The 2026 NSW State Conference in Wollongong will explore the theme of Squeezing Every Last Drop: From Survival to Strength: No Excuses, No Waste. Do More with Less
The era of business as usual is over. The future of water isn’t about finding more, it’s about doing more with less. As resources tighten, populations increase, and the climate shifts faster than policies can keep up, the NSW Water Conference 2026 challenges our thinking about resilience, efficiency, and innovation across the water sector.
This is where the tough conversations will happen. Where we stop talking about problems and start engineering measurable change. Join industry leaders as we confront the forces reshaping the water landscape, from data-driven transformation and bold operational shifts to circular water systems and reimagined governance.
The 2026 Conference is more than a talkfest; it’s a call to action. In a world where every drop counts, doing more with less isn’t optional, it’s survival. The climate won’t wait. Water scarcity is no longer hypothetical. We’ve patched leaks for too long; now it’s time to re-engineer systems, rethink strategies, and turn scarcity into strength.
Submit your abstract to present at the NSW State Conference 2026. Closing 20 March:
Conference & Exhibition
| Date | Tuesday, 18 August - Wednesday, 19 August 2026 |
| Time | 8:30am - 5:00pm AEST |
| Venue | Novotel Wollongong, Northbeach. |
| Address | 2/14 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong NSW 2500 |
Welcome Networking Function
| Date | Monday, 17 August 2026 |
| Time | 6:00pm - 8:00pm AEST |
| Venue | To Be Announced |
| Cost | To Be Announced [in addition to Conference Registration] |
Conference Dinner
| Date | Tuesday, 18 August 2026 |
| Time | 6:30pm - 10:00pm AEST |
| Venue | To Be Announced |
| Cost | Included in the conference registration |
Early Bird tickets will be released in April.
If you would like priority access before tickets go on sale to the general public, please complete the Expressions of Interest Form here.
We will notify you directly when Early Bird tickets become available, giving you the opportunity to secure your place first before everyone else.
If you wish to find out more about AWA's membership benefits, contact membership@awa.asn.au.
Optional Add-ons
Site Tour 1: Wollongong Water Recycling Plant
| Date |
Monday 17 August 2026 |
| Time | 1:00pm – Depart Novatel Wollongong Northbeach 1:30pm – Arrive at site/ tour commences 3:30pm – Tour concludes 4:00pm – Novotel Wollongong Northbeach |
| About |
Join us for a guided site tour of the Wollongong Water Recycling Plant and gain insight into how wastewater is treated and transformed into a valuable resource. The tour will showcase how wastewater from homes and businesses is recovered, recycled, reused, or safely discharged to local waterways in line with environmental standards. |
| What to bring |
PPE: Long sleeves, long pants and enclosed footwear. Hi vis vests and safety glasses will be provided. |
| Cost | TBC |
| Capacity | 40 guests |
| How to book | Please add this onto your ticket selection when registering for the conference. If you've already completed your registration, and would now like to add the site tour, please contact the team events@awa.asn.au |
Exhibition
If you wish to register your interest to exhibit at the NSW Conference 2026, click the button below and complete the expression of interest form.
Accommodation
Discounted accommodation - more information coming soon.For more information please contact:
EVENT:
Peter Fry, Member Engagement Manager | Ph: 02 9467 8419 | E: PFry@awa.asn.au
Verina Galdas, Event Manager | P: 02 9436 0055 | E: vgaldas@awa.asn.au
EXHIBITION:
Michael Silber, Exhibition and Events Manager | P: 02 9467 8428 | E: msilber@awa.asn.au
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Troy Waite, Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager | P: 02 9467 8426 | E: twaite@awa.asn.au