Our board
Southern Rural Water’s board currently comprises of eight board members including the Managing Director and seven non-executive directors.
The chair and non-executive directors are appointed by the Minister for Water; the Managing Director is appointed by the board.
 |
Joanne Butterworth-Gray Chair Joanne is a highly accomplished leader with a 45-year agribusiness and regional leadership legacy. Her extensive farming and water policy knowledge has been pivotal to her role as Chair of the Southern Rural Water board. Her diverse career, spanning across agriculture, agritourism and executive roles within the Victorian wine industry and Victorian Government, has been instrumental in fostering a shift in agribusiness mindsets and promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable agribusiness practices in Victorian farming communities. An entrepreneur by nature, Joanne has contributed to transforming the Gippsland agricultural region and establishing a collaborative sector-based approach to agriculture that encompasses all food and fibre production. Joanne’s hands-on experience as a farm gate agritourism business owner for 14 years has instilled a profound understanding of customer needs and a deep appreciation for collaborative work. Joanne sees her role at Southern Rural Water as an advocate for the Victorian food and fibre economy and is committed to leading Southern Rural Water as an agile and future-ready business partner for food security and through the regional renewable energy transition. Her forward-thinking approach and unwavering dedication to agribusiness are evident in the various Chair positions she holds, including with Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand. She is highly strategic and facilitates conversations to ensure everyone can contribute and feels respected and valued. |
 |
Michael Browne Director For over two decades, Michael has worked in planning, project management and asset delivery across the water industry. Through his positions at Sydney Water and Yarra Valley Water and roles in integrated water management (IWM) across the Victorian Government, Michael brings expertise in urban water cycle management to the Southern Rural Water board. A Barkandji-Wamba Wemba man from rural NSW, Michael is currently working closely with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to help embed IWM policies, improve planning for Country and support effective water allocation conversations. He recognises Traditional Owner aspirations must be met through collaboration. Through his engagements with water corporations, government agencies and the community, Michael advocates for optimistic collaboration to address challenges and opportunities across Southern Rural Water's service area. Michael's vision extends to treating water as a valuable community asset, with water corporations, such as Southern Rural Water having a social responsibility to manage this resource. He envisions an industry that places the community and cultural values at the core of decision-making for water management. Michael is dedicated to fostering open conversations and to deep listening to understand the diverse needs and challenges within communities. He seeks to integrate flexibility into decision-making processes to ensure that these include consideration of future generations and challenges, such as drought, emerging technologies and shifting community expectations. |
 |
Jackson Chatfield Independent Aboriginal Board Delegate Jackson is a proud Gunditjmara-Kirrae Whurrong man born and raised on Country in Warrnambool, South-West Victoria. After moving to Melbourne in 2016 to pursue work and personal opportunities, he returned home to his Country and is now based in Port Fairy. He has been serving as the Executive Officer for the Birrarung Council since March 2022 where he provides cultural and strategic leadership. The Birrarung Council, established under the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 (the Act), provides advice to the Victorian Government on protecting and improving the Birrarung (Yarra River) and its lands. Jackson also supported DEECA’s Water Catchment Group preparations for and responses to the Yoorrook Justice Commission's Land Injustices Inquiry. This experience gave Jackson great insights into the State's water reform agenda and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities to support Aboriginal self-determination and strengthen Traditional Owners’ role in Victoria's water sector. Jackson has also served as Statewide Aboriginal Landcare Facilitator with the Victorian Landcare Program at DELWP as well as a Cultural Ambassador for the Victorian Nature Festival. You can read more about one of Jackson's most important places on Country and why the history of Australia is important to him here: https://www.vic.gov.au/nature-festival-smoking-ceremony |
 |
Brendan Flynn Director Brendan brings a wealth of expertise in finance, economics and government policy analysis from the private and public sectors to the Southern Rural Water board. His experience as Deputy Secretary at the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance and the Department of Premier and Cabinet provides a deep understanding of economic and social policies. With a strong economic background, Brendan understands the importance of robust financial management and the pivotal role water and agriculture play in the broader Victorian economy. He recognises the significance of a thriving agricultural sector for Victoria and sees Southern Rural Water as a crucial entity that delivers a vital resource for the environment, economy and communities. Brendan also understands the importance of local agriculture and the integral role the agricultural sector plays within rural communities. He actively listens to customers to understand the challenges and issues associated with rural water management and places great importance on promoting the value of water and the services Southern Rural Water provides. Brendan is the newest member of the Southern Rural Water board and is excited to contribute to fulfilling the vision of delivering exceptional value to customers and the community through excellence in rural water management. |
 |
Catherine Jenkins Director Cath Jenkins lives with her family on their beef farm at South Purrumbete in South West Victoria, where they ran a dairy enterprise for over 15 years. A former Chair of Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Vic Catchments, Cath is currently a member of the Victorian Agriculture Climate Change Council and a Board member of Western Victoria Primary Health Network. Passionate about Victorian agriculture and sustainable rural communities, she brings together practical farming experience and strong leadership in regional development and the water sector. In addition to governance roles, Cath owns and operates, Rural People Co., providing consulting and facilitation services to organisations and agribusinesses across regional Australia. |
|
Michelle McCrum Director and Chair of People, Safety and Culture Committee Michelle is the longest-serving member of the current Southern Rural Water board and brings over 25 years of strategic expertise and leadership experience to the organisation. Married to a fifth-generation farmer and living within the agricultural community, Michelle sees the impacts of climate change and water security firsthand and understands how important water is to farming and the economy. Michelle prides herself on listening to customers to understand their needs but also helping farmers consider new solutions and exploring how Southern Rural Water can assist them. She considers the full ecosystem in which customers, communities and Southern Rural Water interact. As Chair of the People, Safety, and Culture Committee, Michelle is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace for staff. Her advocacy for diversity and cultural safety underpins the importance she places on creating an environment where individuals feel heard and valued. Michelle is excited about Southern Rural Water’s future and is empowering the next generation of board members and executives by sharing her knowledge and experience to help them navigate challenges, such as evolving technologies and liabilities. |
 |
Claire Miller Director Claire is a senior executive with expertise in rural and environmental water policy and management, national water reform, stakeholder and community engagement, communication, and government relations. As a water policy specialist and a former journalist, she has more than 40 years experience immersed in complex operating environments on the frontline of resolving issues in water, climate change, agriculture and environment. On a crowded planet, Claire is passionate about breaking down the false binary of agriculture vs environment, and going beyond idealism to find practical solutions to improve river health and keep family farms in production. Having been involved in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in various government and industry roles since its inception in 2007, Claire knows intimately the socioeconomic impacts and environmental limits of water reform. She is focused on ensuring that hard lessons learned in the north will pave a smoother pathway to sustainable, affordable water supplies in the south. |
|
Anthony Scarff Director and Acting Chair of Audit, Risk and Governance Committee Anthony brings a vibrant curiosity and energy to the Southern Rural Water board and is deeply committed to the economic, agricultural and environmental sustainability the corporation provides for our community. |
 |
Andrew Smith Director Andrew is an experienced agribusiness and commercial banking leader with more than 35 years working across regional Australia in executive, director and advisory roles. He has held senior positions in agricultural finance, business banking, strategy and organisational leadership, and is recognised for his strong stakeholder engagement and practical understanding of farming communities. Andrew is currently CEO of Farm Trade Australia. His previous roles include senior executive positions with Rural Finance, Rural Bank and Bendigo Bank, where he led national agribusiness teams, research and marketing functions, and major strategy, growth and transformation initiatives. Earlier in his career, Andrew worked in valuations, relationship management and regional leadership roles across Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. Raised in Bairnsdale, Andrew brings a deep personal and professional connection to regional Victoria and a long-standing commitment to the sustainability and prosperity of rural industries. He holds qualifications in agricultural science and business (property) and is a registered valuer. Andrew is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, and has completed executive leadership programs at Columbia Business School and Mt Eliza Executive Education. |
|
Kylie Steel Director Kylie comes from a family with a rich legacy in orchard growing, spanning five generations of apple and cherry farmers in Bacchus Marsh. As a member of a farming family, Kylie has seen business practices modernise and evolve in response to climate change and emerging technology. Significant environmental events, such as the Millennial Drought and Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, have helped shape Kylie's career. These events motivated her to pursue further studies in bushfire science and establish SCB Consult, a business dedicated to providing specialist consulting on climate change, bushfire science and emergency management. Her forward-thinking leadership and passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of people and the communities she serves are evident in her commitment to sustainability, environmental protection and resilient farming practices. Risk management is ingrained in Kylie's work, and she sees the benefits of establishing strong relationships with farming communities to prepare for future climate change challenges. She actively seeks to build these connections to further her understanding of stakeholders' evolving needs and help build Southern Rural Water into a future-ready organisation that supports farmers. Kylie is also a member of the Expert Technical Panel of the Resilient Building Council of Australia and the Bushfire Building Council of Australia and a director of the Barwon Health Foundation. |
 |
Scott Cornish Acting Managing Director Scott is responsible for developing and delivering SRW’s capital plan including critical modernisation projects, with a focus on outstanding asset management and dam safety management. With 19 years of experience as a Civil Engineer in private consulting for diverse clients, including State Government Authorities, Local Government, and private industry Scott joined SRW Executive Team in July, 2021 bringing with him a wealth of experience as a Civil Engineer and multi-disciplinary senior leader having managed programs across teams in the Middle East, India, South Australia, New South Wales, metropolitan Melbourne, and rural Victoria. Scott joined SRW, from Western Water, with a personal commitment to the sustainable growth and well-being of local communities. |
Our executive team
 |
Stuart Wrigglesworth General Manager Finance, Safety and Risk As our CFO Stuart is responsible for supporting and delivering financial management as well as oversight of our risk management framework. Stuart is also responsible for our safety and delivering on our value of ‘always safe’. Having grown up on a family farm supplied from the Macalister system, Stuart joined Southern Rural Water as Finance Manager in late 2005 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in March 2011. He has 6 years’ experience working in professional practice for PriceWaterhouse Coopers in Melbourne and South Africa, as well as over 5 years in the UK working in Finance and Accounting roles for a number of commercial and public sector businesses. Stuart holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. |
|
|
Rachael Lunn General Manager Service Delivery Rachel is responsible for leading Southern Rural Water’s service delivery functions, with a strong focus on delivering safe, strategically smart, fair and reliable services collaboratively with our customers and community. Having joined Southern Rural Water in late 2025, Rachel brings more than 20 years’ senior leadership experience in London and Victoria across state government, local government and the private sector. Her professional background spans compliance and regulation, statutory and strategic planning, engineering, environmental, corporate, legal and customer service functions, supporting a strong understanding of operational service delivery in complex regulatory and community settings. A values-led, people-first transformational leader with significant experience in business and productivity improvement, customer service uplift and cultural renewal, Rachel has formal qualifications in a range of applied science and leadership disciplines as well as project management and change management. As a Chartered Planner, Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Environmentalist, she is a member of the Society for the Environment, Australian Institute of Company Directors, Planning Institute of Australia, the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Property institute of Australia. |
 |
Melissa Jeal Corporate Secretary Melissa is responsible for corporate governance and compliance. Melissa joined Southern Rural Water in April 2021, having previously held senior governance and finance positions. With over two decades in the public sector, she brings a strong background in leading, developing and implementation of best practice frameworks in governance, compliance, risk management and finance. She holds a Bachelor Business (Accounting) and is a member of the Governance Institute of Australia and Certified Practicing Accountants. |
