Congratulations to all our 2022 National Water Awards Winners!
ANZ is proud to sponsor the Ozwater awards, which celebrates significant community contribution and exceptional performance of all the finalists. These are ambitions we share, admire and are proud to be associated with.
R&D EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sponsored by:
Goyder Institute for Water Research - Second Term Research Program (2015-2020)
The Department for Environment and Water, CSIRO, Flinders University, The University of Adelaide and The University of South Australia
Other supporting organisations: ICE WaRM, Goyder Institutde
The Goyder Institute collaboration delivered high-quality, independent research to inform priority government policies. The research is supporting the wellbeing of First Nations; delivering economic outcomes through sustainable use of recycled water and the discovery of new outback water; increasing carbon sequestration; and improving the health of the River Murray.
ORGANISATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sponsored by:
Aboriginal Employment and Retention Strategy
Barwon Water
The strategy is a key commitment under the Barwon Water Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. At the heart of this framework is understanding and embedding Aboriginal Cultural Values and the holistic wellbeing of Aboriginal Peoples. It provides the foundations or creating and delivering culturally appropriate, respectful and meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal employees.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT INNOVATION AWARD (REGIONAL)
Sponsored by:
Mer (Murray) Island Water Network Management Program
Torres Strait Island Regional Council
Other supporting organisations: Assetlife Alliance, Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs and Torres Strait Regional Authority
Following the successful implementation of an integrated leak reduction and network management approach, the remote Mer (Murray) Island community in the Torres Strait has had strict water restrictions lifted for the first time in 20 years.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT INNOVATION AWARD (METRO)
Sponsored by:
SA Water’s Zero Cost Energy Future Program
SA Water, KBR and Aurecon
Other supporting organisations: Enerven and Clutch Consulting
SA Water’s industry-leading Zero Cost Energy Future is a highly innovative approach to optimising energy generation and use. Solar PV and battery storage at multiple locations work with sophisticated technology that manages the use and export of electricity to reduce operating costs and improve the sustainability of services.
STUDENT WATER PRIZE
Sponsored by:
Formation and Detection of Bromophenols and Their Contribution to Plastic Taste in Drinking Water
Elkia Szczecinski, Curtin University (WA)
YOUNG WATER PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by:
Michael Carter
Principal Process Engineer, Hunter H2O
Michael is a passionate and inspiring young principal engineer, with a vision for all water supplies across regional NSW to be safe and resilient. Still a farm boy at heart, his regional background has cultivated meaningful impact throughout the water industry and has inspired collaboration across divisions.
WATER PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Eamonn Kelly
General Manager, Major Program Delivery (MPD), Melbourne Water
General Manager, Major Program Delivery, Melbourne Water by day. Social justice champion by night.
Eamonn Kelly, is a visionary who leads by example. From safety, delivery, sustainability and social value, Eamonn continues to leave his mark - not only on the water sector, but more importantly on the lives of many in our State and Country.
AUSTRALIAN STOCKHOLM JUNIOR WATER PRIZE
Sponsored by:
Why Silver Might Not be Gold in Water
Julia Cummins, PLC Sydney
Julia grew up asking questions about the world and has a keen interest in environmental issues. In 2019, she received a scholarship to present her research on nanosilver pollution to a global community of students at the International Student Science Conference.
Her project, “Why Silver Might Not be Gold in Water”, addressed the issue of nanosilver releases into the environment by investigating a minimum concentration of nanosilver which causes toxicity to the aquatic organism Daphnia magna.
She advocates strongly for young people - particularly women in STEM and is now pursuing her dream to become a doctor.
WATER INDUSTRY SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sponsored by:
Lock It In: An Innovation for Safer Network Isolations
Logan Water, Downer and Mass Products
Logan Water, Downer and Mass Products have engineered an innovative isolation lock for buried water valves. The lock enables physical control of a water network isolation; providing confidence that hazardous stored energy is controlled while maintenance occurs. It fits common B and D class valve boxes and is commercially available.
Highly Commended
Using PipeDiver Technology to Take Workers out of Confined Space
Fulton Hogan Utilities
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AWARD
Sponsored by:
Our Customers Program
SA Water
Drawing on customer feedback and insights, the Our Customers program is building and strengthening SA Water’s customer-focused culture. It is helping improve customer experiences and outcomes by building connections between customers and our people across the organisation.
Highly Commended
VoC Knowledge and Customer Engagement Skills
Hunter Water
BEST WATER E-JOURNAL PAPER - IN HONOUR OF GUY PARKER
A Strategy to Go Beyond Zero Carbon
Simon Prunster, Glenn Wilson, Francis Pamminger
The paper provides a case study of how a water utility can go beyond zero carbon. A portfolio of examples is provided, grouped together under energy efficiency, renewable energy and carbon valuation, all framed within a business strategy. Importantly, this example from Yarra Valley Water also highlights that it is possible for a water utility to go beyond zero carbon in a financially viable way.
Thank you to our National Awards Program Sponsor: