NSW’s best in water celebrated at 2025 awards

This year’s winners of the Australian Water Association’s (AWA) 2025 New South Wales Water Awards were celebrated at the NSW Heads of Water Gala Dinner on 14 March at the Four Seasons Hotel. 

The NSW Water Awards recognise members whose leadership, innovative research and projects make a meaningful impact on advancing the water sector. AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman applauded the finalists and winners for their exceptional contributions and commitment to excellence. 

"Congratulations to this year’s award winners for their exceptional contributions to the water industry. Your achievements are a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration and resilience,” she said.  

"From cutting-edge technology to impactful infrastructure projects, your work ensures a sustainable water future for our communities. It’s inspiring to see such dedication to excellence and leadership, even in the face of challenging conditions. 

“You are shaping a future where water remains a foundation for thriving cities and resilient ecosystems. Thank you for leading the way and making a difference.” 

This year’s NSW Water Award winners will go on to represent the state in the national Australian Water Awards, with winners presented at the AWA’s annual water conference and exhibition, Ozwater’25, in Adelaide.  

WINNERS  

Organisational Excellence Award (sponsored by Fulton Hogan)   
SUEZ and Sydney Water – Managing Drinking Water Quality Risk Through a Catchment Bushfire Followed by Three Once in 100-Year Floods 
A joint program of works launched between SUEZ and Sydney Water helped maintain safe, uninterrupted supply of drinking water for five million residents during extreme weather events which impacted raw water quality. The innovative testing approach to enhance treatability at Prospect Water Filtration Plant saw demonstrated cost benefits.  

R&D Excellence (sponsored by Water Research Australia)   
Sydney Water, Western Sydney University, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, University of Technology Sydney, Monash University, Sydney Olympic Park Authority and other contributing organisations – Smart Irrigation Management for Parks and Cool Towns (SIMPaCT)
SIMPaCT combines environmental monitoring with machine learning and geospatial modelling to optimise irrigation. It is scalable, web-based technology that turns urban green infrastructure into natural air conditioning systems. SIMPaCT helps save water, detect leaks, cool urban landscapes and improve public health. 
   
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award METRO (sponsored by Acciona)
Interflow – Bundle 17 Sewer Relining: Unlocking Sustainable Renewals in a Constrained Environment 
In Sydney’s North, a wastewater pipe on the coastline needed renewing. The seemingly straightforward project was complicated by the fact that the alignment can only be accessed by foot. The delivery team turned these constraints into strengths, devising an innovative access plan that used the coastal location to its advantage.  
 
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award REGIONAL (sponsored by Acciona)
GHD and Liverpool Plains Shire Council – Quipolly Water Project 
The Quipolly Water Project is an ambitious infrastructure initiative, featuring a new water treatment plant and pipeline. Sustainably and innovatively designed to serve the northwest NSW communities of Quirindi, Werris Creek and surrounds, it not only ensures a reliable water supply, but also strengthens drought resilience and diversifies water sources.  
   
Student Water Prize 
Xuli Meng – University of Technology Sydney 
Enhance Site-Scale Stormwater Management Through Real-Time Adapter Control System 
Xuli’s groundbreaking PhD research introduces the Real-Time Adaptive Control (RTAC) system, revolutionising stormwater management. By leveraging real-time data and dynamic controls, RTAC optimises stormwater infrastructure, drastically reducing flood risks and enhancing urban water reuse. This approach addresses critical challenges in urban water management, offering scalable, sustainable solutions for cities worldwide. 
   
Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Xylem)   
Brendan Dagg – Senior Process Engineer, Beca Hunter H20 
Brendan Dagg is a Senior Process Engineer, specialising in water infrastructure design and optimisation, leading projects in Australia and internationally. He is dedicated to mentoring future generations through school STEM programs and advising University of Newcastle engineering students. He actively participates in the AWA Branch Committee, Newcastle Sub-Committee and EA Chemical Branch. 
   
Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by KSB Australia)
Dammika Vitanage – nominated by University of Technology Sydney   
Dammika Vitanage, an industry luminary, showcases over 44 years of transformative water leadership. His pioneering innovations, mentorship of emerging talents, and impactful projects have reshaped water management. A multi-award-winning professional, his expertise spans operations, research, technology, and sustainability, making him an exemplary AWA Water Professional of the Year. 

Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award 
Sally Rewell – Production Manager Kamay, Sydney Water  
Sally Rewell brings 15 years of expertise in the water industry, holding a Master of Engineering Management and an honours degree in Chemical Engineering. As Water Resource Recovery Lead South Sydney Water, she oversees 11 facilities.  She is Vice President of the AWA NSW Branch and co-chairs the National Operations Specialist Network.  

The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors and supporters – John Holland, WaterNSW, Arup, BMD, Water Research Australia, Fulton Hogan and Xylem – for their support of this event and these important industry awards.