Northern Territory Water Awards honour community and innovation

The 2025 Northern Territory Water Awards have recognised the Northern Territory’s most outstanding projects and professionals, with a showcase of inspiring achievements in environmental stewardship, innovation and leadership. 

Announced at the NT Water in the Bush Conference & Awards Dinner held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 16 October, the Northern Territory Water Awards celebrate the contribution of the Association’s members across research, programs and infrastructure projects. 

AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman congratulated all the finalists and winners, praising their work to strengthen water security and support communities across the territory. 

“The commitment of Northern Territory water professionals to serving their communities is truly inspiring. Each of the finalists and winners have demonstrated innovation, collaboration and leadership that makes a real difference,” Cheeseman said. 

“From building trust with communities in remote regions, to advancing hydrogeological research and leading strategic infrastructure planning, these award recipients showcase the extraordinary talent and dedication that defines the Northern Territory water sector. 

“AWA is proud to recognise these leaders and changemakers who are driving a sustainable and resilient water future for the territory.” 
   
This year’s Northern Territory Water Award winners will go on to represent the territory in the national Australian Water Awards, which will be presented at the AWA’s annual water conference and exhibition, Ozwater’26, in Brisbane.   
 
MEET THE WINNERS 
   
Organisational Excellence Award  
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment and Power and Water Corporation – NT Government Water Demand Management Strategy  

NT Government’s Water Demand Management Strategy for the Greater Darwin Region 2024 – 2028 has a target for reducing NT Government water use by 20% by 2027-28 and commits NT Government agencies to develop tailored water demand management plans. 

Finalist: Power and Water Corporation – System Operator Readiness Program 
Power and Water’s System Operator Readiness Program is preparing the NT for its largest-ever water infrastructure expansion. Integrating 22 strategic projects, it ensures operational, regulatory and workforce readiness for a modern multi-source supply system, delivering sustainable, reliable and efficient water services for communities, industries and the environment. 
    
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (REGIONAL)  
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment, Power and Water Corporation, NT Department of Health and contributing organisations – The Remote Water Team 

A key objective of the Remote Water Team is to listen to community, answer questions and concerns raised about their water supply to build community confidence and trust in their water. 
 
Student Water Prize 
Anita Doig – Flinders University 
Hydrogeology of Lateritic Regolith Profiles 

Anita has experience working as a hydrogeologist and geologist on remote community water supply and petroleum and mineral resources in Australia. Anita’s work uses fundamental hydrogeological concepts to interpret the geology and hydrogeology in remote and data poor areas. 
   
Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Xylem)  
 
Mathilda Lipscombe – Water Demand Management Coordinator, Power and Water Corporation 

Mathilda is an environmental engineer with a colourful career narrative! She has experience working in a variety of roles including working on Perth's sewer networks, improving water security in NT Aboriginal communities and coordinating an Aboriginal ranger group. She is passionate about combining all these experiences to create better water futures. 
   
Water Professional of the Year 
Trevor Durling – Principal Engineer, Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program, Power and Water Corporation 

Trevor Durling has more than 25 years’ experience in water and wastewater services in the NT. As Principal Engineer with Power and Water Corporation, Trevor is responsible for strategic planning for Darwin’s water supply security and supporting the NT Government in delivering the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program. 

The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our Conference and Dinner sponsors – Power and Water Corporation, Trop Water, Veolia, Department of Lands, Planning and Environment, Water Research Australia, WGA, Xylem and National Pump and Energy – for their support of this event and these important water community awards.  

Conference Platinum Partner
Gold Conference Sponsor
Silver Conference Sponsor
Platinum Dinner Sponsor
Gold Dinner Sponsor
National R&D Excellence Award Sponsor	National Young Water Professional of the Year Award Sponsor
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