Beca is proud to celebrate the achievement of Lesliey Golds - Circular Economy Advisor, who has been awarded the 2025 Chris Davis AM Fellowship by the Australian Water Association.
This prestigious recognition highlights Lesliey’s leadership in integrating Indigenous Knowledge with circular economy principles to advance sustainable water management across Australia.
As a key member of Beca HunterH2O, Lesliey’s work exemplifies our commitment to sustainability, innovation and cultural integrity. Her pioneering efforts with the Gunimaa and Gali Circular Tool, developed within Beca HunterH2O’s Indigenous led Gunimaa and Gali Group, are transforming how water professionals embed Indigenous values and circular thinking into project planning and delivery.
Inspired by the Waratah flower, the tool encourages practitioners to view sustainability through a cultural lens, recognising environmental, social and cultural factors as interdependent to achieve meaningful outcomes for People and Country.
“Being selected for the Chris Davis Fellowship is a real honour. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who encouraged me to submit (you all know who you are!). Your support means the world to me, and I wouldn’t be here without you,” Lesliey said.
The Fellowship will support Gunimaa and Gali, and Lesliey, in delivering an On Country Classroom, an immersive learning experience that deepens cultural understanding and strengthens relationships within the water sector. Participants will engage directly with Traditional Owners, explore the philosophy behind the Circular Tool and take part in workshops designed to inspire advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander success.
“I’m excited to work with AWA through the On Country Classroom and to expand our knowledge sharing to help create a truly sustainable water future for Country, for community and for Australia.”
Lesliey’s leadership at Beca is grounded in collaboration, humility and a passion for knowledge sharing. She brings together multidisciplinary teams, Traditional Owners and technical experts to co-design water solutions that respect Country and community. Her practical, inclusive approach ensures sustainability is embedded as a foundation, not an afterthought, inspiring colleagues and partners alike.
Beca Australia Managing Director Andrew Mailer says, “Lesliey’s leadership in integrating Indigenous knowledge with circular economy practice exemplifies Beca’s values and the impact we aim to deliver. We’re proud of this recognition and excited to support the On Country Classroom.”
We congratulate Lesliey on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to supporting her as she expands the reach of the Gunimaa and Gali Circular Tool and leads the next On Country Classroom.
Lesliey’s work powerfully demonstrates how cultural knowledge and technical innovation can create truly sustainable water futures, a vision that resonates with Beca’s values and the spirit of Chris Davis AM.
