---
title: Queensland President’s Reflections of 2022
description: Reflecting on our year and all the great achievements of our state
image: https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/52459717854_f29115de54_o-1.jpg
---

[![Indigo by AWA logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Indigo_colour.png?height=24&name=Indigo_colour.png)](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/)

[![Ozwater logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Ozwater.png?height=24&name=Ozwater.png)](https://www.ozwater.org/)

[![Careers in Water logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png?height=24&name=Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png)](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/)

[![NWW logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/NWW.png?height=24&name=NWW.png)](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org/)

- [Join ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-user-icon.svg "user icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/new-registration)
- [Member Hub ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-locked-icon.svg "user icon")](https://memberhub.awa.asn.au)
- [About us ![about us icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-about-us-icon-copy.svg "about us icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/about)
- [Contact us ![contact icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-contact-icon.svg "contact icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/contact-us)

[Skip to content](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/queensland-presidents-reflections-of-2022#main-content)

[![Australian Water Association | 60 Years](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/AWA-logo@2x.png?width=180&height=85&name=AWA-logo@2x.png "Australian Water Association | 60 Years")](https://awa.asn.au)

- [ Home ](https://www.awa.asn.au)
- [ Membership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership)
  
  Show submenu for Membership ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Membership for me ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/individual)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for me ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ Branch committees ](https://www.awa.asn.au/local-branch)
          - [ Specialist Networks ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership-specialist-water-networks)
          - [ Young Water Professionals ](https://www.awa.asn.au/young-water-professionals)
    - [ Membership for my organisation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/corporate)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for my organisation ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ B2B ](https://www.awa.asn.au/business-connections)
          - [ Australian Water Directory ](https://www.awa.asn.au/digital-marketplace)
- [ Careers in Water ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au)
  
  Show submenu for Careers in Water ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Jobs Board ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs)
- [ Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources)
  
  Show submenu for Resources ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Indigo ](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/)
    - [ Latest Industry News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news)
    - [ Strategy 2030 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/strategy-2030)
    - [ Current Magazine ](https://www.awa.asn.au/member-magazine)
    - [ Water e-Journal ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/water-e-journal)
    - [ Reconciliation Action Plan ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/reconciliation-action-plan)
    - [ Future of Water Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/futureofwaterreport)
    - [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/podcasts)
    - [ Advertising & Media ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/media-releases)
    - [ Past Papers ](https://www.ozwater.org/program/past-papers)
- [ Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
  
  Show submenu for Events ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Upcoming Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
    - [ Events Calendar ](https://www.awa.asn.au/national-events-calendar)
    - [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/events/ozwater)
    - [ Photo Gallery ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums)
- [ Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
  
  Show submenu for Awards ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Awards Overview ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
    - [ Individual Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-individual)
    - [ Chris Davis AM Fellowship ](https://www.awa.asn.au/chris-davis-am-fellowship)
    - [ Guy Parker Award ](https://www.awa.asn.au/guy-parker-award)
    - [ Organisation Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-organisation)
    - [ Student Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/student-awards)
    - [ Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards/student-awards/asjwp)
    - [ View Honour Roll ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-honour-roll)
- [ Programs ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs)
  
  Show submenu for Programs ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ International Program ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international)
    - [ Advocacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/advocacy)
    - [ Mentoring ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/mentoring)
    - [ Graduate Program - Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/graduate-program-water)
    - [ National Water Week ](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org)
    - [ Circular Water Taskforce ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/circular-water-taskforce)
    - [ ANZBP ](https://www.biosolids.com.au/)

- [ Home ](https://www.awa.asn.au)
- [ Membership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership)
  
  Show submenu for Membership ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Membership for me ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/individual)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for me ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ Branch committees ](https://www.awa.asn.au/local-branch)
          - [ Specialist Networks ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership-specialist-water-networks)
          - [ Young Water Professionals ](https://www.awa.asn.au/young-water-professionals)
    - [ Membership for my organisation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/corporate)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for my organisation ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ B2B ](https://www.awa.asn.au/business-connections)
          - [ Australian Water Directory ](https://www.awa.asn.au/digital-marketplace)
- [ Careers in Water ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au)
  
  Show submenu for Careers in Water ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Jobs Board ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs)
- [ Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources)
  
  Show submenu for Resources ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Indigo ](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/)
    - [ Latest Industry News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news)
    - [ Strategy 2030 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/strategy-2030)
    - [ Current Magazine ](https://www.awa.asn.au/member-magazine)
    - [ Water e-Journal ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/water-e-journal)
    - [ Reconciliation Action Plan ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/reconciliation-action-plan)
    - [ Future of Water Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/futureofwaterreport)
    - [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/podcasts)
    - [ Advertising & Media ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/media-releases)
    - [ Past Papers ](https://www.ozwater.org/program/past-papers)
- [ Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
  
  Show submenu for Events ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Upcoming Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
    - [ Events Calendar ](https://www.awa.asn.au/national-events-calendar)
    - [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/events/ozwater)
    - [ Photo Gallery ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums)
- [ Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
  
  Show submenu for Awards ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Awards Overview ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
    - [ Individual Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-individual)
    - [ Chris Davis AM Fellowship ](https://www.awa.asn.au/chris-davis-am-fellowship)
    - [ Guy Parker Award ](https://www.awa.asn.au/guy-parker-award)
    - [ Organisation Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-organisation)
    - [ Student Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/student-awards)
    - [ Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards/student-awards/asjwp)
    - [ View Honour Roll ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-honour-roll)
- [ Programs ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs)
  
  Show submenu for Programs ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ International Program ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international)
    - [ Advocacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/advocacy)
    - [ Mentoring ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/mentoring)
    - [ Graduate Program - Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/graduate-program-water)
    - [ National Water Week ](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org)
    - [ Circular Water Taskforce ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/circular-water-taskforce)
    - [ ANZBP ](https://www.biosolids.com.au/)

![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-nav-hamburger.svg)

![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-nav-close.svg)

[Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) > [Latest News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news) >  Queensland presidents reflections of 2022

# Queensland President’s Reflections of 2022

Dec 8, 2022 | 2 mins read ![User Icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-user.svg "User Icon") by Margit Connellan

![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/52459717854_f29115de54_o-1.jpg)

What a fantastic year for the water sector in Queensland! Everybody I’ve been talking to is extremely busy with the three-week countdown to the Christmas break.

It has been a great few months since my last column with the successful Gala Dinner and Water Awards night and the combined North Queensland and QWater Conference held in Cairns. And the Young Water Professionals held their ever-popular Amazing Race, with fifteen teams enjoying a great afternoon exploring the city, with most of these donning very creative costumes.

The Queensland Branch finished the year with a Sundowner event at the 4 Hearts Brewery in Ipswich. It was great way to catch up with people and sample some craft beers.

Last month, AWA held its board election process with all existing board members that nominated for re-election returning and three new board members selected. I would like to welcome the new board members Eric Vanweydeveld, Chris Bulloch and Clare Porter.

As we come to the end of the year, I would like to provide a special thanks to our Member Engagement Manager, Carlie Sargent and our Branch Committee members who make AWA successful. These include our Past President - Nicole Davis, Vice President – Will Spiers, Amie Aldred, Natalie Muir, Olivia Newman, Simon Taylor, Jeff Ballard, Christian Truscott, Janice Wilson, Leah Sertorio, Michael Puntil, Chris Manning, Charlene Wong, Johanna Johnson, Justin Simonis and Zak Floyde Smith. I’d also like to thank all members of the Queensland YWP Subcommittee for continuing to provide opportunities for connection and development for those newer to the water sector and all members who contribute on our conference committees. All of these volunteers have been busy working hard on making sure that we provide great events for members where we share knowledge and enable networking.

Our team has been busy organising the events coming up in the new year including the annual Industry Breakfast being held on Wednesday, 22 February 2023 at Victoria Park in Brisbane, with thanks to our continuing sponsor, Jacobs. This event will include regional hubs thanks to ARUP in Cairns, Townsville City Council and Mackay Regional Council. It will be a great event with some fantastic Keynote speakers, Mary Kanavoutsos (Executive Director Water, Jacobs), Paul Arnold (CEO, Urban Utilities), Anna Jackson (CEO, Unitywater) and Stuart Wilson (Deputy Executive Director, WSAA). I look forward to hearing them discuss the critical issues for delivering a sustainable water future.

We will be kicking off next year’s QLD Mentoring Program with a launch event on 1 February 2023. This is a great initiative that has been running successfully for several years so I would encourage everyone to reach out to your networks to encourage participation.

I hope you all stay safe during this festive season and enjoy the time off. Thank you to those who will be working to keep our water running and ensure the safe treatment of our wastewater and don’t get to take the extended break over the festive period.

Thanks again for a great year and I look forward to catching up with members again in 2023.

[ QLD Source ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/qld-source) [ Queensland ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/queensland) [ QLD ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/qld)

 Share

[![email icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-email.svg "email icon") ](mailto:?subject=Queensland%20President’s%20Reflections%20of%202022&body=Check%20out%20https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/queensland-presidents-reflections-of-2022) [![facebook-icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-facebook.svg "facebook icon") ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/queensland-presidents-reflections-of-2022) [![LinkedIn icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-linkedin.svg "LinkedIn icon") ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/queensland-presidents-reflections-of-2022) [![Twitter icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-twitter.svg "Twitter icon") ](https://twitter.com/home?status=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/queensland-presidents-reflections-of-2022)

## RELATED NEWS

[![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/53243438632_f16e150c3b_b.jpg?width=352&name=53243438632_f16e150c3b_b.jpg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/awa-end-of-year-queensland-presidents-report)

### [ AWA End of Year Queensland President's Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/awa-end-of-year-queensland-presidents-report)

Margit Connellan

 As we approach the end of the year, QLD President Margit Connellan reflects on the last few months and looks ahead to 2024. [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/awa-end-of-year-queensland-presidents-report)

[![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/1635984292721.jpg?width=352&name=1635984292721.jpg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/wa-branch-presidents-message)

### [ WA Branch President's Message ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/wa-branch-presidents-message)

Water Source

 Message from WA Branch President Garth Walter reflecting on highlights from recent months [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/wa-branch-presidents-message)

[![AWA QLD president](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/54051173618_6688580477_c.jpg?width=352&name=54051173618_6688580477_c.jpg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/will-speirs)

### [ QLD Source: Queensland's AWA President's Update ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/will-speirs)

Will Speirs

 Will Speirs, AWA's QLD President, reflects on the events of 2024 and recognises project successes in the water sector. [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/will-speirs)

 Advertising

---

### Subscribe to our newsletters

 Sign up to get the latest news and insights from us

 Advertising

---

![white arrow pointing upwards](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-white-arrow-up.svg) Top

[![Footer-logo-02](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/Footer-logo-02.svg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/)

The **Australian Water Association** acknowledges the Traditional Custodians across Australia, where we live, work and play, for their deep connection to our precious waters and land.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and the ancestors who have cared, protected and nurtured Country for many thousands of years.

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices, and names of people who have passed away. Please [let us know ](mailto:membership@awa.asn.au)if anything on the site causes distress.

- [About us](https://www.awa.asn.au/about)
- [International](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international)
- [Principal Members](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership)
- [Resources](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources)
- [Jobs Board](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs)

 Branches

[ ACT ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/act)

[ NSW ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/nsw)

[ NT ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/nt)

[ QLD ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/qld)

[ SA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/sa)

[ TAS ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/tas)

[ VIC ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/vic)

[ WA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/wa)

[ IWAA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/iwaa)

 Subscribe to our newsletter

 Follow us

[![nav-icon-facebook](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/australianwater) [![nav-icon-instagram](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-instagram.svg) ](https://www.instagram.com/australianwaterassociation/) [![nav-icon-youtube](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-youtube.svg) ](https://www.youtube.com/c/australianwaterTV) [![nav-icon-twitter](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-twitter.svg) ](https://twitter.com/AustralianWater) [![nav-icon-linkedin](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-linkedin.svg) ](https://au.linkedin.com/company/australian-water-association) [![nav-icon-flickr](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-flickr.svg) ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums)

 Australian Water Association

 PO Box 841, Chatswood NSW 2057

 Phone [ + 61 2 9436 0055 ](tel:+%2061%202%209436%200055)

 ABN: 78 096 035 773

[ Contact us ](https://www.awa.asn.au/contact-us)

 Copyright 2025 - Australian Water Association  -

[ Terms of Use ](https://www.awa.asn.au/terms-of-use) | [ Privacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/privacy-policy) |  Sitemap