NT’s water leaders and innovation celebrated at the 2026 Northern Territory Water Awards

The 2026 Northern Territory Water Awards have celebrated the Territory’s outstanding projects and professionals, recognising achievements in research, water security, service delivery and water sector leadership.

Announced at the NT Water Awards Dinner held at Wharf One in Darwin on 5 November, the awards highlight the expertise and dedication helping strengthen water services and improve outcomes for communities and the environment.

AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman congratulated all the finalists and winners, acknowledging their contributions to the Northern Territory’s sustainable water future.

“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. These awards are a chance to celebrate the people behind the work and recognise the care, creativity and commitment they bring to our water community,” Cheeseman said.

“It is wonderful to recognise professionals who bring people together, share their knowledge and find practical solutions to complex challenges.

"There is a lot to be proud of across the Territory’s water community.”

Winners in eligible categories will go on to represent the Northern Territory in the national Australian Water Awards, to be presented at Ozwater’27 in Sydney.

MEET THE WINNERS

Organisational Excellence Award
Power and Water Corporation – Response to Darwin River Dam Flooding of Pump Station
Power and Water Corporation is the Northern Territory's government-owned utility provider, delivering electricity, water and sewerage services to urban and remote communities across the Territory. Operating critical infrastructure across more than 1.3 million square kilometres, Power and Water supports the health, wellbeing and prosperity of Territorians every day.

Student Water Prize (sponsored by Water Research Australia)

Ramya Narayan Khandika – Charles Darwin University
Molecular Self-Assembly and Synergy in Multicomponent Surfactant Systems for Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foams
Ramya Narayan Khandika is a final-year PhD candidate at CDU developing fluorine-free replacements for PFAS-based firefighting foams. She combines neutron scattering, surface-tension measurement and molecular simulation to explain why foam ingredients work, turning trial-and-error foam design into structure-based rules that help the water sector move away from PFAS forever chemicals.

Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Xylem)

Rebecca Pink – Remote Water Demand Management Coordinator, Power and Water Corporation
Bec is the Remote Water Demand Management Coordinator at Power and Water Corporation, working to improve water security across remote Northern Territory communities. With a background in civil and environmental engineering, she is passionate about connecting technical knowledge, local experience and people to create practical, sustainable solutions for remote Australia.

Water Professional of the Year
Catherine Vero – Principal Engineer – Water, Ekistica
Catherine is a collaborative water sector leader and strategist with a passion for good water quality for everyone. As a Principal Consultant and Chemical Engineer with over 20 years' experience, she specialises in biosolids and remote water treatment. Being a recipient of the inaugural Chris Davis Fellowship, Catherine expertly navigates complex problem analysis and smart procurement to deliver vital solutions for communities worldwide.

The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors – WGA, Water Research Australia and Xylem – for their support of this event and these important water community awards.

Gold Dinner Sponsor
Student Water Prize Sponsor	Young Water Professional of the Year Award Sponsor