Madeline Harty | Day Job: Flooding and Drainage Engineer at SMEC

Bio: Madeline Harty is a Flooding and Drainage Engineer with 5 years of experience specialising in flood assessments and stormwater drainage design for large infrastructure projects, small local government projects and everything in between. 

She can’t wait for all the networking opportunities that joining YFM will bring, as well as getting to mix with other like-minded flooding professionals, spread her passion for the industry and promote the YFM.

In her free time, Madeline enjoys going on camping trips with her partner (outside of lockdown), spending time bushwalking or at the beach, and playing netball.
 

Kieran Smith | Day Job: Environmental Engineer at BMT

Bio: Kieran is an Environmental Engineer with experience in the identification and management of floodplain risk. He has been involved in specialist floodplain management in the private sector for the last 8 years and has enjoyed a wide variety of work from large scale government projects to small scale development assessments.

Kieran is excited to continue the excellent work the YFM has done in bringing together young floodplain managers and establishing opportunities for connections and collaboration.

In his spare time Kieran enjoys coffee, cooking and bushwalking.
 

Alexandra Nero | Day Job: Water Resources Engineer at AECOM

Bio: Alexandra Nero is an Environmental Engineer working in the water resources industry, with a technical focus on flood modelling, water sensitive urban design, water quality and surface water assessment for large infrastructure projects. 

She is passionate about sustainability, mental health, education and supporting women in STEM industries. She is excited to promote YFM to young professionals and encourage others to engage with or enter the industry. 

When she isn't at the desk (or out eating delicious food – her primary passion), Alex enjoys being outside, usually either; paddle boarding, going for long walks and playing golf. She also loves to travel, read and be creative whenever she can. 
 

Aaron Stoja | Day Job: Civil Engineer at City of Coffs Harbour

Bio: Aaron is Civil Engineer working in the Public sector for over four years, primarily within Strategic Planning and Development. His main roles include providing technical advice on Floodplain Management, Stormwater Drainage, and Water Sensitive Urban Design, in accordance with NSW Planning and Local Government legislation. 

Aaron is keen to be on board the YFM Committee, to network with other young Professionals, as a way of connecting the Public and Private Sectors, and to learn from those working within the Industry.

Outside of work, Aaron enjoys going to the gym, playing soccer, going on hikes, chilling out with his retired Greyhound (Dusty), or hanging at the local brewery - most likely at the same time.

Sebastian Froude | Day Job: Senior Environmental Engineer at Turnbull Engineering

Bio: Sebastian is an Environmental Engineer with 10 years’ experience in the field of Floodplain Management and Water Resources Engineering.

Sebastian has a passion for community driven outcomes of Floodplain Management, developed from his time working in Local Government and experiencing the aftermath of several major flood events (e.g. June 2016 east coast low). 

Sebastian is thrilled to step in as an FMA Committee member to promote Floodplain Management as an exciting career for young professionals.  

In his spare time Sebastian spends his time running (training for a 100km Ultra Marathon in May) and walking his dog Louis.

Michelle Supangat | Day job: Professional Water Resource Engineer at WSP

Bio: Michelle is a Water Engineer specialising in stormwater management which include culvert designs, flood modelling and water sensitive urban designs.

Michelle is excited to be a part of the YFM committee. She looks forward to connecting young professionals from other areas of the water industry to build connections, share knowledge and ideas with all members in the flood management space.

In her free time, Michelle enjoys going on her walk while playing Pokemon Go, drawing for her bullet journal and playing basketball.

Ethan Zang | Day Job: Water Engineer at Catchment Simulation Solutions

Bio: Ethan is a Water Engineer with technical experience in Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modelling and Remote Sensing Application in Water Resources sector. Ethan has research experience in flash flooding forecast accuracy which sparks his passion for innovative approaches in solving flood-related problems. 

Ethan is keen to work within the YFM to provide connections and to support fellow young floodplain managers. 

Outside of work, Ethan is passionate about cookery and bakery, he likes to fill his place with the fragrance of freshly baked food and invite friends over for some chats over nice food. 

Tim Weston | Day Job: Water Resources at KBR

Bio: Tim Weston is a water resources engineer who brings 3 years of experience to the field. He has tackled a diverse range of projects spanning Australia, with a focus on flood studies, flood mitigation, dam breach analysis, and evacuation works.

Passionate about fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for fellow floodplain professionals, Tim is committed to contributing to the growth and success of the YFM committee. He is excited to share ideas and learn from the next generation of young professionals within the industry.

During his free time, Tim enjoys being outdoors, going on hikes, surfing, and attending live music events. He also loves to travel, whether it's a surf trip along the coast or an overseas holiday.

Adna Pasalic | Day Job: Water Modeller at NSW DCCEEW

Bio: Adna is a Water modeller specialising in Hydraulic modelling at DCCEEW within the floodplain management team. Adna has been working in water engineering since 2021 with focus on flood modelling, stormwater design, flood risk analysis and floodplain management.

Adna is keen to be a part of YFM committee and she views it as an excellent chance to connect with fellow young professionals and inspire the upcoming generation to gain deeper insights into the floodplain management sector.

Outside of work, Adna is passionate about training at the gym, visiting many different beaches, cooking, and reading.

Cheryl Briars | Griffith University

With a background in floodplain management in the private sector, Cheryl is now a Project Manager under the Climate Action Beacon at Griffith University. She is turning her head to all things climate adaptation planning, working with the state government and liaising with experts within academia. 

Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys working out in the gym, going to the beach, hiking, and finding the best brunch spots around SE Queensland.
 

Fraser Ramsay | Meridian Urban

Fraser is an urban planner with both Australian and international experience across practical and academic environments.

With a dual masters degree in Science and Human Settlements from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium and an undergraduate degree in Urban and Environmental Planning from Griffith University, Fraser has worked across a range of planning fields including strategic land use planning, development assessment, infrastructure coordination, community engagement, flood resilience planning and policy development.
 

Katrina Smith | Water Technology
 

Katrina started working in water engineering in 2016 and has worked on a variety of projects with a particular focus on Floodplain Management Studies.

Katrina joined the YFM as a way to get involved with the wider floodplain management community and facilitate ways for young professionals in the industry to network with each other and learn from those in the industry with more experience.

Outside of work, Katrina enjoys spending her time playing board games with friends, hiking and gardening.
 

Nicole Bichel | SLR Consulting

Nicole Bichel is an experienced Surface Water Engineer, working within hydrologic and hydraulic modelling, development assessment, flood hazard and risk assessment and community consultation.

Nicole has a keen interest in supporting community resilience, having been involved in over 20 flood and flood risk management studies in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Nicole has shared her experiences working through major flood events to the YFM - a fascinating story available in the ‘Members’ section of the FMA website.

Her involvement on the YFM committee greatly enables us to support development of early career professionals.

Hayden Munck | SLR Consulting

Hayden graduated from UQ as a civil engineer in 2013 and has been working in the domain of floodplain management and risk assessment since then.  As an engineer Hayden enjoy solving the problems that are often posed by flooding. 

The data and technologies available to manage floodplain risk are constantly changing and  improving, so Hayden sees the YFM as a great way to share knowledge with peers in a relaxed and open environment.

Tom Allingham | Brisbane City Council
Tom has been working in the water space since 2014 with experience on both Australian and international flood studies.

Tom’s work also includes waterway rehabilitation, pollutant modelling and infrastructure projects. Tom is passionate about working with stakeholders to achieve viable long term, sustainable outcomes that provide benefit to the community.

Outside of work, Tom is an avid cyclist (professional mid-pack finisher) and enjoys board games, movies and the eating (lots) of food.

Bronte Board | WMAwater

Bronte has been working as a flooding and drainage engineer for six years, gaining experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modelling and drainage design. She has worked on various infrastructure projects, regional flood studies, development assessments, flood impact assessments and independent peer reviews. 

Outside of work you can find Bronte hiking, at the beach, playing TRL or trying to teach Moose (her dog) a ridiculous new trick.  

Hayden Brigg | AECOM

Hayden Brigg is a civil engineer at AECOM.

Tim Anderson | Day Job: Melbourne Water

Bio: Tim is a Registered Civil Engineer with 9 years’ experience in floodplain management, IWM and construction management. He currently works in a leadership role at Melbourne Water, and has previously worked for local government and tier 1 contractors.

Tim is excited to engage & connect with the YFM network and looks forward to developing ways for young floodplain managers to support each other.

In his spare time, Tim enjoys playing drums, playing team sport and hiking trails around the world.

Priyanka Wickramasuriya | Day Job: Cardno

Bio: Priyanka stared working in the water engineering space as an undergraduate in 2015 and decided to continue working in area post-graduation. Now, having worked for over three and a half years in the space, she is just as passionate about learning as much as there is to know about water engineering, from WSUD design to drainage engineering.

Priyanka is keen to create a strong base for the YFM Victorian chapter that helps people connect and learn from those that have similar interests and who may face similar challenges at work.

In her spare time Priyanka enjoys watching K-dramas, learning Korean and a new-found lockdown hobby of painting.
 

Alex Simmons  | Day Job: SWM Consulting

Bio: Alex is a specialist water engineer with over 9 years' experience. Alex spends most of his time on water resource management, specifically, floodplains and catchment management, stormwater and drainage assessments, hydraulic modelling and climate change projects throughout Australia and the Pacific. Alex is focused on creating innovative, implementable, and bespoke solutions to complex future water and flooding challenges. 

Alex believes that community driven change and sustainable floodplain management are key in adapting to many of the challenges we face now and into the future due to climate change and population.