INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Overview

The Young Water Professional of the Year Award honours individuals whose contribution to the water sector aligns with the Australian Water Association’s purpose of inspiring and driving a sustainable water future. 
The awardee will be able to demonstrate their leadership, influence and passion for the water sector. 

State and territory Young Water Professionals of the Year compete at the national awards.  

Eligibility

This award is open to all Professional AWA Members and Employees of Corporate AWA Members who are 35 years of age or younger at the time of submission to their state or territory award.

National Sponsor

Thank you to Xylem for supporting the Young Water Professional award across the country and your commitment to recognising water achievements.  

Conditions of Entry

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Submission Criteria 

• Describe how you have through your primary professional role contributed to the water sector? (500 words)
• Describe how you are promoting and inspiring a sustainable water future outside of your primary professional role, e.g. through roles you have volunteered for within your organisation or extra-curricular activities (500 words)
• Describe, providing examples, how the nominee is considered a water industry advocate and has displayed a commitment to outreach in terms of either cross-sectoral or community water awareness (500 words) 

Closing Dates

Overview

The Water Professional of the Year honours individuals who, over the previous 5 years, have displayed passion and commitment, while also inspiring positive change in the water sector. The intention of this award is to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Water Professionals over 35 years of age. 

State and territory Water Professionals of the Year compete at the national awards.  

NOTE: Australian Water Association members who, through long and meritorious service, have made positive and demonstrable contribution to the Australian water sector should consider contacting their Member Engagement Manager for consideration of the Lifetime Achievement Award via the branch committee instead of the Water Professional of the Year Award. 

Eligibility

This award is open to all Professional AWA Members and Employees of Corporate AWA Members.   

Conditions of Entry

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Submission Criteria

• Executive summary as to why the nominee should be awarded the Water Professional of the Year (250 words)
• Describe how the nominee has contributed professionally to the advancement of the sector over the past 5 years. This may be from a technical, policy or management perspective (500 words)
• Describe how the nominee’s leadership has positively supported a sustainable water future and inspired change in their organisation, the industry, the environment and/or society over the past 5 years, including though volunteer, secondary or extra-curricular roles (500 words)
• Describe how the nominee has supported diversity, inclusion and equality including inspiring leadership and capacity in others over the past 5 years (500 words)
• Describe, providing examples, how the nominee is recognised as a water industry advocate and has displayed a commitment to outreach in terms of either cross-sectoral or community water awareness over the past 5 years (500 words) 
  

Closing Dates

Overview

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to honour members of the Australian Water Association who have made positive and demonstrable contribution to water in Australia.  

The award recognises members who have: 

• Displayed an exemplary personal and professional contribution in their field  
• Provided leadership and influence amongst colleagues and peers  
• Raised the profile of water careers  
• Been held in high esteem for mentoring junior water professionals  
• Fostered diversity, inclusion and equality  
• Raised community water awareness
  

Conditions of Entry

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Eligibility

• Australian Water Association members with a minimum of 15 years membership (can be non-continuous)
• Nominations can only be made by an AWA Branch Committee, two or more Board members, or members of an Australian Water Association Specialist Network Committee
  

Closing Date

28 February 2025

Please contact your Member Engagement Manager to nominate a member for this award. 

Overview

The Exceptional Service award is the Australian Water Association’s highest individual honour.  It is awarded in recognition of long and meritorious service, and a positive and demonstrable contribution to the Association. 

Award Patron George Goffin worked tirelessly for AWA for many years. He was a Victorian branch committee member and president in the 1950s, before becoming National President in the 1970s for two successive terms. George was editor of the Water Journal for over twenty years.  

• Exceptional service and active personal input to the Association (through a technical contribution or sustained administrative, organisational or leadership activity) ​
• Valuable contribution towards AWA’s strategic objectives  ​
• The service of the individual has resulted in positive (and demonstrable) changes in AWA ​
• A demonstrated commitment to be an AWA advocate and build the profile of the Association​

Conditions of Entry

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Eligibility

• Australian Water Association members with a minimum of 15 years membership 
• Nominations can only be made by an Australian Water Association Branch Committee, two or more Board members, or members of an AWA Specialist Network Committee

Closing Date

28 February 2025

Please contact your Member Engagement Manager to nominate a member for this award. 

Overview

The Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award honours individuals in NSW working with water who have displayed outstanding passion and commitment in mentoring water professionals above and beyond expectations.   

The award is the legacy of our friend and colleague Kamal Fernando (former Principal Engineer of Water Supply, NSW Water Solutions, NSW Public Works) who sadly passed away unexpectedly in 2014.  
Over 24 years, Kamal made significant contributions to water in NSW. Kamal had a passion for mentoring, and the transfer of his outstanding skills and knowledge has led to many skilled practitioners. Through their work, his contribution continues.  

The award encourages and recognises excellence in water mentoring – a fitting tribute to Kamal’s tireless and generous efforts to share his knowledge.

Eligibility

This award is open to all Professional AWA Members and Employees of Corporate AWA Members who has predominately resided and mentored in NSW for at least the last five  years. 

Conditions of Entry

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Submission Criteria

• Demonstrates a long-term commitment to mentoring members and acts as a positive role model, developing trust and respect with the mentee  
• Assists with a plan to guide the mentee’s future career path, including defining the purpose of the mentoring and the development of any career goals  
• Facilitates the process of a mentee in acquiring the skills and resources needed to succeed as a professional who is making a significant contribution to the water industry. This may include developing focus areas such as improving effective communication, dealing with workplace challenges, organising work/life balance, increasing self confidence and gaining leadership skills  
• Acts as a sounding board and advisor to mentees to improve networks, remove barriers to career development, navigate difficult situations in the workplace such as managing conflict, and addressing social inclusion barriers such as diversity and equity.
  

Closing Date