Tasmanian Water Awards celebrate innovation, leadership and local impact

The 2025 Tasmanian Water Awards have recognised the state’s most inspiring water professionals and projects, honouring their innovation, leadership and dedication to delivering a sustainable water future for Tasmania.

Announced at the TAS Galah Dinner & Awards, held at the picturesque Josef Chromy Vineyard in Launceston, the awards celebrated the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations shaping a resilient, waterwise community across the state.

AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman congratulated all the finalists and winners, commending their vision and commitment to advancing the industry.

“Tasmania’s water sector continues to demonstrate a deep sense of purpose and collaboration,” Cheeseman said.

“This year’s award recipients showcase the creativity and care that underpin our community’s success. They remind us that innovation is as much about people as it is about technology – and Tasmania’s water professionals are leading the way.

“These achievements highlight not only the expertise within our community but also the shared values driving us toward a more sustainable water future. Congratulations to all who have contributed to these remarkable efforts.”

This year’s Tasmanian Water Award 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 Pensar)

TasWater – Let's Save Our Thing, TasWater’s Water Conservation Strategy

TasWater’s Save Water. Save Our Thing campaign is turning pride into action. With Hobart facing water scarcity and Tasmanians among the nation’s highest users, we’re reshaping perceptions through education, media, and digital tools – building trust, boosting water literacy, and inspiring lasting conservation behaviours across our communities.

Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (REGIONAL) (sponsored by JMG Engineers and Planners)

Derwent Estuary Program – Tasmania's First Catchment Scale Real-Time Water Quality Analyser Trial

The Derwent Estuary Program deployed seven Eco Detection Ion-Q® real-time nutrient analysers across key Tasmanian rivers, the first trial of its kind. This three-year project captured dynamic nutrient spikes missed by traditional methods, enabling faster responses, better data resolution, and informed restoration planning through continuous nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate monitoring.

Student Water Prize
Justine Barrett – University of Tasmania
Reducing Litter Leakage via Stormwater Systems Across Australia

Justine Barrett, a researcher in CSIRO’s Marine Debris Team, investigates how poorly maintained stormwater infrastructure contributes to plastic pollution. Her work combines national audits, stakeholder insights, and innovative technologies to improve gross pollutant trap performance, delivering practical solutions that support cleaner waterways and more effective urban stormwater management.

Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Stornoway)
 
Sean Fisher – Senior Civil Engineer, IPD Consulting 

Sean has over 11 years’ professional experience in design, planning, and implementation of civil infrastructure projects. Sean has held diverse roles such as senior design engineer, design manager, and principal’s client engineer, all with a strong focus on the water sector. He is currently a Senior Civil Engineer at IPD Consulting.

Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by KSB Australia)
 
Ian Dunbabin – Alliance Program Manager, CPB Contractors

Ian has dedicated his life to water – from 22 years as a Navy engineer to leading Tasmania’s $1.5 billion capital works program. A respected, fair leader, he champions local capability, safe drinking water, and community outcomes, leaving a legacy of integrity, inclusion, and sustainable progress.

The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors – CPB Contractors, UGL, GHD, Cromarty Automation, Fulton Hogan, Ekstica, Pensar, JMG Engineers and Planners, Stornoway and KSB Australia – for their support of this event and these important water community awards.  

Thank you to our Sponsors

Principal Dinner Partner
YWP Table Sponsor	Networking Partner
Beverage Partner	MC Sponsor

Young Water Professional of the Year Award Sponsor	Water Professional of the Year Award Sponsor
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award Sponsor	Organisation Excellence  Award Sponsor