Board of Directors

Simon Treptow has over 14 years involvement in the irrigation and water industry in a leadership position within Irrigear, a major irrigation retail group. As General Manager of over 80 independent Irrigear Stores involved in all aspects of irrigation, he can provide an unmatched level of practical and relevant industry guidance and feedback from all over Australia. It also provides insight which is very relevant to current policy making in the water industry. He is committed to seeing professional recognition of individuals in the irrigation industry, extending towards practical and meaningful advantages for water specialist businesses, ensuring the viability of the industry, but also the implementation of best practice water management across Australia. This is the key in these changing and challenging times. Simon holds a B.Bus (Management) Monash, MBA, Monash.

Valentina Tripp is an experienced Non-Executive Director, Chair and Chief Executive with a proven track record in strategy, transformation and government in agribusiness, FMCG, industrial manufacturing and retail in Australia, Asia and global markets. Valentina was most recently CEO of Davey Water. Valentina has a strong interest in ethical, sustainable global supply chains, water management reform and a renewable energy future. She served as Non-Executive Chair of Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand; Non-Executive Director Fairtrade International (Germany). She currently serves as Non-Executive Director with Marine Stewardship Council Board International (UK) and is Australia’s Representative at APEC’s Policy Partnership of Food Security.

Carl Walters is the Manager - Sustainable Irrigation at Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA). He holds an Assoc.Dip. (Civil) and is a Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia. Carl has been involved in the water and natural resource management industries in northern Victoria for over 30 years. He has a key focus on real partnerships, putting research and new knowledge into practice on the ground and the continued promotion of improved irrigation practices. He would also like to play a role in helping the broader impact of Irrigation Australia become more apparent.

Clinton Hort's career started in an irrigation and dairy focused business in Western Australia’s southwest and has developed through the manufacturing and distribution business of the Australian irrigation market. He is passionate and focused working towards the long-term viability of the Irrigation sector in Australia. Clinton has a long history in being involved in and supporting the Irrigation Australia initiatives. He has served on the Victorian and Western Australian local Irrigation Australia committees, most recently completing 12 years with the WA Committee, serving the last 6 years as Chair prior to relocating to Brisbane. Clinton is currently the General Manager of Rodney Industries, an Australian manufacturer and importer of agricultural irrigators, fittings, and valves supplying both spray and flood irrigation markets. Rodney Industries has just surpassed 50 years supplying the irrigation industry and is a fully owned subsidiary of Vinidex, a leading supplier and supporter of irrigation in Australia.

Peter Brueck is Principal Consultant of Water Wise Consulting providing water infrastructure consultancy. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the irrigation industry and specialises in the design of irrigation and water management systems for the landscape and sports turf industries in the public, private, domestic and golf sectors. His focus is on delivering irrigation and water management systems that effectively utilise both natural and financial resources and add value at every stage of their execution. He has taught TAFE irrigation modules and has been a past guest speaker at several Irrigation Australia national conferences. Peter would like to strengthen the industry’s profile and promote alliances with other peak industry bodies.

Lucy Wilson is a seasoned healthcare and business professional with over 20 years of experience as an Emergency Nurse and a solid background in business management. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing and a Bachelor of Business, uniquely blending clinical expertise with strategic acumen. With a decade of experience in the irrigation sector as the Business Manager at TWS Evolution, she played a pivotal role in developing integrated management systems, overseeing HR functions, and steering financial management. An advocate for safe and sustainable business practices, Lucy holds a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety and has a proven track record in implementing robust health and safety systems. In 2023, she founded Think Water Orange to provide pumps, filtration, and irrigation solutions to the local residential market in Regional New South Wales. As a business owner and employer, she understands the regional challenges and promotes sustainable water management practices that support economic growth and environmental stewardship.

For just over 17 years, Matthew has designed, commissioned and reviewed various irrigation systems throughout Australia and New Zealand as well as providing training to numerous individuals and organisations throughout the country, in the subject of Irrigation Design and Irrigation Design Software. Matthew is a Certified Irrigation Designer through the Irrigation Australia Certification Program and is a recognised irrigation professional. As well as specialising in design and project management, Matthew is also a "Certified Landscape Auditor" through Irrigation Australia's Certification Program and has wide experience in this field. Matthew is a CID with specialties in Agricultural Drip Micrfo, Landscape Irrigation Auditor, holds a Certificate IV in Irrigation RTE40203 and Certificate IV in Frontline Management BSB40807.

Gennaro Vellotti has been involved in the local irrigation industry within Australia and New Zealand for more than 25 years. He has been involved in an advisory and technical capacity for some of the largest irrigation systems in Australia, for a broad variety of crops and irrigation systems, including large turf commercial projects. He is a Certified Irrigation Designer with Irrigation Australia and has a Degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Diploma in Irrigation. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of project management, technical leadership, irrigation system design and specification, CAD technology, Irricad irrigation design software and GIS mapping and data management. He is passionate about the irrigation industry and has spent 12 years as part of the Irrigation Australia Certification Board, majority of that time as the chairman. He is enthusiastic about joining the Irrigation Australia Board and wants to contribute to building a plan and direction for our industry.

Greig Graham is the Managing Director of Rivulis South East Asia Pacific Business Unit responsible for manufacturing, marketing and sales in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. He has over 25 years' experience in operations (manufacturing/supply chain/sales and marketing) and international business management in the micro/drip irrigation industries. He holds an Advanced Diploma of Executive Business Management from the University of Ballarat. Greig’s key focus is on building opportunities for current and emerging generations, particularly in the regional areas and supporting and guiding these efforts with fresh ideas and motivation, providing an opportunity to give back to the industry.

Rob Nadebaum is the International Business Manager for Australia, New Zealand & South West Asia at Rain Bird Corporation. After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a commerce degree, Rob spent fifteen years at Reece in the wholesale and distribution space across irrigation, plumbing and civil industries. Rob is growth focused with international experience across a range of global leadership roles and industries. He has a depth of experience across distribution, marketing and manufacturing and extensive experience across industry verticals such as retail, commercial, golf and agriculture Rob is passionate about the efficient use of water, and most importantly growing the professionalism of the industry and the number of people it employees nationally.