Water Training Australia Team
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- About Us
A collaborative culture built on long-term trust
Water Training Australia is the country’s largest private, specialist RTO (TOID 21747) dedicated solely to the water industry. We have a deep connection to the Australian water industry and are proud to sponsor the Network Operators Development Program (NODP) run by the Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA).
Our people reflect the values the industry expects and deserves. We employ, consult and work with people who care about developing others and take pride in sharing their knowledge.
Every team member brings industry experience and a mindset of continuous improvement. We work as a team that supports each other and all industry stakeholders who trust us with their professional development.
Our Vision, Mission and Values Statements
VISION
To be recognised as the leading provider of nationally accredited training and assessment services, delivering high-quality, on-site education to the Australian water operations industry.
MISSION
To empower and upskill the water industry workforce with customised learning solutions and tailored training and assessment initiatives, designed to enhance skills, competence and confidence.
Our Values: A.a.C.c.E.e
‘The ACE up our sleeve’.
We value our ability to remain flexible when plans shift, environments change, and challenges arise so that all teams can bounce back, adjust fast, and keep progressing.
We value being authentic in all interactions, fostering transparency, trust and integrity, owning outcomes, learning from missteps, and following through.
We value collaborative partnerships that focus on honest conversations, new ideas, and feedback that builds industry capacity, employee resilience and long-term engagement.
We value showing up with focus, care, and follow-through. Always believing in the work and doing what it takes to see it through. For us, it’s about a shared purpose, connection, and building something bigger — together.
We value setting the bar high and pushing to exceed it, always taking pride in our work, striving to improve, and never coasting on “good enough.”
We value leading with empathy, patience, and generosity so that our leadership is inspiring, empowering and guides others toward shared goals. At WTA, effective industry leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about industry impact.
- Our Team
Meet our Leadership Team
Our leadership team’s approach to directing, motivating and managing the Water Training Australia’s workforce focuses on empowering everyone to be ‘first time-right time’ in all dealings. They are inspired by a collaborative approach that achieves results.
Mike Rankin
- Managing Director
Mike Rankin is a highly respected member of the Australian water industry, bringing over 52 years of experience since commencing his career in 1975 as a Construction and Maintenance Worker at Lake Nillahcootie. Throughout his extensive career, Mike has contributed significantly to the operation and management of major dams and weirs across Victoria, developing deep expertise in water infrastructure and system operations.
He progressed into senior leadership roles, including District Manager at Birchip, where he was responsible for managing the Stock and Domestic system as well as the Southern Mallee Urban District. In this role, Mike demonstrated strong operational and strategic leadership in delivering essential regional water services.
Committed to continuous professional development, Mike completed a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and a Graduate Diploma in Training and Development. These qualifications supported his transition to Training Manager at Goulburn-Murray Water, where he played a pivotal role in building workforce capability and advancing industry training practices.
In 2001, Mike was awarded the prestigious Churchill Fellowship, which enabled him to study irrigation operations training in leading water management regions, including Israel, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States. This experience broadened his global perspective and informed his approach to best practice training within the industry.
In 2005, Mike founded Water Training Australia, an organisation dedicated to delivering specialised training and professional development services to the Australian water industry. Water Training Australia became an Australian Register Training Organisation in February 2006.
Mike continues to actively contribute to the sector. He is a member of the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) and has served on the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) Capabilities Committee. He is also an active member of the Water Industry Operations Association (WIOA).
Additionally, Mike is an inaugural member of the Network Operators Development Program—an initiative widely recognised for its success in developing future leaders within Victoria’s drinking water and wastewater network operations.
Jeni Rankin
- Finance Manager
Jeni is the Office and Finance Manager at Water Training Australia, overseeing quoting, invoicing, accounts payable and receivable, and HR functions. With prior experience as a recruitment officer and finance manager across both private and government sectors, she brings a strong and versatile understanding of office and workforce management.
As WTA expanded, Jeni stepped into full responsibility for its financial and administrative operations, becoming an essential contributor to Water Training Australia’s ongoing growth and efficiency.
Gabby Bale
- Operations Manager
With over 22 years of experience in employment services, disability support, and vocational education, Gabby brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to operations. In her role as Operations Manager at Water Training Australia, she supports programs that welcome learners, strengthen systems, and reflect the values of the water industry.
Guided by empathy and a deep understanding of client and learner needs, Gabby focuses on creating inclusive, responsive, and well-organised training experiences. She believes that meaningful results come from listening, collaborating, and building processes that support individuals and teams to grow with confidence and clarity.
George Wall
- Industry Consultation Manager
With more than 37 years of operational and strategic experience in the water sector, George Wall is committed to strengthening public health, environmental protection, and the capability of the workforce that underpins both.
As a Life Member and former Chief Executive Officer of the Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA), he has spent much of his career championing operational excellence, shaping national training standards, and elevating the professionalism of the water industry workforce. As a Life Member of the Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand he contributed as a co-author and reviewer of technical guides and industry articles.
Geroge’s leadership extended to chairing the Water Industry Reference Committee, assisting in the development of the National Water Training Package (NWP), ensuring the next generation of water professionals are equipped with the skills our communities rely on. In this current role as Industry Consultation Manager for Water Training Australia, he works closely with our professional team and industry partners to ensure operators receive high‑quality, relevant training that supports safe, reliable, and high‑performing water systems. It goes without saying George is passionate about sharing knowledge, building strong industry networks, and driving initiatives that lift operational standards across Australia and New Zealand and remains open to consulting, advisory, and board opportunities where he can contribute to the ongoing development and resilience of the water sector.
Tim Born MBA
- Compliance Manager
Tim brings over 15 years of expertise in compliance management, guiding organisations to establish and maintain industry best practices. He specialises in quality assurance, risk management, and legal compliance, applying a methodical approach and strong analytical skills to design effective systems, processes, and tools that drive good governance and deliver consistent outcomes.
His career spans a wide range of standards and regulatory contexts, giving him a broad perspective on organisational challenges. Passionate about strong governance and practical solutions, Tim is committed to helping WTA achieve excellence through robust, sustainable compliance frameworks.
Neville Whittaker
- Trainer/Assessor
Neville has worked in the water industry for over five decades. During this time, he gained extensive expertise in water distribution and wastewater collection and transfer systems.
He spent over 30 years as a manager committed to team development, coaching and mentoring, as well as discovering, following and implementing innovative and best-practice solutions within the water industry.
Neville joined Water Training Australia as a trainer and assessor in 2018. A role that enables him to pass on his experience to develop and increase knowledge within the water industry.
Neville has been a dedicated member of the Water Industry Operators Association (WIOA) for more than 30 years, enabling him to stay closely connected to industry advancements.
Warrick Taylor
- Trainer/Assessor
Warrick Taylor is an experienced Trainer and Assessor and a valued member of the Water Training Australia leadership team. He delivers practical, industry-aligned training in water and wastewater treatment, safety, and regulatory compliance, drawing on extensive hands-on experience across plant operations, environmental compliance, and team leadership.
Warrick delivers engaging, competency-based training across classroom and on-site environments, supporting learners through clear instruction, practical assessment, and constructive feedback. His technical capability spans treatment processes, monitoring and optimisation, chemical handling, WHS compliance, and environmental risk management.
His training approach is practical, scenario-based, and focused on building confident, capable, and safety-minded water industry professionals
- Our Team
Meet our VET Engagement team
Our VET (Vocational Education and Training) Engagement team, led by Operations Manager, Gabby Bale has the primary focus of providing learner support, student engagement and wellbeing through personalised and proactive, induction, enrolment and communication strategies designed to enhance the learner’s experience and success.
Jody Whittaker
- Training Services Administrator
Jody brings many years of customer service experience to her role, which shows in the warm, welcoming way she supports everyone she works with. She has a natural ability to put people at ease. She listens carefully and responds with clarity and care, creating a positive experience for learners, trainers, and employers from the moment they connect with WTA.
Jody supports enrolments, assessment processing, and recording learner outcomes. She helps learners with training and progression questions and supports trainers and clients with clear communication and smooth workflows. Her friendly approach and strong attention to detail ensure every trainee feels supported and well‑organised.
Kellie Pell
- Training Services Administrator
Kellie is a highly skilled administrator with over 27 years of experience in the water industry. Her efficient support in learner enrolments and trainer assessments ensures smooth onboarding and positive training experiences.
She has seen significant shifts in technology, regulations, and sustainability practices during her time in the industry. As a result, she brings broad industry knowledge to WTA.
Kellie has a friendly, caring nature and is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and outcomes from their training.
Chriss Kelly
- VET Engagement Team & Learner Progress
Chriss has worked in senior management, registered training organisations, human resources, industrial relations, learning and development and work health and safety for over 25 years in both the not-for-profit and private sectors. She has always remained passionate about the vocational education training (VET) sector in Australia.
Chriss believes understanding student motivation is the key to unlocking their potential, as the decision to undertake an accredited VET course involves a substantial commitment of time and resources by learners and their employers.
She brings to the organisation a wealth of knowledge in improving learner outcomes and developing individual strategies for success in the role of VET Engagement and Learner Progress.
337 years
of Experience Team
- Our Experts
Meet our Training and Assessment team
Water Training Australia’s highly experienced trainers, assessor and mentors provide knowledge and insights into everyday workplace situations. This breadth of knowledge enables WTA learners to handle challenges, solve problems and adapt quickly.
Our industry experience ensures that assessment tools, methods, and training scenarios align with Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) workplace performance expectations.
Learners are more engaged when taught by someone who has ‘been there’. This firsthand wisdom builds trust and allows WTA Trainers and Assessors to act as mentors and offer genuine insights into succeeding in the water industry.
| Neville Whittaker | Trainer & Assessor 51 Years |
| Gerard Dooley | Trainer & Assessor 36 Years |
| Craig Ewington | Trainer & Assessor 20 Years |
| Warrick Taylor | Trainer & Assessor 22 Years |
| Greg Creek | Trainer & Assessor 46 Years |
| Michael Rayment | Trainer & Assessor 11 Years |
| Ash Turner | Trainer & Assessor 22 Years |
| Peta Thiel | Trainer & Assessor 30 Years |
| Tusitha Karunaratne | Trainer & Assessor 32 Years |
| Areika Martin | Assessor 11 Years |
| Mike Rankin | Director/ Mike Rankin 56 Years |
| TOTAL | 337 Years |
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