Ozwater’25: Making the most of Day Two

After a dynamic opening day, Ozwater’25 continues with more critical conversations, in-depth sessions and the celebration of excellence at one of the most anticipated events of the year. From insightful keynote addresses to panels tackling big-picture challenges, Day Two promises a deep dive into the ideas shaping the sector’s future. 

This morning’s keynotes will be delivered by two highly respected leaders. Professor Stuart Khan, Head of the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney, will explore the challenges of water resilience, climate impacts and how the sector can adapt to a rapidly changing environment. He is internationally recognised for his leadership in water quality, treatment and sustainability. 

Dr Jane Doolan, a member of the Murray Darling Basin Authority and a director of Southern Rural Water, will offer a governance-focused lens. With more than three decades of experience in water reform, policy and drought management, Jane will unpack how science, policy and on-the-ground realities must align to support sustainable water systems. 

Check out what else is in store. 

On-the-ground highlights for Day Two 

There’s plenty happening beyond the program streams – don’t miss these standout activities: 

Education Hub (9.00am–2.15pm) – Secondary School Pathways in Water Day, sponsored by Fulton Hogan 

Pride in Water activation (10.00am, AWA Stand) – Connect and celebrate inclusion across the sector with Pride in Water 

Wander the Warrior launch (12.40pm, AWA Stand) – A creative exploration led by Zoe Walsh, supported by WaterAid 

AI Showcase (2.30pm–3.30pm, Education Hub) – Hosted by Aurecon, exploring AI innovation in action 

Gala Dinner and 2025 Australian Water Awards 

Tonight is the night. The Gala Dinner (sponsored by TRILITY) is not only one of the most anticipated events of Ozwater – it’s also where we celebrate the best of the best across the Australian water sector.  

The winners of the 2025 Australian Water Awards, proudly sponsored by ANZ, will also be announced, recognising innovation, leadership and outstanding achievements across research, operations and community impact. 
 
Take a look at all the finalists here. We can’t wait to celebrate! 

Dive into Day Two panels 

Day Two brings another full program of insightful streams and panel sessions, giving delegates plenty of opportunities to learn, connect and challenge their thinking. 

Technical competency of water and wastewater operators 
Hosted by the AWA Operations Specialist Network and facilitated by Kate Simpson, this session will unpack the challenges of ensuring operator competency across diverse regions.  

Expect practical insights from Heidi Grodecki (Queensland Health), Kathy Northcott (Veolia), George Wall (BuildSkills Australia), and Sarah Henry (Qld Water Directorate). 

Beyond Reconciliation Action Plans: Training, employment, procurement and rites 
Facilitated by Kiara Johnson (KSJ Consulting), this powerful panel will move beyond policy statements and into practical, community-led action.  

Featuring Nick Llewellyn-Jones (Norman Waterhouse Lawyers), Troy Brockbank (Beca), Nina Braid (Yarra Valley Water), Scott Murphy and Daniel Brown (Veolia), the session will explore new pathways for Indigenous participation. 

How can we make climate science more useful when it comes to making tough decisions?
Hosted by Ricardo, this session will tackle the all-too-familiar challenge of translating climate science into real-world water sector decisions. 

The panel will explore how technical climate information can be made more relevant and practical for planners, operators and executives –  especially when the stakes are high and the timelines tight. Expect honest reflections, sharp ideas and new thinking on how we can make climate data more user-friendly and actionable. 

Splashes of innovation: How immersive technology is enhancing safety in utilities 
Hosted by KBR, this session will explore how emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality are transforming the way utilities approach safety and training.  

The panel will discuss how immersive tech is being used to simulate high-risk scenarios, reduce workplace incidents, and equip teams to manage complex infrastructure in real time. For those interested in digital transformation with a clear human benefit, this one’s not to be missed. 

Global insights on nature positive solutions 
Hosted by the International Water Association – Australian Committee, this session will bring together case studies from around the world that show how nature-based approaches are driving better outcomes in water.  

From urban wetlands to ecosystem restoration, the panel will explore how integrating biodiversity into planning and design leads to more resilient, sustainable systems – and what it takes to embed nature-positive thinking into core business strategy. 

Check the Ozwater’25 platform to see other session times and locations. 

Workshop highlights 

Smart homes of the future: Empowering residential water efficiency through digital innovations 
Facilitated by Simon Fane (UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures), this session will explore how AI, smart metering and integrated tech are reshaping residential water use. Speakers include Andre Boerema (Sydney Water), Teresa McMaugh (DCCEEW), and Jackie Hammond (Rainwater Harvesting Association). 

Will our response to the national housing crisis create a liveability crisis? 
Hosted by Water Sensitive SA and facilitated by Elsinore Mann, this workshop will explore how urban development can integrate water sensitive urban design. Panellists include Mellissa Bradley (Water Sensitive SA), Shelley Shepherd (Urbaqua), Phillip Birtles (Sydney Water), and Chris Manning (Water Sensitive Cities Australia). 

Managing the procurement challenges and opportunities of increased capital investment 
Facilitated by Greg Ryan (WSAA), this interactive session will bring together Mike Gibbons (SA Water), Kurt Dahl (coNEXA), Brett Reichstein (Fulton Hogan), Margaret Riley (KBR), Nicholle Sparkes (Sydney Water), and Mal Shepherd (Sunwater) to explore capital delivery collaboration and procurement reform. 
 
Want to make the most of your Ozwater’25 experience? Check out the dedicated Ozwater’25 platform to plan your day.