Excellence recognised at the 2026 ACT Water Awards

The 2026 ACT Water Awards were presented at the ACT Water Leaders Dinner on 26 March at QT Canberra, celebrating outstanding leadership, innovation and impact.

The awards bring together water professionals from across government, utilities, consulting and research to recognise achievements that are shaping a more resilient and sustainable water future.

AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman congratulated the finalists and winners, noting the strength of leadership and collaboration demonstrated across this year’s award recipients.

“The ACT Water Awards showcase the depth of expertise and commitment within this community,” she said.

“What unites all of these achievements is a strong focus on people – building capability, strengthening partnerships and making sure water systems serve communities now and into the future.

“AWA is proud to recognise these leaders and projects, and the positive contribution they are making locally, nationally and internationally.”

This year’s ACT Water Award winners will go on to represent the state in the national Australian Water Awards, with winners presented at the AWA’s annual water conference and exhibition, Ozwater’26 in Brisbane.

WINNERS 

Organisational Excellence Award
Alluvium Group and contributing organisations – The South Asia Water Security Initiative (SAWASI) in Nepal - Water Supply and Demand Model for Pokhara and Tulsipur
The SAWASI Nepal initiative empowers sustainable urban water management through an innovative supply-demand model for Pokhara and Tulsipur. Combining climate resilience, inclusive planning, and Australian expertise, it strengthens institutional capacity and fosters collaboration, delivering equitable, data driven solutions for water security and setting a benchmark for global best practice.

R&D Excellence (sponsored by Water Research Australia) 

Office of Water, ACT Government – ACT Water Security Vulnerability Assessment
The ACT Water Security Vulnerability Assessment Project assesses current and future vulnerabilities of the ACT and region’s water security to support evidence based and robust water policy and planning. Through collaboration and technical uplift, the ACT Office of Water is committed to achieving a prosperous and sustainable water future.

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (METRO)
Interflow and Icon Water – Breaking Barriers: Safe, Sustainable Sewer Inspection Under Live Flow
This project redefines sewer inspection in Australia by combining robotics and AI to deliver safe, sustainable, and WSA-compliant condition assessments under live flow conditions. It eliminates major risks, reduces costs, and provides actionable insights for proactive asset management setting a benchmark for innovation and sustainability.

Student Water Prize
Cherie Blackburn – Australian National University
Decolonising Water Governance: Indigenous Rights and Regulatory Capitalism in Australia

Cherie leads the Water Regulation team at ACT Utilities Technical Regulation and has 25 years’ experience in environmental and water management across consulting, utilities and government. With qualifications in environmental engineering and science, she is currently studying Governance and Regulation at ANU, focusing on practical and intractable water governance challenges.
 
Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Xylem)
 
Sarah Ransom – General Manager, Australian Water Partnership
A respected leader in global water and climate dialogue, Sarah Ransom champions inclusive partnerships, elevates Indigenous and women’s voices and drives meaningful international collaboration. Her strategic vision, diplomacy and commitment to sustainability have strengthened Australia’s role globally and inspired a new generation of diverse water leaders.

The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors and supporters – Icon Water, SMEC, Aurecon, GHD, Alluvium, Water Research Australia and Xylem – for their support of this event and these important industry awards.