AWARDS HONOUR ROLL

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS

R&D Excellence Award (Sponsored by WaterRA)
Goyder Institute Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin Research Program - Department for Environment and Water, Flinders University, The University of Adelaide, The University of South Australia, and other contributing organisations

The Goyder Institute Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin Research Program generated critical knowledge and capability for the future of the Coorong. Involving 72 researchers and 13 organisations in 5 collaborative and transdisciplinary teams, the research is informing management decisions for the Coorong, ensuring that the Coorong continues to provide important ecological, cultural, social and economic values. 

Organisational Excellence Award (Sponsored by Stantec)

Activating South Australia’s Reservoir Reserves for Recreation - SA Water 

Underpinned by the best-available science and supported by leading-edge technologies, opening South Australian reservoir reserves for recreational access has proven that drinking water utilities can play an even broader role supporting the health, sustainability, and prosperity of our community. 

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional) (Sponsored by SMEC)

Jubullum Aboriginal Community Water Project - Department of Planning and Environment, Clarence Valley Council and EcoTeam 

Safe, clean, reliable drinking water was delivered to the Aboriginal community of Jubullum, which suffered critical water supply challenges after a series of natural disasters. The Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program worked closely with residents to build new water infrastructure and implement a culturally led water efficiency and leak repair campaign, ensuring long-term water solutions. 

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Metro) (Sponsored by SMEC) 

Australia’s First Biosolids Gasification Facility - The Logan Water Partnership: Logan Water, Downer, WSP and Stantec, and ARENA 

Logan Water has pioneered an Australian-first – a facility which transforms biosolids into renewable energy and a sustainable biochar. Biosolids gasification destroys chemicals like persistent organic pollutants and micro and nano-plastics, while reducing carbon emissions by about 6,000 tonnes a year. It also saves operating costs and creates a new revenue stream for Logan City.  

Water Industry Safety Excellence Award (Sponsored by WSAA )

Epsom Main Sewer Relining - Melbourne Water 

Melbourne Water rehabilitated the Epsom Road Main Sewer by installing a bespoke mechanical plug and bypass network, diverting flows and enabling relining with Cured in Place Pipe. These safety initiatives delivered positive worker health and safety outcomes and reduced the project duration and community impact. 

Customer Experience Award (Sponsored by WSAA)

Leak Alert Program - South East Water 

Southeast Water’s leak alert program is empowering customers who have a digital meter to detect leaks and save money and water. Digital meters allow us to alert customers about continuous water usage. We send them a notification and step them through some simple checks to identify the cause of the potential leak.  

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Water Professional of the Year Award  

Ian Law, Principal, IBL Solutions  

Ian is an internationally recognised and awarded thought leader. He is described as the embodiment of professional excellence in urban water solutions, an ambassador for the water industry, and is dedicated to building a secure water future for all. 

Young Water Professional of the Year Award (Sponsored by Xylem)

Chelsea Hayward, Senior Process Engineer, Jacobs  

Chelsea strives to use her technical capabilities and excellent people skills for good. She is driven to give back to her community, bettering the lives of all through access to clean water and sanitation. She is well connected across the water industry and is an ardent learner and considered mentor. 

Best Water E-Journal Paper – In honour of Guy Parker

Evaluating and Comparing Circular Economy options in Yarra Valley Water’s 2030 Strategy  

Authors: Lisa Ehrenfried, Jodie Bricout, Tim Grant and Francis Pamminger 

This paper delves into the innovative strategy that resulted in the development of a circular baseline analysis framework specially adapted for water utilities and identified new opportunities that go far beyond the water cycle impacts and benefits. 

STUDENT AWARDS

Student Water Prize (Sponsored by Guidera O’Connor)

Turning Waste into a Resource: Developing Novel End-Use Pathways for Water Treatment Sludge 

Minh Duc Nguyen, Deakin University  

Minh Duc Nguyen has recently completed his PhD on a collaborative research project between Water Research Australia, Deakin University and Barwon Water to develop innovative technologies to reuse and manage water treatment sludge. Minh Duc was awarded the 2020 Nancy Millis Memorial PhD Award and an Australia Award in 2013. 

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Sponsored by Xylem)

SolarCyanoSlayer - An Eco-Friendly Elimination of Cyanobacteria 

Mikayla Rodger, Meriden School 

Raised in a Wiradjuri family, the interrelation between conserving water to preserve country has always been apparent to Mikayla. The 15-year old’s scientific curiosity drew her to this project that investigates how cyanobacteria threaten farmer’s water sources and the food we eat.  

The SolarCyanoSlayer was made to eliminate reproduction of cyanobacteria in standing and eutrophicated waterbodies using solar-powered circulation, filtration, and oxygenation. 

Mikayla goes on to represent Australia at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden. 

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS  

R&D Excellence Award (Sponsored by WaterRA)

The Department for Environment and Water, CSIRO Flinders University, The University of Adelaide and The University of South Australia’s; Goyder Institute for Water Research - Second Term Research Program  

The Goyder Institute collaboration delivered high-quality, independent research to inform priority government policies. The research is supporting the wellbeing of First Nations; delivering economic outcomes through sustainable use of recycled water and the discovery of new outback water; increasing carbon sequestration; and improving the health of the River Murray.  

Organisational Excellence Award (Sponsored by Stantec)

Barwon Water’s Aboriginal Employment and Retention Strategy Project  

The strategy is a key commitment under the Barwon Water Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. At the heart of this framework is understanding and embedding Aboriginal Cultural Values and the holistic wellbeing of Aboriginal Peoples. It provides the foundations for creating and delivering culturally appropriate, respectful and meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal employees.  

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional) (Sponsored by SMEC)  

Torres Strait Island Regional Council’s, Mer (Murray) Island Water Network Management Program 

Following the successful implementation of an integrated leak reduction and network management approach conducted by the Torres Strait Island Council, the remote Mer (Murray) Island community in the Torres Straits has had strict water restrictions lifted for the first time in 20 years. The program was also in collaboration with Assetlife Alliance, Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs and Torres Strait Regional Authority.  

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Metro) (Sponsored by SMEC)  

SA Water, KBR and Aurecon’s SA Water’s Zero Cost Energy Future Program 

SA Water’s industry-leading Zero Cost Energy Future is a highly innovative approach to the optimisation of energy generation and use. Solar PV and battery storage at multiple locations works with sophisticated technology that manages the use and export of electricity to reduce operating costs and improve the sustainability of services. This project was also in collaboration with KBR, Aurecon Enerven and Clutch Consulting. 

Water Industry Safety Excellence Award (Sponsored by WSAA) 

Logan Water, Downer, and Mass Products’ project: Lock It In: An Innovation for Safer Network Isolations  

Logan Water, Downer and Mass Products have engineered an innovative isolation lock for buried water valves. The lock enables physical control of a water network isolation; providing confidence that hazardous stored energy is controlled while maintenance occurs. It fits common B and D class valve boxes and is commercially available. 

Customer Experience Award (Sponsored by WSAA)

SA Water's Our Customers Program  

Drawing on customer feedback and insights, the Our Customers program is building and strengthening SA Water’s customer-focused culture. It is helping improve customer experiences and outcomes by building connections between customers and our people across the organisation.  

INDIVIDUAL  AWARDS

Water Professional of the Year Award

Eamonn Kelly, General Manager, Major Program Delivery at Melbourne Water  

General Manager, Major Program Delivery, Melbourne Water by day.  

Social justice champion by night.  

Eamonn Kelly, is a visionary who leads by example. From safety, delivery, sustainability and social value, Eamonn continues to leave his mark - not only on the water sector, but more importantly on the lives of many in our State and Country.  

Young Water Professional of the Year Award (Sponsored by Xylem)

Michael Carter, Principal Process Engineer at Hunter H2O 

Michael is a passionate and inspiring young principal engineer, with a vision for all water supplies across regional NSW to be safe and resilient. Still a farm boy at heart, his regional background has cultivated meaningful impact throughout the water industry and has inspired collaboration across divisions.   

Best Water E-Journal Paper – In honour of Guy Parker

A Strategy to Go Beyond Zero Carbon  

Authors: Simon Prunster, Glenn Wilson, Francis Pamminger  

The paper provides a case study of how a water utility can go beyond zero carbon. A portfolio of examples is provided, grouped together under energy efficiency, renewable energy and carbon valuation, all framed within a business strategy. Importantly, this example from Yarra Valley Water also highlights that it is possible for a water utility to go beyond zero carbon in a financially viable way. 

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Sponsored by Xylem)

Julia Cummins from PLC Sydney with her project:  Why Silver Might Not be Gold in Water  

Julia grew up asking questions about the world and has a keen interest in environmental issues. In 2019, she received a scholarship to present her research on nanosilver pollution to a global community of students at the International Student Science Conference.   

Her project, “Why Silver Might Not be Gold in Water”, addressed the issue of nanosilver releases into the environment by investigating a minimum concentration of nanosilver which causes toxicity to the aquatic organism Daphnia magna.   

She advocates strongly for young people - particularly women in STEM, and is now pursuing her dream to become a doctor.  

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS  

R&D Excellence Award (Sponsored by WaterRA)

Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment  - CSIRO and collaborators, supported by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Authority  

This project undertook the most extensive interdisciplinary study of the potential for agricultural development in northern Australia, providing a new standard in modelling of water and agriculture resources at scale, supported by intensive data analysis. The wealth of new publicly available information will help support industry, governments, and communities to make decisions about water and agricultural development in northern Australia. 

Organisational Excellence Award (Sponsored by Stantec)

Wara Paring Indigenous Civil Construction Project - Aqua Metro Services and Melbourne Water  

This project is a 100% Indigenous-owned training initiative to create and support sustainable Aboriginal businesses in the water industry. The initiative involves supporting a sustainable pipeline of young Aboriginal workers and providing employment, training, and development opportunities in a work environment that is culturally safe and supportive. The structured training plan can be replicated in any industry, and the hope is to inspire others to create positive, lasting, cultural change. 

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional) (Sponsored by SMEC)  

Port Stewart Water Supply - Arup and Centre for Appropriate Technology  

This innovative and collaborative initiative helped build a cyclone-proof, safe, clean, and reliable drinking water supply for the Lamalama people, the Traditional Custodians of Princess Charlotte Bay in Far North Queensland. Arup provided probono support to Indigenous Organisations; Centre of Appropriate Technology and Yintjingga Aboriginal Corporation to build the system, which was facilitated by Engineers Without Borders Australia. 

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Metro) (Sponsored by SMEC)  

Deriving Value Through Remote Access to Asset Information - CH2M Beca and Western Water  

The Asset Information Management System enriches the physical attributes of an operational site with the technical knowledge of existing asset data. CH2M Beca developed this innovative and industry-leading digital engineering tool, enabling better, more informed decisions by facilitating business continuity and remote asset access to the right information and the right people at the right time. 

Water Industry Safety Excellence Award (Sponsored by WSAA)

Confined Space Entry Simulator - Melbourne Water and Deakin University  

Melbourne Water along with their partners at Deakin University have built a world first simulator which will change how people perceive and receive training forever. The immersive experience provides an engaging way to learn about what good, confined space entry preparation looks like and why it is necessary - before giving trainees the opportunity to see, feel and smell what it’s like to be lowered by a harness into a live sewer 

Customer Experience Award (Sponsored by WSAA)

Customer Experience Program - Barwon Water  

In February, Barwon Water’s customers rated them as number one for trust, reputation, value for money and satisfaction. This is testament to their strong customer focus and success of their Customer Experience program, which has been founded on extensive customer and employee engagement, bringing to life their CX Brand, “I care, We Care”. In this category, Icon Water and Southern Rural Water also received High Commendations. Icon Water for the Becoming Visible Program and their efforts to strengthen the connection between their people and the community. Whilst Southern Rural Water's $160 Million MID2030 Modernisation Program that is transforming the 100-year-old Macalister Irrigation District was also recognised for its environmental benefits and efficiencies. 

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Water Professional of the Year Award

Dr Annette Davidson  

Annette is the embodiment of professional excellence in water quality risk governance and is an ambassador for the water industry who is dedicated to building a secure water quality future for all. Throughout her career, Annette’s passion for a risk-based approach to water safety has changed the industry focus from end-point testing to a preventative approach. She has innovated within and beyond her own company and sector, founding 3 organisations over the last 5 years to help improve and transform water quality data and information governance, leading to tangible public health outcomes and achievement of SDG 6.7. 

Young Water Professional of the Year Award (Sponsored by Xylem)  

Simon Roberts  

Simon has expertise in planning, design, strategy, law, and policy and proactively seeks to develop the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to make a positive impact on the water sector. He is passionate about Integrated Water Management and Water Sensitive Urban Design and is the driving force behind the creation and rapid growth of Our Future Cities. Simon is making an incredibly significant contribution to the advancement of sustainable water management through his various roles. 

Best Water e-Journal Paper – In honour of Guy Parker  

Contaminants of emerging concern  

Authors: Laura Kuskopf, Dr. Madoc Sheehan and Anna Whelan  

This paper presents information on an increasingly important topic for many water authorities responsible for wastewater treatment and discharge. Using the Cleveland sewage treatment plant in Townsville, the authors outlined a technical road map for the design of a targeted sampling and analytical program which detects the thousands of contaminants of emerging concern potentially present in discharged wastewaters. 

STUDENT AWARDS

Student Water Prize (Sponsored by Guidera O’Connor) 

Zhiyao Wang, University of Queensland  

Zhiyao is a final year Ph.D. student focusing on the development of novel processes for efficient nitrogen removal from wastewater and advanced digestion of waste activated sludge. Zhiyao’s research contributes to the sustainability of the wastewater industry by developing new technologies that significantly reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of wastewater and sludge treatment. 

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Sponsored by Xylem) 

Annabelle Strachan, Meriden School  

Annabelle’s study investigated the feasibility of a bio-flocculant as an accessible, safe, affordable and environmentally friendly option to reduce turbidity. Using a combination of dried lemon peel and chitosan, Annabelle tested different concentrations to find the optimal dosages to reduce turbidity. The bio-flocculant identified offered an affordable treatment option for those with limited access to clean water while being environmentally friendly and offering no adverse health effects sometimes associated with flocculation. 

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS  

Research Innovation Award (Sponsored by Water Research Australia) 

Innovative Sensor Suites and Intelligent Robotics for Condition Assessment of Concrete Sewers - University of Technology Sydney and Sydney Water 

Sydney Water, in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney, has developed innovative sensing and robotic toolkits that advance capability for assessing the condition of concrete sewerage pipes. The technology provides crucial data, informing timely decisions to save renewal costs and prevent harm to the environment, health and economic activity. 

Program Innovation Award

Flows for the Future - Department for Environment and Water   
Communities and industries need healthy water catchments. The Flows for the Future Program aims to improve the health and resilience of catchments in the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges. Collaborating with landholders and industry, the program funds the design and restoration of “low flows” on dams and watercourse diversions, restoring natural flows throughout stream systems. 

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Sponsored by SMEC)

Yarra Valley Water Waste to Energy Project - Yarra Valley Water 

The Waste to Energy project is a key part of Yarra Valley Water’s strategy to embrace renewables and help keep bills stable for customers at a time when the cost of living is a challenge. The facility contributes to their ambitious, self-imposed target to generate 100% of their own renewable energy by 2025 to reduce reliance on coal-fired electricity and minimise greenhouse gas emissions. 

Water Industry Safety Excellence Award (Sponsored by WSAA)

Ventia’s Mechanical and Electrical Contract to Yarra Valley Water   

Ventia’s Mechanical and Electrical team working on Yarra Valley Water’s network has successfully implemented a new, safer procedure for upgrading tertiary filter media at wastewater plants. This innovative approach greatly reduces dust suppression as well as eliminating the risks previously associated with completing the task, including working at heights and in a confined space. 

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Water Professional of the Year Award

Daryl Ross, Acting Director, Road and Water Infrastructure, Logan City Council 

Daryl Ross is one of the quiet achievers of the Queensland water industry; a calm, strategic, compassionate voice across his 43 years as a water engineer and leader. Among his many achievements, he helped create the first non-statutory regional plan for South East Queensland, led the strategic response to the Millennium Drought and transformed two water businesses. 

Ross’ willingness to share learnings with the broader industry is having an immediate and lasting impact on our sector and he is a very deserving recipient of the 2020 Water Professional of the Year Award. 

Young Water Professional of the Year Award (Sponsored by Xylem

Dr Paul Satur, Researcher, Monash Water Sensitive Cities, Monash Sustainable Development Institute and Our Future Cities 

Dr Paul Satur is an early career environmental and social science researcher with the Centre for Water Sensitive Cities. He is also Co-Founder of the Our Future Cities organisation. His passion and focus lie in developing the knowledge, tools and influence to foster a socially inclusive and vibrant sustainable water future for everyone. 

With a career spanning just 10 years, Paul has made significant inroads in progressing the sector beyond best practice through innovation and excellence in community engagement, capacity building and empowerment initiatives for a more socially just and inclusive water future. 

Best Water e-Journal Paper – In honour of Guy Parker

Progressing Reconciliation through Indigenous Partnerships within Australian Water Utilities  

Authors: Michael Thomas, David McKinnis and Shu Brown   

This paper explores the deep-time connections that traditional owner nations have had with water in the Corangamite catchment of Victoria. The paper also outlines a range of initiatives that Barwon Water has recently undertaken to develop stronger and more meaningful partnerships with traditional owners. 

Overall, it is hoped this paper will be useful for other water utilities undertaking work in this area, and to inform other sectors how to develop meaningful initiatives that, in their own small way, help contribute to wider national reconciliation efforts. 

STUDENT AWARDS

Student Water Prize (Sponsored by Guidera O’Connor)
Amber Smith and Anthony Cox, University of Adelaide, South Australia:
Is the Installation of Mini Hydropower Turbines into Water Transmission System Pipelines Cost Effective? 

Cox and Smith’s work considered the feasibility of installing a mini hydropower turbine at the Hahndorf dissipator in South Australia. The turbine uses the water’s kinetic energy, which is usually released at the dissipator. These dissipators sit at points in the pipeline where there’s high-pressure build-up, and as the water passes through the dissipator, it goes through a series of control valves, where it’s then sprayed out into its next phase. The mini turbine can convert that wasted energy into potentially up to 1 MW of power, all by using existing infrastructure. Cox and Smith’s research considered the feasibility of the turbine operation in a number of scenarios to ensure the technology was economically viable. Their work considered varying discount rates over a 25-year design life. 

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Sponsored by Xylem) 

Emma Serisier, Bishop Druitt College:
CRACK for the FUTURE: The use of eggshell waste as a bio-adsorbant of phosphates for water and soil quality  

Emma’s study looked at potential biowaste adsorbents to decrease the phosphate run-off into natural waterways from agricultural fertilisers and animal manures. 

Identifying eggshell waste as an effective adsorbent for phosphate, Emma developed a mathematical model and website for farmers to calculate cost savings and application rates of eggshell on their soils. This free and accessible tool will help farmers counteract their environmental footprint. 

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS  

Research Innovation Award

Driving Change from Conservatism to Pragmatism – Better Use of Biosolids and Recycled Water by Using Research to Challenge Guidelines  - South East Water 

Through this project, South East Water explored changes to existing regulations around biosolids and recycled water. Using rigorous research, the project team delivered regulatory changes that significantly streamlined storage requirements for both biosolids and recycled water. These changes are now driving major efficiency gains for the industry both in Australia and beyond. 

Highly commended: UGOLD – A Decentralised Technology for the Removal & Recovery of Valuable Nutrients from Source-Separated Urine 
Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland and Queensland Urban Utilities 

Program Innovation Award (Sponsored by Broadspectrum)

Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek - Melbourne Water 

Melbourne Water’s commitment to working with the community and other agencies to achieve exemplary outcomes is clear in the Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek program. The project has seen measurable on-ground benefits, through the reintroduction of two nationally threatened fish species, and world-leading waterway renewal works. 

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Sponsored by SMEC)

Groundwater Replenishment Scheme - Water Corporation 

As the first water project of its kind in Australia, the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme has made a significant contribution to the country’s long-term security of water supplies, by creating a new climate-independent water source and increasing the capacity to safely and efficiently recycle water. 

Highly commended: Sun and Salt: Logan’s Water Quality Solution 

Logan City Council, Downer, Cardno and WSP 

Water Industry Safety Excellence (Award Sponsored by WSAA)

Potable Robotic Tank Cleaning Program - Watertight Robotics 

Watertight Robotics has developed a world-first technology for online cleaning and inspection of potable water storages. The technology eliminates all requirement for human entry while delivering quality cleaning, water efficiency and cost of execution superior to all traditional methods. 

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Water Professional of the Year Award

Darryl Day, Managing Director, ICE WaRM 

Darryl has dedicated his life to the water sector, as a committed and passionate participant for nearly 40 years, with 35 of these being in service to the Northern Territory Government. His lifelong passion to address access to sanitation and safe drinking water supplies is evident through the endless time he has devoted to improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians and some of the Northern Territory’s most disadvantaged community members. 

In his current role Darryl works with international organisations in the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals by leading collaborative approaches in capacity development. Darryl’s personal commitment to the industry is showcased through his extensive volunteer participation in peak industry bodies, education providers and research institutions and the numerous industry Board’s he has directed. 

Darryl’s efforts have created a lasting legacy which he continues to grow and expand with each working year and he is a highly deserving recipient of the 2019 Water Professional of the Year. 

Highly commended: Kevin Young, Managing Director, Sydney Water 

Young Water Professional of the Year Award (Sponsored by Trility)

Matthew Robertson, Process Engineer, TasWater 

Matthew is an emerging leader driving change, engagement and critical thinking across the water and wastewater portfolio. He has pioneered innovations in water quality risk management and his career highlights to date rival the achievements of many experienced water industry professionals. 

Matthew plays a critical role in improving TasWater’s reputation through his ability to engage with concerned customers during emergency incidents. His calm and mature approach with customers is helping to raise awareness and appreciation of the water industry within the community. He is also a strong advocate for positioning the water sector as an attractive career and is a key ambassador and mentor for TasWater’s cadetship program. 

In only a short time Matthew has already made significant contributions to the industry and is a worthy recipient of the 2019 Young Water Professional of the Year Award. 

Highly commended: Kate Bowker, Senior Technical Advisor – Wastewater Recycling, Water Corporation 

Best Water e-Journal Paper – In honour of Guy Parker

 A New Approach to Assessing Water Quality Risk 

Authors: Stephen Westgate and Matthew Robertson 

This paper highlights the robust model TasWater has developed to assess and manage water quality risk. The visual assessment tool plots the results onto a single chart, to allow for visualisation and prioritisation of water quality risk reduction activities across all 51 of TasWater’s potable drinking water systems. This has allowed for the development of efficient programs of operational improvements and capital upgrades to reduce risk to consumers. This paper is a valuable contribution to water industry knowledge in Australia. 

STUDENT AWARDS

Student Water Prize (Sponsored by Guidera O’Connor)
Florence Choo, University of New South Wales:
Real-time Monitoring of Cyanobacteria: Validation of Fluorometers as a Tool for Optimising Treatment Processes  

Florence is a final year engineering PhD student at UNSW and was a visiting research student at SA Water. Florence is the recipient of the Water RA Nancy Millis Scholarship award and the UNSW Women in Engineering Award. Her work focuses on monitoring cyanobacteria in real-time for drinking water processes. 

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Sponsored by Xylem) 

Macinley Butson, The Illawarra Grammar School:
The SODIS Sticker: Development and testing of a Film based detector system for appropriate Ultraviolet Solar Disinfection (SODIS) of Water 

Macinley has developed the SODIS sticker, an innovative ultraviolet radiation sticker which accurately measures the solar UV exposure required to sanitise drinking water. This is done through a high accuracy transparent UV-sensitive film coupled with a partially UV blocking filter, which allows the SODIS sticker to measure direct UV exposure from the sun and reflected UV from other objects. At just over one cent to produce, it is also a cost-effective and safe way of purifying drinking water for developing communities.

Highly commended: Uriah Daisybell, CAPS Coolgardie:
Deadly Heavy Metals Filter: Using Carbon Coated Mussel Shells and High Magnetic Field Magnet for the Filtration of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Water 

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS  

Research Innovation Award
Purple Phototrophic Bacteria for Resource Recovery from Wastewater  - The University of Queensland and CRC for Water Sensitive Cities (QLD) 

Program Innovation Award

Community Leak Program, Living Water Smart - Power & Water Corporation (NT) 

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award

Sundrop Farms Project - John Holland Group (SA) 

Water Industry Safety Excellence Award

FCD Skyhook Mark 4 -  Fremantle Commercial Diving (WA) 

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Young Water Professional of the Year

Katrin Doederer, Research Fellow, The University of Queensland (QLD) 

Water Professional of the Year 

Best Water e-Journal Paper – In honour of Guy Parker

Understanding Naegleria Fowleri: A Different Type of Pathogen, an Increasing Climate Change Threat 
Author: Clara Laydon 

STUDENT AWARDS

Student Water Prize

Sarah Aucote, Flinders University (SA):
Smart Monitoring for Microbial Risk Assessment 

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Sponsored by Xylem) 

Minh Nga Nguyen, Sydney Girls High School (NSW):
Recycling Waste into Biochar: A Sustainable Wastewater Filter and Fertiliser for the Agricultural Industry 

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS  

Research Innovation Award

Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater while Maximising Resource Recovery Potential -The University of Queensland (QLD) 

Program Innovation Award

Keep Wipes out of the Pipes - Sydney Water (NSW)

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award

Adelaide River Water Treatment Plant - Power and Water Corporation, SUEZ and Goodline (NT)

Water Industry Safety Excellence Award

North West Adaption of Crawler Technology - Water Corporation (WA)

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Young Water Professional of the Year

Cail Rayment, Demand Management Officer, Power and Water Corporation (NT)

Water Professional of the Year 

Professor Craig Simmons FTSE, Director, National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (SA)

Best Water e-Journal Paper – In honour of Guy Parker

Green Square: Protecting Communities and Enabling Urban Renewal Through Effective Flood Risk Management
Authors: N Taylor, D Kent, K Woodbury, M Lewis, S Muralitharan  

STUDENT AWARDS

Student Water Prize

Kaitlyn Bell, Shoalhaven Water and the University of Wollongong (NSW): Development of a Performance Measuring Device for Improved Monitoring of Sewer Pump Stations

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Sponsored by Xylem) 

Macinley Butson, The Illawarra Grammar School (NSW):
Producing clean drinking water and sterile medical water using a solar self-powered invention for developing communities

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS  

Research Innovation Award

Advanced Condition Assessment and Pipe Failure Prediction Project - Sydney Water (NSW)

Program Innovation Award

Allwater's Energy Management Program - Allwater (SA)

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award

Suncoast-Coolum-Maroochydore STP Reconfiguration - Unitywater (QLD)

Water Industry Safety Excellence Award (Sponsored by WSAA)

Vacuum Truck Snorkel - TasWater (TAS)

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Young Water Professional of the Year

Kathryn Silvester, Engineer, Sydney Water (NSW)

Water Professional of the Year 

Marc Fabig, Director & Co-Founder, Osmoflo (SA)

Undergraduate Water Prize

Scott Roy, University of the Sunshine Coast & SMEC Australia (QLD)

STUDENT AWARDS

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Sponsored by Xylem) 

Mohamed Jakaria, Queensland Academies Health Science Campus (QLD)

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS  

Research Innovation Award

Research in Environmental Water, Climate Change, Urban Water and Water for Industry to Support State Government Decision Making - Goyder Institute for Water Research (SA)

Program Innovation Award

Farm Water Program - Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (VIC)

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award

Burrendong Temperature Control Curtain - Water NSW (NSW)

Water Industry Safety Excellence Award (Sponsored by WSAA)

Priority Sewerage Program Alliance - Sydney Water, MWH, John Holland Group, United Group Limited and RPS Manidis Roberts (NSW)

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Young Water Professional of the Year

Gabrielle McGill, Process Engineer – Water, GHD (NSW)

Water Professional of the Year 

Peter Fagan, Business Development Executive - Asia Pacific Region, MWH (NSW)

STUDENT AWARDS

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Sponsored by Xylem) 

William Tsai, Queensland Academy for Health Sciences

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS  

Research Innovation Award

The Department of Water
The Department of Water and its predecessors have worked more than 20 years to reverse high stream salinity in the upper catchment of the south-coast’s Denmark River. This involved facilitating the revegetation of 6,500 hectares of land including 5,800 hectares of timber plantations and innovative scientific modelling. In 2012, the State Government announced the river’s average salinity levels had dropped to 470 milligrams per litre making it the first time in nearly 40 years that levels were below World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water. This is the first time an Australian river has reversed salinity levels to become fresh.

Program Innovation Award

BMT WBM, Moreton Bay Council, Unity Water and Bligh Tanner 

Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Total Water Cycle Management Plan (TWCM) has been developed to help sustainably manage waterways in the Moreton Bay Region. It provides a framework for balancing growth with the needs of the local environment, and identifying strategies for the long-term management, health and quality of local waterways. 

The plan includes waterways, water supply, stormwater and wastewater networks in the region’s 13 catchment areas. It considers factors such as climate, geography, population growth, urban development, agriculture, industrial activities and local initiatives to improve the region’s water efficiency. The plan is the first of its kind in South East Queensland. 

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award

Interflow

Interflow’s project specified structural renewal of 1.2 kilometres of 900mm diameter sewer pipeline some 20 metres deep in a built up residential and industrial area which included running under Silverwater Road. Renewal was completed while the sewer remained in full service.  

Its location and condition made it one of the most demanding projects that Interflow has undertaken. Completing the project required the development of new and innovative materials, equipment and work methods. 

The project resulted in the sewer being completely renewed, with its structural and flow capacity fully restored. It should not need further maintenance for 50 or more years.

Water Industry Safety Excellence Award (Sponsored by WSAA)

Gosford City Council

The Water and Sewer Directorate at Gosford City Council is responsible for operating Mangrove Creek Dam. One of the structures at the Dam is the Intake Tower. The Intake Tower has a central wet well that is a vertical shaft with an unobstructed drop of approximately 47m. One of the tasks is to install and remove racks (i.e. barriers) into slots within the wet well and this involves removing flooring to open the shaft and visually aligning the racks into the slots. The physical actions required to perform the work potentially exposes workers to a fall of approximately 47m. 

The Council designed a rolling grate floor that moves on tracks, has installed fixed handrails, brakes, and a stop-pin to secure it into place. It can be rolled back to expose the opening of the shaft and rolled forward to close the shaft.  

Workers are able to work closely to the shaft from all sides to visually align racks into their slots without risk of falling into the shaft. 

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Young Water Professional of the Year

Liz Pattison (WA)

Liz Pattison has been awarded young water professional of the year due to her extensive work raising awareness of water and wastewater servicing requirements for remote aboriginal communities.  

Liz works tirelessly above and beyond what is required in her role as Operations Manager of the Remote Area Essential Services Program at Parson Brinckerhoff. This is demonstrated through her involvement in the development of the Western Australian Guideline for Remote Service Level Standards (RSLS). 

As well as being very passionate, Liz provides strong leadership in the field of remote water supply provision. This is emphasised through her work setting up both state and national networks for professionals working in remote community essential services delivery. 

Water Professional of the Year 

Professor Graeme Dandy (SA)

Professor Graeme Dandy has made a significant contribution to the water industry in South Australia and internationally through his leadership, teaching, research and professional activities. He has been Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Adelaide since 2000 and has taught water resources management and optimisation to many hundreds of engineers who are now leaders in the water industry in South Australia and interstate. He has co-authored 2 research books, 12 book chapters, 71 journal papers and 130 conference papers in the fields of water resources and water supply. Together with his co-workers, he has also attracted more than $4.7m of funding to support research in these fields. 

Graeme is also co-founder, director and technical consultant for Optimatics Pty Ltd, a software and consulting company based in Adelaide that has undertaken more than 260 studies into the optimisation of water supply and sewerage systems in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.  

Undergraduate Water Prize 

Anna Wilson, Flinders University 

Anna's thesis was entitled Rapid Tools for Cryptosporidum Species Identification. Her work evaluated and improved published polymerase chain reaction assays for Cryptosporidium species identification and developed a novel typing assay. 

STUDENT AWARDS

Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Sponsored by Xylem) 

Lewis Nitschinsk 

For his project on optimal reclamation point of phosphate from an industrial waste water treatment facility through chemical precipitation using Calcium Chloride. 

ORGANISATIONAL AWARDS  

Research Innovation Award

What’s In Our Water? Bioanalytical Tools For Assessment of Micropollutants, Mixtures and Transformational Products From Sewage To Drinking Water - National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, The University of Queensland

Program Innovation Award (Sponsored by ALS Environmental)

Enlarged Cotter Dam Fish Management Program - Bulk Water Alliance

Project Innovation Award

Rivers for the Computer Aided River Management System (CARM) - State Water Corporation and Water

Water Industry Safety Excellence Award (Sponsored by WSAA)

Water Resources Alliance

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Young Water Professional of the Year (Sponsored by Surco Solutions)

Kate Simmonds, CH2M Hill

Water Professional of the Year 

Jurg Keller, Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland

Research and Development Award
Mike Burch, SA Water 

Best Ozwater’13 Paper

Andrew Watkinson:

Of Droughts and Flooding Rains: Impacts of Extremes on Groundwater-Surface Water Connectivity 

Young Water Professional of the Year Award
2024   Rose Mckenna, Project Engineer, Icon Water  
2023   Curtis Gordon, Icon Water
2022   Advait Madav, Alluvium
2020   Dr Joel Edwards, Icon Water
2019   Portia Condell, Icon Water
2018   Alice Liao, Icon Water
2017   Bianca Petrevski, Icon Water
2016   Julia Jasonsmith, Murrang Earth Sciences

Student Water Prize
2023    Ana Maria Londono Botero - The Australian National University
            Natural recreational swimming sites along the Murrumbidgee River:
            quantifying the perceived values, risks and benefits to the community’s
            health and well-being
2022    Gowri Pincombe - GHD / University of Canberra
             Women’s empowerment through learning and working together
2020   Kate Harriden, Australian National University
             Storm Water Channels in a Water Sensitive World
2019   Jimmy Parascos, Australian National University
           Incorporating Agricultural Analysis into Hypoxic Blackwater Modelling to
           Improve Forecasting of Future Events
2017   Aparna Lal, Australian National University
           Identifying Critical Natural Resource Management Regions For Public Health

Water Professional of the Year Award
2024   Dr Ryan Signor, Industry Director, Water - New South Wales &
            Australian Capital Territory, Aurecon
2023   Tony Slatyer

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
2024   METRO: Cotter Pump Station Design - GHD and Icon Water
2019   ACT Healthy Waterways Project – ACT Environment, Planning
           and Sustainable Development Directorate
2018   Lining of the Molonglo Valley Interceptor Sewer – Interflow and Icon Water
2017   Using Optimisation Models for Sewer Investment Planning – Icon Water and AECOM
2016   Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Modelling of Incineration Process of
            a Multiple Hearth Furnace - Icon Water

R&D Excellence Award (previously known as the Research Innovation Award)
2024    Ecosystem Functions in the Murray-Darling Basin (Investing in New
             Knowledge to Adapt the Murray-Darling Basin Plan) - CSIRO and
             Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA)
2020   Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment – CSIRO and
            collaborators
           (Highly Commended: The Cracker Jack – Icon Water)
2017   Enlarged Cotter Dam Fish Monitoring and Research – Icon Water

Organisational Excellence Award (formerly Program Innovation Award)
2024   eMission Possible Plan  - Icon Water and Aurecon
2023   BasinGuide – Promoting river basin-scale approaches for prosperity and
            sustainability in the IndoPacific - Alluvium and Australian Water
            Partnership
2020   Enhancing Resource Recovery – Icon Water
2019    Integrated Water Accounts for the Canberra Region – Bureau of
            Meteorology
2018   World Water Data Initiative – Bureau of Meteorology
2016   ACT Healthy Waterways (Basin Project) - Environment Planning
           Directorate

Water Professional of the Year Award
2024  Prof. Leslie (Phil) Duncan, Galambany Professorial Fellow
2023   Ian Law, IBL Solutions
2021   Dr Annette Davison, Risk Edge
2020  Grant Leslie, Balmoral Group Australia
2019   Kevin Young, Sydney Water
           (Highly Commended: Kurt Dahl, Permeate Partners)
2018   Daniel Lambert, Arup
2017   Carmel Krogh OAM, Shoalhaven Water
2016   Dr Fang Chen, Data61

Young Water Professional of the Year Award
2024   Steve Adamthwaite, Associate | NSW/ACT Water Business Leader, Arup
2023   Chelsea Hayward, Jacobs
2022   Michael Carter, Hunter H2O
2021    Shannon Davies, AECOM
2020   Dr Tanja Rosenqvist, RMIT
            (Highly Commended - Jocelyn Ellero, SMEC)
2019   Dr Yulia Shutova, AECOM
           (Highly Commended - Ronica Koey, Sydney Water)
2018   Casey Magee, GHD
2017   Shona Fitzgerald, Sydney Water
2016   Kathryn Silvester, Sydney Water

Student Water Prize
2024   Ting Zhou, University of Technology Sydney  
2023   Rebecca Carlier, The University of Newcastle
2022   Huan Liu, University of Technology Sydney
2021   Chris Skellern, The University of Sydney
2020   Alana Saliba, The University of Sydney
           Optimisation of the Water System at Visy Paper Smithfield (VP3&6)
2019   Florence Choo, University of New South Wales
           Real-time Monitoring of Cyanobacteria: Validation of Fluorometers as a Tool for
          Optimising Treatment Processes
2018   Karthick Thiyagarajan, University of Technology Sydney
            Robust Sensor Technologies Combined with Smart Predictive Analytics for Modelling
           Concrete Corrosion in Sewers
2017   Kaitlyn Bell, Shoalhaven Water and the University of Wollongong
           Development of a Performance Measuring Device for Improved Monitoring of
          Sewer Pump Stations

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
2024   Regional: Record-Breaking Rehabilitation of a DN500 Watermain in Rutherford -
             Interflow and Hunter Water 
             Metro: Sydney Water’s Purified Recycled Water Discovery Centre - Sydney Water,
             Confluence Water (Downer Utilities, Jacobs, and Ventia joint venture) 
2023   Regional: Jubullum Aboriginal Community Water Project - Department of Planning
            and Environment, Clarence Valley Council and EcoTeam
            Metro: Balickera Tunnel Restoration - Hunter Water, Abergeldie
           Complex Infrastructure and Tunnelling Solutions
2022   Regional: Gayini Nimmie-Caira Wetlands - The Department of Planning,
            Industry and Environment
           Metro: IoT Wastewater Blockage Detection - Sydney Water
2021   Regional: A Water Quality Digital Revolution Partnership for Bathurst –
           D2K Information & Bathurst Regional Council
           Metro: Geospatial Planning Tool – Sydney Water, Arup, Aurecon & GHD
2020   Project Gilghi: Modular Self Contained Solar WTP for Remote Indigenous Communities –
             Aurecon and Ampcontrol
2019   Green Square Stormwater Drainage Project – City of Sydney and Sydney Water
2018   Googong Township Integrated Water Cycle – Stantec
            (Highly Commended - Parkes Integrated Water Infrastructure Renewal Project –
            Parkes Shire Council)
2017   Yamba Sewerage Augmentation - Clarence Valley Council, Public Works Advisory and
           DPI Water
2016   Treating high sugar wastewater – BioGill Operations Pty Ltd & Ferrero Australia

R&D Excellence Award (previously known as the Research Innovation Award)
2024   Upland Peat Swamps of the Woronora Plateau - Hydrological Monitoring and Water Balance Modelling -
             WaterNSW and UNSW Water Research Laboratory
2023   Collaborative Research Project for NOM Reduction Through Catalytic Advanced
            Oxidation - Infinite Water and Sydney Water
2022   Minimisation of Leaks and Breaks in Pipes with Innovative Integrated
            Deployment - WaterNSW
2021   Development of Wastewater Epidemiology for NSW – Collaboration on
             SARS-CoV-2 Monitoring in Wastewater – Sydney Water, WaterRA & Water Unit –
            NSW Health
2020   Innovative Sensor Suites and Intelligent Robotics for Condition Assessment of
            Concrete Sewers – University of Technology Sydney and Sydney Water
2019   R2T2 Rapid Response Robot – For the Non-Destructive Inspection and Assessment of
           Critical Water Mains – University of Technology Sydney and Sydney Water
2018   Success in Data Analytics – Sydney Water and Data61 Collaboration – Data61, CSIRO
            and Sydney Water
2017   Better management of sewers – Exploiting Photonics Sensors Research through
           to its Introduction to the Water Industry - Sydney Water, City University of London and
           Edinburgh Napier University
2016   Advanced Condition Assessment and Pipe Failure Prediction Project - Sydney Water

Organisational Excellence Award (formerly Program Innovation Award)
2024   Urban Plunge - Sydney Water 
2023   Town Water Risk Reduction Program - Department of Planning and Environment
2022   Sydney Water Innovation Festival - Sydney Water and Isle Utilities
2021   Global Challenge – Partnering to Invest, Influence and Tangibly
            Impact Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Arup
2020  Recycled Water for a Greener Parkes – Parkes Shire Council
2019   Energy Master Plan – Sydney Water
2018   System Blueprints Program – Sydney Water, AAJV: AECOM-Aurecon Joint Venture, and
           ENSureJV: GHD-Jacobs Joint Venture
2017   Keep wipes out of the pipes - Sydney Water
2016   Lake Macquarie Sports Field Improvement Program, Lake Macquarie City Council

Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award
2022   Renny Chivunga, Engineer Water, Aurecon
2021   Dammika Vitanage, Asset and Infrastructure, Sydney Water
2020   Daniel Lambert, Australasia Water Leader, Arup
2019   Saravanamuth Vigneswaran, Director, Centre for Technologies in Water and Wastewater,
           The University of Technology Sydney
2017   Andrew Francis, Director Infrastructure, Parkes Shire Council
2016   Rita Henderson, UNSW

Roger Pettitt Award
2024   Leonie Huxedurp
2022   Shoshana Fogelman
2021   Karen Eldridge
2020   Ivan Reolon
2016   Will Strachan

Water Professional of the Year Award
2023   Steven Tickell, Principal Hydrogeologist,  Department of the Environment, Parks and
            Water Security, Northern Territory Government  
2022   Terry Ward, Technical Director – Water, GHD
2021   Prof Charlie Fairfield, Charles Darwin University
2019   Eric Vanweydeveld, Power and Water Corporation
2018   Darryl Day, ICE WaRM
2016   Dr Kevin Boland, Tropical Water Solutions

Young Water Professional of the Year Award
2023   Skye Haigh, Practice Lead - Remote Development, Ekistica 
2022   Daniel Lane, Senior Chemical Engineer, GHD
2021    Jocelyn Ellero, SMEC
2020   Andrea Georgiou, GHD
2019   Christina Bruno, Tonkin
2017   Isabel Caballero, Tropical Water Solutions
2016   Cail Rayment, Power and Water Corporation

Student Water Prize
2022   Vanessa Solano, Charles Darwin University
           Carbon Cycling Through Wetlands and Streams in the Wet-dry Tropics
2020   Andrea Georgiou, Charles Darwin University
           Non-Revenue Water: The Effect of Pressure Reducing Valve Settings
           on a Reticulated Water Supply System
2019   Alea Rose, Charles Darwin University
          Leanyer Sanderson Waste Stabilisation Pond Microbiology
2017   Themelis Mousellis, Charles Darwin University
           Defining risk-based odour buffer zones for Darwin's wastewater treatment facilities:
          odour dispersion modelling and field olfactometry

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
2023   Regional: Laramba Water Treatment Plant: Improving the Health of a Remote
            Community – Power and Water Corporation and Clean TeQ Water  
2022   Regional: Remote Housing Program – Headworks, Power and Water Corporation
2020   Regional: Ngukurr Leak Reduction Project - Power and Water Corporation
2019   Borroloola Water Treatment System Upgrade: The Containerised Story – Power and Water
           Corporation and SUEZ
2017   Mt Todd, Discharge Plan - GHD
2016   Adelaide River Water Treatment Plant - Power and Water Corporation, SUEZ &
           Goodline (& National Winner)

Organisational Excellence Award (formerly Program Innovation Award)
2023    Territory Water Plan - NT Government agencies and Power and Water Corporation
2022   Drinking Water Quality Management System Improvement: 2016 to 2021 -
            Power and Water Corporation
2019   That’s My Water! – The Weather Web – Power and Water Corporation
2017   Community Leak Program - Living Water Smart -
           Water Services, Power & Water Corporation (& National Winner)
2016   Yurrawi integrated water efficiency trial - Power and Water Corporation in partnership
          with the Northern Territory Department of Housing and Community Development

R&D Excellence Award (sponsored by Water Research Australia)
2022   Water Conservation for Remote Dialysis - Purple House and Department of
            Agriculture, Water and the Environment

Water Professional of the Year Award
2023   Anthony Domanti, Senior Principal Engineer, WSP  
2022   Emma O'Neill, Aurecon
2021    Abel Immaraj, Aurecon
2020   Professor Zhiguo Yuan AM, The University of Queensland
2019   Daryl Ross, Logan City Council
2018   Richard Savage, GHD
2017   Colin Hester, Queensland Urban Utilities
2016   Aneurin Hughes, Cardno

Young Water Professional of the Year Award
2023   Amber Craig, Senior Project Officer / Hydro-Climate Analyst, 
            Murray-Darling Basin Authority  
2022   Johanna Johnson, Logan Water
2021    Samuel Koci, Arup
2020   Dr Lachlan Guthrie, International WaterCentre
2019   Aidan Symons, SMEC
2018   William Speirs, Unitywater
2017   Dr Katrin Doederer, The University of Queensland
2016   Alycia Moore, Cleanaway

Student Water Prize
2023    Zhetai Hu, Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University
            of Queensland
            Novel Usages of Iron Salts for Achieving Sustainable Water Management 
2022   Zhigang Yu , The University of Queensland
            Novel Disinfection to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
2021   Tao Liu, The University of Queensland
            Towards Net-Zero Emission and Energy Neutrality, a Novel Technology to
            Utilise Methane Produced in Wastewater Treatment
2020 Zhiyao Wang, The University of Queensland
           An Innovative Way of Treating Wastewater and Sludge Employing a
          Novel Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria Genus Candidatus Nitrosoglobus
2019   Ji Lu, The University of Queensland
           Unravelling Roles of Emerging Environmental Contaminants in Promoting the
           Spread of Antibiotic Resistance
2018   Lindsay Stafford, Gladstone Regional Council
           Controlling and Monitoring Algae Blooms in Effluent Storage Ponds
2017   Adam Rose, CQUniversity
           Understanding the Ecological Basis for Human Health Risks associated with
           Drinking Water Drawn from a Sub-Tropical Freshwater Catchment

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
2023   Regional:  Callide Dam Gates  –Sunwater
2023   Metro: How Queensland’s Oldest and Largest Sewer was Upgraded While the City Slept  –
            Interflow and Urban Utilities
2021   Regional: Mer (Murray) Island Water Network Management Program –
           Torres Strait Island Regional Council
2022   Regional: Cleveland Bay Purification Plant Process Upgrade Project –
            AECOM, Townsville City Council, Beca HunterH2O, Evoqua Water Technologies,
           and Monadelphous Engineering
2022   Metro: Australia’s First Biosolids Gasification Facility – Logan Water
2021   Regional: Mer (Murray) Island Water Network Management Program –
           Torres Strait Island Regional Council
2021   Metro: Mer (Murray) Island Water Network Management Program –
           Torres Strait Island Regional Council
2020   Regional: Port Stewart Water Supply – Arup and Centre for Appropriate Technology
2020   Metro: Cedar Grove Environmental Centre – Logan City Council, Downer, WSP
            and Cardno
            (High Commendation: Virtual Assist – Urban Utilities)
2019   Townsville CBD Utilities Upgrade – BMD Constructions, Townsville City Council and GHD
           (servicing under 250,000 end users)
           Going Green at Kenilworth – Unitywater (servicing over 250,000 end users)
2018   Bowen Water Treatment Plant Solar Plant and Resilience Upgrade – Whitsunday
           Regional Council (under 250,000 end users)
           Sun and Salt: Logan’s Water Quality Solution – Logan City Council, Downer, Cardno
           and WSP (over 250,000 end users)
2017   Kingaroy Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade - Aquatec Maxcon Pty Ltd and
           South Burnett Regional Council
2016   Flood Resilience Program - Queensland Urban Utilities

R&D Excellence Award (previously known as the Research Innovation Award)
2023     A Living Laboratory - R&D at Yandina Creek Wetland and Blue Heart Sunshine Coast  –
             Unitywater with Contributing Organisations
2022    CRC-P: Transforming Wastewater Treatment in Regional Australia – Urban Utilities,
             Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University
            of Queensland, Power and Water Corporation, Department of Environment and Science,
          Queensland, and Aquatec Maxcon
2020   Zero-Energy Sewage Treatment: Harnessing the Power of Biogas – The University of
            Queensland, Urban Utilities, City of Gold Coast, SA Water, Water Corporation
            and University of Technology Sydney
2019   An Integrated Approach to Iron Salt Use in Urban Water Systems – University of
           Queensland, Queensland Urban Utilities, Seqwater and WaterRA
2018   UGOLD – A Decentralised Technology for the Removal & Recovery of Valuable
             Nutrients From Source Separated Urine - Advanced Water Management Centre,
            The University of Queensland and Queensland Urban Utilities
2017   Purple Phototrophic Bacteria for Resource Recovery from Wastewater - The University
            of Queensland and CRC for Water Sensitive Cities
2016   Affordable and Sustainable Water Recycling through Optimal Technology Integration -
            The University of Queensland

Organisational Excellence Award (formerly Program Innovation Award)
2023   Urban Utilities – Planning Our Journey to Excellence and Empowered People –
           Urban Utilities, Stantec, KBR and AJile (Aurecon and Jacobs)
2022   Fulton Hogan Utilities Schools STEM and Industry Immersion Program –
            Fulton Hogan Utilities
2021   Water Future Program – Seqwater
2020   Regional Water Industry Worker Pilot Program – Mackay Regional Council,
            Whitsunday Regional Council, Townsville City Council, Cairns Regional Council
            and Burdekin Shire Council
2019   Smart Catchments: Saltwater Creek – Cairns Regional Council (servicing under
            250,000 end users)
            Autonomous Motorised Monitoring Instrument – Seqwater (servicing over 250,000
           end users)
2018   MiSewer, Mackay Water Services – Mackay Regional Council (Under 250,000 end users)
            Queensland Water Regional Alliance Program (QWRAP) – Department of Natural
            Resources, Mines and Energy (Over 250,000 end users)
2017   Cyanotoxin Based Recreational Water Quality Management Program - Seqwater
2016   In Situ Calibration of Bulk Flow Meters - Queensland Urban Utilities and GHD

Distinguished Service Award
2023   Richard Savage
2022   Kelly Hopewell
2021   Mal Shepherd
2020  David Cameron
2019   Matt Dawson
2018   Jenny Danslow
2017   John Betts
2016   John Graham

Regional Service Award
2023  Narelle D’Amico  
2022  Dr Lynne Powell
2021   Moira Zeilinga
2019   Arron Hieatt
2018   Dr Rob Fearon
2017   Steve Tansley
2016   Jeff Ballard

Water Professional of the Year Award (Premier’s Water Medal)
2023   Dr Lionel Ho, Senior Manager Water Expertise, SA Water
2022   David Howard, Fulton Hogan
2021   Victor Cantone, Water, WSP
2020  Professor Jennifer McKay, University of South Australia
2019   Mark Gobbie, SA Water
2018   Kevin Yerrell, Waternish Engineering
2017   Richard Hopkins, International Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Management (ICE WaRM)

Young Water Professional of the Year Award
2023   Jack Carbone, Project / Design Manager, Aurecon
2022   Loreline Kerlidou, Senior Adviser, Inside Infrastructure (a Ricardo Company)
2021   Brittany Coff, Jacobs
2020  Meena Yadav, Allwater
2019   Ben Staniford, Tonkin Consulting
2018   Adele Hay, WSP and Boris Ninkovic, Fulton Hogan
2017   Adam Medlock, TRILITY
2016   Jennifer Dreyfus, Allwater
           (High Commendation - Kat Reid, SA Water)

Student Water Prize (The Hodgson Medal)
2023   Hiua Daraei, University of South Australia 
            New Water Treatment and Coagulant Dose Control Systems for DWTPs: fDOM
            Fluorescence Signal Corrections for Environmental-Monitoring and Coagulant
           Dose Control
2022   Sarah Aucote, SA Water and the University of Queensland
           Quantification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Sludge-Drying Lagoons
           and Strategies for Methane Emission Mitigation 
2021   Wei Zeng, University of Adelaide
            High-Resolution Pipe Condition Assessment and Scanning for Water
           Distribution Systems
2020   Jessica Maria Bohorquez Arevalo, The University of Adelaide
            Use of Artificial Neural Networks and Fluid Transient Waves for Active and
           Passive Inspection of Water Pipelines
2019   Amber Smith and Anthony Cox, University of Adelaide
            Is the Installation of Mini Hydropower Turbines into Water Transmission System
           Pipelines Cost Effective?
2018   Andrew Knight, Flinders University
            The Onshore Influence of Offshore Fresh Groundwater
2017   Sarah Aucote, Flinders University
           Smart Monitoring for Microbial Risk Assessment
2016   Sina Moradi
           Assessment and modelling of chloramine residual decay in drinking water
          (High Commendation - Matthew Konetschka)

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
2023   Metro: Showcasing Sustainable Development through Grassy Woodland Restoration –
             SA Water
2023   Regional: Future Proofing the Pacific: a Sustainable Model for Water Security in the
            Marshall Islands – Osmoflo
2022   Metro: Victoria Park Pakapakanthi Wetland – Tonkin Consulting and DesignFlow
2022   Regional: Pike Floodplain Inundation Measures Project (South Australian
            Riverland Floodplains Integrated Infrastructure Program) – The Department
            for Environment and Water, the Jacobs Group and SA Water
2021   Regional: Port Lincoln Wastewater Treatment Plant Redevelopment –
           SA Water and Aurecon
2020   Regional: New Wastewater Treatment Plant for Murray Bridge (Brinkley) –
            SA Water, John Holland & KBR
2020   Metro: Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant Clarifier Upgrade Project –
           SA Water & Aurecon
2019   Peterborough Community Wastewater Management Scheme – District Council of
            Peterborough, Flinders University and Local Government Association of South Australia
            (Highly Commended: Riverine Recovery Project – Department for Environment
           and Water)
2018   Enhanced Water Demand Forecasting for SA Water Using Machine Learning –
             Stantec and SA Water
2017   Sundrop Farms Project – John Holland Group
2016   Anderson Avenue Pump Station and Glenelg Inlet Works – Aurecon and Fulton Hogan

R&D Excellence Award (previously known as the Research Innovation Award)
2023   The Fellowship of the Rubber Ring – A Precious Journey to Ensure Water Quality
           Compliance – SA Water
2022   Goyder Institute Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin Research Program – Department for
            Environment and Water, Flinders University, The University of Adelaide,
            The University of South Australia, and other contributing organisations
2021   Goyder Institute for Water Research – Second Term Research Program (2015-2020) –
            The Department for Environment and Water, CSIRO, Flinders University,
           The University of Adelaide and The University of South Australia (SA)
2020   Rapid Development and Implementation of a Wastewater Surveillance Tool for the
            Detection of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) – SA Water & WaterRA
2019   SA Water Machine Learning Analytics for Proactive Pipe Leak Detection and Repair –
            SA Water
            (Highly Commended: Protecting Water Quality While Enabling Recreational Access to
             Reservoirs: Combining Science and Policy to Achieve Community-Level Outcomes –
            SA Water)
2018   Combating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Wastewater Systems: From Quantification
            to Implementation – SA Water and the Advanced Water Management Centre -
            The University of Queensland
            (Highly Commended: Infectivity Rates of Cryptosporidium, and its Impact on
            Drinking Water Quality Risk Assessments – SA Water)
2017   ATUM: Advanced Tertiary Ultrafiltration Management – Allwater, SA Water and SUEZ
2016   Delivering savings to recycled water treatment plant membrane assets – Allwater
            (High Commendation: Adelaide Airport heat reduction trial – SA Water)

Organisational Excellence Award (formerly Program Innovation Award)
2023   Women in Trades program - Fulton Hogan
2022   Activating South Australia’s Reservoir Reserves for Recreation – SA Water
2021   Cultural Connection and Collaboration Guides Southeast Prescribed Burn –
            SA Water and The Department for Environment and Water
2020   Fulton Hogan Utilities’ Problem Based Learning STEM Program for Primary Schools –
            Fulton Hogan Utilities
2019   Flows for the Future – Department for Environment and Water
           (Highly Commended - South East Flows Restoration Project – Department for
           Environment and Water, and KBR)
2018   Proactive Dirty Water Complaints Management in Adelaide Drinking Water Network –
          Allwater, SA Water and SUEZ
2017   Adelaide Services Alliance Advanced Customer Complaint Mapping Program –
           Allwater and SA Water
2016   Allsafe Program - Moving our Organisation to a Healthier and Safer State - Allwater

Water Professional of the Year Award
2023   Anthony Allan, Operational Improvement Lead, TasWater
2022   Tim Gardner – Chairman, Stornoway
2021   Kathryn Pugh, Team Leader Water, City of Launceston
2020   Stephen Westgate, Senior Water Quality Scientist, TasWater
2019   Chris Thompson, Principal Consultant, Macquarie Franklin

Young Water Professional of the Year Award (Gary Ingram Memorial Award)
2023   Isaac Probert
2022   Akira Weller-Wong
2021   Ryan Francis
2020   Adela Parnell
2019   Cassandre Tickner-Smith
2018   Matthew Robertson
2017   Rebecca Sayles

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional)
2023   Recycled Water Land Suitability Assessment Tool – Supporting Sewer Master Planning
            Across Tasmania with Automated Geospatial Analysis - The TasWater Alliance
           (TasWater, CPB Contractors Limited, UGL and WSP)
2022   TasWater, WSP and ADS Environmental Services
2021    Sewage Intrusion Program, NRM North and Partners
2020   Trevallyn Downstream Bypass, Hydro Tasmania
2019   24 Glasses, TasWater

Water Professional of the Year Award
2023   Niru Gosavi
2022   Nina Braid, Yarra Valley Water
2021   Eamonn Kelly, Melbourne Water
2020   Deb Brown, Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP)
2019   Terry Dalgleish, South East Water
2018   Andrew Forster-Knight, South East Water
2017   Ciara Sterling, Yarra Valley Water
2016   Dr Melita Stevens, Melbourne Water

Young Water Professional of the Year Award
2023   Dr Samuel Skinner, Lead Process Engineer - Water, Aureon
2022   Sian Harrick, Arup
2021   Gabby Butera, Arup
2020   Simon Roberts, City West Water/ Our Future Cities
2019   Dr Paul Satur, Monash Sustainable Development Institute/Our Future Cities
           High Commendation - Brendan Moore, Yarra Valley Water
2018   Casey Furlong, GHD
            Highly Commended - Emily Darlison, Climates
2017   Priyani Madan, Arup
2016   Rhys Anderson, Arup

Student Water Prize
2023   Ibrahim Hakeem, RMIT University
2022   Minh Duc Nguyen, Deakin University
2021   Eliza Venville, Monash University,
            Missing Voices: Engaging Family Violence-Affected Water Customers
2020   Piumie Rajapaksha, RMIT University,
            The Development of Novel Nanofunctional Wastewater Remediation Strategies:
            Creating Clean Water for the Many, Not the Few
2019   Matthew Kube, RMIT University
           Harnessing Immobilised Algae for High Rate Wastewater Treatment
2018   Mukta Sapkota, University of Melbourne
           Impacts of Hybrid Water Supply Systems on Water Resources and Infrastructure
2017   Samuel Skinner, The University of Melbourne
           Quantifying Wastewater Dewaterability for Improved Water Recycling
2016   Damien Modie and supervisors, Professor Dayanthi Nugegoda and Dr Bradley Clarke,
           RMIT University
           Investigating Bioaccumulation of Chemical Pollutants Adsorbed to
           Microplastics in the Terrestrial Environment

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
2023   Regional: Beechworth Sewer Upgrade – An Innovative Solution  –
            North East Water with Contributing Organisations
2023   Metro: Eastern Treatment Plant Biogas Handling System Stage 1 Upgrade –   
            Melbourne Water and John Holland-KBR Joint Venture
2022   Regional: Design and Construction of the Mt Cole Pipeline Renewal – GWMWater and
            Interflow
2022  Metro: Shakespeare Grove Main Drain Outlet Renewal – Melbourne Water,
           Stantec and John Holland-KBR Joint Venture
2021   Regional: Web-Based Decision Support Tool for Regional Wastewater Management –
           KBR, Goulburn Valley Water, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning,
           North East Water and Decentralised Water Australia
2021   Metro: Reimagining Your Creek – Melbourne Water and Alluvium Consulting Australia
2020  Regional: Torres Strait Islands Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management Plan -
           Arup, Griffith University and Ganden Engineers & Project Manager
2020   Metro: Deriving Value Through Remote Access to Asset Information –
            CH2M Beca and Western Water
2019   Yarra Valley Water Waste to Energy Project – Yarra Valley Water
            (High Commendations: Aquarevo – South East Water and Villawood Properties;
             and Urban Remote Metering – GWMWater)
2018   Internet of Things Site Monitoring Solution – SAGE Automation and Melbourne Water
2017   Warrnambool Roof Water Harvesting Project – Wannon Water
2016  Amaroo Main Sewer Project – Yarra Valley Water and John Holland
          (High Commendation: Merri Creek Main Sewer Project - Early Works -
          John Holland-KBR Joint Venture and Melbourne Water)

R&D Excellence Award (previously known as the Research Innovation Award)
2023   Biochar to Batteries – Barwon Water, South East Water and The Department of
            Environment, Energy and Climate Action with Contributing Organisations 
2022   Real Greenhouse Gas Emission Measurement and Reporting for Real Reductions as
            We Move Toward Net Zero - Melbourne Water, The University of Queensland,
           The University of Melbourne and Ektimo
2021   Australian-First Technology – the Next Step in Biosolids Innovation Transforming Local
           Circular Economies – South East Water, Greater Western Water and the Intelligent
          Water Networks
2020   Victorian Collaboration on Sewage Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 (ColoSSoS VIC Node) –
            WaterRA and ColoSSoS Project Partners Project (Partners include:
            Victoria Department of Health and Human Services, Barwon Water, Central Highlands
            Water, City West Water, Coliban Water, East Gippsland Water, Gippsland Water,
            Goulburn Valley Water, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, Lower Murray Water,
            Melbourne Water, North East Water, South East Water, South Gippsland Water,
           Western Water, Westernport Water, Wannon Water, Yarra Valley Water, ALS,
           Monash University and University of Melbourne)
2019   Victorian Climate Initiative – Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning,
            Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO
2018   Driving Change from Conservatism to Pragmatism – Better use of Biosolids and Recycled
            Water by Using Research to Challenge Guidelines – South East Water
2017   Emerging Contaminants: Innovative Technology for Treatment and Removal – Arup

Organisational Excellence Award (formerly Program Innovation Award)
2023   Environmental Sensitivity Map – South East Water
2022   Enhancing Liveability and Prosperity in the Goulburn Valley – Goulburn Valley Water
2021   Aboriginal Employment and Retention strategy – Barwan Water
2020   Wara Paring Indigenous Civil Construction Project – Aqua Metro Services
            and Melbourne Water
2019   Barwon Water Property Consolidation Program – Barwon Water
            (High Commendations:
            The Aboriginal Water Program – The Department of Environment, Land,
            Water and Planning)
            (High Commendations: Zero Emissions Water – Power Purchase Agreement –
             The Victorian water industry’s Intelligent Water Networks)
2018   Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek – Melbourne Water
            (Highly Commendation: A Day at the Zoo – Engaging Culturally and Linguistically
            Diverse Communities – City West Water)
2017   Ballarat City Integrated Water Management Plan – Central Highlands Water,
            Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, E2Designlab & RMCG
2016   Greening the West - City West Water
            (High Commendation: Lal Lal Mini Hydro Electric Generator - Central Highlands Water,
            Barwon Water and the State Government of Victoria)
            (High Commendation: The Victorian Water Register (Web Enhancement Program) -
            Dept of Environment, Land, Water and Planning)

Water Professional of the Year Award
2023   Cristiano Carvalho, Water Corporation 
2021   Dr Fabiana Tessele, Tessele Consultants
2020  Chris Elliott, Busselton Water
2019   Jeremy Maher, City of Bayswater
2018   Nick Turner, Water Corporation
2017   Dr Raj Kurup, Environmental Engineers International
2016   Martin Anda, Murdoch University

Young Water Professional of the Year Award
2023   Liz Duguid, Water Corporation 
2022   Phillip Meng, Water Corporation
2021    Chenoa Lange, Water Corporation
2020   Kevin Massez, Water Corporation
2019    Rebecca Ferguson, City of Bayswater
2018   Kate Bowker, Water Corporation
2017   Renee Blandin, Hyd2o
2016   Halinka Lamparski, Essential Environmental

Student Water Prize
2023   Maira Alvi, The University of Western Australia
            Deep Learning for Prognostics of Wastewater Treatment Facilities 
2022   Irina Sankoff, Murdoch University
            Catching Collie’s Future
2021   Elkia Szczecinski, Curtin University
           Formation and detection of bromophenols and their contribution
           to plastic taste in drinking water
2020  Raveena Raju, The University of Western Australia
            An Investigation into the Optimisation and Evaluation of Smart Ponds for Sludge
           Management
2019   Jen Middleton, University of Western Australia
            Unravelling Stream Ecosystem Functioning in Urban Landscapes to Improve
            Management of Water Quality and Habitat
2018   Tom Wheeler, Murdoch University
            Renewable Energy Reverse Osmosis Desalination in a Small Rural Village in Indonesia:
           Case Study
2017   Sean Ding, University of Western Australia
            Investigation of Bore Condition Assessment Methodologies and Determination
           of Remaining Service Life
2016   Ashwin Nayak, Murdoch University
           A Decision Support Tool for Outdoor Water Use Efficiency in Landscapes

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
2023   Regional: Horrocks WTP Continuous Electrochlorination (CEC) Upgrade  –
            Water Corporation, Curtin University, and contributing organisations
2022   Metro: Neerabup Groundwater Scheme Expansion - GHD, Sacyr, Water Corporation
             and Westforce Construction
2021   Regional: Vasse Diversion Drain Upgrade – Water Corporation
2021   Metro: Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Community Park - Urbaqua Ltd
2020   Regional: Busselton Water Filtration Plant No. 1 – Busselton Water & GHD
2020   Metro: Beenyup Advanced Water Recycling Plant Stage 2 – SUEZ & Water Corporation
2019   Kununurra Diversion Dam Gantry Crane – Water Corporation and Vector Lifting
2018   Groundwater Replenishment Scheme – Water Corporation
2017   Rottnest Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade - Guidera O’Connor &
            Permeate Partners
2016   Ravenswood Pump Station Control System Upgrade – One Stone Consulting
            with Water Corporation

R&D Excellence Award (previously known as the Research Innovation Award)
2023   The Economics of Public Open Spaces Under Water Scarcity  - Claire Doll,
             The University of Western Australia
2022   Driving Circular Economy in the Red Meat Industry - Tessele Consultants
2021   uPtakeProject - Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
2020   Naegleria Fowleri in Drinking Water Distribution Systems – CSIRO & Water Corporation
2019   Treatment of Highly Alkaline Industry Wastewater through SPORE – Environmental
           Engineers International
2018   Self-Regulating Suspended Biogas Collector Technology – Environmental Engineers
           International
2017   Implementation of the Anammox Process at Dardanup Butchering Company -
           Environmental Engineers International

Organisational Excellence Award (formerly Program Innovation Award)
2023    Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2019 – Department of Water & Environmental
            Regulation, Water Corporation and other contributing organisations
2022   Gnangara groundwater allocation plan – Department of Water and
            Environmental Regulation
2020   No nomination received
2019   Drainage for Liveability – Water Corporation and the Department of Water
            and Environmental Regulation
2018   Revitalising Geographe Waterways – Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
2017   Kimberley Projects, Water Corporation
2016   Waterwise Office Program, Water Corporation with City of Perth & Property
           Council of Australia

Water Sensitive Urban Design (Grahame Heal) Award
2023   Lake Street Urban Stream – LD Total, City of Canning, Water Corporation
2022   OneOneFive Hamilton Hill – DevelopmentWA
2019   City of Albany’s Centennial Park Wetland and Yakamia Creek Living Stream –
           GHD and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Project owner
           and partner organisation: City of Albany
2018   Rosehill Waters - Stage 1 – Coterra Environment
2017   WGV in White Gum Valley - Water Corporation
2016   Urban Nutrient Decision Outcomes Tool – Department of Water

Innovating for Sustainable Water and Environmental Outcomes Award (formerly known as the Innovating for Sustainability (Small Business) Award)
2020  The Australian Fine China Project: A Decentralised Model for High Density
            Infill Developments – Syrinx Environmental
2019   Integrated Water Management Strategy – Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and
           Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec
2018   Self Cleaning Automatic Filter Backflush for the Greyflow Greywater Diversion System –
           Advanced Waste Water Systems
2017   Hartfield Park Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Project, City of Kalamunda
2016   Development and Implementation of the Anammox Process for Nitrogen Removal
            from Wastewater – Environmental Engineers International