Prof Catherine Bennett appointed to WaterNSW Board

WaterNSW Chair Peter Duncan welcomed the appointment of Professor Bennett, citing the breadth of experience, skills and expertise in public health she will bring to the organisation.

“Professor Bennett is a prominent public analyst on public health matters, keynote speaker, and advisor to industry, governments, and institutions globally, and led the health component of the Independent Inquiry into the Australian Government COVID-19 Response,” Mr Duncan said.

“Catherine has extensive experience in governance, working as an academic and infectious disease epidemiologist in health, university and government sectors for over 20 years, including Deakin University, the University of Melbourne, and NSW Health.

“Her skills and experience are particularly relevant to WaterNSW’s work protecting the Greater Sydney drinking water catchment which supplies more than 5 million people of Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.

“With her background in public health practice, research, academic governance and teaching, Professor Bennett brings skills and experience that will ensure the Board continues to provide the leadership and oversight required for WaterNSW.”

Professor Bennett was a board member for the National Centre for Farmer Health from 2017-2024, and Head of the School of Health and Social Development at Deakin University from 2010-2019.

She is a Deakin Distinguished Professor and inaugural Chair in Epidemiology, specialising in community transmission of infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.

Beyond Deakin, Catherine led the establishment of and was the founding Chair and President (2010-2015) of the Council of Academic Public Health Institution Australasia (CAPHIA), the peak body representing public health in universities across the region.

“On behalf of WaterNSW, I welcome Professor Bennett, and look forward to working with her and our fellow Directors and the Executive as we ensure WaterNSW continues to perform its role as proud custodians of a vital natural resource,” Mr Duncan said.

Professor Bennett commenced in August 2024 for a three-year term.

Mr Duncan also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing director Mark Barber.  “On behalf of WaterNSW I would like to thank Mark Barber for his leadership, guidance and strong contributions to the Board,” Mr Duncan said.

The WaterNSW Board sets the overall policy, strategy and direction for WaterNSW.