AWA Victoria Branch President's Address

As we near the end of 2023, the Victorian Branch and YWP committees would like to thank AWA members across the state for the ongoing contribution you all make to the Victorian Water Industry. As committees we’re collaborating more deeply to provide members with diverse opportunities to connect, share and inspire. 

It's critical for the sector to attract and retain diverse skills to ensure we can meet challenges and realise opportunities in the present and future. We're supporting this through a series of technical events to highlight meaningful pathways for migrant, immigrant and refugee job seekers, launching the 2024 mentoring program - now free for all members, and through the national Careers in Water joint initiative with WSAA.

Congratulations to the finalists and winners announced at the 60th Victorian Gala Dinner and Awards!

Thank you to the judging panels, the Djirri-Djirri Dance Group who provided an enlightening Welcome to Country. The Minister for Housing, Water and Equality the Hon. Harriet Shing, who emphasised that challenges arising from volatility can be addressed through innovation. AWA National President Peter Dennis, Melbourne Water Managing Director Dr Nerina Di Lorenzo and Mark Trickey Victoria Market Leader - Water at GHD for their engaging addresses.

We'd like to make a special mention of the inspiring campaign undertaken by the finalists for the YWP of the Year Award - promoting and celebrating each other in the lead up to the event. A fantastic initiative by emerging leaders in water.

This years YWP Regional Study Tour took place in Shepparton and was, as always, an excellent opportunity to bring together young (and not so young) water professionals to discuss the consistent and unique challenges and opportunities facing regional Victoria.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all sponsors that have supported events and initiatives throughout 2023, and congratulate our committee members on a great year.

We look forward to 2024 where we will host Ozwater'24 and the YWP Program in Melbourne and continue to deliver Strategy’25 across Victoria.

Stay tuned for upcoming events.

Thanks,

Emma, Suzanne, Chris, Ali and Flora