A recap of the 2023 SA Sundowner Events

As we settle into the new financial year, it’s a great opportunity to update you on some of the recent achievements of AWA and the SA Branch.

SA Sundowner - April 2023 - "Promoting Circular Solutions in Wine Making"
Dr. Lin Lin Low - Supply Sustainability Manager, Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) & Director of North Para Environment Control P/L

Water is central to the wine industry. It is one of Treasury Wine Estates’ (TWE)most critical production inputs. In the face of increasing competitive demands from urban uses, other horticultural crops, and minimum environmental flows water is emerging as a critical part of TWE's social license to operate. TWE acknowledges the company has a significant role to play in being a responsible steward of water in the regions in which it operates. Lin Lin talked about the TWE approach to water stewardship and the ways the company treats wastewater as a valuable resource that can be recycled to offset demand on natural water systems and provide ongoing local community support.

Student Sundowner @ Uni Adelaide 25^th May
The Young Water Professionals of the AWA’s SA Branch held the first University Sundowner Session. On Thursday 25^th May 2023 at Adelaide Uni the YWPs collaborated with the University of Adelaide to bring industry professional's career journey/pathways to over 50 students in a casual and engaging setting.

A great panel told their career journey’s and provided insights into what graduates can expect when they join the water sector. The panel included

• Facilitator - Elsie Mann, Principal, Strategy, Planning & Integration Tonkin Consulting
• Jessica Bohorquez, Senior Consultant at Inside Infrastructure and Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Adelaide
• Florence Choo, Scientist at SA Water and 2019 AWA National Student Water Prize Recipient
• Bridget Lindsay, Lead Engineer at Pinion Advisory

The Water Industry has so much to offer incoming engineering and science graduates with career pathways in research, design, utilities, and operations among many others. The evening introduced students to the pathways available to them in the Water Industry and the support that the Australian Water Association can provide as you embark on your career journey.

SA June 2023 Sundowner - Water & Data

• Jess Page, Group Data Analytics Manager, WGA
• Danni Haworth, Water Sector Lead - SA, WGA

Jess & Danni talked about how technology plays a crucial role in informed decision-making regarding water management. With the aid of sophisticated sensors, data analytics, digital twins and modelling tools, technology provides valuable insights into water availability, quality, and usage patterns. Real-time monitoring systems enable accurate and timely information on water resources.

They also talked about by harnessing the power of data in decision-making, we can foster water resilience, enhance resource efficiency, and ensure sustainable water practices for the benefit of ecosystems, communities, and economies alike.

It was a great presentation enjoyed by over 25 attendees.

Sundowner August 17^th – Coming soon

Hemant Chaudhary, Founding Director, Circular Economy Alliance Australia & Circular360 – The Global Centre of Excellence in Circular Economy Topic – Water and Circular Economy All water on earth undergoes a perpetual process of use and reuse and forms a critical input for sustenance, agriculture, industrial applications etc. However, the majority of this demand for water is primarily for fresh water which is a limited resource in the absence of expensive treatment. The existing freshwater sources are additionally degraded by unsustainable extraction and pollution.

To ensure that enough water is available globally in an equitable manner across all sectors, we need manage the existing water stocks more efficiently and pragmatically. A circular economy approach is a potential solution for maximising the value from the existing water volumes, minimising waste and reducing unsustainable utilisation by considering the water cycles as closed loop systems and create value for the environment and local communities. The principles of circular economy are applicable to water utilisation particularly through the 4 R’s of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Replenish and offer the opportunity in harnessing the maximum value of each closed loop while minimising detrimental impacts to the environment and regenerating natural capital.

Find out more here and register here