Australian Water Association

01/06/2026

This week in water, major infrastructure partnerships, regional resilience and circular economy initiatives are helping shape the sector’s future across Australia.

💧 Jacobs and Stantec have been appointed as engineering services partner for Greater Western Water’s five-year Infrastructure Planning and Delivery Program across Melbourne’s growing western region.

💧 Gippsland Water says its supply systems remain in a strong position despite forecasts of below-average winter rainfall, with ongoing infrastructure investment and healthy storage levels supporting resilience across the region.

💧 Unitywater is progressing plans for a new bioresource recovery facility designed to convert biosolids into reusable biochar products.

👉 Catch up on these stories and more: https://hubs.la/Q04j7k350

Water sector updates on Ozwater’26, infrastructure partnerships, drought response, biosolids recovery and regional water resilience initiatives.

01/06/2026

Want to play a key role in managing the infrastructure behind Melbourne’s essential water services? This week’s Job of the Week is with Melbourne Water – joining their team as Asset Manager, based across Docklands and the Eastern Treatment Plant.
https://hubs.la/Q04j7wt20

In this role, you’ll provide technical expertise across critical water and sewerage assets, helping drive asset performance, lifecycle optimisation, and maintenance strategy improvements. From pumping stations and pipelines to treatment facilities and electrical infrastructure, you’ll play a key role in supporting reliable, efficient, and future-ready essential services for Melbourne’s growing community.

With flexible working arrangements, hands-on site engagement, and the opportunity to work across diverse infrastructure assets, this is a fantastic opportunity for engineers passionate about asset management and operational excellence.

Apply now or explore more roles on Careers in Water:
https://hubs.la/Q04j7BHK0

Want your role seen by the right people? Advertise on Careers in Water and reach professionals actively working across Australia’s water sector. Corporate Members receive complimentary job postings via the Member Hub. Not a Corporate Member? Complete the New Employer Profile Form on our website and we’ll guide you through the process.
https://hubs.la/Q04j7M-f0

29/05/2026

may be over, but we’re still thinking about the Volunteers Morning Tea hosted at the AWA stand and all the incredible people who help make the conference possible.

The morning tea was an opportunity for us to thank our volunteer network for their dedication, support and hard work throughout the year.

Their energy, professionalism and generosity is felt across every corner of AWA, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything they contributed to the Australian water community.

To all our volunteers: thank you!


..
Thank you to our Principal Sponsors: John Holland and Autodesk

29/05/2026

As continues, conversations across the sector are focusing on how reconciliation can move beyond commitment and into meaningful action.

One of the standout discussions from was the session hosted by WSAA exploring how utilities are embedding Reconciliation Action Plans into everyday operations, strengthening cultural capability and building genuine partnerships with First Peoples communities.

The session featured Taylor Hayward, First Nations Lead at WSAA, alongside representatives from across the sector, including from Icon Water and Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, who shared honest reflections on the challenges and progress involved in building stronger relationships with community.

Discussing the journey between Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Icon Water, Ngunnawal Kamilaroi custodian Richie Allan said: “Reconciliation is about doing things together. It’s about putting yourself in uncomfortable positions, challenging yourself and walking alongside community – not leaning on Aboriginal people to do the work for you.”

“Sometimes you have to fail to succeed. It's needed to create a turning point where there is honest reflection, accountability and a willingness to rebuild relationships with community.”

The discussion also highlighted WSAA’s First Nations Water Program and the importance of long-term collaboration, accountability and community-led outcomes in advancing reconciliation across the water sector.

As we reflect on National Reconciliation Week, we’re proud to continue supporting conversations that create stronger partnerships, shared learning and better water outcomes for communities across Australia.


..
Thank you to our Principal Sponsors: John Holland and Autodesk

28/05/2026

That’s a wrap on 👏

Over three incredible days, the Australian water community came together to share ideas, celebrate achievements, tackle challenges and help shape the future of water.

To every presenter, volunteer, delegate, exhibitor, sponsor and supporter, thank you for making Ozwater’26 such a memorable week. The collaboration, passion and sense of community were felt in every session, conversation and connection across the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This year, we were also honoured to celebrate National Reconciliation Week alongside the AWA community, creating space for important conversations around Country, culture, inclusion and the role of Traditional Knowledge in shaping our shared water future.

And while Ozwater’26 may be over, the conversations and momentum certainly are not.

Next stop: Sydney for 🌊
Will you be joining us?


..
Thank you to our Principal Sponsors: John Holland and Autodesk

28/05/2026

One of the conversations shaping the future of water took centre stage in the Education Hub yesterday at : how do we make water a career of choice?

Bringing together voices from across industry, education and workforce development, the panel explored the challenges and opportunities facing the sector as it works to attract, retain and support the next generation of water professionals.

The session featured Dr Sandra Hall, CEO of Water Stewardship Asia Pacific; Soyun Punyadasa, Founder of STEMnify and Co-Founder of CMP Consulting Group; Toni Veronese, Associate Director Service Delivery at Cairns Regional Council; David Cameron, Industry Engagement Lead – Water at BuildSkills Australia; and Cassandra Mai, Senior Process Engineer at WSP and Chair of the Queensland Young Water Professionals Committee.

Opening the discussion, Dr Sandra Hall posed a challenge to both the panel and audience: “How do we make water jobs sexy?"

Soyun Punyadasa said: "We have not done a great job advocating the critical nature of our profession. This is a profession for all and for always.”

"We go into communities, do our work, get out, without causing any disruption. We should start switching the narrative and talking about the great work that we do. People want to help save this planet and they want to join the fight. To make this work sexy, we need to point to that purpose," he said.

A big thank you to the Careers in Water Program Founding Partners for supporting these critical conversations and helping drive the future of water careers in Australia.


..
Thank you to our Education Program Sponsor: Fulton Hogan
Thank you to our Principal Sponsors: John Holland and Autodesk

28/05/2026

Celebrating commitment to the water community is one of our favorite things to do ✨

At , we’re recognising long-standing dedication to our sector by celebrating AWA members reaching major membership milestones.

This year, 91 commemorative membership pins are being presented to members, recognising decades of contribution, leadership and commitment to the Australian water sector.

A special congratulations to:

Adam Medlock | 10 year member
Bronwyn Colledge (bee Butler) | 10 year member
David Merritt | 20 year member
Daniel Visser | 20 year member
Chris Hartley | 20 year member
Mike Williamson | 50 year member

We’re proud to celebrate the people whose ongoing support and involvement continue to strengthen the AWA community and help shape the future of water in Australia.


..
Thank you to our Principal Sponsors: John Holland and Autodesk

28/05/2026

The final day of opened with a remarkable keynote from internationally renowned tunnelling expert Professor Arnold Dix.

Widely recognised for his leadership during the 2023 Silkyara-Barkot Tunnel rescue in India, where 41 workers were trapped underground for 17 days, Professor Dix shared a powerful story of courage, teamwork and determination under extraordinary pressure.

A barrister, geologist, engineer and globally respected expert in tunnel safety and crisis management, Professor Dix is known around the world as the person called when challenges are at their most complex.

Blending technical expertise with humanity, compassion and calm leadership, his keynote was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with purpose and hope.

“There’s no substitute for our wisdom, for our own observations, for our own assessment and judgement.”

Reflecting on the rescue mission, Professor Dix said the goal had remained clear from the beginning: “41 men are coming home, and no one else is going to be hurt. That’s the mission.”

His closing message to the water sector was equally powerful: “Life and water are intertwined. If you convey that to the world, the young will come. This generation wants a better future.”

An unforgettable way to begin our final day of connection, learning and inspiration at Ozwater’26.


..
Thank you to our Principal Sponsors: John Holland and Autodesk

28/05/2026

The AWA stand was filled with colour, connection and important conversations as Pride in Water hosted Rainbow Bites & Big Ideas at .

With rainbow cupcakes, new connections and plenty of discussion throughout the session, the event brought together LGBTIQA+ water professionals and allies from across the sector in a welcoming and inclusive space.

Attendees had the opportunity to connect with leaders working to strengthen inclusion across the industry, learn more about creating safer and more supportive workplaces, and hear about Pride in Water’s growing network, events and sector initiatives.

Pride in Water continues to play an important role in helping build a water sector where LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, valued and included, and today’s event was a great reminder of the power of visibility, allyship and community.


..
Thank you to our Principal Sponsors: John Holland and Autodesk

27/05/2026

During the Australian Water Partnership (AWP) sponsored International Stream at , more than 60 delegates from across the Pacific, Southeast Asia and Australia came together for a collaborative workshop focused on climate resilience and adaptation in the water sector.

Participants from the ADB Pacific Water Knowledge Exchange Program and Cambodia’s CAPRED program worked alongside regional water leaders supported by AWP to attend to explore the real-world risks climate change and disasters are creating for utilities and communities across the Asia-Pacific.

Through facilitated discussions, delegates examined barriers to action, practical resilience strategies, governance and investment challenges, and the role of local and Indigenous knowledge in strengthening adaptation efforts.

The workshop generated practical, action-oriented insights that will help inform a broader Asia-Pacific Water Resilience Joint Statement to inspire critical investment in the sector.

A huge thank you to the facilitators, scribes and participants who brought openness, expertise and honest conversation to the room. And a particular thank you to Busselton Water, Townsville City Council, Veolia, Goulburn Valley Water, Bronwyn Powell and the International Water Centre, and Melita Grant from UTS-ISF for their support of this work.


..
Thank you to our Principal Sponsors: John Holland and Autodesk