Recognising innovation and impact at the Victorian Water Awards

The 2025 Victorian Water Awards have celebrated the state’s most outstanding projects and professionals, with winners recognised for their achievements in innovation, environmental stewardship and sector leadership. 

Announced at the Victorian Gala Dinner & Awards held at Melbourne Town Hall on 16 October, the Awards showcase the contribution of AWA members across research, programs and infrastructure projects. 

AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman congratulated all the finalists and winners, acknowledging their impressive efforts to create a more sustainable water future. 

“Victoria’s water professionals are leading the way with projects and research that set new benchmarks for innovation, collaboration and community benefit. It’s inspiring to see their achievements recognised and celebrated,” Cheeseman said. 

“From pioneering new approaches to biosolids and hydrogen energy, to delivering sustainable reuse projects and developing next-generation digital tools, our award recipients are helping shape the water sector of tomorrow. 

“AWA is proud to congratulate these visionary leaders, professionals and organisations who are driving a resilient and sustainable water future for Victoria.” 

This year’s Victorian Water Award winners will go on to represent the state in the national Australian Water Awards, which will be presented at AWA’s annual water conference and exhibition, Ozwater’26, in Brisbane. 
 
MEET THE WINNERS 
 
Organisational Excellence Award (sponsored by Fulton Hogan) 

South East Water and IOTA – Sotto® – Network Leak Detection 

Sotto® is revolutionising leak detection. Developed by South East Water and commercialised by Iota, this innovative vibration sensor technology identifies hard-to-find network-side leaks with precision. With 60,000 sensors deployed, it’s transforming network monitoring, reducing costs, and enabling smarter, faster repairs, ushering in a new era of digital water management. 
 
R&D Excellence (sponsored by Water Research Australia)  

 South East Water Consortium with RMIT University, Melbourne Water, Environmental Protection Authority Victoria and Intelligent Water Networks – World’s First Transforming Biosolids Training Centre 

Australia’s world-first Transforming Biosolids Training Centre unites top researchers, industry, and government to revolutionise biosolids management. Delivering cutting-edge technologies, sustainable products, and circular economy solutions, it sets global benchmarks while training future leaders. A launchpad for innovation, it’s reshaping standards and unlocking commercial potential across agricultural and industrial sectors. 
 
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (REGIONAL) (sponsored by CPB Contractors & UGL) 

Central Highlands Water – Beaufort Reuse for Recreation 

The Beaufort Reuse for Recreation project provides a sustainable water supply to key community recreation facilities, improving playing surfaces and supporting local health and wellbeing. By reusing local wastewater, the project delivers long-term environmental benefits and enhances community spaces like schools and sporting facilities, in a drying climate. 
 
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (METRO) (sponsored by CPB Contractors & UGL) 

Melbourne Water, Jacobs and BMD  – 5W NRP at Western Treatment Plant 

The 5W NRP 150 ML/d SCNR wastewater treatment plant at Western Treatment Plant, constructed to deliver a 40% reduction in carbon:TN removed ratio and 30% reduction in energy demand, a new benchmark for biological nitrogen removal. The innovative project was collaboratively delivered by Melbourne Water, Jacobs and BMD. 
 
Student Water Prize 
Dr Muhammad Haris – RMIT University 
Hydrogen from Wastewater: A Circular Solution for Clean Energy and Water 

Dr Muhammad Haris turns wastewater challenges into opportunities, developing waste-derived materials that generate clean hydrogen energy and technologies that remove pollutants such as microplastics and PFAS. His award-winning work delivers sustainable, circular economy solutions that preserve freshwater resources while supporting cleaner energy and safer water for communities and industry. 
 
Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Xylem)  
 
Christopher Lee – Senior Water Resources Consultant, Jacobs 

With over nine years' experience in public policy, along with an extensive interdisciplinary occupational and educational history, Chris has proven himself to be a dedicated and experienced Young Water Leader who brings a proactive, inclusive, and adaptive approach to his professional and extraprofessional engagements in water. 
 
Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by KSB Australia)  
 
Dr Michael Thomas – Research & Development Lead, Barwon Water 

Michael Thomas is a nationally recognised water sector leader, known for driving innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. Through award-winning research, sector-wide initiatives, and community outreach, he bridges science and strategy to shape a sustainable future. His leadership inspires the next generation and exemplifies the best of the profession. 
 

The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors – GHD, Barwon Water, Melbourne Water, Greater Western Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, John Holland, Arup, Sequana, Fulton Hogan, Water Research Australia, CPB Contractors, UGL, Xylem and KSB Australia – for their support of this event and these important water community awards.