2025 Success Report
WIOA Wins in 2025
Our 2025 WIOA Success Report is very much a we story — a story of the water industry operations sector coming together to learn, network, share experiences, and celebrate our collective and individual achievements.
From the camaraderie of our events to the friendly competition of the Best Tasting Tap Water and Water Main Tapping Competitions, 2025 was a year that showcased the strength of our community.
The outcomes highlighted in this report are a testament to the commitment and passion of our WIOA staff and the many volunteers who make our association thrive. This includes our Board, Advisory Committees, Groups and Networks, with special recognition of the Chairs and Deputy Chairs who go above and beyond. Alongside our conference volunteers, award judges, exhibitors, sponsors, delegates, and visitors, each played a vital role in keeping the WIOA wheel turning. This report proudly reflects that shared effort and success.
Among our achievements in 2025 were not only our successful conferences, but also our Interest Day events and WIOA updates, along with visits to depots and treatment plants. These initiatives ensured that access
to WIOA and its benefits extended across all of our membership.
We also dedicated significant effort to developing a member‑engaged Strategic Plan on a Page for 2026–2027, reinforcing our focus on the future and on what matters most to our members. In the same spirit, a new and more inclusive membership model was developed, enabling Utility Corporate Members to connect all operational and HR employees to WIOA — not just a selected few.
I hope you enjoy this report and take pride in the achievements we accomplished together in 2025 — a year that strengthened our association and demonstrated what is possible when our industry works as one.
Dean Barnett WIOA CEO
4,250 MEMBERS across our membership tiers
20+ AWARDS including three National Awards
58 SPONSORSHIP PARTNERS supporting our events & awards programs
4
NEW NETWORKS/GROUPS including Women in Water Operations
7
MAIN TAPPING EVENTS held in QLD, VIC, NSW, TAS & WA
12 INTEREST DAYS held in QLD, VIC, NSW, SA, TAS & WA
NEW MEMBERSHIP MODEL launched in January 2026
9
BEST TASTING TAP WATER EVENTS
7K+ TOTAL FOLLOWERS across WIOA social channels
Our Conferences
3
CONFERENCES HELD
Bendigo, Newcastle & Bundaberg
2,700+ TOTAL ATTENDEES at WIOA conferences in 2025
970 TOTAL EXHIBITORS at WIOA conferences in 2025
43 PRESENTATIONS DELIVERED across 2025 conferences
Bendigo, VIC
The 2025 VIC Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition was a resounding success. The event brought together professionals from across the water industry for two packed days of learning, networking and exciting exhibitions. The sell out conference included over 150 companies showcasing cutting edge products and services at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre.
6 SPECIAL MEMBERS HONORED 2 Life Members & 4 IDIOTS
Newcastle, NSW
The 2025 NSW Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition in Newcastle set a new benchmark for the state, drawing a crowd of over 800 attendees! With 115 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest technologies and solutions, the conference buzzed with collaboration, innovation, and industry wide engagement, demonstrating the incredible momentum and passion driving the sector forward.
$6,000 RAISED FOR CHARITIES across WIOA events in 2025
Bundaberg, QLD
The 2025 QLD Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition brought together professionals from across the water industry for two packed days of learning, networking and exciting exhibitions in Bundaberg. The involvement and support of our participants, volunteers, sponsors, and exhibitors, truly reflects the spirit of connection and leadership in our industry.
Our Interest Days
In 2025, we travelled across Australia to host our highly engaging Interest Days, where we shared valuable insights, connected with local and rural water operators, explored regional water treatment plants, and celebrated excellence across the sector.
Port Macqaurie, NSW
In June, WIOA hosted a a successful and engaging workshop in Port Macquarie that connected local water industry professionals to build stronger networks and enhance practical knowledge. Participants delved into two main workshops: one focused on identifying safety challenges specific to the water industry and the other addressing the everyday operational hurdles faced by water operations staff. These allowed for valuable group discussions, sharing experiences and solutions.
Perth, WA
In June, the WA Interest Day brought together local water industry professionals for a day of innovation, hands on competitions and valuable networking opportunities. With updates from North Metro TAFE and TRILITY, the day offered a platform for sharing the latest in water technology and industry advancements. Participants had the chance to explore the future of water operations while celebrating excellence in the field.
Capalaba, QLD
Our second QLD Interest day of 2025 was held at the Myhorizon Event Centre in Capalaba. Local members networked and gained insights from presentations such as Seqwater’s updates and operations at Leslie Harrison Dam. Participants gained in depth knowledge on the dam’s processes and key commissioning learnings, and had the opportunity to tour the facility for real time insights.
INTEREST DAYS HOSTED
PRESENTATIONS DELIVERED
Melbourne, VIC
3 CHARITY BOWLS DAYS HELD
Longford, Tasmania
On June 3rd 2025, WIOA held it’s Tasmanian Interest Day. The event successfully brought together local members and industry peers for an engaging day of learning and real time insights. Presentations covered a wide range of topics, including the importance of instrumentation, lessons learned from commissioning the Longford Wastewater Treatment Plant (including a site tour) and how drone inspections are shaping the future of the industry.
The 2025 National Main Tapping Competition was proudly hosted in mid November at the Reece Civil + Viadux Tullamarine Centre in Victoria, with our national sponsors ensuring a fantastic event. The contest was fierce, but TasWater’s Dale and Nathan emerged victorious, completing their tap in an impressive 1 min 27 seconds. Hot on their heels were Dan and Tom (2024 champions) finishing with a strong time of 1 min 40 seconds.
West Cairns, Far North QLD
On 14 November, the annual FNQ Interest Day was held at the West Cairns Bowling Club, bringing together industry professionals for a dynamic program of networking, knowledge sharing, and friendly competition. With 54 attendees, the event had all the energy and depth of a mini conference. Gympie Regional Council has claimed victory in the prestigious IXOM Water of Origin Competition, while Cairns Regional Council celebrated success in the local watermain tapping contest.
Our Community
In 2025, we connected with our community through publications, e-newsletters, our website, and expanding social channels. We also invited members to join our advisory groups to help guide and strengthen our member engagement initiatives.
4 MEMBER PUBLICATIONS DELIVERED
2 Operator Magazines & 2 WaterWorks Journals
73 WATERCOOLER MEMBERS connecting likeminded operators in the Water Industry
20 E-NEWSLETTERS SENT including 12 Words & 8 Event Round Ups
244 JOB BOARD ADVERTS connecting members with new opportunities
6,607 LINKEDIN FOLLOWERS
34% increase from 2024
939 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS
16% increase from 2024
9 ADVISORY COMMITTEES & GROUPS that support WIOA in delivering events and programs
45K+ ANNUAL TOTAL WEBSITE USERS an average of 3.9K per month
172 INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS
36% increase from 2024
Boost Your Career in 2026
Network Operator Development Program
Established in 2017, this program aims to identify, mentor, and develop future leaders in Victorian water network operations. It enhances operators’ knowledge, skills, and networks by exposing them to strategic thinking and best practices in technology, business management, and leadership. Graduates gain tools to implement best practices, increase productivity, and foster a professional culture, ultimately improving customer focus in their network activities. The program runs annually.
To learn more visit wioa.org.au/nodp
Network for Operations Team Leaders and Coordinators
Operations Team Leaders and Coordinators from around the country are invited to discuss common problems, solutions and initiatives.
This monthly 1 hour virtual round table discussion is scheduled for every first Wednesday, monthly 1pm –2pm AEDT, starting in February 2026.
Email info@wioa.org.au to get involved.
Women in Water
Women in Water Operations (WiWO) is a national group launched in 2025 to connect and support women and their allies across the water sector.
Its mission is to reduce barriers for women in operational roles, celebrate their contributions, and make water operations a visible and attractive career path. Originating from local organisational groups, WiWO will be providing resources, mentoring, and learning opportunities to help attract and retain talent in 2026.
This group is open to anyone in the water industry or supporting sectors, the group fosters collaboration, inclusivity, and professional growth.
Discover development programs, networking events, and opportunities to engage with the wider water operations community.