The atmosphere was celebratory as the water community came together at the Ozwater’26 Gala Dinner to honour the outstanding achievements recognised through the 2026 Australian Water Awards.
From groundbreaking research and future-focused infrastructure projects to influential leadership and community-driven initiatives, this year’s finalists showcased the innovation, expertise and collaboration driving Australia’s water sector forward.
The evening culminated in the announcement of Danielle Francis – Water Services Association of Australia – as the winner of the 2026 Water Professional of the Year, sponsored by KSB Australia.
Danielle has provided transformative strategic leadership and advocacy in safe and reliable water supplies supported by good policy frameworks. One of her most notable achievements is advancing purified recycled water (PRW) for drinking. She spearheaded the All Options on the Table initiative, reframing the local and national conversation on water supply options.
"Put your hand up if you have imposter syndrome. I'm going to dedicate this to all the imposters out there," Danielle said.
"About 20 years ago, I started having these moments where I realised I really loved water. It's so exciting. I had all these ideas and I would just try things. And I failed a million times. But when we keep giving things our all, we end up kicking amazing goals. So this award is for all the imposters out there."
The 2026 Young Water Professional of the Year award, sponsored by Xylem, went to Cr Declan Clausen – Hunter Water.
Environmental engineer and civic leader Declan Clausen is driving sustainability across the Hunter. As Group Manager Strategy & External Affairs at Hunter Water, he integrates strategy, community trust and environmental stewardship. As a Newcastle Councillor, he champions inclusion and water’s role in building resilient, equitable communities.
“I’m delighted to be here today and to receive this award. I'm so very proud to be working in water in New South Wales," Declan said.
“Our sector has so many important shared values: we’re working to support our communities, work towards reconciliation and respond to elements of the climate crisis. That only comes through collaboration.”
AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman congratulated the winners and finalists for their exceptional work and enduring commitment to a sustainable and resilient water future.
“The Australian Water Awards are an opportunity to recognise the people and organisations who are leading our sector forward through innovation, collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability,” Cheeseman said.
“This year’s winners and finalists demonstrate the depth of talent across Australia’s water sector and the incredible impact that can be achieved when industry, government, researchers and communities work together.
“From major infrastructure projects to emerging research and community-led initiatives, these award recipients are helping shape a more resilient and water-secure future for all Australians.”
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.
Take a look at all the category winners below.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Water Corporation and other contributing organisations | Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2
Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2 is a whole-of-government and community initiative co-developed with Danjoo Koorliny and Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle to grow waterwise communities, embed Aboriginal knowledge, and deliver climate-resilient, liveable places across Boorloo and Bindjareb.
CSIRO Environment and Water Corporation | Safeguarding Water Quality through Predictive Pathogen Management
This project improves the management of Naegleria fowleri in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) through quantitative monitoring, predictive biomarkers, and climate-aware strategies. By combining cutting-edge science with practical solutions, it empowers water utilities to better safeguard public health, improve water quality, and address emerging risks in DWDS locally and globally.
Unitywater, WIS Joint Venture (Pensar, Twin View Turf and Piñata Farms), GHD and Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure | Wamuran Irrigation Scheme
Unitywater’s Wamuran Irrigation Scheme supports water sustainability by supplying high-quality recycled water to local farmers. It manages wastewater from the Caboolture South WWTP and helps achieve Unitywater's goal of net zero nutrient discharge to waterways by 2040, while contributing to social, economic and environmental benefits for the Morteon Bay region.
Department for Environment and Water, Leed Engineering and Construction, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and other contributing organisations | Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin On-Ground Works Lake Hawdon North Project
The Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin On-Ground Works project at Lake Hawdon North presented a rare opportunity to undertake large-scale wetland restoration to support conservation of endangered and vulnerable species. Infrastructure was implemented to improve management and overall health of the site and ensure its cultural and ecological values are preserved.
HCL Tech and WaterNSW | WaterNSW Remote Video Monitoring
WaterNSW’s AI-powered Remote Video Monitoring initiative transforms safety across critical water infrastructure. By replacing crew patrols with real-time hazard detection, automated alerts, and evidence-based decision-making, it reduces field-crew exposure, improves flood response, protects our precious water ecosystems by detecting baby-eels, and delivers a smarter, safer, scalable model for utility operations.
Melbourne Water | Future Water Story: Shaping WaterSmart Communities Through Immersive Learning
The Future Water Story is an immersive, technology‑enhanced experience that strengthens water literacy and empowers communities to make informed, waterwise decisions. Through dynamic storytelling, real‑time decision modelling and evidence‑based design, it drives measurable engagement, inspires collaboration and generates insights that support a sustainable, customer‑centred water future for the sector.
Matthew Brannock, Daniel Visser, David Reynolds, Kieran Mitchell
A Brine Management Framework for Inland Desalination & PRW: Detailed Methodology, Case Studies and Lessons Learned
As inland desalination and purified recycled water become more important, managing brine remains one of the sector’s toughest challenges. This paper presents a practical Brine Management Framework to help utilities and industry develop sustainable long-term strategies. Drawing on Australian and US case studies, it explores disposal, beneficial reuse, salt recovery and adaptive planning. The paper highlights the need to plan beyond evaporation ponds and shows how robust brine management is essential to the success of inland desalination projects.
Daniel Cox – The Scots College
SunRays Aqua System: Solar-Thermal Aerial Weed Control
Daniel developed an innovative solar-thermal system for chemical-free aquatic weed control, using a distributed array of mirrors and a drone-mounted receiver to deliver targeted heat treatment to invasive species. His SunRays Aqua System offers a precise, low-impact alternative to traditional methods, achieving strong biomass reduction without disturbing sensitive ecosystems. Combining advanced engineering with environmental insight, Daniel’s work presents a scalable and practical solution for managing waterways, particularly in areas where conventional approaches are restricted.
Dr Kaili Li – The University of Queensland
Understanding and Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Wastewater Systems in the Data Era
Dr Kaili Li’s pioneering research has transformed how the water industry monitors and manages greenhouse gas emissions. By combining real-time full-scale monitoring with hybrid modelling, her work provides actionable tools and insights that support utilities across Australia and New Zealand in progressing toward accurate reporting and net-zero emissions.
Cr Declan Clausen – Hunter Water
Environmental engineer and civic leader Declan Clausen is driving sustainability across the Hunter. As Group Manager Strategy & External Affairs at Hunter Water, he integrates strategy, community trust and environmental stewardship. As a Newcastle Councillor, he champions inclusion and water’s role in building resilient, equitable communities.
Danielle Francis – Water Services Association of Australia
Danielle has provided transformative strategic leadership and advocacy in safe and reliable water supplies supported by good policy frameworks. Her most notable achievement is advancing purified recycled water (PRW) for drinking. She spearheaded the All Options on the Table initiative, reframing the local and national conversation on water supply options.
AWA congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors – Hydroflux, Water Research Australia, CPB Contractors, Water Services Association of Australia, Guidera O’Connor, Xylem and KSB Australia – for their support of this event and these important industry awards.