Water sustains life, business, communities and recreation. So why does it keep getting left out of the public conversation?
In episode three of Aquaholics, Kylie Johnson, Sarah Ransom, Professor Bradley Moggridge and Dr Andrew O'Neill ask whether water has a public relations problem. They are joined by Ross Monaghan, a public relations specialist, communication lecturer at Deakin University and host of the HypeCloudAI podcast.
Ross explains why water is easy to take for granted, especially in cities where it appears whenever a tap is turned. He shares a practical starting point for better communication: research what people think, define clear objectives, understand the audience, listen before speaking and tell memorable stories that connect water with everyday life.
The episode also explores climate variability, drought preparedness, recycled water, stormwater and urban water resilience. In the Water Cooler segment, the hosts debate whether naming droughts could make slow-moving climate events more visible and memorable.
Aquaholics is an initiative of the Australian Water Partnership, funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Ross Monaghan is a Lecturer in Communication at Deakin University and a business communication and issues management specialist with more than 20 years of experience across public relations, general management and journalism. His areas of expertise include crisis and emergency communication, risk communication and new technology. He also co-hosts the HypeCloudAI podcast, which examines technology, business and practical AI use through a communications lens.
Kylie Johnson is Senior Manager, Partnerships and Communication at the Australian Water Partnership. Her career spans climate, water and communication across journalism, government and the not-for-profit sector.
Sarah Ransom is General Manager of the Australian Water Partnership. A former Australian diplomat and lawyer, she has worked across international development, governance, gender, community engagement and partnership brokering.
Professor Bradley Moggridge is a proud Kamilaroi man, Professor of Science and Associate Dean, Indigenous Leadership and Engagement, at the University of Technology Sydney. His work brings Indigenous knowledge, hydrogeology and water science into research, policy and environmental management.
Dr Andrew O'Neill is Chief Science and Sustainability Officer at Healthy Land & Water. He leads innovation and supports scientists and engineers working to improve South East Queensland's environment, connecting research, policy and practical action.
Send a question to Aquaholics: contact@waterpartnership.org.au
Australian Water Partnership enquiries: Contact AWP
Phone: +61 2 6206 8320
Address: UC Innovation Centre, Bruce ACT 2617, Australia
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