Australian Water Association

Emerging water professionals, ready to shape what’s next?

The AWA/IWA Young Water Professionals Conference and Ball 2026 is coming to Melbourne on 5–6 August, bringing together emerging professionals, industry leaders and changemakers for two days of learning, connection and career-building insight.

Hear from Day 1 keynote Mandhy Senewiratne on sustainability and major infrastructure delivery, and join Kevin Werksman, Emma Milburn and Soyun Punyadasa for a practical Water Leaders Panel on Leadership for Lasting Impact.

The conference continues into the evening with the YWP Ball, themed Super Heroes and Villains.

View the program and register to join us at Pullman Melbourne On The Park.

📅 Date: 5-6 August 2026
🕒 Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm AEST
🏢 Venue: Pullman Melbourne On The Park
📍Address: 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

📖See Program: https://hubs.la/Q04lPXSt0
🔗Register Now: https://hubs.la/Q04lQcWr0

Thank you to Steel Mains for supporting this event!

The water sector never stands still... and neither do the opportunities to learn, connect and grow! 💧

AWA events bring together professionals from across utilities, consulting, research, operations and leadership to share knowledge, exchange ideas and explore the challenges and opportunities shaping our sector.

Whether you're looking to deepen your technical expertise, broaden your network or gain new perspectives, there's an event for you.

Take a look at what's coming up and join the conversations driving the future of water.

See what’s coming up this week 👇
🔗 https://hubs.la/Q04lF-Yz0

Today, on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, we're spotlighting research on this growing challenge for Australia.

A UNSW study has found that droughts are lasting longer across much of the country, particularly in some of our most populated regions and key agricultural areas.

Since the 1970s, the time spent under drought conditions has increased across much of Australia, raising concerns for water security, farming and regional communities.

The research also used AI to better understand how drought conditions translate into real-world impacts, from crop losses to pressure on water supplies.

As drought risks become increasingly complex, understanding not only what drives drought, but how it affects people and communities, will be critical for building resilience.

Read more: https://hubs.la/Q04lwGM90

Droughts lasting longer across Australia, study shows UNSW research shows droughts are lasting longer across Australia, increasing water security risks and pressure on farming and regional communities.

How do we secure the Goldfields' water future?

The Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission (GEDC) is calling for a more collaborative approach to water security as water scarcity, ageing infrastructure and growing demand place increasing pressure on the region.

At AWA's Connected by Water event, GEDC brought together government, industry and regional stakeholders to explore fit-for-purpose water supply opportunities, including water recycling and reuse, groundwater optimisation, infrastructure investment and long-term regional planning.

The message was clear: securing the Goldfields' future will require collaboration, innovation and a shared vision for water.

Read the full story here: https://hubs.la/Q04k1bxj0

This week in water, infrastructure investment, asset renewal and sustainability initiatives are helping utilities strengthen service reliability and prepare for future growth across Australia.

💧 Unitywater has completed one of Australia's longest single-shot wastewater pipe relines, renewing critical infrastructure in Caloundra while maintaining services for 17,500 residents.

📷 Gippsland Water is trialling 360-degree camera technology at sewer pump stations, improving inspection safety and helping inform future maintenance and asset management decisions.

⚡ Yarra Valley Water has added its first electric utility vehicles to its fleet, supporting faster customer response times while advancing its transition towards net-zero emissions.

🤝 Beca has acquired CQG Consulting, expanding its environmental and planning expertise and strengthening its presence across regional Queensland's water, infrastructure and environmental sectors.

👉 Catch up on these stories and more: https://hubs.la/Q04lm4hd0

The conversations, connections and celebrations of Ozwater'26 may be over but the memories are here to stay.

The full Ozwater'26 photo galleries are now online, featuring all the highlights from an incredible week in Brisbane. From inspiring keynote speakers and packed exhibition halls to networking events, award winners and unforgettable moments, there's plenty to relive.

Take a look, tag your colleagues and see if you can spot yourself!

View the galleries now: https://hubs.ly/Q04k_7Fy0

Thank you to our Principal Sponsors: John Holland and Autodesk

Great conversations don’t just happen at major conferences - they happen all year round. 💧

AWA events provide opportunities for water professionals to stay informed, expand their networks and engage with the ideas shaping our industry.

Whether you're interested in technical knowledge, leadership development, emerging trends or connecting with peers, our events bring together expertise from across the water sector.

See what’s coming up this week 👇
🔗 https://hubs.ly/Q04kMzSH0

Congratulations to Clare Porter, who has been elected by the AWA Board as the Association's next President.

Clare will serve as President Elect this year and assume the Presidency following Ozwater'27, working alongside current President Kevin Werksman as AWA continues delivering Strategy 2030.

With more than 25 years of experience across utilities, government and not-for-profit organisations, Clare brings a deep understanding of the water sector and a strong commitment to collaboration, advocacy and community engagement.

Join us in congratulating Clare on her appointment and learn more about her vision for the future of AWA and the water sector here: https://hubs.la/Q04k1fQW0

This week in water, new infrastructure, water efficiency initiatives and sector leadership appointments are helping strengthen water security and resilience across Australia.

🚰 Unitywater has celebrated the commissioning of a new 12-megalitre reservoir at Tanawha, which will support 21,000 future residents in the growing Harmony community as part of its broader infrastructure program.

🏫 Gippsland Water is encouraging schools to embrace smart water monitoring, with digital metering technology already helping detect major leaks and save thousands of litres of drinking water and significant costs.

🌾 Goulburn-Murray Water has reported one of the lowest irrigation delivery seasons in the past decade, highlighting the ongoing impact of dry conditions while continuing investment in network upgrades and maintenance.

🤝 Aurecon has announced new Water and Environment leadership appointments, strengthening its focus on helping clients navigate water security challenges, environmental risks and future infrastructure needs.

👉 Catch up on these stories and more: https://hubs.la/Q04k0Tp40

Week in water: updates from across the community Climate resilience, water security and upgrades lead this week’s water sector news, from wetland adaptation and reservoirs to rainfall research.

Connecting Australian water expertise with the world.

At Ozwater'26, AWA renewed its long-standing partnership with Singapore International Water Week (SIWW), strengthening ties between two leading water communities.

The agreement supports ongoing collaboration through reciprocal speaking opportunities, business delegations and networking activities, creating valuable pathways for Australian organisations to engage with international markets and share expertise.

For AWA members, the partnership provides greater visibility for Australian innovation on the international stage while strengthening access to knowledge, networks and collaboration opportunities throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Together, we're expanding opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.