Fleur Maidment is making possible something most of us take for granted, access to clean drinking water. Since founding Safe Water for Every Child – Myanmar, her team has supplied safe drinking water to nearly 80,000 people. Unfortunately, her work is far from over. 

“There is plenty of urgent work for us to do as the violent civil war in Myanmar continues unabated, with no indication of a resolution anytime soon. The local team works closely with community leaders and people who are fleeing from airstrikes or junta incursions. They monitor their needs and supply water, food, and shelter, as they escape the conflict, hiding in bunkers and the jungle. Like most conflicts, women and children are disproportionally impacted, so their health and well-being are our primary focus.” 

When living in Singapore in 2016, Fleur, with her background in environmental science, and having worked in emergency management, took an interest in the challenges facing Myanmar. She quickly realised access to clean water was a high priority. 

“Helping villagers and displaced people care for their water catchments saves lives. It prevents many of the diseases, such as diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid from spreading. We have established a team of local staff and trained them to test water, install water filters and educate their communities about water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). What started as a small program escalated due to the military coup in February 2021 and we quickly mobilised our staff to give humanitarian assistance to the thousands of people fleeing.” 

An offshoot of the organisation was establishing an English tutoring program during COVID-19. Queen’s jumped on board, matching our students with those on the Thai-Myanmar border so they could continue their English practice while they could not attend school.

 “One of the tutors who volunteered was former college president, Evangelia Wichmann (2021). We travelled together to meet her tutoring student in Thailand, and she stayed on to teach at Thoo Mweh Khee Migrant Learning Centre and work with the Safe Water for Every Child team. In a few short months, she saw a critical need and set up a First Aid and Health Hub for the school, with its 3,1  students and the surrounding community of largely displaced people.

 Education is the linchpin for Fleur.

“Crucially, we are seeing our local team members complete their master’s degrees through Australian and Thai universities. This isn’t just about qualifications; it is about empowering local people to merge science with their essential local and cultural knowledge. Our strategic focus is on building a sustainable, locally-led future. We are pioneering a community-led humanitarian response with the resources and knowledge of international partners.  Ultimately, we hope this model is one small way we can advance a more stable and peaceful future in the region.”

Fleur thanks Queen’s for helping her to help others.

“The focus should not be on me, but rather an acknowledgement that Queen’s has fostered a giving culture. Wyverns everywhere have a strong moral compass to give back, use their knowledge and skills to assist others, and show grit and determination to excel in challenging situations. Through my work with the people of Myanmar, I have been able to connect and tap into the knowledge and networks of other Wyverns, working both in Australia and overseas. Wyverns are generous in their time, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas on how to solve some of the world’s most difficult problems, and I am grateful for that.” 

Fleur, with husband Daniel Moorfield (Wyvern 1989) sponsor the Outer Metropolitan Scholarship.

Link to Safe Water for Every Child:

https://linktr.ee/SafeWater_Myanmar

Queen’s congratulates and thanks Fleur for her work towards providing safe drinking water for thousands of people. The Queen’s College community is proud to have Fleur Maidment as the 2025 Wyvern of the Year.