New Chair and Board Directors for GAWB

Experienced regional leader Mr Lachlan Millar has been appointed Chair of Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB), following his service as a Board Director since June 2025.

Mr Millar replaces former Chair Adrienne Ward, who has completed her term on the Board. 

Board Director Suzanne Burrow has also completed her term.

Two new Board Directors have been appointed – Ms Jemma Manwaring and Ms Sandra Hobbs.

Mr Millar extended his thanks to both Ms Ward and Ms Burrow for their support and leadership during their tenure.

“I thank outgoing Chair Adrienne Ward for her outstanding leadership and communication throughout her tenure, particularly her ability to effectively lead the organisation through the construction of the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline”, said Mr Millar.

“I also extend my thanks to Suzanne Burrow, who has provided excellent guidance on engineering and governance, which is critical for a bulk water supplier such as GAWB.”

GAWB Chief Executive Officer Darren Barlow expressed his own gratitude to the two outgoing Board Directors.

“Both Adrienne and Suzanne have displayed solid leadership during a period of immense change as GAWB effectively doubles its asset base with the completion of the FGP”, said Mr Barlow.

“The Board has provided strong governance and helped position GAWB to continue to operate safely and reliably while managing a substantially expanded asset base. 

“I would also like to welcome Lachlan to the role of Chair and congratulate Jemma and Sandra on their appointments to the Board. I look forward to working with them as GAWB continues to deliver safe, reliable bulk water services.”

Ms Manwaring is a well-known Gladstone local with a background in education and community development and is a passionate advocate for rural health services.

Ms Sandra Hobbs is an experienced director within the not-for-profit and agricultural sector.

The continuing members of the GAWB Board include Mr Mitchell Petrie and Ms Natalia Muszkat.

Members of the Board are appointed by the Queensland Government under the provisions of the Water Act and are appointed for four-year terms.

For more information about GAWB and our Leadership team, please visit Leadership Team – Gladstone Area Water Board