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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Recognising  water career excellence

Open to AWA members and corporate member employees, our state and national water awards recognise outstanding individual achievementNominate yourself, or colleagues and business partners driving a sustainable water future. 

Conditions of Entry


 

 

Young Water Professional of the Year

Young Water Professional of the Year

Overview

Awarded to an exceptional young water professional aligned with AWA’s purpose of inspiring and driving a sustainable water future. 

Thank you to Xylem for supporting the Young Water Professional award across the country and your commitment to recognising water achievements.  

State and territory Young Water Professionals of the Year compete at the national awards.  

Eligibility

This award is open to all Professional AWA Members and Employees of Corporate AWA Members aged 35 or younger when nomination is submitted. 

Conditions of Entry

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Judging Criteria

  • Displayed an exemplary personal and professional contribution to water 
  • Shown initiative, motivation and passion and has made an impact on water 
  • Recognised as a leader and visionary amongst colleagues, peers and the community.

Closing Date

  • QLD – 4 August 2023
  • NT – 3 August 2023
  • VIC – 17 August 2023
  • WA – 24 August 2023
  • SA – 1 September 2023
  • TAS – 15 September 2023
  • ACT – 16 November 2023
  • NSW – 16 November 2023

National Sponsor

xylem-logo2

 

 

Water Professional of the Year

Water Professional of the Year

Overview

This award honours individuals who have displayed passion and commitment, while inspiring positive change, over the last 5 years working in water.  

State and territory Water Professionals of the Year compete at the national awards.  

Eligibility

This award is open to all Professional AWA Members and Employees of Corporate AWA Members. 

Conditions of Entry

Click here for more info

Judging Criteria

  • Displayed an exemplary personal and professional contribution to the industry  
  • Recognised for their vision, leadership and influence amongst colleagues and peers  
  • Recognised for fostering diversity, inclusion and equality in the water sector  
  • Recognised as an advocate for the industry and displayed a commitment to community or cross-sectoral outreach.

Closing Date

  • QLD – 4 August 2023
  • NT – 3 August 2023
  • VIC – 17 August 2023
  • WA – 24 August 2023
  • SA – 1 September 2023
  • TAS – 15 September 2023
  • ACT – 16 November 2023
  • NSW – 16 November 2023

 

 

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

Overview

Given to honour AWmembers who have made positive and demonstrable contribution to water in Australia.  

 

Recipients are awarded at an Ozwater plenary session.  

Eligibility

  • AWA members with a minimum of 15 years membership (can be non-continuous)
  • Nominations can only be made by an AWA Branch Committee, two or more Board members, or members of an AWA Specialist Network Committee
  • Nominations are submitted directly to AWA

Conditions of Entry

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Judging Criteria

  • Displayed an exemplary personal and professional contribution in their field  
  • Recognised for leadership and influence amongst colleagues and peers  
  • Recognised for raising the profile of water careers  
  • Held in high esteem for mentoring junior water professionals  
  • Recognised for fostering diversity, inclusion and equality  
  • Recognised for raising community water awareness

Closing Date

26 February 2024

 

Exceptional Service Award

Exceptional Service Award

Overview

This is AWA’s highest individual honour. Awarded in recognition of long and meritorious service, and a positive and demonstrable contribution to the Association. 

 

Award Patron George Goffin worked tirelessly for AWA for many years. He was a Victorian branch committee member and president in the 1950s, before becoming National President in the 1970s for two successive terms. George was editor of the Water Journal for over twenty years.  

 

Recipients are awarded at an Ozwater plenary session.  

Eligibility

  • AWA members with a minimum of 15 years membership  
  • Nominations can only be made by an AWA Branch Committee, two or more Board members, or members of an AWA Specialist Network Committee
  • Nominations are submitted directly to AWA

Conditions of Entry

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Judging Criteria

  • Exceptional service and active personal input to the Association (through a technical contribution or sustained administrative, organisational or leadership activity) 
  • Valuable contribution towards AWA’s strategic objectives 
  • The service of the individual has resulted in positive (and demonstrable) changes in AWA 
  • A demonstrated commitment to be an AWA advocate and build the profile of the Association 

Closing Date

26 February 2024
Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award

Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award (NSW only)

Overview

Honours individuals in NSW working with water who have displayed outstanding passion and commitment in mentoring water professionals above and beyond expectations.   

The award is the legacy of our friend and colleague Kamal Fernando (former Principal Engineer of Water Supply, NSW Water Solutions, NSW Public Works) who sadly passed away unexpectedly in 2014.  

Over 24 years, Kamal made significant contributions to water in NSW. Kamal had a passion for mentoring, and the transfer of his outstanding skills and knowledge has led to many skilled practitioners. Through their work, his contribution continues.  

The award encourages and recognises excellence in water mentoring – a fitting tribute to Kamal’s tireless and generous efforts to share his knowledge. 

Eligibility

This award is open to all Professional AWA Members and Employees of Corporate AWA Members. 

Conditions of Entry

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Judging Criteria

Mandatory:

  • AWA member who has predominately resided and mentored in NSW for at least the last five years 

Desirable:  

  • Demonstrates a long-term commitment to mentoring members and acts as a positive role model, developing trust and respect with the mentee 
  • Assists with a plan to guide the mentee’s future career path, including defining the purpose of the mentoring and the development of any career goals 
  • Facilitates the process of a mentee in acquiring the skills and resources needed to succeed as a professional who is making a significant contribution to the water industry. This may include developing focus areas such as improving effective communication, dealing with workplace challenges, organising work/life balance, increasing self confidence and gaining leadership skills 
  • Acts as a sounding board and advisor to mentees to improve networks, remove barriers to career development, navigate difficult situations in the workplace such as managing conflict, and addressing social inclusion barriers such as diversity and equity.

Closing Date

16 November 2023

 

Interested in becoming a judge?

Expressions of Interest to be a judge for the State and National Awards are open now, so lend your expertise to highlight significant achievements for the year. This is a member-only benefit.

Become a Judge

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


  • Showcase your water achievements and innovations 
  • Share water knowledge 
  • Connect with water peers 
  • Inspire sustainable water practices 
  • Promote your water career and leadership   

All Awards, aside from the Student Water Prize and Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize, are open to AWA members only. Forindividual awards, the nominee must be a current individual AWA Member or an employee of a current Corporate Member. 
 
To enter, nominations must be submitted using the online entry forms. Please note when your relevant State or Territory award submissions close 

Yes, self-nominations are accepted.

All nominations must be submitted via the online nomination form. Please check the relevant award category page to view the requirements to complete the nomination form.

State judging is coordinated by the relevant Member Engagement Manager and committee. Each state convenes a panel of experts to assess the applications. 
 
National judging is coordinated by the National Awards Manager. The panels of experts are approved by the Honours & Awards Sub-committee of the Board to take part in the judging. Each panel includes at least three judges and is chaired by an AWA Board Director. 
 
At both state and national levels, judges score each nominee based on how well they address the award criteria. The panel then meets to review the scoring and discuss the merits of all submissions. Final scoring and ranking is based on a majority vote from all eligible members of the judging panel. 
 
All judges adhere to a code of conduct which includes a policy to prevent conflicts of interest. The judges’ decision is final and no discussion about the merits of entries will be entered into with nominees.

AWA will not cover the costs of your travel, accommodation or attendance at the Ozwater Conference unless specifically stipulated as part of the prize (i.e. Student Water Prize). 
 
A complimentary Ozwater Gala Dinner ticket will be provided to national finalists who choose to sit on the reserved award tables.