About Richard Tonkin
As Managing Director of the Bulbeck Group, which includes CleanaWater, Richard Tonkin oversees the strategic direction, growth, and performance of the business. With more than 30 years of leadership and operational experience across building, manufacturing, retail, and environmental solutions, Richard brings a unique blend of technical expertise and commercial insight to his role.
Richard focuses on empowering people, fostering innovation, building strong client partnerships, and ensuring the delivery of sustainable, high-quality solutions across all industries CleanaWater serves. His leadership approach bridges innovation and practicality, driving results that support both clients and the environment.
Throughout his career, Richard has guided teams to expand capabilities across Australia and internationally, delivering integrated water treatment systems to clients in mining, construction, industrial, and retail sectors. He has also played a key role in strengthening Bulbeck Group’s culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Among his favourite projects are the ongoing development of CleanaWater’s water recycling systems and the significant advances in modular wash bays. Seeing these products evolve into industry-leading solutions that deliver real value for customers is one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.
At CleanaWater, Richard finds inspiration in the team’s passion for solving complex problems. Every project brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate, and seeing ideas progress from concept to commissioning is what he finds most rewarding.
Outside of work, Richard is a keen photographer with a love for capturing natural landscapes. He is also a long-time member and volunteer at his local rugby club, the Wanderers, where he has been involved from junior levels through to senior competition and community roles.
Richard is known for his approachable leadership style, strategic mindset, and commitment to creating sustainable outcomes. These qualities continue to drive CleanaWater and the Bulbeck Group forward.
