Harmonising waters: water management, innovation and choral singing with eWater Group CEO Michael Wilson

Take me to the River

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Group CEO of eWater Group Michael Wilson has an extraordinary range of backgrounds: he’s a political scientist, classical musician, public servant, national security specialist, Australian Diplomat, and Humanitarian and International Development Advisor all rolled into one, with over 35 years’ experience across these fields. He’s run for parliament, negotiated international environmental treaties, and trained as a classical baritone opera singer.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael reveals his lifelong passion for music—particularly choral singing with Canberra's adult choir The Resonants. His description of being "surrounded by sound" while singing reveals striking parallels to his approach to water management: understanding how individual contributions fit within complex, interconnected systems.

eWater Group is an organisation dedicated to improving water management across Australia and internationally and is jointly owned by all Australian governments. It’s comprised of two divisions: eWater Solutions, who provide science-based water management expertise and tools, and the Australian Water Partnership, working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to support a range of water management and governance initiatives in collaboration with developing countries in South Asia, South-East Asia, and the Pacific.

Today, Michael and our host, Dr. Siwan Lovett, are members of the Resonants, one of Canberra’s foremost adult choirs, and they've been singing with the Resonants for over 25 years. Their upcoming performance in partnership with the Australian River Restoration Centre, Riversong, is a unique fundraising concert for the long-term future of our rivers, celebrating what waterways mean to us in Australia and across the globe. Riversong is a celebration of the river’s heartbeat, and together, we can ensure that the rivers which have nourished our communities, biodiversity and landscapes continue to flow strong and clean, sustaining generations to come.

Join us for a transformative night of music and meaning. Riversong is on the 17th of May 2025 at the Gandel Atrium, National Museum of Australia. Book now to secure your tickets!

Riversong.au 🎙️
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Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨
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We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️

Chapters

1. The Magic of Choral Singing (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Michael Wilson (00:01:00)

3. Values-Driven Career in Water Management (00:03:05)

4. Water Interconnections in Southeast Asia (00:04:45)

5. Nature-Based Solutions in Water Management (00:08:28)

6. Modeling for Decision Support (00:14:30)

7. Transparent Water Decision-Making (00:19:40)

8. Partnership Models in Water Management (00:29:16)

9. Michael's Musical Background and Choir Experience (00:39:27)

10. Riversong Concert and Personal Connections (00:45:05)

11. Closing Thoughts on Nature and Purpose (00:50:57)