About

Local empowerment is increasingly recognised as important in water and regional decision-making, but what does it require in practice? Building on an earlier One Basin CRC discussion on Empowering Local Communities, this webinar shifts from the broad “why” to the practical “how”.

Panellists will explore what enables meaningful participation beyond standard consultation processes, including trusted relationships, facilitation, governance arrangements, evidence, capability, First Nations perspectives, and the links between local priorities and wider water policy responsibilities.

The discussion will consider how community input can become more useful in shaping decisions, rather than remaining general feedback, and what role research organisations can play in supporting fair, decision-relevant and adaptive processes.

Details

Date
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Time
1:00pm (Australia/Sydney; find your local time)
Resources Webcasts and other documents will be available here
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Presenters

Bernadette Torresan

One Basin CRC

As the Regional Manager for One Basin CRC, I lead regional partnerships and collaborative projects that strengthen the resilience, sustainability, and economic vitality of communities across the Murra... Read more

Caroline Rosello

One Basin CRC

Dr Caroline Rosello is an impact researcher with One Basin CRC whose work focuses on adaptation, foresight and decision-making under uncertainty. She holds a Master of Integrated Water Management fro... Read more

Panel Members

Shari Blumer

Murray Darling Association (MDA)

Griffith Councillor Shari Blumer is National President of the Murray Darling Association, advocating for 12 regions to have a strong voice in managing Basin resources and influencing government policy... Read more

Michael Spencer

Unversity of Melbourne

Michael is a Research Fellow with Impact Labs in the Monash Business School. He was a founder of the global Alliance for Water Stewardship and chaired that organisation for its first decade. With a ... Read more

Edwina Hayes

One Basin CRC, Griffith Regional Advisory Committee Chair

Edwina is focused on connecting people to drive regional economic, environmental, and social outcomes. Building networks that grow investment, jobs, and business capability, linking government, indust... Read more

Sponsored by One Basin CRC

One Basin CRC is a collaborative effort involving 85+ partners, including Texas A&M University, dedicated to building a productive, resilient and sustainable Murray-Darling Basin. The Australian Water School, a business unit of Water Research Australia, proudly stands among these partners.

 

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