The following awards are presented annually at the SA Super Interest Day. WIOA welcomes all members to nominate themselves for the awards below.
The completed applications are judged by an independent panel nominated by the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA).
The 2026 Awards will be announced at the SA Super Interest Day on Thursday, 24 September.
Nominations Open: Monday, 2 February 2026
Nominations Close: Thursday, 3 September 2026
Awards Announced: Thursday, 24 September 2026
SA Operator of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award is open to operators of water and wastewater treatment facilities, network operators, reservoir operators etc, and celebrates those who consistently demonstrate outstanding performance, initiative, leadership and exceptional attention to detail in their day‑to‑day operations.
This is the most prestigious award presented to operations staff in the South Australian Water industry annually.
All employers of operators in South Australia to nominate appropriate “operations staff” to be considered for the award.
Nominations Close: Thursday, 3 September 2026
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration the nominees:
- Should be a WIOA Member
- Must be employed in the South Australian water industry
- should have direct responsibility for operational decisions at community water and wastewater treatment plants, industrial water or wastewater plants
Assessment Criteria
Nominees should be employed in South Australia and should have direct responsibility for operational decisions within network systems or at community water and wastewater facilities
The following features are taken into account in considering worthy recipients:
- Continuing education/training achievement
- Overall plant or system management and condition
- Demonstrated attention to work, Health and Safety, and other regulatory responsibilities
- Initiative and innovation, demonstrating improved treatment and efficiency
The completed applications are judged by an independent panel nominated by the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) and the winner of the South Australian Operator of the Year Award will be announced at a WIOA event annually.
Prize
- a framed certificate to keep
- an all expenses paid opportunity to attend a WIOA Australian Conference of their choice
- WIOA will undertake all the necessary travel, accommodation and logistical arrangements on behalf of the winner
Past Winners
Coming soon
From 2026 onwards, this award replaces the Award formerly known as ‘Young Operator of the Year’.
Member feedback has indicated that Operators of all ages are entering the industry, so we have removed the upper the age limit of 30 years. This award is designed to provide encouragement to newwater industry employees by recognising excellent performance, initiative and all round attention to detail.
All employers of operators in South Australia to nominate appropriate “operations staff” to be considered for the award.
Nominations Close: Thursday, 3 September 2026
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration the nominees:
- Should be a WIOA Member
- Must be employed in the South Australian water industry for less than 5 years
- be responsible for operating community water and wastewater treatment plants/ or industrial water or wastewater plants, operation and maintenance or construction of water and wastewater reticulation networks etc. reservoir operators
Assessment Criteria
Nominations are judged on 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 teamwork 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)
Prize
- a framed certificate to keep
- an all expenses paid opportunity to attend a WIOA Australian Conference of their choice
- WIOA will undertake all the necessary travel, accommodation and logistical arrangements on behalf of the winner
Past Winners
Coming soon
Ixom Best Tasting Tap Water in SA
Sponsored by Ixom
The Ixom Best Tasting Tap Water in South Australia is a fun and exciting way to raise awareness of the quality of SA’s drinking water and to recognise the efforts of local water service providers in delivering valuable water services to their communities.
The competition will take place at the SA Super Interest Day
Main Tapping Competition in SA
Sponsored by Reece Civil + Viadux
The intent of this competition is to raise water industry awareness, acknowledge the work of network operators, and the broader water industry operations sector that provides customer service 24hrs/7 days a week.
This competition will take place at the SA Super Interest Day.
Eligibility
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 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
- will be invited to participate in the National competition, with flights, accommodation, transfers included
Past Winners
Coming soon