Events are back on!! We have held some very successful events recently, and planning is in full swing for more to come!
But firstly, I would like to welcome Mark Jones as the SA Member Engagement Manager, who will be the contact point of the AWA in SA for all our members. We look forward to working with Mark and continuing to reach out and engage with our members.
We held the Minister's breakfast in July, which showcased the new Minister for Environment and Water, the Honourable Susan Close. It was very informative to hear the new government's direction in water. I capitalised on the stand-up format for breakfast and networked with a range of people, connecting with some I hadn't seen in ages and making new contacts.
The YWPs held a successful YWP Forum in August with huge attendance that filled the convention centre at the Adelaide Zoo. I am always enthused by the energy and passion our YWPs bring to anything they do, and this was no exception. There has been continued conversation about the workshop content, and thanks go to Sarah Hughes from WSP for facilitating.
The Conference sub-committee is in full swing in preparations for the 2022 Water Matters, Securing Our Future, which is being held on 30 September 2022. There has been a massive response to the call for papers, so a stream has been added. I look forward to sharing across the industry.
To close the year out, we will have our Awards Dinner, scheduled for 18 November 2022. Nominations close this week, so I encourage you to think about projects, research results, your people and YWPs who may be eligible for nominations under the various categories. We have seen massive success at the National Level, most recently at Ozwater '22, where The Goyder Institute for Water Research - Second Term Research Program (2015-2020) won in the R&D category, and SA Water's Zero Cost Energy Future Program won in the Infrastructure Project Innovation Metro Category. There is so much going on in our industry that is worth celebrating.
I am enthused and hopeful that the new 'normal' will enable continued opportunities to share, connect and inspire. I hope to see you at one or more of the abovementioned events.
by Carmen Wentrock
