For more than a decade, The Hon. Karlene Maywald has represented South Australia’s water interests on the global stage as SA Water Ambassador. Through the role, she has built international partnerships, promoted South Australia’s water expertise and helped create opportunities for collaboration and lasting impact. As the role comes to an end, we sat down with Karlene to reflect on her journey, achievements and legacy.
The South Australian Water Ambassador role was initially established through joint funding from the SA Department of State Development and the SA Department for Environment and Water. In later years, it was supported solely by the SA Department for Environment and Water, in response to growing international interest in Australia’s water reform journey. As the driest state in the driest inhabited continent, South Australia attracted attention for its leadership during and after the Millennium Drought, and for its expertise in areas such as water diversification, managed aquifer recharge, stormwater and wastewater reuse, water trading, water allocation planning, environmental water management and cross-jurisdictional basin management.
Originally established as a strategic advisor for international water opportunities before evolving into the South Australian Water Ambassador position, the role maintained a strong international focus while expanding to tell the broader South Australian water story. Its primary objective was to create opportunities for the exchange of water knowledge, technologies and expertise, while fostering international collaboration, research partnerships and capacity building.
Over the years, Karlene led numerous inbound and outbound international delegations, connecting researchers, businesses and governments, and promoting South Australia’s water capabilities to audiences around the world.
Among her many achievements, Karlene highlights her work in India as particularly significant. This included helping establish the Rajasthan Centre of Excellence in Water Resource Management and creating pathways for innovative South Australian water technologies to be accredited at state and national levels.
“South Australia became internationally recognised as an entry point to Australia’s water reform journey and a go-to place for a wide range of water management solutions,” Karlene said.
One notable success was the national accreditation in India of Continuous Electrochlorination (CEC), a water disinfection technology commercialised as Hydro-dis. This work supported multiple trade missions and helped build strong relationships with key stakeholders at both state and national government levels.
Karlene’s success as South Australian Water Ambassador was underpinned by a career spanning nearly three decades across the water sector, including regulatory, legislative, utility, irrigation, agricultural, environmental and water-sensitive urban design fields. This breadth of experience gave her a unique ability to navigate both technical and political contexts, connect diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration across the sector. It also enabled her to represent South Australia internationally with credibility and insight, helping build partnerships that continue to create value for the state and beyond. Throughout her time as SA Water Ambassador, she successfully navigated changing political priorities and organisational structures while remaining a trusted and effective connection between government, industry and communities.
Closer to home, Karlene also served as Director of the Australian Water Association, providing a platform to strengthen national engagement and build connections across the Australian water sector. Key partnerships developed throughout her tenure extending across Australia and into countries including India, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. South Australian collaborators included the Department for Environment and Water, other state government agencies, universities, CSIRO and industry partners.
While international interest in South Australia’s expertise continues to grow, Karlene acknowledges that turning initial engagement into long-term business opportunities can be challenging. Building relationships, maintaining connections and converting opportunities into tangible outcomes requires ongoing investment, resources and support.
Among the many collaborations and opportunities that have been developed, Karlene is clear about what she considers her greatest achievement.
“The people and relationships built both onshore and offshore have been the most rewarding part of the role,” she said. “The connections, collaboration and capacity building that have come from these partnerships have created opportunities that will continue well into the future.”
As the South Australian Water Ambassador role comes to an end, its legacy is reflected in the relationships forged, the international reputation established and the many opportunities created for South Australia’s water sector. Through Karlene’s leadership, the role has helped South Australia as a trusted global partner in water management and created connections that will continue to deliver benefits for the years to come.
Thank you, Karlene, for your commitment, leadership and contribution over many years. We wish you every success in the future.
