Awards Program

The Australian Water Association offers a range of awards at both state and national levels, and plays an important role in promoting the contribution our members make to the industry and community.

The awards not only recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations, they inspire the entire industry to make a positive change and help drive a sustainable water future. 

Aside from the Student awards, all awards are only open to Australian Water Association members. 

2020 National Award Winners

Usually presented at a gala dinner during the AWA’s Ozwater conference, this year the award winners were revealed over two virtual happy hours as part of Ozwater’20 Online.

The first four Organisational awards were announced on Thursday, 11 June; Research Innovation Award, Program Innovation Award, Infrastructure Project Innovation Award and Water Industry Safety Excellence Award - check out the winners.
The final Individual awards were announced on Thursday, 25 June; Best Water E-Journal Paper, Young Water Professional of the Year and Water Professional of the Year - check out the winners.

State Awards Program 2020/21 - Now Open

To enter the National Awards, you must first enter your state or territory Awards Program. Click on your relevant state for details about which awards you can enter and for more information on individual state awards.

ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA National
State winners go on to compete in the National Awards which are announced each year at the Ozwater Gala Dinner. They are profiled in our magazine and across our digital platform. 

Important dates and info

Please refer to the table below for the opening, closing and announcement dates in your state or territory for the 20/21 Awards. 
State Awards Open 26th June 2020 Awards  Close Winners Announced
ACT

- Water Professional of the Year Award
- Young Water Professional of the Year Award
- Student Water Prize
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Metro)
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional)
- Organisational Excellence Award
- R&D Excellence Award

28 August 2020

 24 September 2020
QLD

- Water Professional of the Year Award
- Young Water Professional of the Year Award
- Student Water Prize
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Metro)
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional)
- Organisational Excellence Award
- R&D Excellence Award
- QLD Regional Service Award
- QLD Distinguished Service Award

  24 September 2020 18 November 2020
WA

- Water Professional of the Year Award
- Young Water Professional of the Year Award
- Student Water Prize
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Metro)
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional)
- Organisational Excellence Award
- R&D Excellence Award
- WA Water Sensitive Urban Design (Grahame Heal) Award
- WA Innovating for Sustainable Water and Environmental Outcomes Award

 31 August 2020 23 October 2020

NT

- Water Professional of the Year Award
- Young Water Professional of the Year Award
- Student Water Prize
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Metro)
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional)
- Organisational Excellence Award
- R&D Excellence Award

4 September 2020

8 October 2020 (TBC)

SA

- SA Premier's Water Medal / Water Professional of the Year Award
- Young Water Professional of the Year Award
- Student Water Prize
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Metro)
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional)
- Organisational Excellence Award
- R&D Excellence Award

7 September 2020

* Student Water Prize submissions close 25 September 2020

6 November 2020

TAS

- Water Professional of the Year Award
- Young Water Professional of the Year Award
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional)

1 October 2020

25 November 2020 (TBC)

VIC

- Water Professional of the Year Award
- Young Water Professional of the Year Award
- Student Water Prize
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Metro)
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional)
- Organisational Excellence Award
- R&D Excellence Award

8 October 2020

3 December 2020

NSW

- Water Professional of the Year Award
- Young Water Professional of the Year Award
- Student Water Prize
- Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
- Organisational Excellence Award
- R&D Excellence Award 
- NSW Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award 
- NSWRoger Pettitt Award

20 November 2020

26 February 2021

National Water Industry Safety Excellence Award
 26 February 2021
 Ozwater'21 Gala Dinner

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize
 14 December 2020 Ozwater'21 Gala Dinner











































To enter:
  • Check when your state awards open and close, see table above. Please note that no extensions will be granted after the closing date.
  • Complete the online nomination forms. We recommend you familiarise yourself with the award criteria, and the questions you will be asked in the form prior to completing.
  • Nominations will be entered into the State Awards. The winner at each state level will automatically advance to the national awards.
  • National finalists will be asked to prepare a three-minute video overview of their project/ of the nominee for promotional purposes.

FAQs and conditions of entry


FAQs  Awards program conditions of entry

Should you have any questions please contact us on 02 9436 0055 or email Katie Trevor.