Elizabeth Crouch AM appointed as Hunter Water chair

ELIZABETH Crouch AM has been announced as Chair of the Hunter Water Board of Directors for a three-year term.

In a statement to media, Hunter Water said that Ms Crouch brings extensive experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, with a distinguished career in governance, infrastructure and public policy.

She currently chairs the boards of the Customer Owned Banking Association, the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Hearing Australia, Ochre Health and Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Ltd, and is the Emerita Deputy Chancellor of Macquarie University.

She also serves on the boards of the University of Newcastle and the NSW Institute of Sport and has been a Non-Executive Director of Hunter Water since April 2024.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson welcomed the appointment.

“Elizabeth Crouch is an outstanding appointment as Chair of Hunter Water,” she said.

“With her at the helm, Hunter Water is well-positioned to build on its strong foundations and continue delivering high-quality services and water solutions for the region.”

Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary said Ms Crouch’s credentials “speak for themselves”.

“Her leadership across major infrastructure projects, including the OPAL transport network, and her governance expertise will be instrumental as Hunter Water continues to deliver essential services and plans for the future of our region.”

Ms Crouch said she was honoured to take on the role.

“As a member of the Hunter community, it’s a privilege to be appointed Chair of Hunter Water at such a pivotal time. I look forward to continuing to work with the Board, management team and stakeholders to support sustainable growth and ensure the delivery of safe, reliable water services to the community.”

Ms Crouch holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Cyber Security, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of Chief Executive Women.

She was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for her services to higher education and transport.

Hunter Water also acknowledged the exceptional service of Geoff Crowe, who served as Chair for a 12-month period to 24 June 2025.

“Geoff’s steady leadership and deep understanding of the region were pivotal during Hunter Water’s recent IPART pricing proposal process, and he played a key role in strengthening engagement with stakeholders, customers and the broader community,” the organisation said in a statement.

“Geoff is highly respected across the organisation and the region, and we are pleased he will continue to contribute his expertise as a Non-Executive Director on the Board.”