by Water Source
At Ozwater’26, the Australian Water Association (AWA) reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration across the water sector by signing four strategic agreements with key national and international partners.
The agreements – three renewals with Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), Water Research Australia (WaterRA) and Singapore International Water Week (SIWW), alongside a new partnership with British Water – strengthen opportunities for knowledge exchange, capability development, innovation and international engagement.
Together, the agreements demonstrate AWA’s commitment to fostering strong domestic partnerships while expanding global connections that will benefit members, support sector growth and help address shared water challenges.
AWA CEO Corinne Cheeseman said strong partnerships create stronger outcomes for our water community and the communities we serve.
“These agreements reinforce the value of working together as utilities, researchers, businesses and international partners to share knowledge, build capability and drive innovation that supports a sustainable water future,” she said.
"Water challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected, making collaboration more important than ever.
“These partnerships strengthen both our local and global networks, creating valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, innovation and shared learning that will benefit our members and the broader water sector."
Continuing a strong partnership with WSAA
AWA and WSAA renewed their long-standing partnership agreement for a further five years, reinforcing collaboration on key priorities that support the Australian and New Zealand water sectors.
The renewed agreement will see the organisations continue working together across areas including reconciliation, careers in water, diversity and inclusion, advocacy, circular economy initiatives and biosolids management. The partnership also supports collaboration on infrastructure pipeline planning and broader sector capability building.
For AWA members, the agreement provides opportunities to engage with sector-wide initiatives, contribute to important policy discussions and benefit from stronger coordination across the water industry.
AWA President Kevin Werksman with WSAA Chair David Ryan.
Advancing research and capability with WaterRA
AWA also renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with WaterRA, continuing a collaborative relationship focused on research, innovation and capability development.
The agreement aims to ensure members of both organisations benefit from stronger connections between research, industry and professional development, helping translate new knowledge into practical outcomes for the sector.
Areas of collaboration include promoting water research, supporting capability-building initiatives, sharing knowledge across the industry and encouraging participation in research and development programs.
The renewed partnership will also support initiatives that promote research career pathways, strengthen future workforce capability and increase awareness of innovation across the sector.
AWA CEO Corinne Cheeseman with WaterRA CEO Dr. David Bergmann.
Strengthening ties with Singapore
AWA renewed its partnership with Singapore International Water Week (SIWW), extending a long-standing relationship that connects two of the world's leading water communities.
The agreement supports ongoing collaboration between Ozwater and SIWW through reciprocal speaking opportunities, business delegations and networking activities. It also creates opportunities for Australian organisations to engage with international markets, share expertise and build connections with global water leaders.
For AWA members, the partnership provides greater visibility for Australian innovation on the international stage while strengthening access to knowledge, networks and collaboration opportunities throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
AWA CEO Corinne Cheeseman with Singapore International Water Week Managing Director Ryan Yuen.
Building new connections with British Water
In a new partnership announced at Ozwater’26, AWA signed a Memorandum of Action with British Water, establishing a framework for collaboration between the Australian and United Kingdom water sectors.
The agreement focuses on strengthening connections between members, facilitating knowledge exchange and creating opportunities for international collaboration across areas of shared interest.
Key areas of focus include industrial water, circular economy approaches, water reuse, nature-based solutions and workforce development. The partnership will also support joint participation in international events and provide opportunities for members to connect with organisations across both countries.
For AWA members, the agreement opens new pathways to international collaboration, business development and knowledge sharing, helping organisations learn from global experience while showcasing Australian expertise to new audiences.
AWA CEO Corinne Cheeseman with British Water CEO Lila Thompson.
Together, the four agreements reinforce AWA’s role as a connector across the water sector, bringing together utilities, researchers, businesses and international partners to support innovation, build capability and drive a sustainable water future.
Interested in learning more about AWA’s strategic focus on collaboration? Take a look at Strategy 2030 here.
Share
