On this page
VIC Operator of the Year
This is one of the most prestigious awards on offer at the Victorian conference with the award presented continuously since 1980. The award is presented to operators of water or wastewater treatment facilities to recognise excellent performance, initiative and all-around attention to detail.
Criteria
Nominations are sought annually from Water Authorities and water companies throughout Victoria for operators who meet the following criteria:
- Nominees should be working in Victoria and should have direct responsibility for operational decisions at community water, sewer or recycled water systems/networks and/or water, wastewater or recycled water treatment plants or industrial water or wastewater plants.
- Nominees should have demonstrated a continued high level of performance, initiative and all-around attention to detail in the execution of their duties.
Submitting your nomination
Nominations should be submitted electronically in Word or PDF format. They must include the following information:
- An executive summary outlining the main reason for the nomination (maximum 500 words)
- Detailed information introducing the nominee and addressing the criteria (maximum 4 A4 pages)
- Two Photos (jpg or similar format) – one headshot of the nominee, and one image of the nominee working
- Biography (minimum 180 words, maximum 300 words)
The completed applications are judged by an independent panel and the winner of the Victorian Operator of the Year Award is announced at the WIOA Conference Awards Dinner annually.
The winner receives:
- a personal trophy to keep
- All expenses paid opportunity to attend WIOA’s annual Tour of New Zealand and the WIOG Conference.
Prize
- an all expenses paid opportunity to attend WIOA’s annual Tour of New Zealand and the WIOG Conference.
- a personal trophy to keep.
Past Winners
- 2025 – Ben Evans, South East Water
- 2024 – Dylan Hetherington, North East Water
- 2023 – Scott Johnson, Greater Western Water
- 2022 – Tom Stiles, Central Highlands Water
- 2021 – Gavin Allen, Veolia
- 2020 – Dion Bull, Gippsland Water
- 2019 – Lee Marshall, Central Highlands Water
- 2018 – Adam Panozzo, North East Water
VIC New Operator of the Year
This award, generously sponsored by the Institute of Water Administration (Victoria) is designed to provide encouragement to new water industry employees by recognising excellent performance, initiative and all round attention to detail. The IWA as award sponsor sends a letter to all Water Corporations and other employers of operators within Victoria annually, requesting they nominate “operations staff” to be considered for the Award.
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration the nominees:
- Must be employed in the Victorian water industry
- Must have been employed in the water industry for less than 5 years
Assessment Criteria
Nominations are judged on the basis of submissions from employers covering:
- Commitment to and demonstrating a strong OHS ethic in all work performed
- Commitment to undertaking training and then implementation of skills learned into the workplace
- Commitment to team work and following enterprise SOP’s etc
- Commitment to meeting Corporation and regulatory requirements in the course of all work
- Demonstrated use of initiative or suggestions leading to efficiency or safety improvements
- Any other relevant industry based achievements.
Please provide the following with your nomination:
- One headshot image of the nominee (jpg or similar format)
- One image of the nominee at work (jpg or similar format)
The completed applications are judged by an independent panel and the winner of the IWA Prize receives a perpetual trophy for his or her organisation to keep for 12 months, a personal trophy to keep permanently, as well as an all expenses paid trip to join the WIOA Delegation on the New Zealand Tour.
Prize
- an all expenses paid opportunity to attend WIOA’s annual Tour of New Zealand and the WIOG Conference.
- a personal trophy to keep.
Past Winners
- 2025 – Dalkeith McCallum-Hanley, Barwon Water
- 2024 – Shaun Ratten, Westernport Water
- 2023 – Bailey Andersen, Goulburn Valley Water
- 2022 – Tom Bennett, Barwon Water
- 2021 – Lillee Hardy, Gippsland Water
- 2020 – Michael Tulloch, Gippsland Water
- 2019 – Tom O’Brien, North East Water
2018 – Tabatha James, Melbourne Water
VIC Network Operator of the Year
The Network Operator Development Program has been established to identify, mentor and develop future leaders in the Network Operations field across the Victorian Water Industry.
Eligibility
The Program Advisory Group will select one participant from the Network Operator Development Program to be awarded the WIOA Network Operator of the Year. The winner will be announced at the WIOA Conference Awards Dinner.
Prize
The winner will receive:
- sponsorship to the value of $3,000 provided by Water Training Australia, which must be used on an appropriate development opportunity for the winner.
- the opportunity to, attend the annual WIOA conference and be involved in a technical paper or poster presentation at that conference.
Past Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
|
2025 |
TBC – March 2026 |
|
2024 |
Kirsty Fudge – Melbourne Water |
|
2023 |
Shaun Ratten – Westernport Water |
|
2022 |
Gavin Overy – East Gippsland Water |
|
2021 |
Not held |
|
2020 |
Matthew Boyle – Wannon Water |
|
2019 |
Benjamin Paul – North East Water |
|
2018 |
Tim Kiddle – Barwon Water |
|
2017 |
Russell Sunderland – Goulburn Valley Water |
Best Operator Paper
This award is offered as an incentive to encourage “grass roots” operational staff to share their knowledge and experience. To be eligible to win the award for Best Paper by an Operator, presenters must be WIOA members, with the Primary Author employed in any sector of the water industry and working in an operations role.
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration presenters:
must be WIOA members, with the Primary Author employed in any sector of the water industry and working in an operations role.
Assessment Criteria
WIOA selects a number of judges at each conference who watch all the presentations made over the two days. They score each of the papers based on:
- The content and layout of the written technnical paper;
- The originality of the ideas portrayed;
- The use of visual aids during the presentation;
- The verbal presentation and whether or not the author sticks to the allotted time; and
- The demeanor of the presenter including how well they answer any questions.
Prizes
The prizes are:
- 1st Place: Travel, accommodation and a full delegate registration to attend another WIOA conference in Australia to deliver the paper again (to the value of $1,750)
- 2nd Place: Complimentary delegate registration (non-transferrable) to a WIOA conference of their choice within the next 12 months (valued at $915)
- 3rd Place: Complimentary delegate registration (non-transferrable) to a WIOA conference of their choice within the next 12 months (valued at $915)
Please note: In the case of joint presentations, only one presenter will be eligible to receive the prize. Upon winning, it is at the discretion of the presenting company to decide whether:
- The eligible presenter will present solo, or;
- An additional presenter will accompany the prize winner, with all associated costs covered by the company.
Past Winners
- 2025 – Adam Carty & Zhofi Boglari, Albury
- 2024 – Shaun Ratten, Westernport Water
- 2023 – Troy Leyden, Fitzroy River Water; Doug Moorby, Narromine Shire Council and Shawn Charlton, Albury City.
- 2022 – John De Boer, Melbourne Water; Grant Waite, North East Water and Darren Sharman, Goulburn Valley Water.
Partner with us
We’re offering an exclusive opportunity for sponsors to support WIOA’s mission of sharing knowledge and experiences among operational employees across Australia’s water industry.
Sponsorship packages start from just $4,400—secure your spot today and showcase your commitment to the industry!
Secure Your SponsorshipHepburn Award for Best Paper Overall
This is an open category award, and all platform paper presenters are automatically considered. To be eligible for this award, presenters must be current WIOA members and may hold either an operational or non-operational role. The winner will be determined based on the highest overall score awarded by the judging panel.
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration presenters must be current WIOA members and may hold either an operational or non-operational role.
Assessment Criteria
WIOA selects a number of judges at each conference who watch all the presentations made over the two days. They score each of the papers based on:
- The content and layout of the written technical paper;
- The originality of the ideas portrayed;
- The use of visual aids during the presentation;
- The verbal presentation and whether or not the author sticks to the allotted time; and
- The demeanor of the presenter including how well they answer any questions.
Prize
The winner will receive:
- an all expenses paid opportunity to attend an Interstate WIOA Conference to deliver the paper again (to the value of $1,750)
- The eligible presenter will present solo, or;
- An additional presenter will accompany the prize winner, with all associated costs covered by the company
Past Winners
- 2025 – Dr Kruti Shukla, EM Fluids Inc
- 2024 – Steven Nash, Goulburn Valley Water
- 2023 – Elise O’Keeffe, Goulburn Valley Water
- 2022 – Tasha Eagle, Parchem Construction/Fosroc
- 2021 – Not held
- 2020 – Not held
- 2019 – Craig Piazza, North East Water
- 2018 – Michael Chapman, North East Water
- 2017 – John Day, North East Water
- 2016 – Ben Pohlner, Wannon Water
- 2015 – David Greaves, Barwon Water
- 2014 – Alister Laidlaw, North East Water
- 2013 – Catherine Huf, Wannon Water
- 2012 – Mei-Leng Yau, Parsons Brinckerhoff
- 2011 – Darren Sharman, Goulburn Valley Water
- 2010 – Kathy Northcott, Veolia Water Australia
- 2009 – Greg Comer, Goulburn Valley Water
- 2008 – David Errey, Yarra Valley Water
- 2007 – Mark Samblebe, Gippsland Water
- 2006 – Jason McGregor, Central Highlands Water
- 2005 – Mark Jarvis, Melbourne Water
- 2004 – Jason Whittaker, Goulburn Valley Water
- 2003 – John Day, Norske Skog
- 2002 – Anthony Evans, South West Water
- 2001 – Andrew Chapman
- 2000 – Michelle Colwell, Gippsland Water
- 1999 – David McKenzie
- 1998 – Kimberley Davies, Goulburn Valley Water
- 1997 – Peter Smyth
- 1996 – Sean Meehan
- 1995 – Dene Denny, Barwon Water
- 1994 – C. Schulz
- 1993 – George Wall, Shepparton Region Water Authority
- 1992 – Wayne Murdoch, Bendigo Water Board
- 1991 – R. Wrigley
- 1990 – John Park , Water Training Centre
- 1986 – Ron Bergmeier, Bendigo Water Board
- 1983 – John Anderson, Sunbury
- 1982 – K. Brown, Hurstbridge
- 1981 – Sue Lefebvre, Mornington
- 1980 – Carl D’Herrille, Packenham
- 1979 – David Orbell, Melton Sewerage Authority
- 1978 – R. Emmett
- 1977 – Lindsay Whitelaw, Mooroopna
- 1976 – N. Phyland
- 1975 – Stan Franzi & F. Manning
Partner with us
We’re offering an exclusive opportunity for sponsors to support WIOA’s mission of sharing knowledge and experiences among operational employees across Australia’s water industry.
Sponsorship packages start from just $4,400—secure your spot today and showcase your commitment to the industry!
Secure Your SponsorshipBest Poster by an Operator
It was recognised some time ago that not all “operations” staff feel comfortable with the idea of standing up in front of their peers and delivering a platform presentation. Others have an idea or a project they have completed which does not provide sufficient information to allow for a written paper and a 20 minute presentation. For these reasons, a Poster Paper section was introduced into the program for the various WIOA conferences.
The Posters use the same qualifying rules as the Papers (non-Bachelor qualified). Each poster author is required to do a short (5 minute) description of their poster in a more relaxed atmosphere on Thursday afternoon. They must also answer any questions about the poster.
Bachelor qualified water professionals are also invited to enter a poster for information sharing however, they will not be eligible to win the prizes.
Eligibility
To be eligible to win the award for Best Poster by an Operator, all authors must be WIOA members, with the Primary Author employed in any sector of the water industry and identify themselves as working in an operational role.
Assessment Criteria
WIOA selects a number of judges at each conference who watch all the presentations made over the two days. They score each of the papers/posters based on:
- The content and layout of the written technical paper/poster;
- The originality of the ideas portrayed;
- The use of visual aids during the presentation;
- The verbal presentation and whether or not the author sticks to the allotted time; and
- The demeanor of the presenter including how well they answer any questions.
Prize
The winner will receive:
- an all expenses paid opportunity to attend an Interstate WIOA Conference to deliver the paper again (to the value of $1,750)
- The eligible presenter will present solo, or;
- An additional presenter will accompany the prize winner, with all associated costs covered by the company
Past Winners
| Year | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
| 2025 | Vince Encena, Greater Western Water |
| |
| 2024 | Chris Orchard Central Highland Water | Danny West Westernport Water | No Entries Received |
| 2023 | Li Lau Melbourne Water | ||
| 2022 | Steven Kugele Central Highlands Water | ||
| 2021 | Not Held (Covid) | ||
| 2020 | Not Held (Covid) | ||
| 2019 | David Dickson North East Water | ||
| 2018 | Scott Murnane Veolia | ||
| 2017 | Chris Orchard Central Highland Water | Danny West Westernport Water | No Entries Received |
| 2016 | Dale Hogan Goulburn Valley Water | Andrew Povey Wannon Water | Damian Peterson Western Water |
| 2015 | Noel Roulston Westernport Water | Justin Bourke North East Water | Leigh Cheshire North East Water |
| 2014 | Aaron Mitchell Wannon Water | Stephen Burns GWM Water | Russell Sunderland Goulburn Valley Water |
| 2013 | Ben Marsden Wannon Water | Rylee Duffus Gippsland Water | Adam Bauerle Goulburn Valley Water |
| 2012 | Matthew Brown Barwon Water | Daniel Priddle Barwon Water | Grant Chivers Veolia Water Operations |
| 2011 | Terry Watt East Gippsland Water | Geoff Enever Goulburn-Murray Water | Daryl Nish ‘us‘ – Utility Services |
| 2010 | Ian Syer ‘us‘ – Utility Services | Tony McKean East Gippsland Water | Chris Spokes Goulburn Valley Water |
| 2009 | Peter Tolsher EGL (Operations) | Sean Doyle Barwon Water | Bill Mackrell Wannon Water |
| 2008 | Trevor Hayes Western Water | Barry Dullard CAMS | Heath Vine Goulburn Valley Water |
| 2007 | Dale Yeates Gippsland Water | Andrew McPherson Coliban Water | Rachael Lawlor Goulburn Valley Water |
| 2006 | John Day PowerWater NT | Tim Tanner Goulburn Valley Water | Bob Millar GWM Water |
| 2005 | Barry Waddell East Gippsland Water | Belinda Streader Goulburn Valley Water | Lou Wilson ‘us‘ – Utility Services |
| 2004 | Karl Williams South Gippsland Water | Helen Friend GWM Water | Ron Peters South East Water |
| 2003 | Gerrard Kavenagh Barwon Water | Jamie Madgwick Goulburn Valley Water | Peter Huggins Goulburn Valley Water |
| 2002 | Len Ablett Gippsland Water | Wayne Mumford Gippsland Water | Wayne Reither Goulburn Valley Water |
| 2001 | Trevor Gordon Goulburn Valley Water | Neil Collins Goulburn Valley Water | Wayne Shaw Gippsland Water |
| 2000 | Ken Turner Gippsland Water | Ben Evans South East Water | Karen Weatherill Goulburn Valley Water |
| 1999 | Karen Weatherill Goulburn Valley Water | Richard Greenhough Barwon Water | Wes Wittick Western Water |
| 1998 | Ray James Gippsland Water | Paul Keating Gippsland Water | Peter Marshall Gippsland Water |
*
Ron Bergmeier Award for Best Exhibition Site
The Ron Bergmeier Award recognises the company that presents the Best Exhibition Site at WIOA conferences. This award celebrates excellence in trade displays that enhance the conference experience for delegates.
About this Award
Ron Bergmeier began his career in the water industry with the Bendigo Water Board and joined WIOA in 1985. In the late 1980s, he established his own company – Australian Pollution Engineering.
Ron was instrumental in introducing a trade display to the Victorian conference, adding a new dimension and purpose to the event. Delegates not only had the opportunity to hear technical papers and network with industry colleagues, but they could also see, compare, and often test the latest equipment from a range of suppliers. This exhibition became an integral part of the conference and has since been replicated in NSW and Queensland.
As a life member of WIOA, Ron’s vision and efforts have significantly contributed to the success of these conferences. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, this award proudly bears his name.
Bachelor qualified water professionals are also invited to enter a poster for information sharing however, they will not be eligible to win the prizes.
Assessment Criteria
- Presentation and innovation in the exhibition
- The use of interactive displays and equipment that delegates can touch
- Novel ideas and engagement of attendees
Prize
The winner will receive:
- $2,000 half-page color advertisement in Utility magazine
- 12 month WIOA Corporate Bronze membership valued at $400
Past Winners
- 2025 – Challenger Valves & Actuators
- 2024 – Grundfos
- 2023 – UAM TEC
- 2022 – Remtron
- 2021 – Not Held
- 2020 – Not Held
- 2019 – 3M Australia
- 2018 – Absafe
- 2017 – Southern Divers
- 2016 – HP Agency
- 2015 – Safety Results
- 2014 – Fluidquip
- 2013 – EcoCatalysts
- 2012 – Emerson
- 2011 – Starky Constructions
- 2010 – MJK Automation
- 2009 – Australian Valve and Filter Industries
- 2008 – ABB Australia
IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water in Victoria
The IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water in Victoria is a fun and exciting way to raise awareness of the quality of Victoria’s drinking water and to recognise the efforts of local water service providers in delivering valuable water services to their communities.
Eligibility
- To participate in this competition, you must be a water provider that provides water to a community.
- Your sample needs to be collected from a customer tap within the network.
- You must be the last company that has treated that supply.
- You must not have been issued with a water quality breach notice for that water supply region within the previous 12-month period.
Prize
Winner will receive:
- An individual trophy to keep
- Co-branded signage to display at the winning water treatment plant
- An invitation to participate in the National Best Tasting Tap Water Competition at the end of the year
Past Winners
- 2025 – Barwon Water – Lorne WTP
- 2024 – Yarra Valley Water – Plantes Hill Reservoir, Lilydale, Silvan
- 2023 – WaterSure – Vic Desal Plant
- 2022 – Melbourne Water – Cresswell WTP*
- 2021 – Westernport Water – Ian Bartlett Water Purification Plant (IBWPP)
- 2020 – Lower Murray Water – Mildura WTP
- 2019 – Barwon Water – Wurdee Boluc WTP
- 2018 – Wannon Water – Hamilton WTP*
- 2017 – Goulburn Valley Water – Merrijig WTP
- 2016 – North East Water – Myrtelford WTP
- 2015 – Goulburn Valley Water – Marysville WTP*
- 2014 – South Gippsland Water – Leongatha WTP
- 2013 – East Gippsland Water – Bairnsdale WTP
- 2012 – Coliban Water – Bendigo WTP
*Won Australia’s Best Tasting Tap Water that year.
Main Tapping Competition
The Water Main Tapping Competition originated in the Australian water industry in the late 1980’s. WIOA in conjunction with Reece Civil & Viadux is thrilled to deliver Main Tapping Competition at the annual Victorian conference.
A water main tapping is the point where the supply to a private property is connected to the water main. This process is conducted on a live water main, avoiding the need for a network shutdown that would then result in a water outage for the customers.
Entry requirements
This event is held on-site over both days of the Victorian conference.
To register for an upcoming event you will need:
- A name for your team (which includes the organisation you are representing)
- The names of the 2 competitors, and contact details
- The name and contact details of your approving authority
- Details of your preferred charity
- Please include if your competitors are registered for the full event or only a single day (this will determine who will compete Wednesday or Thursday)
Please note:
- Spots will be allocated on a first-in best-dressed basis as there are limited spots available.
- Travel and accommodation to and from the event is the responsibility of the entrants/ their employers
Prize
The winning team will receive an individual trophy and the opportunity to nominate a local charity to receive a donation of $1,000 from the Sponsors Reece Civil + Viadux.
They will also be invited to participate in the National competition, with flights, accommodation, transfers included.
Past Winners
- 2025 – Barwon Water: Liam & Jezza
- 2024 – Barwon Asset Solutions: Rapid Tappers
- 2023 – TasWater
- 2022 – Goulburn Valley Water: Central Cowboys – Bailey Anderson & Billy Wall,
- 2021 – Not held
- 2020 – Not held
- 2019 – Wannon Water: Luke Smith and David Taylor
- 2018 – Not held
- 2017 – Central Highlands Water: Denny Anderson and Heath Matheson
