--- title: Why volunteering could be the best decision you make this year description: The water sector is filled with people passionate about protecting, sustaining and improving life through better water management. image: https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/Linkedin%20Volunteers.jpg --- [![Indigo by AWA logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Indigo_colour.png?height=24&name=Indigo_colour.png)](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/) [![Ozwater logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Ozwater.png?height=24&name=Ozwater.png)](https://www.ozwater.org/) [![Careers in Water logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png?height=24&name=Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png)](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/) [![NWW logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/NWW.png?height=24&name=NWW.png)](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org/) - [Join ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-user-icon.svg "user icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/new-registration) - 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But many water professionals reach a point in their careers where they want to contribute beyond their day job – where they crave greater connection, purpose and impact. That’s where volunteering comes in.  Volunteering with the Australian Water Association (AWA) opens up opportunities not just to give back, but to grow, lead and belong in new and powerful ways. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your career, here's why lending your time and skills as an AWA volunteer is a smart move. #### **1. Shape the future of water** The water sector is evolving fast – climate resilience, technology, policy, equity and sustainability are front and centre. Volunteers play a vital role in driving these conversations forward. Whether you’re contributing to a Specialist Network, judging award entries, mentoring a young professional or helping deliver events, your experience helps influence the future. You’re not just helping out – you’re helping lead. #### **2. Connect with people who care** One of the greatest benefits of volunteering is the people you meet. AWA volunteers are smart, passionate, and motivated to make a difference. You’ll join a community of like-minded peers across the country – engineers, operators, policy experts, researchers, planners, communicators and more. These are people you’ll learn from, collaborate with, and build lasting relationships with. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself. **3. Grow in unexpected ways **Volunteering helps you step outside your usual role and try something new. It could be public speaking, strategic thinking, leadership, or event planning. Many AWA volunteers say they gained more confidence, new skills, and even fresh career opportunities through the experience. It’s not just about what you give – it’s also about what you discover.  #### **Want to make a difference in water? Start here.**  AWA’s call for volunteers is now open. There are many ways to get involved. If you're looking for a meaningful way to contribute, connect and grow, volunteering might just be the next step you've been looking for.  For AWA branch committee nominations, [visit us here](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events/branch-committee-nominations-2025).  To express interest in becoming a Water e-Journal reviewer, [visit us here](https://share.hsforms.com/1N3SMcZbsRFeFw8NEu_Qm6w8o9ci?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Dwho4-xOUHnpLP5bzC8v9yirO0pqz...). Interested in International Water Association Australia (IWAA) Committee nominations? [Learn more here](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events/iwaa-2025-committee-nominations).   [ Australian Water Association (AWA) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/awa) [ volunteering ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/volunteering) [ Water Sector ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/water-sector) Share [![email icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-email.svg "email icon") ](mailto:?subject=Why%20volunteering%20could%20be%20the%20best%20decision%20you%20make%20this%20year&body=Check%20out%20https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/why-volunteering-could-be-the-best-decision-you-make-this-year) [![facebook-icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-facebook.svg "facebook icon") ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/why-volunteering-could-be-the-best-decision-you-make-this-year) [![LinkedIn icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-linkedin.svg "LinkedIn icon") ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/why-volunteering-could-be-the-best-decision-you-make-this-year) [![Twitter icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-twitter.svg "Twitter icon") ](https://twitter.com/home?status=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/why-volunteering-could-be-the-best-decision-you-make-this-year) ## RELATED NEWS [![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Nicole_Harvey_hydro%20action%20tug.jpg?width=352&name=Nicole_Harvey_hydro%20action%20tug.jpg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/meet-our-new-nsw-branch-committee-member-nicole-harvey) ### [ Meet our new NSW Branch Committee Member Nicole Harvey ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/meet-our-new-nsw-branch-committee-member-nicole-harvey) Water Source I have always had a passion for science and animals. After completing school, I elected to combined both those passions and… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/meet-our-new-nsw-branch-committee-member-nicole-harvey) ### [ Meet the new SA Branch Manager: Shirley Fraser ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/business/workplace/meet-the-new-sa-branch-manager-shirley-fraser) Water Source The Australian Water Association’s South Australian branch sat down with the new Branch Manager Shirley Fraser to find out more… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/business/workplace/meet-the-new-sa-branch-manager-shirley-fraser) [![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Marc_Sneddon.jpg?width=352&name=Marc_Sneddon.jpg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/business/workplace/meet-the-new-sa-member-engagement-manager-marc-sneddon) ### [ Meet the new SA Member Engagement Manager: Marc Sneddon ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/business/workplace/meet-the-new-sa-member-engagement-manager-marc-sneddon) Water Source The Australian Water Association’s South Australian Branch sat down with the new SA Engagement Manager Marc Sneddon to find out… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/business/workplace/meet-the-new-sa-member-engagement-manager-marc-sneddon) Advertising --- ### Subscribe to our newsletters Sign up to get the latest news and insights from us Advertising --- ![white arrow pointing upwards](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-white-arrow-up.svg) Top [![Footer-logo-02](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/Footer-logo-02.svg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/) The **Australian Water Association** acknowledges the Traditional Custodians across Australia, where we live, work and play, for their deep connection to our precious waters and land. 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