Originally established in 1973 as the Wastewater Purification Plant Superintendents & Operators Association, we’ve evolved into the Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA), becoming the pinnacle organisation nationally for operational staff in the water sector. Our journey saw us adapt, grow, and refine our mission, reflecting the changing needs of the industry. From fostering knowledge exchange among wastewater engineers to championing environmental protection, our commitment remains unwavering.
Today, boasting a robust membership exceeding 4,000 across the Country, WIOA is a dynamic hub for water industry professionals from all sectors, be it public or private. Our extensive range of members, spanning operations, management, engineering, and more, underscores our inclusive approach. We’re dedicated to elevating standards through supporting training and education, disseminating vital industry insights and retaining our workforce through engaging networking, social and educational events.
At WIOA, we’re not just about rhetoric; we’re about action. Through curated training seminars, informative publications like WaterWorks and Operator, and our events held across the nation, we foster continuous learning and collaboration. We are dedicated to acknowledging, celebrating and spotlighting the accomplishments of our colleagues in the Water Operations Sector on a public platform, and our Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia is one example of our dedication towards this, garnering mainstream media attention consistently every year.
Join us in shaping the future of the water operations industry. Where knowledge meets action, and innovation thrives.
Our Events
Annual Conferences
WIOA organises and stages an annual operationally focused Conference and Exhibition in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. These major events are designed to provide an opportunity for operations personnel and supplier companies to come together to discuss operational issues and see and hear about advances in technology and process methodologies.
See upcoming conferencesInterest Days
WIOA runs a series of special interest seminars using the expertise of various members and supporters to provide the latest in information on specific topics. These seminars will be staged as widely around Australia as possible. Topics and locations are chosen based on demand from members.
See upcoming interest daysWater Taste Tests
WIOA holds a number of Water Taste Tests across Australia, including a National Championship, to raise awareness of the quality of drinking water and to recognise the efforts of local water service providers in delivering valuable water services to their communities on a day to day basis.
See eventsCharity events
WIOA holds a number of charity events such as Bowls and Golf Days across Australia with proceeds donated to charity. In recent years we have also sold hats and collected money for charity via raffles at our events. To date we have distributed more than $130,000 to worthy charities.
See upcoming eventsHistory and Office Bearers
The Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) was originally founded in 1973 as the Wastewater Purification Plant Superintendents & Operators Association.
Over the years it changed its name and amended its core purposes to meet the needs of operational staff in both Victoria and now nationally. In 1977 the name was changed to Australian Wastewater Operators Association (Victorian Branch); in 1984 it became the Wastewater Operators Association Incorporated (Victorian Branch). In 1990, it was expanded to cover all sectors of the water industry becoming the Australian Water and Wastewater Operators Association Inc (Victorian Branch).
The change to our current name of the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) occurred in 2002.
When it was originally established, the aim of the founding members was to provide a forum where wastewater engineers and operators could share information and learn from one another. The development of appropriate training for operators and the promotion of protection of the environment were also aims.
The Association now still has an active involvement with the national Water Training Package development and stages a variety of conferences, seminars and training courses around the country.
Constitution & Rules of Association
Constitution (Adopted January 2024)
Water Industry Operations Association of Australia Ltd was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 16 January 2007 to provide services on a national basis on behalf of Water Industry Operators Association of Australia Inc (ABN 27 302 677808) (WIOA Inc).
Its original company name was Water Industry Operators Association of Australia Ltd. In 2024 WIOA Inc transferred its assets, operations, and members to the Water Industry Operations Association of Australia Ltd and WIOA Inc was dissolved.
The current name, Water Industry Operations Association of Australia Ltd, was also adopted on the 12 January 2024.
Download here