Young Alumni Award presented to Arup’s Steve Adamthwaite
by Kristy Bunting
Arup’s NSW/ACT Water Business Leader, Steve Adamthwaite has been recognised for his leadership in the water industry by the University of Newcastle (UoN) which presented him with the Young Alumni Award. An influential innovator passionate about driving change, Steve’s work has helped create a diversified, secure, and resilient water supply across Australia and internationally.
UoN Deputy Chancellor and TasWater Board Member Kevin Young was delighted to see Steve receive the Young Alumni Award.
“This is a prestigious award and justly awarded to Steve for his work in the water industry, leading major groundbreaking projects, advocating mental health, driving reform, encouraging engagement with Indigenous communities, and supporting a great charity in WaterAid. The water industry can be very proud of the work it does and for the amazing people like Steve that drive for a better sustainable future not just for Australia but for the world,” he said.
In his current role at Arup, Steve’s work focuses on driving water strategies centred on implementing sustainable, community-oriented solutions and delivering the best levels of service and infrastructure for community and industry. He led the development of the guidelines for the NSW to assess of new treatment infrastructure in regional areas as well as developed a new planning framework for Unitywater incorporating adaptive planning at the heart of their 30-year capital program to ensure resilience and flexibility for their customers.
Steve’s input and influence was key in achieving funding and solutions that shift how the region achieves water resilience and security into the future, including leading Parliamentary Forums with the NSW Minister for Water. As Project Manager on the Independent Technical Review of the Dili Water Supply Emergency Response Project, he and his team ensured the restoration of reliable access to clean drinking water to over 220,000 people in Dili after a cyclone knocked out water supply to the city.
Steve is also committed to influencing the sector beyond project delivery – he is actively involved in shaping future strategy through leadership positions with WaterAid NSW (Chair), Australian Water Assoc (Vice President NSW) and Engineers Australia (Chair – Young Engineers National Committee and Shadow Board). He is a vocal advocate for mental health and First Nations engagement, participation, and inclusion, with an upcoming workshop on the topic at Ozwater ‘24. Steve is currently studying a Master of Business Administration - MBA focused on Leadership (CQUniversity)
A Newcastle local since his university days, and guest lecturer for the School of Engineering, Steve was honoured for this significant recognition from his alma mater.
“My time at UoN made a huge impact on the career I’ve carved out in the water industry, shaped by lecturers and mentors. I’m also particularly proud of the impact that students from a regional University have had, not just me but those who have won this award before me. I’m grateful to the university for the support and inspiration they provided that has been foundational to the work I’ve done since graduating.” Steve said.
