Celebrating women in science: Ashlee Antcliff

Ashlee Antcliff is an Environmental Planner at Hunter Water who is passionate about science and water.

Each year on 11 February, International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrates the vital role women play in shaping an equitable world through science. At the heart of this cause are passionate scientists like Ashlee Antcliff whose love for natural ecosystems and the community contribute to creating a sustainable water future for all.

Growing up on the coast, water has always been a big part of Ashlee’s life, from local surf lifesaving to spending time outdoors with family. However, it wasn’t until late high school that she saw the opportunity for a career in science, when an environmental science course had the perfect cross-section of her passions for water and the environment.

During her Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management studies in 2019, the region was facing severe drought. “The importance of managing our water resources sustainably became increasingly clear. That experience became a major driver in shaping my studies and ultimately led me into the water industry,” Ashlee said.

Among her many projects, her favourite has been the community tree planting day around Grahamstown Dam in 2024, praising it for its positive environmental and community impact. With local volunteers, Ashlee and her team planted more than 1,100 native trees and shrubs to strengthen the resilience of the ecosystem around the dam, including habitat for local koalas.

Looking ahead, Ashlee sees technology transforming how the water industry protects the environment. “Real‑time data allows us to respond much quicker to events that could impact the environment,” she said. “Rapid advancements in areas like water quality monitoring and energy use help us identify risks earlier and manage resources more sustainably. It’s an exciting time to be a scientist in the water industry.

“Science is so broad, and it looks very different in real life to what you experience in a classroom. Many pathways are still emerging, and new roles are being created all the time.

“Be curious, explore different areas, and don’t be afraid to step into spaces that feel new or unfamiliar because that’s usually where the greatest opportunities are.”