AWA members recognised in Australia Day honours
by Water Source
The Australian Water Association proudly celebrates two of our esteemed members, Professor Joshua Byrne and Professor Stuart White, who have been recognised in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for their outstanding contributions to sustainability, water conservation, and environmental leadership.
Professor Joshua Byrne AM – Champion of Urban Sustainability and Waterwise Design
Recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to conservation and the environment, and as a media presenter and author, Professor Joshua Byrne has been a driving force in sustainable urban design, water-sensitive planning, and environmental education for over two decades.
As an environmental scientist, urban design professional, and sustainability communicator, Josh has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s approach to water-sensitive cities. He has long been a champion of high-performance housing, integrated water management, and sustainable urban development, sharing his insights widely through public engagement, media, and academia.
Josh’s commitment to the water sector is evident in his deep engagement with AWA and the broader water community. As a keynote speaker at AWA conferences, he has presented on leadership projects driving waterwise urban development and contributed significantly to discussions on sustainable infrastructure. His leadership in Waterwise Exemplar projects has helped catalyse real-world change in urban sustainability.
Josh has been recognised with numerous water sector awards, including the AWA Western Australian Water Professional of the Year (2013) and the AWA National Young Water Professional Award (2011). He was also named an AWA WA Legend of Water in 2024, further highlighting his long-standing impact in the sector.
Beyond his work in water, Josh is well known for his role as a presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia, where he has been educating Australians on sustainable gardening and conservation since 2003. His governance roles include serving on the Waste Authority of WA, the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, and the WA State Government Design Review Panel.
Josh’s influence extends into academia as Dean of Sustainable Futures at Curtin University, where he continues to shape the next generation of sustainability leaders. His dedication to bridging research, industry, and policy has been instrumental in fostering a more resilient and water-conscious future.
Professor Stuart White AM – A Lifetime Dedicated to Sustainability and Water Research
Professor Stuart White has also been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 Honours for significant service to environmental research, to corporate sustainability, and to tertiary education.
A leading figure in Australia’s sustainability and water research landscape, Stuart has spent decades advancing knowledge in water efficiency, energy management, and sustainable infrastructure. As Director of the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) since 2001, he has led pioneering research into integrated water management, demand management strategies, and resource efficiency.
Throughout his career, Stuart has been an advocate for evidence-based decision-making in the water sector, working closely with utilities, government agencies, and industry to drive sustainable solutions. His contributions to water efficiency programs and policy development have helped shape Australia’s approach to sustainable water management.
As a respected thought leader in the water sector, Stuart has been a long-time collaborator with AWA, frequently contributing to national conversations on water security, climate adaptation, and sustainability governance. His work has influenced major water planning and policy frameworks, helping ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of sustainable water management.
Stuart has also played an active role in international and national sustainability organisations, including the International Water Association, where he has served on the Scientific Committee for the Efficient Urban Water Management Conference since 2001, as well as leadership roles in Climate-KIC Australia, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity.
His contributions have been recognised with numerous accolades, including co-receiving the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Environmental Research in 2012.
A Well-Deserved Honour
The recognition of Professors Joshua Byrne and Stuart White in the 2025 Australia Day Honours is a testament to their vision, leadership, and dedication to creating a more sustainable water future. Their contributions have shaped policy, research, and industry practice, leaving a lasting legacy in Australia’s water sector.
AWA congratulates Josh and Stuart on this well-deserved honour and thanks them for their passionate advocacy, innovation and commitment to advancing water sustainability.
