Hello, and welcome to our newsletter for August 2026.
It's National Science Week this month - a fantastic opportunity to shout out to all our scientists in the water sector. We need great scientists and great engineers to keep the taps flowing and protect our water. Find out how you can get involved in the Knowledge section below.
From an advocacy perspective, we were pleased to see AWA announce the launch of their National Water Policy roadmap after collaborating with them at their National Water Policy Forum in March. In addition, we're working closely with Local Government NSW on a new Action Plan for Regional Water. More on this at the LGNSW Water Management Conference in Ballina on 2-4 September. Don't miss it!
At our last Water Directorate meeting, we heard from Wayne Wilson of DCCEEW and Erin Cini and Taylor Hayward of WSAA to discuss progress on the Aboriginal pathways: Fresh start in water operations program, as well as working to meet Closing the Gap Target 9B to ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait households in discrete communities receive essential services, including safe drinking water by 2031. I will be at AWA's Voices from the Bush conference in Alice Springs in September as discussions progress.
Prior to this, I've been invited onto a panel to discuss Water Governance at the AWA NSW State conference from 17-19 August in Wollongong. Our state Minister for Water, the Shadow Minister, and the Minister for Skills are all participating, which will make this one a high-powered conference.
And don't forget August is when our national Census is due, with excellent resources available via qldwater's Say What You Are campaign, supported nationally by WSAA. Having your role in the water sector accurately counted and recognised is crucial for future workforce planning, training, funding and investment.
Held annually, National Science Week (15-23 August) features more than 2,000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres. There are lots of opportunities to get involved and showcase the way in which science helps inform decision-making every day, from protecting catchments and monitoring water quality to laboratory testing, wastewater management and environmental reporting.
Register for the Webinar: Workforce Futures - Building the water workforce of tomorrow on Tuesday 25 August from 10:00-11:00 to hear the latest workforce insights, initiatives and opportunities to help LWUs attract, develop and retain a skilled workforce. Topics include: 2026 Workforce Composition Survey - preliminary findings from 64 participating LWUs and emerging workforce trends; Growing Aboriginal participation in the water industry - outcomes from the Aboriginal Pathways: Fresh Start in Water Operations short course and new pathways into water careers; and Competency benchmark implementation - latest information on the rollout for LWU operators.
The 2026 NSW State Conference in Wollongong from 17-19 August will explore the theme of Squeezing Every Last Drop: From Survival to Strength: No Excuses, No Waste. Do More with Less. Visit the AWA website for details on how to register or download the program.
Nominations for the 2027 Engineering Excellence Awards close on 18 August. Recognise the outstanding work of your team by submitting a nomination for these awards, which are sponsored by the Water Directorate. The awards celebrate projects, teams and individuals making a positive impact across the public works sector, with winners announced at the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala Dinner during the 2027 State Conference.
Applications are now open for the 2027 Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program. Designed to build courageous, connected and influential leaders, the Program combines immersive learning experiences, deep personal development and lifelong professional connections through the Trust's Fellowship network of more than 350 leaders. Join a free online information session for prospective applicants and sponsors on Tuesday 25 August from 12:30-13:30 AEST.
Applications close 18 October 2026. Find out more, register for the information session and apply via the Peter Cullen Trust website.
The 2026 NSW Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition returns to Newcastle from9-10 September 2026. The event offers industry learning, professional development, and networking, while recognising excellence through the NSW Water Industry Awards, including the New Operator Award. Attendees can also participate in the Main Tapping Competition and Best Tasting Tap Water Contest. Whether attending, presenting, competing, or nominating a colleague, it's a valuable opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and support the water and wastewater operations sector. WIOA members receive a 20% delegate discount.
The 2026 Census on Tuesday 11 August is an opportunity for the water sector to be accurately counted and recognised, to inform future workforce planning, training, funding and investment. Use the title that best describes your role when completing your return. For example: ✅ Water Treatment Plant Operator ✅ Water Engineer ✅ Water Quality Officer ✅ Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
The Say What You Are campaign is an initiative of qldwater, supported nationally by WSAA. Engineers Australia also has guidance for including current engineering disciplines in the occupation section.
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LGNSW Water Management Conference
Join industry leaders at the LGNSW Water Management Conference from 2-4 September in Ballina to explore what this year's theme “Local Water, Shared Responsibility” really reflects #LGNSWwater2026.
Hosted by the DCCEEW, the next Water Engagement Roundup on Wednesday 19August at 11:00 will cover Water-dependent fauna: Environmental Outcomes Monitoring and Research Program (2024–2026).
DCCEEW have recently restructured their Local Water Utilities (LWU) branch into 2 new branches: one branch will focus on core policy and regulatory functions, while the other will focus on delivering priority programs and support to the sector.
While recruitment for regional teams is still underway, please note the following guidance when contacting the department:
first point of contact for all water grant projects and matters, including the Safe and Secure Water Program - assigned Senior Grant Project Officer;
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