2025 ACT Water Awards winners revealed

This year’s winners of the Australian Water Association’s (AWA) 2025 ACT Water Awards were celebrated at the ACT Water Leaders Dinner & Awards on 27 February at Old Parliament House. 

The ACT Water Awards recognise members whose leadership, innovative research and projects make a meaningful impact on advancing the water sector. AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman praised the finalists and winners for their outstanding contributions and dedication to driving excellence in the sector. 

"Congratulations to the winners of the ACT Water Awards. Each recipient has demonstrated remarkable innovation, dedication, and leadership in addressing critical water challenges,” she said.   

“These achievements highlight the power of collaboration, creativity and a forward-thinking approach in driving a sustainable water future.  

“From groundbreaking research to pioneering projects and inspiring professional contributions, this year’s winners exemplify true excellence. 

“Their efforts not only advance our sector but also create meaningful, lasting benefits for communities locally and beyond." 
 
This year’s ACT Water Award winners will go on to represent the territory in the national Australian Water Awards, with winners presented at the AWA’s annual water conference and exhibition, Ozwater’25, in Adelaide.    

WINNERS  

R&D Excellence (sponsored by Water Research Australia)   
Icon Water, Yass Earth Movers  ACT NoWaste Transport Canberra and City Services – Spoil to Topsoil: Local Circular Economy Outcomes with Global Implications  
Icon Water developed its Spoil to Topsoil project after exhaustive applied research for possible water treatment solids reuse opportunities over many years. This innovative project reinvents hard-to-manage waste streams from water treatment and network maintenance operations to generate a valuable topsoil product for superior rehabilitation across the ACT.  
   
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (METRO) 
Aquatec, Icon Water and Diona – Bespoke Indoor Modular Activated Carbon Cassette System for Trunk Sewer Odour Mitigation 
The Belconnen-Trunk-Sewer upgrade addressed odour, safety and maintenance challenges. Icon Water replaced existing ventilation structures with fan-forced activated carbon units, improving corrosion protection and minimising disruption. Innovative cassette design allowed for efficient, forklift-based media replacement, eliminating hazardous manual tasks. The Odour Control Units also feature local artwork, blending functionality with community engagement.  
   
Student Water Prize 
Cherie Blackburn – Australian National University   
Trends in Swimming in Urban Waterways Over the Last 50 Years  
Cherie Blackburn is an Environmental Engineer specialising in water management and a passionate supporter of the wild swimming movement. This research specifically looks at how regulation can support wild swimming in urban waterways. 
   
Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Xylem)   
Maritsa Kacopieros – Senior Civil Engineer, GHD  
For over a decade, Maritsa has been an active and prominent member of the water sector. She has a deep passion for promoting sustainable water management, building connections throughout the water sector across Australia and abroad, and working with developing communities to increase access to safe, clean water. 
   
Water Professional of the Year 
Nicole Vonarx – Manager Engineering Services, Icon Water  
Nicole has been an inspiring leader in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality within her organisation and the water industry in general. Nicole's accomplishments demonstrate her commitment to advancing the water industry, fostering collaboration and advocacy, and championing innovative solutions.  

The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors and supporters – Icon Water, Water Research Australia, Xylem, SMEC, Aurecon, GHD and Alluvium – for their support of this event and these important industry awards.