South Australia's Water Awards honour leadership, innovation and impact

The 2025 Water Awards SA have celebrated the state’s most exceptional water professionals and projects, recognising their leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing sustainable water management.

Announced at the Water Awards SA Dinner, held at Adelaide Oval on 13 November, the awards highlight the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations dedicated to creating a resilient and waterwise future for South Australia.

AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman congratulated all the finalists and winners, commending their passion and determination to deliver lasting positive change.

“South Australia’s water sector continues to demonstrate remarkable innovation, collaboration and leadership,” Cheeseman said.

“From restoring wetlands and advancing desalination research, to developing inclusive, sustainable programs that safeguard our water resources, these award recipients represent the best of what our community stands for.

“AWA is proud to celebrate their achievements and the collective effort driving progress across South Australia’s water community. These recognitions are well deserved.”

This year’s Water Awards SA winners will go on to represent the state at the national Australian Water Awards, to be presented at Ozwater’26 in Brisbane.

MEET THE WINNERS

Organisational Excellence Award (sponsored by GHD)

Department for Environment and Water – Alternative Water Supply Efficiency Measures Program

The AWSEM program is working collaboratively across levels of government to return water to the River Murray and diversify water supplies in metropolitan Adelaide, to drought proof urban greening for local communities.

R&D Excellence Award (sponsored by Water Research Australia)
 
Osmoflo, One Basin CRC, University of Adelaide, Department for Environment and Water and other contributing organisations – From Salinity to Security: Innovative Water Supply for a Sustainable Future in Agriculture

Osmoflo played a key role in the One Basin CRC's “Quickstart” initiative. This project focuses on exploring the use of brackish groundwater as a diversified irrigated water source, assessing its environmental, social, and economic implications. The project identifies a demonstration desalination site, building a cost-analysis tool, and providing basin insights.

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (REGIONAL) (sponsored by Guidera O’Connor)

Department for Environment and Water, Leed Engineering and Construction, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and other contributing organisations – Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin On-Ground Works Lake Hawdon North Project

The Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin On-Ground Works project at Lake Hawdon North presented a rare opportunity to undertake large-scale wetland restoration to support conservation of endangered and vulnerable species. Infrastructure was implemented to improve management and overall health of the site and ensure its cultural and ecological values are preserved.

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (METRO) (sponsored by Guidera O’Connor)

Fulton Hogan, SA Water, WSP and Sage Automation – Bolivar WWTP Inlet Works Upgrade

Bolivar WWTP Inlet Works Upgrade is a landmark infrastructure project developed to modernise and advance plant screening capability and reliability, future-proofing capacity for central and northern Adelaide. Fulton Hogan and SA Water with partners, WSP and SAGE Automation, completed and integrated this transformative project while ensuring the plant remained operational.

Hodgson Medal | Student Water Prize
Thi Hai Duong Ninh – University of Adelaide
Proactive Detection of Wastewater Overflows in Smart Wastewater Systems

Thi Hai Duong Ninh is a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide. Her research can tackle one of the most critical operational challenges in wastewater management: detecting blockages and preventing sewer overflows before they occur.

Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Xylem)
 
Bridget Lindsay – Team Manager (Pipeline and Hydraulics), Water, WSP Australia

Bridget Lindsay is a passionate water engineer and advocate, driving sustainable infrastructure, mentoring future professionals, and leading inclusive initiatives across Australia. Her work spans technical excellence, strategic planning, and community lead initiatives, making her a standout leader shaping the future of the water industry.

Premier’s Water Medal | Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by the Department for Environment and Water)
 
Carmine Ciccocioppo – CEO and Managing Director, Osmoflo

Carmine is a distinguished leader in the water industry, having led significant growth and innovation initiatives while advocating for sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and positive community impact. Carmine’s contributions to the AWA have been significant serving as a member on the SA Branch Committee, culminating in his directorship for two terms on the AWA National Board.

The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors – SA Water, Jacobs, Fulton Hogan, South Australia Department for Environment and Water, Guidera O’Connor, GHD, Water Research Australia and Xylem – for their support of this event and these important water community awards.