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On Thursday, 20 February 2025, Dr Fitri Widhiastuti, a postdoctoral research associate at the Algae & Organic Matter (AOM) Lab within ¼'s School of Chemical Engineering, delivered an inspiring presentation at the Australian Water Association (AWA) online Member Circle event. The event, themed “Beyond the Search Bar: Fostering Water Literacy and Advocacy for a Sustainable Water Future”, brought together influential experts to engage in crucial dialogue about water education and advocacy.  

Dr Widhiastuti showcased her outstanding outreach programs and successful school visits targeting students from Year 6 to Year 12. These initiatives were developed during her participation in the ¼ STEMM Champions Program 2024 and ¼ Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Faculty Engineering programs, aimed at educating and inspiring the younger generation about the importance of water conservation and sustainability.  

The event also featured remarkable speakers, including Kristina da Silva-Branco, Senior Advisor for Water Literacy & Education at Sydney Water; Chris Philpot, Founder & Director of The Water Conservancy; and Lidija Judd, Sponsorship & Events Lead at Urban Utilities. Together, these leaders emphasized the vital role of water literacy in creating a sustainable future.  

Dr Widhiastuti's involvement demonstrates her commitment to advancing water education and her passion for engaging the community in promoting sustainable practices. Her efforts continue to inspire and raise awareness, paving the way for a brighter future in water conservation. 

Broad collaboration across schools, alongside organisations, is essential to making a bigger and bolder impact on water literacy.

Dr Fitri Widhiastuti