South East Water helps launch WaterAid’s ‘Ultra’ Walk for Water
Walkers set off from Frankston this National Water Week on an 83.3 km journey connecting Victoria’s 4 metropolitan water corporations in support of WaterAid Australia's Walk for Water.
The ‘Ultra Walk’ from South East Water to Greater Western Water, via Yarra Valley Water and Melbourne Water, highlighted the water sector’s shared support for improving global access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
Over 2 days, Chris Edwards (Inside Water magazine) Zoe Walsh (Sequana) and Terry Down (Finao Systems) travelled across Melbourne, raising awareness and funds for the cause.
For the send-off, South East Water employees, including members of its 2026 Winnovators fundraising team, joined WaterAid Australia CEO Tom Muller and the walkers for the opening section of the journey.
South East Water General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder and 2026 Walk for Water Leader, Karen Lau said the campaign remained an important opportunity to support international communities without reliable access to clean water.
"Every day, South East Water works to provide essential water services to 1.9 million Melburnians. Walk for Water reminds us that access to these services isn’t universal.
"We're proud to launch the Ultra Walk from Frankston and stand alongside our water sector colleagues in support of WaterAid's work,” said Ms Lau.
As a founding member, South East Water has supported WaterAid Australia for more than 2 decades through fundraising, events and industry partnerships.
South East Water’s 2026 Winnovators team is part of a WaterAid program that brings together second-year graduates to address global challenges. This year, the team supported efforts to improve healthcare waste management in Nepal through fundraising and awareness activities and by presenting a real-life solution.
National Water Week is celebrated across Australia each October to inspire communities, schools and organisations to value and use water wisely. It highlights the importance of water in sustainability, culture and everyday life.
- Top image (image 1): L-R: Chris Edwards, Editor, Inside Water magazine (Ultra Walker); Karen Lau, General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder South East Water and Walk for Water National Ambassador; Tom Muller, CEO Water Aid Australia; Carla Purcell, Managing Director South East Water; Terry Down, founder finao (Ultra Walker); Zoe Walsh, Director Brand, Marketing and Communications Sequana and Deputy Chair WaterAid’s Victorian Fundraising Committee (Ultra Walker)