Continuing the Conversation: Insights from NSW Water Award Individual Winners 2026

Annabel Biddulph, Water Engineer | Arup

Annabel is an active member of the AWA NSW Young Water Professionals Committee. She is driven by the role water plays in shaping sustainable, liveable communities, with experience spanning major water utilities and local communities. Her work includes both detailed infrastructure delivery and long-term strategic planning to support resilient water systems. She is also an advocate for the role of young professionals play in driving meaningful change and shaping the future of water policy.

Cr Declan Clausen, Young Water Professional of the Year

Group Manager Strategy & External Affairs, Hunter Water

Environmental engineer and civic leader Declan Clausen is driving sustainability across the Hunter. As Group Manager Strategy & External Affairs at Hunter Water, Declan integrates strategy, community trust and environmental stewardship. As a Newcastle Councillor, he champions inclusion and water’s role in building resilient, equitable communities.  

Danielle Francis, Water Professional of the Year 

Manager Customer and Policy, Water Services Association of Australia  

Danielle has provided transformative strategic leadership and advocacy in safe and reliable water supplies supported by good policy frameworks. Her most notable achievement is advancing purified recycled water (PRW) for drinking. She spearheaded the All Options on the Table initiative, reframing the local and national conversation on water supply options. 

Professor Qilin Wang, Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award Winner

ARC Industry Fellow & ARC Future Fellow 

Qilin is the top-ranked ARC Industry Fellow in Australia, mentoring PhD students, research engineers, postdocs, and students from the Industry Affiliates Program and Engineering Capstone Project through multi-partner R&D projects with industry partners. He serves on the IWA Specialist Group Management Committee and AWA Technical Advisory Committee for Water e-Journal. 

Sascha Moege, Roger Pettitt Award Winner 

Manager Water Utility Policy and Pricing, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water  

Sascha is a dedicated water policy professional with extensive experience supporting sustainable water outcomes in New South Wales. A long-term member of the NSW Branch Committee of the Australian Water Association, Sascha is a passionate advocate for mentoring and professional development, generously volunteering his time to support AWA initiatives and nurture emerging water professionals. His work reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, sector advancement, and community engagement.

Tom Bessell,  Student Prize Winner - University of Sydney 

Project: ALBON – Turning Agri-Food Wastewater and CO₂ into Fertiliser with Algae Innovation.

Tom Bessell, commerce student at the University of Sydney and co-founder of ALBON, leads a multidisciplinary team pioneering algae-based wastewater treatment that removes nitrogen, phosphorus, and CO₂ while creating carbon-negative fertiliser. Backed by the University of Sydney and global recognition, he is redefining wastewater as a circular, climate-positive resource.