Ozwater’26 begins today with thought-provoking keynotes, dynamic panels and workshops, and countless opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the water sector.
Whether you’re attending your first Ozwater or returning as a familiar face, Day One is all about setting the tone, and there’s plenty to look forward to!
This morning’s Welcome to Country and keynote address will be delivered by Cameron Costello, a proud Quandamooka Traditional Owner from Moreton Bay. Drawing on his work across business, government and community, Cameron will reflect on Aboriginal perspectives on Country and explore how cultural knowledge systems and place-based decision-making can strengthen stewardship, resilience and long-term planning.
Following this, Dr Margaret Cook, Australian Research Council Fellow at Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute, will examine how history continues to shape our relationship with water. Drawing on her acclaimed book A River with a City Problem, Margaret will explore flood risk, resilience and urban planning, highlighting lessons from the past and the urgent need for proactive climate preparedness.
Here’s what to watch out for next.
Keep your eyes open for these standout events and activations happening throughout the day.
Education Hub – Discovery and setting the foundations (9am–2pm)
A discovery-focused STEM experience designed for mid-secondary school students, the Education Hub is set to be buzzing throughout the day with future water professionals exploring real-world challenges alongside industry mentors. Students will take part in interactive water filtration exercises, problem-solving activities, and a “Water Hunt” exploring the water project lifecycle.
Water e-journal student research showcase (1.45pm–3.10pm, Exhibition Stage)
Hear from emerging researchers and future sector leaders as students present innovative projects and fresh thinking on some of the industry’s biggest challenges.
Artist in residence activation – Felicity Chapman (10am, AWA Stand)
Visit the AWA Stand during morning tea to experience a unique artist in residence partnership between Regional Arts Australia and Arup. Featuring artist Felicity Chapman, the activation highlights the intersection of creative industries, Aboriginal science and water.
Book signing – Dr Margaret Cook (12:40pm, AWA Stand)
Following her keynote, delegates will have the opportunity to meet Dr Margaret Cook and purchase signed copies of A River with a City Problem.
Rainbow Bites & Big Ideas: Pride in Water Afternoon Tea (3.10pm–4.00pm, AWA Stand)
Drop into the AWA Stand for rainbow cupcakes, conversations and connections with LGBTIQA+ water professionals and allies. Hosted by Pride in Water, this welcoming afternoon tea will explore practical ways to strengthen inclusion across the sector while highlighting upcoming events, memberships and initiatives.
Running across the entire day are diverse streams covering every corner of the water sector – from climate adaptation and desalination to decarbonisation and intergenerational equity. Whatever your area of interest, there’s plenty to add to your agenda.
For those looking to explore complex challenges and future-focused thinking in more depth, today’s panels deliver practical insights alongside big-picture conversations.
Here are just a few highlights to consider:
Carbon credits or carbon cuts? Charting a practical path beyond zero in the water sector
Hosted by Beyond Zero, AWA’s Specialist Network dedicated to water sector decarbonisation, this session brings together senior voices from the Clean Energy Regulator, Climate Change Authority, Melbourne Water, and the University of Queensland Business School to examine how the sector can move from ambition to action on net zero. Take a look at panelists here.
“You can’t ask that (about desalination)!”
No question is off-limits in this interactive panel tackling the water sector’s toughest and most uncomfortable desalination questions. Facilitated in a “You Can’t Ask That” format, the session will unpack energy use, environmental impacts, costs, community perceptions and the future role of desalination in Australia’s water security planning. Take a look at panelists here.
Purified recycled water – do we need to reinvent the wheel? …our global colleagues can make our pathway easier
Featuring four leading potable reuse specialists from the United States, this panel will focus heavily on audience Q&A following short presentations from each speaker. Discussions will cover technical operations, regulation, workforce capability and lessons Australia can learn from international reuse schemes. Take a look at panelists here.
What about me? Has the water sector got a handle on fairness for now and future generations?
This thought-provoking panel explores the complexities of fairness in water planning, from intergenerational risk and environmental services to community representation and long-term decision-making. The discussion challenges delegates to consider whether today’s planning approaches are creating balanced outcomes – or simply passing difficult decisions onto future generations. Take a look at panelists here.
Bringing knowledge systems & intangible truths together by empowering our youth
Focused on partnership, collaboration and two-way knowledge sharing, this panel explores how Traditional Owner voices and Cultural Science can be better integrated into western scientific frameworks and land and water management approaches.
The session highlights the importance of empowering younger generations to carry knowledge systems forward while strengthening relationships between communities, culture and Country. Take a look at panelists here.
Climate change adaptation: How Indigenous science can bolster adaptation efforts
This workshop explores the Gunimaa and Gali Waratah Tool – an evolution of Beca’s Circular Design Framework that reframes circular economy thinking through an Indigenous Australian lens.
Centred on custodianship, relationships and place, the workshop examines how western and cultural science can work together to support healthier catchments, resilient infrastructure and nature-based adaptation responses for floods, droughts and changing flows. Delegates will be encouraged to think differently about planning, design and long-term resilience in the water sector.
Happy Hour (5.30pm–6.30pm, Exhibition Halls)
One of Ozwater’s most popular traditions, Happy Hour is the perfect chance to unwind after a packed first day of conference sessions while reconnecting with colleagues, exhibitors and sponsors from across the country. See you there!
Want to make the most of your Ozwater’26 experience? Check out the dedicated Ozwater’26 platform to plan your day.