Last week, the Australian water sector gathered in Brisbane for Ozwater’26, with this year’s event carrying special significance as it coincided with National Reconciliation Week.
The Australian Water Association (AWA) was proud to welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peers, leaders, artists and knowledge holders from across Australia for a program grounded in connection, reflection and shared learning.
Across the week, delegates were invited to engage with conversations, experiences and cultural perspectives that highlighted the importance of reconciliation and the role the water sector can play in supporting meaningful change.
Ozwater’26 commenced on Monday evening with a Smoking and Cleansing Ceremony led by Aaron Ruska of the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company ahead of the Welcome Reception, creating a powerful moment of reflection and respect as delegates gathered for the week ahead.
Throughout the conference, delegates also had the opportunity to enjoy a range of National Reconciliation Week and Ozwater’26 merchandise, including lanyards, tote bags and water bottles featuring AWA’s Reconciliation Action Plan artwork by Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung artist Amy Allerton.
All delegate merchandise was produced in partnership with Aboriginal-owned businesses, reflecting AWA’s ongoing commitment to supporting First Peoples' enterprises and elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creativity and storytelling.
Opening plenary keynote speaker Cameron Costello, a proud Quandamooka Traditional Owner, challenged delegates to rethink water not simply as a resource, but as a living entity deeply connected to identity, culture and responsibility.
Drawing on Quandamooka knowledge systems and experiences from Indigenous communities globally, Costello explored the importance of embedding First Nations perspectives into water governance, planning and environmental stewardship.
Costello spoke about the enduring connection between people, water and Country, while highlighting the need for genuine collaboration, co-management and long-term thinking as Australia prepares for a rapidly growing population and increasing environmental pressures.
Costello also reflected on the significance of cultural knowledge in shaping sustainable futures, emphasising that caring for water is inseparable from caring for community, culture and future generations.
“Water is seen as a living entity,” Costello said. “We see water in its different forms, whether it’s rivers or lakes, as entities that we have obligations and responsibilities to look after and deal with in a cultural way.”
“For us, it is part of our identity. We are people in the sand and water.”
Costello also highlighted the importance of shared custodianship and elevating First Peoples stories and perspectives within the sector.
“The rivers, the bay, the wetlands, lakes and creeks across all of our regions continue to shape us individually and as a community,” he said. “Water is sacred. It connects all life. Humans are custodians, not owners.”
Reflecting on the enduring strength of Traditional Knowledge systems, Costello said cultural understanding of water and Country had been shaped over tens of thousands of years.
“Our ancestors taught us that we are all connected this way,” he said. “Culture and ecology are inseparable.”
Day One also featured the Queensland Branch Committee session, All in for Reconciliation: Join the conversation, Build the community, which brought together sector leaders to discuss reflection, accountability and practical action.
The panel explored how organisations and individuals can move beyond intent to embed reconciliation into everyday practice and decision-making across the water sector.
Ozwater’26 also showcased the leadership and perspectives of emerging professionals through the AWA Young Water Professionals-led session, Bringing Knowledge Systems & Intangible Truths Together by Empowering Our Youth.
The discussion brought together a diverse range of perspectives and experiences from across Australia and internationally, featuring Christopher Lee from Sequana Group, Professor Phil Duncan from the University of Canberra and Beca HunterH2O, Nina Braid from Yarra Valley Water, and Taylor Galvin from the Tataskweyak Environmental Monitoring Agency.
Together, the panel highlighted the opportunities and responsibilities involved in building more inclusive, culturally informed approaches to land and water management.
Panellists discussed the importance of elevating Traditional Owner voices in decision-making, recognising Indigenous knowledge systems as living and evidence-based practices, and creating more meaningful collaboration across the water sector.
In collaboration with Regional Arts Australia and Arup, Ozwater’26 also welcomed Deadly Weavers founder Felicity Chapman as the conference’s First Peoples Artist in Residence.
Through dying, storytelling and cultural practice, Chapman shared a sensory and cultural perspective on water, inviting delegates to consider water through connection, care and Country.
Delegates were also encouraged to explore a dedicated artwork display in the Plaza Gallery Quiet Space, featuring Reconciliation Action Plan artworks from AWA Principal and Platinum members.
The display created an opportunity for reflection while celebrating the diverse artistic expressions and stories shared across the sector.
On Wednesday, delegates heard from an inspiring panel of speakers during Advancing reconciliation: from commitment to action, which focused on how organisations can turn reconciliation commitments into meaningful and measurable outcomes.
The session featured Taylor Hayward, First Nations Lead at WSAA, alongside representatives from across the sector, including from Icon Water and Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, who shared honest reflections on the challenges and progress involved in building stronger relationships with community.
Discussing the journey between Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Icon Water, Ngunnawal Kamilaroi custodian Richie Allan said: “Reconciliation is about doing things together.”
“It’s about putting yourself in uncomfortable positions, challenging yourself and walking alongside community – not leaning on Aboriginal people to do the work for you,” he said.
“Sometimes you have to fail to succeed. It's needed to create a turning point where there is honest reflection, accountability and a willingness to rebuild relationships with community.”
Reconciliation conversations also continued throughout the Education Hub program on Day Three, further reinforcing the importance of embedding learning, listening and accountability into the future of the sector.
As Ozwater’26 concluded, the conference served as a reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing journey, one strengthened through collaboration, shared understanding and action.
It was once again a privilege for AWA to host Ozwater’26 during National Reconciliation Week and to create space for important conversations, cultural experiences and First Peoples leadership across the program.
Interested in learning more about reconciliation at the Australian Water Association? Find out more here.