Welcome to AWA!

AWA is the leading water sector body in Australia. Established in 1962, AWA is an independent and not for profit association, providing a voice for water professionals around Australia. We represent thousands of water professionals across all water disciplines. Our membership is diverse and includes engineers, scientists, consultants and environmental experts as well as large water utilities and private sector companies.

GIVEN IN HONOUR OF CHRIS DAVIS

To honour individuals who have displayed a sustained passion and continued commitment to the water industry, and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and influence in the water sector.

This award Combines and replaces earlier awards – the Service Award and the Platypus Award.

Background

After 15 years as the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Water Association, Chris Davis stepped down in June 2007. Chris' legacy to the water community has been recognised in perpetuity through a new water industry award named in his honour.

Chris has taken AWA from a small collective of state and territory branches to a cohesive, vibrant, passionate association servicing members, volunteers and the business demands of funding those services.

Held in high esteem across the water industry, nationally and internationally, Chris is particularly passionate about raising the literacy of water in the community, talent development and fostering careers in water. Chris is renowned for the time he invests in mentoring and supporting people at all stages of their career, from young water professionals to executives and politicians.

Eligibility

Open to all individuals working in, or recently retired from the water industry.

Criteria

Individuals will be respected for both their personal and professional contribution to the Australian and International water sector.
Individuals must be recognised for their leadership and influence amongst their colleagues and peers within the water sector.
Individuals must be recognised for raising the profile of careers in the water industry.
Individuals must be held in high esteem for the mentoring roles they play to junior water industry professionals.
Individuals must be recognised for their contribution to water awareness in the community.

Frequency

Annual

Nominations

Please check your local AWA branch for information regarding relevant state awards. Where relevant branch awards are offered, nominations must initially be forwarded to the branch for the state awards. The AWA National Office will not accept any nominations for these types of awards. State winners will be automatically nominated for the national award.

Where no relevant branch awards are offered, nominations can be submitted directly to the AWA National Office.

Closing date

National office closing date is 30 November. Nominations for branch awards close earlier than the national awards and it is recommended that you check with your local branch for the relevant closing date.

Judging

Judging panel of 3-5 members, consisting of water industry personnel, and the AWA national awards convenor as chair. Judging panel’s decision will be presented to AWA Board for approval.

Awarded at

Ozwater Gala Dinner or separate awards reception

Submitting your Nomination

Submissions should be submitted electronically and must include the following compiled information:

A completed nomination form
An executive summary outlining the main reason for the nomination (maximum 500 words)
Detailed information introducing the nominee and addressing the criteria (maximum 4 A4 pages)
Photo (in jpg or similar format)
Biography (minimum 180 words, maximum 300 words)
Two letters of reference