NT Water in the Bush Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner 2026

Now in its 37th year, our Water in the Bush Conference is the Territory’s premier annual water conference connecting water professionals, the community and industry from across Australia to share information and knowledge about the current and future state of the Territory’s water and inspire positive change. This year's Conference will focus on Leadership, Security and Resilience for a Better Water Future. 

The Australian Water Association’s Northern Territory Branch is delighted to present the 37^th annual Water in the Bush Conference. This year’s conference will be held on Thursday 5^th and Friday 6^th November 2026 and we encourage you to submit an abstract for presentation.

The Territory’s premier annual water conference connects water professionals, the community and industry from across Australia, to share information & knowledge about water and inspire positive change. Held over one and a half days we will explore expertise and perspectives across a range of disciplines such as water supply, water resource management, water environments, water policy & programs and fostering leadership & collaboration.

Thursday 5^th November will be a curated half-day workshop on Climate Change & Leadership followed by the NT Water Awards Dinner. The conference and exhibition will take place on Friday 6^th November 2026.

Abstracts submissions are invited across the following sub-themes:

- Leadership
- Climate Resilience and Water Security
- Healthy Rivers, Groundwater and Ecosystems
- Infrastructure - Water Services and Operations
- Rethinking Regulation, Planning & Governance
- Sustainability, Innovation and the Future of Water
- Water Security for Culture and Communities
- Water for Economic Development
- Water Literacy and Community Engagement
- Wild Card

Abstract submission closes Friday 31 July 2026. 

Exhibition: 

The one day exhibition will take place on Friday 6 November 2026. Expressions of Interest are now open with member pricing $1250 and Non-member pricing $1750 (inc GST) with NT Awards Dinner addons available for all exhibitors. See the prospectus here for inclusions. 

Event Details

Climate Change Workshop 

 Conference

NT Water Awards Dinner 

Exhibition

 

Registration

 

Registration will open in September with the Program Launch.

        

Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you looking for some branding opportunities to reach people working in Northern Territory water. We have opportunities available for this event as below. Refer to the Sponsorship Prospectus link below for inclusions (pages 3-6). 

Sponsorship Level	Price (exc GST)
Platinum Conference (exclusive)	$6,000
Gold Conference (2 available)	$4,250
Silver Conference	$2,750
Coffee Cart Conference (exclusive)	$3,000
Gold Dinner (exclusive)	$5,750
Silver Dinner	$3,000
NT Water Awards available: - Infrastructure (Metro & Regional)  - Organisational Excellence  - Student Water Prize  - Water Professional of the Year	$4,000 (per award)

To find out about sponsorship opportunities, contact Troy: twaite@awa.asn.au

Accommodation

Neighbouring hotels are pleased to offer delegates discounted accommodation from 4-6 November, 2026. Links can be accessed below

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
 

Not a member?
Join a community of over 5,000 individual and 500 corporate members driving a sustainable water future through education, engagement, and connection. If you wish to learn more about AWA's membership benefits or join online, visit our website or contact membership@awa.asn.au.

For more information about Water in the Bush Conference, Exhibition, Dinner and NT Water Awards contact:
EVENT:
Kyllie Whitehead, Member Engagement Manager WA & NT | Ph: 02 9467 8420 | E: kwhitehead@awa.asn.au
Laura Six, Events Manager | Ph: 0480 388 322 E: lsix@awa.asn.au

EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES:
Michael Silber, Exhibition 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