ABOUT US
Connect with Australia’s largest water network
The Australian Water Association connects people, businesses and governments creating a sustainable water future. Through our local, national and international network of 5,000 individual and business members we share information and opportunities, and connect to inspire positive change.
Events, awards and specialist networks position our members as leaders in innovative water management. Build a career or build a business with support from our water community.
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Who are AWA members
Water utilities and authorities Local, state and federal government agencies
Regulators
Energy providers
Universities and research organisations
Manufacturers and suppliers
Laboratories and water testing companies
Mining and resources
Agriculture, aquaculture and irrigation
Technology and IoT companies
Infrastructure partners
Specialist contractors
Consulting and advisory companies
OUR HISTORY
Since 1962 we’ve connected people and organisations working with water.
1960s – An Association begins
The Australian Water and Wastewater Association creates 4 branches (QLD, NSW, VIC, SA) with post-war installation of water and sanitation high on the agenda. The 1st Federal Convention held in 1964
1970s – The water network grows
3 more branches added (WA, TAS, NT)
1980s – Open membership
1st AWWA Executive Director appointed, Peter Hughes and membership open to anyone interested in water
1990s – Ozwater is born
15th Federal Convention held on the Gold Coast with the exhibition titled Ozwater. AWWA dropped wastewater to become the Australian Water Association (AWA)
2000s – Expanding networks
AWA registered as a company with Specialist Networks and the ANZBP formed. IWA Australia Committee recognised as a branch of AWA
2010s – Building strong connections
1st delegation to Vietwater, Channeling Change program launched and Strategy’22 introduced.
2020s – Challenge, change, and 60 years of AWA
In person Ozwater cancelled for the first time and the first Ozwater online held. Ozwater’21 returns as the largest business event in Australia since COVID began. In 2022 we celebrate 60 years of advocating for people and organisations working with water and committed to a sustainable water future.
STRATEGY'25
Developed by and for AWA members, Strategy’25 is our three-year strategic and 10 year aspiration plan – supporting our vision to inspire and drive a sustainable water future.
Strategy'25 was developed with our members, focusing on our key areas of member experience, water for sustainable and resilient communities, and Indigenous and community collaboration.
INDIGENOUS WATER & RECONCILIATION
We're committed to promoting and developing activities that improve the understanding of indigenous culture and connection to water and Country.
We understand that greater and more meaningful engagement and collaboration with First Nations people is required to achieve a sustainable water future. And as such, we are proud to say the following are now part of our core activities:
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- Focussed articles and content shared with members
- Welcome or Acknowledgement to Country features at all events
- An indigenous keynote speaker is now an integral part of Ozwater,
- Indigenous scholarships have been made available,
- NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week is celebrated each year
We will be taking the opportunity to showcase the significant artwork of our Principal Members, RAPs at Ozwater and their commitment to reconciliation.
OUR TEAM
The AWA is led by a CEO and Senior Leadership Team with team members across the country.
CEO - Corinne Cheeseman
CEO since May 2020, Corinne has more than 20 years of water business experience. Corinne leads the team in championing change, driving digital transformation and delivering strategic objectives. She reports to the Board of Directors.
OUR BOARD & GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
The Association’s Board ensures we fulfil our purpose and is ultimately accountable for the sustainability, solvency and legal obligations of the Association.
The skills-based Board meets at least 6 times a year. All Directors are AWA members from nomination through their term of office.
Strategic Advisory Council
The Strategic Advisory Council (SAC) consists of two representatives from each AWA branch and one representative from each Sustaining Member organisation. The SAC selects Directors for ratification at the AGM and assists in the development of our strategy.
Governance
Australian Water Association Limited is a company limited by guarantee and a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
AWA operates under a constitution, supporting by-laws, and in line with policies and procedures.
Nominate to become an AWA Director
The Australian Water Association (AWA) Board is a skills-based Board elected by the Strategic Advisory Council (SAC) every two years. The SAC comprises members appointed to represent the Branches and Sustaining Members.
AWA members are invited to nominate for a position on the Board for a 2-year term commencing May 2023. Directors selected by the SAC will be declared and ratified at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 17 November 2022.
The AWA Board shall be no less than six (6) and no more than nine (9) directors subject to Clause 14.2 of AWA’s Constitution. Of the 9 available positions on the Board at least four (4) re-nominating Directors, including the President and President Elect, must be re- appointed to the board, subject to ratification at annual general meeting. The SAC will select the Board in accordance with Clauses 14.3 and 14.4 of the Constitution.
BOARD SUBCOMMITTEES
Chair: Kevin Werksman
Members: Dan Sullivan, Chris Bulloch and Peter Dennis
AWA Executive Sponsor: Kylie Hawker
Chair: Sandra Hall
Members: Kevin Werksman, Clare Porter, Eric Vanweydeveld and Shelley Shepherd
AWA Executive Sponsor: Rachael Corby
The Australian Water Awards Assessment Panel supports the MX Subcommittee of the Board.
Chair: Peter Dennis
Members: Sandra Hall, Shelley Shepherd and Clare Porter
AWA Executive Sponsor: Corinne Cheeseman
Chair: Daniel Sullivan
Members: Peter Dennis, Chris Bulloch, Eric Vanweydeveld and Shelley Shepherd
AWA Executive Sponsor: Sally Armstrong
ANNUAL REPORTS
Our Annual Report and Year in Review provides a snapshot of our strategic and member achievements and include our financial statements.
NOTICE OF AGM
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