Corporate Structure

Aqwest is owned by the Western Australian Government and is accountable to the Minister for Water for the delivery of services.

The Board is ultimately responsible for legal compliance, corporate governance and risk management and provides strategic direction and guidance to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Team.

The CEO is appointed by the Board of Directors with the concurrence of the Minister for Water.

The organisational structure consists of three portfolios - Water Services, Business Services and Financial Services. Each is headed by a General Manager who reports directly to the CEO.

Board Directors and nominating

The Aqwest Board ensures the organisation achieves excellence in the provision of water services to its customers and meets regulatory and statutory compliance.

The Board is made up of highly skilled and experienced directors who reflect the diversity of the local Bunbury community.

Board Directors are appointed by the Minister for Water.

A copy of the Board Charter can be found here.

MR STAN LIAROS (CHAIRPERSON)

Stan Liaros was the Chief Executive Officer of the Apprentice and Traineeship Company for 23 years, retiring in June 2024. Stan is currently the Chairperson of Aqwest and is on the Board of the South West Development Commission, the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund and the South West Football League. Stan is also the WA Chair of IntoWork and is actively involved in business and community activities in the South West of WA.

Appointed 12 January 2018
Re-appointed 1 May 2020 and 12 May 2023
Current term expires 31 May 2026

MRS RHONDA NORMAN

Rhonda Norman has had a long and distinguished career in the Australian Public Service. She has advanced skills and experience in the areas of human resource management, training, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning and policy development. As a proud Noongar Wilman woman, she has held responsibility for the delivery of a range of cultural awareness and mentor training programs Australia wide.

Appointed 12 July 2019
Re-appointed 24 June 2022 and 26 May 2025
Current term expires 31 May 2028

MRS TRESSLYN SMITH (DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON)

Tresslyn Smith is a Councillor and the Deputy Mayor of the City of Bunbury and has a particular interest in the consumer affairs aspects of water supply and delivering public services. She is a strong supporter of water conservation initiatives and has a keen interest in the long term security of supply of the Yarragadee Aquifer. She gives a high priority to the awareness of environmental factors such as the effect of climate change and its impact on rainfall and rising sea levels.

Appointed 27 July 2018
Re-appointed 30 April 2021 and 8 July 2024
Current term expires 31 May 2027

DR WENDY GILES

Wendy Giles is the Deputy Chair of the South Regional TAFE Governing Council and a Commissioner on the WA Local Government Grants Commission. She is also a former City of Bunbury Councillor and Associate Dean of Edith Cowan University in Bunbury.

Appointed 12 January 2018
Re-appointed 12 July 2019, 24 June 2022 and 26 May 2025
Current term expires 31 May 2027

MRS PATRICIA SCAFFIDI

Patricia Scaffidi is a retired Certified Practicing Accountant and has worked in a farming and property development business in Donnybrook, as the Financial Lead on business development and acquisition teams for Cristal Inorganic Chemicals and as the Chief Financial Officer for Bemax Mining Group.

Appointed 12 January 2018
Re-appointed 1 May 2020 and 12 May 2023
Current term expires 31 May 2026

MR MICK MURRAY

Mick Murray is a former Member of Parliament, serving the Collie-Preston electorate, which includes Eaton, Dardanup, Australind and the outskirts of Bunbury, for 20 years before retiring in 2021. He is a former Minister for Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering; Sport and Recreation. He has lived in the South West all his life and is a passionate supporter of junior hockey and football.

Appointed 24 June 2022
Re-appointed 8 July 2024
Current term expires 31 May 2027