National Water Week: accelerating action for a sustainable water future

National Water Week has officially launched following a ceremony hosted by the Australian Water Association (AWA) this morning, where members gathered to reflect on the importance of this year’s theme: Accelerating Action. 

Australian Water Association Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman said National Water Week is a time to shine a light on the value of water in our lives and encourage everyone to work together on sustainable solutions to water challenges.  

"National Water Week reminds us that access to clean, safe water is fundamental to our way of life. It’s a responsibility we all share – to protect our water environments, care for our resources and ensure their sustainable use,” she said,  

“This year’s theme, Accelerating Action, calls on all of us to acknowledge water's essential role in addressing the climate crisis.  

“Water and climate are intrinsically linked. Whether it's unpredictable rainfall, or the impact of floods and droughts, we see that many of climate change’s challenges come down to water. Over two billion people worldwide lack access to safe water.  

“Here in Australia, many regional and remote communities lack access to safe drinking water, too. The time for incremental change is over; it’s clear that we must act now to protect our most precious resource and ensure equitable provision.” 

During the launch, Cheeseman announced the 2024 Chris Davis AM Fellowship recipient – Dr Jessica Bohorquez – who was commended for her work in raising awareness on the value of water with her podcast, Our Water Connection.  

Cheeseman encouraged all individuals and organisations to get involved in National Water Week to help communicate the value of water within communities and promote a broader understanding of why sustainable water management matters. 

“Together, we can build a movement that creates lasting change and a sustainable water future where everybody – absolutely everybody – has access to the water they need to live a healthy and happy life,” she said.  

“Join us in accelerating action this National Water Week. Let’s shape a sustainable water future, one where the steps we take today ensure the wellbeing of future generations. This is a call for all of us to become part of this transformative journey.” 

2024 Water Professional of the Year Professor Phil Duncan, Gomeroi man and University of Canberra Galambany Professorial Fellow, was also present at the launch and discussed the importance of continuing to work together on solutions. 

“National Water Week offers a moment to reflect on our individual and collective success. As members of the Australian Water Association, which I fondly call a ‘water family’, we have the opportunity to share knowledge and solutions,” he said.  

“We need sustainable, long-term strategies – not just for Indigenous communities, but for everyone – created through a lens of shared benefits. 

“Accelerating action isn’t new for us. But sometimes we need to slow down to speed up. We must pause to read the signposts along the road and ensure we are navigating the way forward together.” 

Take a look below at the ways you can get involved in this year’s National Water Week.  

Attend an event  

Communities and organisations across Australia are organising and hosting special events to help celebrate National Water Week.  

Catering for school children right through to engaged adults interested in learning more about the importance of water, these events offer an opportunity for individuals to get involved in National Water Week.  

Take a look at what’s on in your local area here.

Become a Water Ambassador

All AWA members have the opportunity to become a Water Ambassador during National Water Week.  

AWA Water Ambassadors connect with schools across Australia to take part in boosting water literacy and a deep understanding of careers in water.  

As a Water Ambassador, you'll have the opportunity to organise fun interactive activities and share your experience and knowledge with school students throughout water's biggest week, or anytime during the year.  

Learn more about becoming a Water Ambassador here. 

Advocate online 

Engaging in National Water Week within your organisation or community? Utilise some of the AWA’s free digital banners and logos to advocate online. 

Materials are available here for download. Don’t forget to use #NationalWaterWeek to show your support and spread the word about the importance and value of water.

Careers in Water

To raise the profile of the exciting career opportunities in water and attract future talent, AWA and the Water Services Association of Australia launched Careers in Water. 

Careers in Water is a hub for water career information, featuring career stories and videos of inspiring water professionals.  

Take a look at what’s on offer here.