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qldwater Awards

qldwater Young Operator of the Year and Operator of the Year – Civil/All-Rounder

qldwater is proud to sponsor the Young Operator of the Year and Operator of the Year (Civil) awards to recognise the outstanding operational performance of Queensland water industry employees. The 2024 winners were announced at the 48th WIOA Queensland Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition on 25 July 2024.

Young Operator of the Year

The 2024 Young Operator of the Year is Luke Reid from Bundaberg Regional Council. Luke impressed his supervisors and workmates with his rigorous work ethic and commitment to safety as evidenced by over 1,200 actions in the work management system over his two-year tenure with BRC. All Luke’s actions are accompanied by comprehensive notes and requisite safety documentation, reinforced by commendations from colleagues on his adherence to safe working practices. As well as the trophy and title, Luke received an all-expenses paid opportunity to join the WIOA delegation on their next New Zealand tour.

Operator of the Year (Civil / Allrounder)

This award, introduced in 2010, aims to provide encouragement to water industry employees employed in the civil construction/maintenance areas of the water industry to recognise excellent performance, initiative and all round attention to detail.

The 2024 Operator of the Year (Civil) is Ross Watt, Supervisor Water & Sewerage Infrastructure at Gympie Regional Council. You’re likely to find Ross repairing a public hazard he spotted on the school run (his tools always ready in the van) or leading educational sessions with the community, effectively communicating the importance of water management. His nomination form lists a string of achievements including best practice processes and operations, implementing new systems for monitoring and managing water pressure, fostering a collaborative and motivated work environment, contributing to the implementation of a fatigue management strategy and more. Ross received a trophy and bragging rights, along with professional development opportunities fully funded by qldwater.

WIOA Operator of the Year Award

Although not sponsored by qldwater, we would like to acknowledge Josh van Hout from Bundaberg Regional Council who received the 2024 WIOA Operator of the Year Award. Josh is an incredibly dedicated teacher and mentor to the operations team at Bundy and a huge asset to the water sector as a whole.

qldwater TRG Industry Contribution Awards 

Three awards were presented at the 2023 qldwater Annual Forum to recognise outstanding contributions to the Queensland Urban Water and Sewerage industry.

The qldwater Government Stakeholder Contribution Award went to Chris Mooney from the Department of Environment and Science. Chris is a longtime supporter of the Directorate through her involvement in regular informal meetings with the Directorate, and more formally through involvement in SWEAP. She can lay claim to being the “most capped” government stakeholder to participate in qldwater’s Water Connections Tour to regional and remote communities, with 5 trips under her belt commencing in 2015. Despite not being able to attend the past two tours, she has been an enthusiastic supporter of the tour, resulting in three representatives from her Department attending in 2023. Through her involvement in SWEAP Chris is willing to front up every three months for a grilling from SWEAP members. This sort of engagement is deeply appreciated by the sector, where fostering good working relationships between the regulator and the industry are a cornerstone of effective regulation.

The qldwater Industry Recognition Award went to Terry Fagg, Water Treatment Principal at Western Downs Regional Council. Terry has been a strong supporter of qldwater, always ready to share his experience and knowledge whether at local schools or through our Fundamentals and Essentials Webinar Series where he has delivered presentations on a wide range of topics from media filter backwashing, chlorine disinfection, E.coli testing, jar testing, pumping fundamentals and enhanced coagulation in practice. Terry is also a valued member of our Strategic Priorities Group.

The 2023 Supplier Contribution Award went to Zak Floyde Smith, Products and Service Manager at Aquatec Maxcon. Go to any water industry event in Australia or New Zealand and you will more than likely find Zak there. Zak has been a steady and active supporter of qldwater, supporting our regional events, as a QLD Committee member for the AWA and on the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia Queensland Advisory Committee. Zak is responsible for educating the market about innovative new technologies like Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactors to biologically reduce nutrients from wastewater. He is valued for his interest in promoting fit for purpose solutions for smaller and remote locations, an interest that is greatly appreciated by the sector. Always keen to share his views and experience with qldwater staff and members, Zak deserves a big pat on the back for a job well done.

Other Industry Awards

A number of other organisations offer awards that celebrate the achievements of the Queensland urban water industry and qldwater encourages members to submit nominations. qldwater is happy to provide assistance with your nomination(s), please contact Neil Holmes on skills@qldwater.com.au or 3632 6850.

WIOA Awards

The Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) is the Peak Body nationally for people in operational roles in the water industry, providing many opportunities for the recognition of individual achievements of both Members and other operators employed in the water industry.

Award Categories include:

National
Queensland Awards
  • Queensland Operator of the Year
  • Best Paper by an Operator – Queensland Conference
  • Brian Davis Best Paper Overall Award – Queensland Conference
  • Best Poster by an Operator – Queensland Conference

For more information visit the WIOA website.

IPWEAQ Excellence Awards

The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Queensland (IPWEAQ) annual awards program places a spotlight on the projects and people who deliver exceptional outcomes for Queensland communities.

Nominations open in March and close in July 2023. Winners are announced at the Gala Awards Ceremony and Dinner to be held on the Gold Coast - details to be confirmed. 

Award Categories include:

Project Awards
  • Innovation
  • Projects under $1 million
  • Projects under $2 million
  • Projects $2 million to $5 million
  • Projects $5 million to $10 million
  • Projects over $10 million
  • Asset Management
  • Environment and Sustainability 
  • Innovation & Sustainability in Water - projects under $5 million
  • Innovation & Sustainability in Water - projects over $5 million
People Awards
  • Engineer of the Year
  • Woman in Engineering
  • Young Engineer of the Year
  • Team Member of the Year (non-engineers and includes Supervisors, Works Officers and other support staff)
  • President’s Award – chosen by President
  • Futures Challenge – chosen by delegates

For more information visit the IPWEAQ website.