’m proud to be building on that experience by leading Corangamite CMA in the CEO role.”
Amber's advocacy for gender equality extends to career mentoring, identifying leadership training opportunities, and promoting secondments to gain leadership experience. However, she sees her most valuable support as being championing flexible working.
“Both during my time at DEECA and at the CMA, one of the most important things I’ve believed in promoting is flexible working arrangements at all levels - including part-time, casual, adjusted start and finish times, compressed work and job sharing.”
“At Corangamite CMA, flexible working options have been essential for many of our female staff to progress their careers. It stands out as being one of our most impactful initiatives.”
“We continually receive great feedback from staff about how flexible working helps them achieve a healthy work life balance, and we know that it really improves job satisfaction across the board.”
Page last updated: 07/03/25