2025 NSW Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition

That’s a wrap on our 2025 NSW Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition, held on 23 – 24 July at the Newcastle Racecourse, it was a roaring success! With its surrounding stunning beaches, buzzing cafés, arts scene, and proud industrial roots, Newcastle set the perfect backdrop for this year’s event. We were thrilled to have observed the connections, shared ideas, and learnings from each other. 

We officially opened the Conference with our Chairman’s Reception on Tuesday 22 July at the Exchange Hotel. Hosted by Chair Mat Greskie with Board Director Robert Scott as MC, the invite-only evening brought together sponsors, committee members, and volunteers for drinks and canapés in recognition of their support. A special presentation was made to Sally Shepherd for her contribution to WIOA, achievements and outgoing Board Director role.  

Wednesday morning was a standout moment at Women of Water Breakfast, connecting women with our new Women in Water Operations [WiWO] Group and offering attendees a welcoming space to connect, share and grow within the industry. 

The Conference component of this event delivered a strong program across two days, featuring 22 paper presentations from passionate Operators and industry leaders. Keynotes included Sydney Water’s Sally Rewell and Daniel Leach on modernising operations training, and Brendan Guiney from Water Directorate on achievements for regional operators. Highlights ranged from flood response and PFAS management to water quality learnings and preparing for climate-driven changes. WIOA extends a special thank you to Sydney Water and Hunter Water for their valued support as host sponsors.

On Wednesday evening we hosted our annual NSW Meet the Exhibitor Dinner in a relaxed setting looking over the Newcastle Racecourse. We made an honorable announcement of our new IDIOTS (Inducted as Delegates of the Inextricably Obstructed Tap Society) recognition towards our vision, philosophies, the active promotion and service commitment of WIOA for over a minimum period of five years, Awarded to Alan Butler, our NSW Advisory Committee Chair.  

The Reece Civil + Viadux Main Tapping Competition is always a popular event on display during our conferences, the 2025 NSW finals were held on Thursday, 24 July with finalists; Orange City Council and MidCoast Council. First place won by a tiny margin with a time of 3 minutes and 18 seconds was the MidCoast Council Team with Dean & Mark. Their $1,000 winning cheque will be donated to GIVIT.org.au – inspiring generosity to meet real need of Australians experiencing hardship to receive the essential goods and services, when they need them most. 

Thank you IXOM for being our national supporting partner on advocating the awareness of Australian water quality! The 2025 NSW IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Competition collected three Grand Finalists, Richmond Valley Council, Central Coast Council and Sydney Water. First place won by Richmond Valley Council, with their sample from Casino WTP! This win will go on to represent NSW/ACT in the National Final which will be held in December to gain bragging rights as the Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia!

The last hoorah was our Thursday Awards Night Celebration, where Nine awards were revealed, including the above 2025 NSW Best Tasting Tap Water Winner and the 2025 NSW Main Tapping Competition Winner. 

A surprised and humble reaction was received, for our highest recognition awarded to our new Life Member, Lindsay Walsh, a valuable WIOA member for 19 years, founding member of our NSW Advisory Committee since 2013 and known for his regular conference presenter and MC duties, a wise man with kind and few words.  

The 2025 NSW Best Exhibition Site – Ron Bergmeier Award announcement, sponsored by Utility Magazine is awarded with a selection criteria including; the Presentation and innovation in the exhibition booth, the use of interactive displays and equipment as well as the Novel ideas and engagement of attendees. Won by Control Components, with their outstanding staff engagement, interactive display and innovation on their Stand 19!  

There were of total of four posters presented this year and the 2025 NSW Best Poster Presenter winner sponsored by SAFEGroup, was awarded to Chris Yeats from PYROCAL for his presentation on Biosolids – time for a change of mindset and a more sustainable use of valuable commodity. 

The 2025 NSW Best Paper by an Operator, Runner-up, with Paper titled, The RWCC Operations App: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Safety by Lachlan Baggett from Riverina Water City Council. First place won with Paper titled, Navigating Capital Upgrades from an Operational Perspective by Scott Collis from Veolia.  

The 2025 NSW Best Paper Overall Winner, sponsored by Aqualift, was won by Shane Dyson and Steve Buck from Icon Water for their presentation on The Biggest Bang: Fixing Water Hammer in a DAF. 

The 2025 NSW Young Operator of the Year was awarded to Andrea Coleman, Water Treatment Plant Operator at the Illawarra Water Filtration Plant (Veolia). Andrea has made outstanding contributions through her dedication to operational efficiency, digitisation, and system modernisation. Starting as a laboratory assistant after completing her Bachelor of Science, she quickly advanced into operations, demonstrating exceptional work ethic, reliability, and passion for continuous improvement—making her an invaluable member of the team. Sponsored by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). 

The 2025 NSW Operator of the Year was awarded to Craig Stone from MidCoast Council for his outstanding technical expertise and unwavering commitment to water quality. Craig has been instrumental in ensuring the Bootawa Water Treatment Plant achieved 100% compliance with ADWG guidelines for four consecutive years. His ability to diagnose complex operational issues, minimise downtime, and maintain treated water supply highlights his exceptional skill and dedication. His leadership was especially evident during the 2025 Manning floods, when he voluntarily camped at the plant for three days, ensuring uninterrupted water services despite isolation, power outages, and storage challenges. Craig is also recognised for his willingness to share knowledge and train others, cementing his role as an invaluable team member and industry leader. Sponsored by the NSW Water Directorate.