Woman who swam in Hume Dam as a child now manages its water for Albury
Jacqui Hickey now leads river management for 1.5 million people across three states, a dam she swam in as a child.
Born and raised in Albury, Jacqui Hickey now leads river management for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, overseeing water for more than 1.5 million people across three states. Jacqui Hickey swam at Hume Dam as a child at a spot called The Pines; her family still jokes about her guarding their water supply.
The Hume Dam was completed in 1936, built with horses stomping out embankments and only ten trucks carrying equipment. Almost a century later, it remains the Border's largest piece of infrastructure.
Some engineers working there now have 45-year careers, following fathers who each spent 45 years at the same dam. The facility continues to serve millions despite design flaws that date back to its construction from the early 1900s.
- 1.5 million
- People served
- 1936
- Completion year
- 17 years
- Construction period
- $60 million
- Upgrade investment
Why it mattersIt shows how infrastructure built generations ago still serves millions and depends on people committed to caring for their community's long-term future.
AustraliaHume Dam supplies water to millions of Australians across three states; its management directly affects households and agriculture across the Murray-Darling region.
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