Australia’s water sector is making a splash this week as National Water Week brings communities together to celebrate the value of water. The Australian Water Association’s Bring Water Into Focus campaign calls on all Australians to recognise how water shapes every part of our lives – from the taps in our homes to the ecosystems that sustain us.
Across Australia, AECOM renewed its Great Barrier Reef partnership, TasWater backed youth sport across Tasmania, and Charles Darwin University worked with Elders to preserve Traditional Knowledge through 3D mapping.
Meanwhile, new leadership appointments, board renewals and education initiatives are shaping a stronger, safer and more equitable water future across Australia.
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National Water Week calls Australians to Bring Water Into Focus
National Water Week is making waves across Australia this week, asking Australian's to Bring Water Into Focus: to notice, to appreciate and to act. Learn more here.
AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman said: “By understanding water's true value, we empower ourselves to make better decisions – whether that’s saving water at home, supporting policies that protect rivers and catchments, or investing in the innovations that will secure a sustainable water future for generations to come.”
Arup’s First Nations leadership builds in strength
Respected leader and proud Gomeroi woman Melanie Grills has been appointed as Arup’s First Nations Lead for Australia and New Zealand – a newly created position that reports directly to Managing Principal Liam O’Donohue.
Liam O’Donohue said Melanie’s appointment reflects Arup’s deepening commitment to cultural integrity and meaningful partnerships: “Melanie’s new role is a testament to her commitment to cultural integrity, as well as the success of our First Nations workstreams which have matured into established and impactful business functions,” he said.
AECOM recommits to Great Barrier Reef partnership
AECOM has renewed its partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, extending its in-kind technical and advisory support for another four years. Since 2018, AECOM has contributed AUD$1 million of in-kind support to projects such as the Resilient Reefs Initiative, Roads to Reef, Reef Islands Initiative and Blue Carbon Program.
“It’s an honour to recommit AECOM to another successful four years of using our specialist water and environmental advisory skills for good; delivering practical solutions to help sustain our Reef ecosystems for generations,” said AECOM Chief Executive Mark McManamny. “This continued partnership is the embodiment of our purpose of delivering a better world.”
3D printed map brings Elders’ knowledge to life
Elders in Maningrida are using 3D printing and projection technology to preserve and share Traditional Knowledge, thanks to a collaboration led by Charles Darwin University’s Northern Institute.
PhD candidate Sam Williams worked alongside Elders for over two years to create 25 videos in six languages documenting significant places, including catchments and waterways, along the coastline from Arla to Yinangarnduwa. These have been integrated into a large-scale 3D printed map that brings Country to life.
TasWater partners with Hurricanes Junior League
TasWater has joined forces with Cricket Tasmania as the statewide partner of the Hurricanes Junior League, supporting thousands of young players across the state.
Cricket Tasmania’s Partnership and Infrastructure General Manager Alison Turner said: “We’re thrilled that TasWater will remain in our partnership family and look forward to supporting junior cricket around the state. This agreement supports participation initiatives and strives to keep the game accessible for all.”
New board members appointed to Goulburn-Murray Water
Five new members have been appointed to the Board of Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW), Victoria’s largest rural water corporation.
The new Chair, Justin Hanney, joins alongside Rob McMillan, Sue Oddie, Liz Ryan and Paul Weller. Managing Director Charmaine Quick welcomed the appointments and acknowledged outgoing members, including Chair Diane James AM.
“We thank Diane, Pat, Jonathan and David for their contribution, guidance and support during their time at Goulburn-Murray Water,” she said. “We look forward to the new members joining the Board and sharing their knowledge, insights and skills as we continue to address challenges and opportunities associated with climate change, shifting regulatory requirements, advances in technology and a rapidly changing landscape.”
Water Wise program boosts financial literacy in diverse communities
Yarra Valley Water has partnered with Women’s Health in the North to deliver the Water Wise program – a series of free workshops designed to help women and gender-diverse people from multicultural backgrounds better understand and manage their water bills.
Workshops were offered in multiple languages, including Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and Greek. Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Natalie Foeng said: “We want everyone in our diverse community to feel confident managing their bills and accessing the support available when needed."
Unitywater raises the bar for electrical safety
Unitywater has assessed more than 1,000 electrical switchboards for arc flash risk in a pioneering safety program that is establishing new standards across Queensland utilities.
Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions Mike Basterfield said: “Setting high standards for electrical safety is an important control to keep our people safe in areas of the water and wastewater network that rely on electricity."
“This is our largest capital-driven safety program and has ensured a proactive approach to preventing arc flash to significantly improve the safety of our people who interact with switchboards," he said.
National groundwater modelling guidelines under review
The South Australian Department for Environment and Water is leading a national project to update the Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines.
The revised guidelines will support groundwater decision-makers and professionals and ensure greater consistency across regulation and management. Stakeholders are invited to participate in consultation activities, including webinars and submissions. Sign up to the introductory webinar here.
Leadership transition at Barwon Water
Barwon Water has appointed Peta Maddy as its new Chair following the departure of long-standing Chair Jo Plummer. Maddy, who has served as Deputy Chair since 2024, brings nearly 30 years’ experience in water and natural resource management.
“It’s been an honour to work alongside Jo over the past few years,” she said. “Jo was instrumental in shaping Barwon Water into an organisation that placed the customer and community at the heart of what it did.”
NSW releases first Aboriginal Water Strategy
New South Wales has launched its first Aboriginal Water Strategy – a landmark step in returning water to Aboriginal communities and embedding cultural knowledge in water management.
The strategy establishes a framework for long-term reform, recognising Aboriginal people’s right to self-determination and providing for the transfer of water access licences to Aboriginal entities.
STEM Enrichment Academy inspires the next generation
Flinders University’s STEM Enrichment Academy is helping to bridge gender gaps in science by encouraging more Year 9 girls to continue with physics, mathematics and technology subjects through Years 11 and 12.
Professor Maria Parappilly said: “Unlike some overseas countries, the gender divide in some STEM subjects is expanding in Australia. But we can tackle these perceptions if we can give middle school students more confidence through role-model interventions, a sense of belonging, enjoyment for the subject, and the vision for a future in STEM from a younger age.”
Hunter Water upgrades Belmont Wastewater Treatment Works
Abergeldie has been engaged by Hunter Water to deliver vital upgrades to the Belmont Wastewater Treatment Works, which treats up to 30 megalitres of wastewater daily for around 100,000 residents.
CEO Mark Bruzzone said: “We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Hunter Water and the opportunity to continue delivering essential infrastructure upgrades like the Belmont WWTW Inlet Works H₂S Management project. This initiative is another example of our teams working closely together, focused on safety, program optimisation, and value for money.”
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