who we are

our people in Cambodia

Thy and Narith

Thy is the project manager and team leader for running water project and is the Deputy Director of the Health Department of the Provincial of Education in Kampong Thom.

Narith is Principal at Porpel School and our construction manager. Together they bring great organisation and practical skills to running water project.

Running water project emerged from a strong working relationship and friendship among Thy, Narith and Susie as a result of their involvement with Teachers Across Borders Australia Inc. The 3 met in 2006 during the first program of teacher training workshops offered in Kampong Thom. The project started by drilling wells for 3 schools to provide running water for drinking, handwashing and toilets.

It's Thy and Narith's knowledge and communication skills that make the projects happen.

our people in Australia - about the board

Susie - executive director

Susie Lachal is an educator and ran programs for Cambodian teachers, principals and teacher trainees with Teachers Across Borders since 2006. She completed a PhD at RMIT, Melbourne, which has contributed greatly to her work in Cambodia.

Will - deputy director and chair

Will Dakis has a legal and corporate strategy background. He currently applies his governance and strategy skills in the sports industry working at the AFL. Having travelled to Cambodia with the Teachers Across Borders program, Will is passionate about making a difference through the running water project.

Lisa - secretary

Lisa Hindson has over 30 years experience in international business administration and brings a wealth of knowledge in policy and business process.

Brigid - committee member

Brigid O'Keefe is a retired primary school principal and has been volunteering in Cambodia since 2009 conducting train the trainer and leadership and administration workshops.

Jacqui - committee member

Jacqui Halpin is a primary school teacher and co-owner of Think Tutors, an online and in-person tutoring business. Following in her mum's footsteps, she is proud to support running water project and has facilitated educational workshops with teachers and students in Cambodia.

Kate - committee member

Kate Bamford is a retired primary teacher and since 2024 she has regularly been to Cambodia helping with running water project.

Liz - treasurer

Liz Petty is the backroom nerd managing the books, website and developing administrative processes.

The board members and any Australians involved with the delivery of projects do not receive any income from running water project.

All costs including travel, accommodation and living expenses are covered by personal finances.

our people donating

The Rotary Club of Camberwell has been a long term supporter of running water project (previously operating as the Well Water Project). It donated a large proportion of the funding for the projects completed in Kampong Thom.

Rotary Camberwell

Pearse Financial

Tom Pearse of Pearse Financial has been a long term supporter and founding member of running water project. Within his business Tom's clients are asked to donate as part of their contractual fee to 1 of 3 not-for-profit organisations.