United by Water: Welcome to Ozwater’23

Australia’s premier water exhibition and conference, Ozwater’23, has arrived at the International Convention Centre Sydney, connecting Australia’s water community and offering delegates the opportunity to learn from one another as we move ahead together into our shared water future. 

Sydney Water Managing Director and Ozwater’23 Committee Chair Roch Cheroux said the theme of this year’s event – United by Water – has inspired a diverse program that honors the Australian water sector’s commitment to working together in pursuit of better outcomes for all.

“Following some really challenging years for everybody, the Ozwater’23 committee selected this theme to celebrate not only the fact that we are able to come together to learn from and promote our own industry, but also to acknowledge that water is such a key nexus to so much of what our communities value in Australia and around the world,” he said. 

Ozwater’23 is also an opportunity to celebrate all of the outstanding work being done within the Australian water sector and reflect on how essential this work really is.

“All of us need water and the services provided by our industry are no small part of what contributes to the quality of life we enjoy here in Australia,” Cheroux said.

Explore the program 

Featuring hundreds of speakers and technical presentations organised under 12 sub-themes, the Ozwater’23 program offers delegates an array of thought-provoking topics to choose from, as well as inspiring keynote speakers. 

This year’s program invites delegates to move outside their comfort zone, Cheroux said, and encourages them to think through new ways of coming together to achieve common goals. 

“I am really excited about the conference program for Ozwater’23. The Conference Committee has put a lot of effort into collating what I think is a diverse and exciting program that will be able to offer something for everyone,” he said.

“Ozwater’23 delegates will be challenged to think differently; we want to inspire them to think about ways in which their partnerships and collaborations with others are delivering exceptional outcomes for customers.”

Ozwater’23 program streams include:

• Communities of the Future
• Excellence in Operations
• Asset Management, Planning and Delivery 
• Advances in People, Culture, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
• Safeguarding Community and Environmental Health
• The Water Nexus: Achieving a Circular Economy 
• Responding to Climate Change and Extreme Events
• Delivering Excellence in Customer Service
• Resilience and Water Security for the Future
• First Nations People, Knowledge and Participation
• Leadership in Governance and Progressive Regulation 
• Rural, Remote and Regional Water 

“The number of papers on this year’s program that are jointly authored demonstrates the criticality of us coming together and being united by a common desire to understand why some jurisdictions do things differently to our own, while seeking out opportunities to learn from experts who may work in a different field to us,” Cheroux said. 

“We need to work with and learn from each other to achieve far and wide-ranging benefits for everyone.”

Aside from the myriad of presentations on offer, the Ozwater’23 program also features in-depth workshops, and a carefully curated selection of panels and forums, offering delegates the opportunity to participate in deeper conversations around key industry challenges. 

Ozwater’23 workshop topics are set to cover key areas of opportunity within the Australian water sector, including purified recycled water, catchment management, operations and planning, collaborating with First Nations communities, regional utilities, net zero emissions, supporting customers in financial crisis, and inclusion and diversity. 

Coming together 

Ozwater’23 is also about giving water professionals the chance to network, and celebrate the sector’s hard work.

One of the most anticipated social events of the year, the Gala Dinner and Australian Water Awards will be held on Thursday evening, gathering some of the water community’s outstanding talent and raising a toast to their achievements.

Delegates are also encouraged to make the most of the Ozwater’23 social program, including Happy Hour on Wednesday afternoon at the Exhibition Hall, and the Closing Networking Drinks on Friday afternoon.

For delegates keen to engage with some of the Australian water sector’s leading companies and innovators, don’t forget to schedule in some time to visit the Exhibition Hall and learn about approaches to trending challenges presented in the Exhibition Theatrette. 

Once again, welcome to Ozwater’23 – the Australian Water Association looks forward to sharing ideas, forging new friendships and inspiring future efforts with all delegates in attendance.