Staff

Chief Executive Officer

Mr Neville Smith

Mr Smith was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Water for Rivers and commenced his appointment in July 2004.

Prior to joining Water for Rivers, Mr Smith was Chief Executive Officer of Sunraysia Rural Water Authority and Executive Member of their Board.

He was the Founding Chairman of Gippsland Water .

As a member of the executive team of ACTEW Corporation, Mr Smith established Transact Communications in the ACT. Prior to that his early career was spent in the coal mining industry.

Mr. Smith has a Master of Business Administration and a Diploma of Engineering (Civil). He is also a Member of the Working Group for the preparation of the best practice statement for Customer Service Committees of Rural Water Authorities.

Office Manager

Tricia Nankervis

Ms Tricia Nankervis became the administrative assistant at the establishment of the office of the Joint Government Enterprise Limited (Water for Rivers) in Albury in February 2004.  She took on the role of Office Manager permanently in July 2004.

Tricia brings to the organisation a background of extensive administrative and executive assistance in government, local government and human resources, through to assisting industry principals in the wine, housing, property development and tourism industries in South Australia.

Her role at Water for Rivers is very hands-on and supports all aspects of the operations.  She plans, liaises and manages meetings with Government Ministers through to farming and environment groups throughout the southern Murray Darling Basin region.

Tricia will often be the first person you meet when contacting Water for Rivers.

Project Director

Mr Phil Deamer

Phil Deamer was appointed the Business Development Manager for Water for Rivers in January 2005. In January 2006 he was appointed Project Director.

Phil has over twenty five years experience in natural resource management including fire management, catchment management and forestry as well as water recovery.

Phil holds an MBA from the Australian National University, a Master of Forestry from Oregon State University and a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) from the Australian National University. Phil has worked with landholders, communities and investors on a number or projects, facilitating economic studies, promoting innovation and working with people to reach outcomes.

Phil brings to Water for Rivers specialist knowledge in economics and project management. Phil has a thorough practical knowledge of water management in the Murray-Darling Basin and programs in place to increase water efficiency.

Project Director

Kaye Dalton

Kaye Dalton was appointed as Project Director with Water for Rivers in August 2006.

Kaye has over 20 years experience within the NSW public sector in the areas of soil management, catchment management, community engagement and most recently in the areas of water recovery and water management.

Kaye has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the Australian National University. Her work background is varied and includes the extension of natural resource information and advice, the provision of executive officer services to natural resource boards and committees and over the past 10 years, Kaye has held several senior management positions within natural resource agencies in NSW.

Kaye brings to Water for Rivers a sound working knowledge of the water reform agenda in Australia, the institutional arrangements associated with water management in NSW and the Murray Darling Basin and a practical knowledge of water access and delivery issues.

Geographically, Kaye's focus is in the southern valleys of NSW and in particular, the Riverina area.

Project Director

John Skinner

Mr John Skinner was appointed as Project Director for Water for Rivers in January 2007

John has worked in the water resources industry for over 30 years, including many years as a consulting field hydrologist working on projects throughout Australia and several overseas locations. Prior to joining Water for Rivers, John had been involved in several reviews, calibrations and audits of metering, measurement and data reporting of water extraction and delivery for Irrigation Corporations and CAP reporting. 

As a qualified Hydrographer, John is a strong advocate for accurate, continuous and real time information as essential components for managing Australia's water recourse.  He brings to Water for Rivers extensive knowledge and experience in water measurement technologies.