by Water Source
The room was electric, the stories inspiring and the applause well-earned. At the Ozwater’25 Gala Dinner, the best and brightest in water were celebrated at the 2025 Australian Water Awards, sponsored by ANZ.
From pioneering research and transformative infrastructure projects to bold leadership and community-led initiatives, this year’s finalists represented the full breadth of innovation and passion across Australia’s water sector.
The evening culminated in the announcement of Celeste Morgan – Australasia Integrated Water Management Lead (Arup) – as the winner of the 2025 Water Professional of the Year, sponsored by KSB Australia.
“This really goes out to all of my IWM colleagues out there fighting the fight, championing water in cities and creating places that we all love to live in," she said.
"It's not just about breaking down silos between water and wastewater and stormwater. It’s about learning to live on land, to be part of the solution – we are country, we are water.”
The 2025 Young Water Professional of the Year award, sponsor by Xylem, went to Dr Jessica Bohorquez (Aurecon).
“I truly believe in the power of this industry, and that’s what motivates me to do every single thing that I do," she said.
"When you travel the world and start your life from scratch, finding purpose here in this community has meant everything."
AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman congratulated all the winners and finalists, acknowledging their dedication to shaping a more sustainable and resilient water future.
“These awards recognise not only excellence, but the commitment our sector has to continually improving how we manage, protect and value water. Each winner has demonstrated how innovation and collaboration can deliver lasting impact,” Cheeseman said.
“It’s incredibly inspiring to see the diversity of work being led across the country – from world-leading infrastructure projects to community-driven initiatives. Together, they reflect a shared commitment to water security, resilience and sustainability.
“In a time of increasing pressure on our water systems, these projects and professionals are providing hope and solutions. Their work reminds us that with the right partnerships and purpose, we can rise to any challenge.”
The Australian Water Awards continue to spotlight the people, organisations and ideas that are advancing the sector and delivering real outcomes for communities across the country.
ANZ is proud to sponsor the Australian Water Awards, which celebrates significant community contribution and exceptional performance of all the finalists. These are ambitions ANZ share, admire and are proud to be associated with.
ORGANISATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sponsored by: 
Water Corporation, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development, Murdoch University and Curtin University – WaterSmart Farms Water Security and Resilience in a Drying Climate
The WaterSmart Farms project supports the adoption of on-farm desalinisation plants in agricultural regions to process brackish groundwater into a suitable resource for livestock, crop agronomy and other agribusiness activities.
R&D EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sponsored by: 
Icon Water, Yass Earth Movers and ACT NoWaste Transport Canberra and City Services – Spoil to Topsoil: Local Circular Economy Outcomes with Global Implications
Icon Water developed its Spoil to Topsoil project after exhaustive applied research for possible water treatment solids reuse opportunities over many years. This innovative project reinvents hard-to-manage waste streams from water treatment and network maintenance operations to generate a valuable topsoil product for superior rehabilitation across the ACT.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT INNOVATION AWARD (METRO)
Sponsored by: 
John Holland Group and Melbourne Water – Hobsons Bay Main Sewer Duplication Project
Innovation and creativity are at the heart of the Hobsons Bay Main Sewer Project delivering outstanding results in the areas of sustainability, social value and community. Setting new benchmarks for best practice in the water industry, the project will be the first independently verified net-zero carbon infrastructure project in Australia.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT INNOVATION AWARD (REGIONAL)
Sponsored by:
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water – GWMWater's First Fully Off-Grid Facility, The Elmhurst Water Treatment Plant
GWMWater has successfully upgraded Elmhurst’s water supply to meet drinking water standards by implementing a new off-grid water treatment plant. The stand-alone power system addressed concerns regarding native vegetation disturbance, avoids the need to access customers’ land, and ensures a more reliable supply without increasing costs for customers.
WATER INDUSTRY SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sponsored by:
Interflow – Facilitating Trenchless Rehabilitation with Midline Expansion
Interflow rehabilitated eight sewer lines using a custom technology and process called Midline Expansion, eliminating the need to build eight new access chambers. The innovative spiral-wound lining approach reduced the safety risks posed to workers and the community from excavation in high traffic areas and multiple confined space entries.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AWARD
Sponsored by:
Urban Utilities – Developer Services Transformation Project
A 10% uplift in Overall Customer Satisfaction is attributed to the Developer Services Transformation Project, which successfully delivered an innovative digital solution in parallel with a cultural change program meeting needs of various customer groups.
BEST WATER E-JOURNAL PAPER in honour of Guy Parker
David M. Kempisty, Charlie Gordon, Jessica Haxen, Omid Mowla, Michael G. Nickelsen, Steve Woodard
The Treatment of PFAS-Impacted Groundwater Using Novel Regenerable Ion Exchange Resin: A Five-Year Case Study
Regenerable ion exchange resin has been used for PFAS remediation in Australia since 2017. Five systems support remediation and one treats municipal drinking water. This paper shares updates from bench-, pilot-, and full-scale systems, covering over five years of operation. It includes total water treated, PFAS removed, regeneration efficiency, and resin optimisation. Since 2019, 26 regenerations showed no PFAS build-up or resin breakdown. A mass balance of PFAS removed vs. recovered during regeneration is also presented.
AUSTRALIAN STOCKHOLM JUNIOR WATER PRIZE
Sponsored by: 
Matthew Young – Barker College
Robotic Sub-surface Venturi Aerator for the Prevention of Algal Blooms
Matthew developed a solar-powered, robotic sub-surface aerator to help prevent algal blooms and improve water quality. His innovative system delivers oxygen to waterways using a venturi nozzle, operating autonomously and sustainably in diverse aquatic environments. Combining engineering creativity with environmental purpose, Matthew’s design is low-cost, scalable, and adaptable for use in both developed and remote communities. His work reflects a passion for building practical solutions that tackle real-world challenges with ingenuity, precision, and a clear vision for impact.
STUDENT WATER PRIZE
Sponsored by: 
Weiwei Duan – University of South Australia
Utilising Alum-Based Water Treatment Residue in Producing Highly Durable Alkaline-Activated Material
YOUNG WATER PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by: 
Dr Jessica Bohorquez – Aurecon
Jessica is a visionary leader combining technical expertise with a passion for communicating the value of water. From pioneering research on leak detection, contributing to water infrastructure projects and bringing water closer to the community, Jessica is on a mission to create water curiosity and solve our water challenges.
WATER PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by: 
Celeste Morgan – Australasia Integrated Water Management Lead, Arup
With over 20 years of experience in integrated water management, Celeste is known for her ability to drive interdisciplinary solutions at a city-scale. As a leader in the water industry, she champions ambitious policy, innovation and cross-industry collaboration while advocating for underrepresented groups, including emerging professionals and women in engineering.
AWA congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors – ANZ, Hydroflux, Water Research Australia, Laing O’Rourke, Water Services Association of Australia, Guidera O’Connor, Xylem and KSB Australia – for their support of this event and these important sector awards.
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