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2025 QLD Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition

  • November 03, 2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 QLD Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition, held on 29–30 October in Bundaberg. It was an extraordinary event that brought together participants, volunteers, sponsors, and exhibitors in a true celebration of talent, innovation, and excellence across the water industry.

This year marked a return to the Bundaberg Multiplex Sports and Convention Centre for the first time since 2019, following two years on the Sunshine Coast. The exhibition welcomed 604 attendees, including 138 delegates, 176 visitors, and 290 exhibitors—an incredible turnout that highlighted the strength and connection of our community. We look forward to continuing this momentum at the Gold Coast in 2026.

The program featured insightful presentations from across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, showcasing the latest developments and initiatives in water operations. The Women in Water Operations (WiWO) Breakfast was another highlight, providing a valuable networking opportunity and advocating for inclusivity, mentoring, and collaboration to make water operations a visible and rewarding career path for all.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, whose generous support made this event possible. Their commitment to the industry ensures the ongoing success of conferences like this.

Let’s keep the conversation flowing—connect with us on LinkedIn and continue to be part of the water operations community.

"What stood out most to me was the passion everyone had for the industry. It was inspiring, and it’s made me want to get more involved with WIOA myself. I’ve been operating for about two years now, but since we lost our mentor, I haven’t had much guidance. It was refreshing to meet so many like-minded, passionate people who are eager to share knowledge and experiences"

QLD Conference Delegate

2025 QLD Conference Award Winners & Recognitions

Congratulations to all our award winners, your achievements are a true reflection of the dedication, effort, and hard work that goes into delivering essential water supply across Australia! View full gallery here.

2025 Life Member Recognition Award: John Granzien (left) and WIOA IDIOTS Recognition Award (Inducted as Delegates of the Inextricably Obstructed Tap Society) George Bellizia (right)
QLD Young Operator of the Year Winner: Matt Gosper from Mackay Regional Council
QLD Operator of the Year Award Winner: Dylan Merrett from Bundaberg Regional Council
QLD Best Paper Overall Winner: Ben Ingram from Unitywater
QLD Operator of the Year Civil/All-Rounder Award Winner: Wayne Siganto from Mareeba Shire Council
QLD Best Operator Paper Winner: Ashley Reidy from Fitzroy River Water
QLD Best Operator Paper Runner-up: Emma Fisher & Luke Maher from Gympie Regional Council
QLD Best Poster Presentation Winner: Andrew Szymala from Gympie Regional Council
QLD Reece Civil + Viadux Main Tapping Competition Winner: Tom & Dan from City of Gold Coast
QLD Best Operator Paper 3rd place: Phillip King & Clinton Horne from Fraser Coast Regional Council
QLD Best Exhibition Site, Ron Bergmeier Award: Austral International

Papers

WIOA conference papers are a great resource for anyone working in operational roles in the water industry.

Gallery

View photos taken over our 2 day conference, including our Awards Dinner and Main Tapping Competition.

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