Will Speirs, AWA's QLD President, reflects on the events of 2024 and recognises project successes in the water sector.
Making time in the busiest part of the year
We often say that water is our most precious resource, but equally important is time – a resource that unfortunately is not part of a cycle. In getting the most out of the limited time that we have, we need to try and find time as best we can to recognise, reflect, and most importantly, recover from another busy year.
Taking time to recognise
In October, the Australian Water Association (AWA) hosted its annual Queensland Gala Dinner & Awards, where the water industry gathered to celebrate the hard earned successes and innovations that drives it forward. The evening was a wonderful opportunity to recognise individual and project achievements, as well as connect with colleagues in the stunning setting of Brisbane’s City Hall.
Our industry has always held a strong sense of humility - the professionals involved in this field rarely boast about their achievements, often downplaying the remarkable work they do. Humility is an admirable quality, but it can sometimes mean that the incredible efforts and achievements of these individuals and teams go unnoticed by the wider community. If we don’t pause to acknowledge the work we do, who else will?
In celebrating the individual and project successes in our industry, we must also recognise that underpinning these are he often unseen efforts by so many people at all levels across the state. At any one time there are people in the field, in control rooms, depots and contact centres, on-call ready to respond at short notice, and those preparing for floods, storms and bushfires that comes with the season (as well as still recovering from the events of last season). They may not have their name up in lights, but they are equally deserving of our recognition.
Taking time to reflect
Reflection is vital for personal and professional growth. It allows us to assess our successes and areas where we’ve fallen short, helping us set better goals moving forward. It offers an opportunity to appreciate the relationships we’ve formed and the connections we’ve built, and those colleagues, friends and family that we have farewelled.
Work is busy, and our lives often even busier. It often feels like race, rather than a wind down, to the holiday break. We sometimes miss the opportunity to reflect on what we’ve accomplished throughout the year. A moment to pause, as hard as they are to come by, helps us understand the journey that we’ve been on, and to appreciate the people and experiences that continue to shape us.
Taking time to recharge
Earlier this year, at the NQ Water Conference, Belinda Chapman and Peter Gee from WSAA led a thought-provoking keynote workshop on Mental Health Leadership for Psychological Safety. The insights shared were sobering, revealing the growing prevalence of stress and burnout across industries, including the water sector. A live poll taken during the session confirmed that these challenges are deeply felt within Queensland.
These impacts can be exacerbated as we approach the end of the year, with increased operational tempo at work coupled with even greater demands outside of work. It is more important than ever to have the crucial conversations around our mental health, our energy levels, and the role the workplace plays in supporting well-being.