Aunty Mati: The Water-Saving Superhero

Andrew Hanifin — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 03:35:55 +0000

The Challenge

Water use in Torres Strait Island communities can significantly outstrip supply on many islands, with households using over one thousand litres per day. Due to high water usage, desalination systems are frequently used to generate sufficient drinking water, which are energy intensive and expensive to run, particularly in off-grid communities relying on diesel energy.

Water in the Torres Strait isn’t just about consumption—it’s integral to everyday life including cooling, cleaning, significant social and cultural activities, health, Sorry Business, dust suppression on unsealed roads, cooling living spaces and gardens, hunting and fishing equipment washing, and water play for children.

The Research Foundation

Working with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), and Queensland Government through an ARC Linkage and Queensland Mid Career fellowship project (RICES), research showed that culturally and socially appropriate education and engagement strategies were likely to be at least as effective as more prescriptive demand management strategies such as water restrictions and fines.

Critically, when participants were asked to rank preferred community-based demand management strategies, they identified that initiatives aimed at increasing waterwise awareness in children on the island is essential for effective change.

The Indigenous Community Water Project (2021-2022)

The Indigenous Community Water project was launched to raise awareness through community education among children in local communities of the Torres Strait to learn about good water management. Four local Indigenous communities across island, arid and coastal areas in Northern Australia participated.

Educational opportunities focused on community-led discussions and education sessions around water demand and effective management, as well as socio-culturally appropriate water efficient approaches and strategies. The Griffith University team worked alongside Indigenous Councils, organisations (TSIRC/TSRA), and Sustainability Officers to implement strategies and build capacity within local communities.

Community Engagement & Launch

The book was officially launched across 2021 and 2022 in the Torres Strait with school children, water officers, elders and Council members. These launches became meaningful community events where elders shared their experiences and wisdom, the book was read aloud, and water officers spoke on the importance of water use. The key message reinforced throughout was that water is a precious resource for healthy country and healthy homes.

School-based community education focused on water efficiency, outdoor water use, water security, and good water management. Children engaged in important discussions about water security and water equity for future generations.

Impact & Distribution

The book is now available within all 15 regional councils, as well as school libraries in the Torres Strait, within the Cape communities, and further Indigenous areas of rural Far North Queensland

Collaborative Partnership

This project exemplified true collaboration:

Author & Original Concept: Cara Beal & Andrew Hanifin
Illustrations & Cultural Review: Edwin and Regina Turner (Panipan Designs)
Graphic Design & Publishing: Iain Anderson (Fun with Stuff)
Research Partners: TSIRC, TSRA, Griffith University
Funding: Griffith University (Cities Research Institute, Climate Action Beacon, Industry and External Engagement Office)

Number of books distributed?
Community feedback?
Where the book is being used (schools, libraries, etc.)?
Any measurable changes in community behavior or awareness?]

Key Learnings

This project demonstrated that effective water management in Indigenous communities requires:

Community-led approaches rather than top-down prescriptive strategies
Cultural integration connecting water conservation to Caring for Country
Intergenerational engagement with children as advocates for change
Collaborative partnerships that respect and center Indigenous knowledge
Long-term capacity building within communities

The success of Aunty Mati shows how technical water challenges can be addressed through culturally-informed, community-led approaches—a replicable model for water utilities and councils working with diverse communities nationwide.

Partners: Griffith University, TSIRC, TSRA
Location: Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait)
Years: 2021-2022
Book Availability: Available for download on the Griffith website – www.griffith.edu.au/research/sciences/institute-human-environmental-resilience/themes/iknow-weknow/aunty-mati

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Harold The Hungry Toilet

Andrew Hanifin — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 01:24:40 +0000

The Challenge

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia faced an unexpected infrastructure crisis. As toilet paper shortages swept the nation, many households turned to wet wipes as an alternative. Unlike toilet paper, wet wipes don’t dissolve in water—instead, they become caught up in sewer infrastructure, creating massive blockages and costly maintenance issues for water utilities.

This wasn’t just a pandemic problem. Water utilities across Australia continually face blockages and system damage from inappropriate items being flushed down toilets. The challenge? How do you create lasting awareness about the do’s and don’ts of what goes down the toilet in a way that engages families and changes behavior?

The Opportunity

Having always wanted to write a children’s book, I saw an opportunity to combine my passion for storytelling with an urgent community need. During my Certificate IV in Leadership course, I presented the book concept, and it resonated immediately. Working with UnityWater’s communications and marketing department, we brought “Harold the Hungry Toilet” to life.

The Solution

llustrated by Sunshine Coast local artist Kirstin Gail, “Harold the Hungry Toilet” transforms a technical infrastructure challenge into an engaging bedtime story. Harold brings personality and humor to wastewater education, helping children understand what should and shouldn’t go down the loo—without lecturing or scaring them.

The book addresses the core issues:

What items belong in the sewage system (spoiler: very few!)
Why wet wipes and other items cause problems
How children can help protect their community’s infrastructure
The importance of using only toilet paper

Launch & Reception

Launched in celebration of World Toilet Day, Harold has become a well-loved bedtime story for families throughout the UnityWater service area. The book’s playful approach helps children understand what should and shouldn’t go down the loo in a way that’s engaging rather than preachy.

From Crisis to Education

What started as a COVID-19 pandemic response became a lasting educational resource. By creating awareness during a crisis moment when the issue was highly visible, we captured community attention and created a tool that continues to educate new families years later.

Number of books distributed?
Community feedback?
Where the book is being used (schools, libraries, etc.)?
Any measurable changes in community behavior or awareness?]

Key Learnings

This project demonstrated that technical infrastructure challenges can be solved through creative community engagement. By making the message accessible to children through storytelling, we created advocates who influence household behavior and help protect our wastewater systems.

Client: UnityWater
Collaborators: Kirstin Gail (Illustrator)
Year: 2020
Book Availability: Available for download on the UnityWater website – www.unitywater.com/community/education/activity-zone

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