Association celebrates 60 years

Apr 22, 2022

Sixty years: Australian Water Association chief executive officer Corinne Cheeseman says the association continues to thrive and promote best-practice water management.

The Australian Water Association is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, in recognition of its founding in June 1962.

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“It’s been an incredible 60 years for the association and for water management as a whole, and I’m looking forward to seeing what lies ahead,” AWA chief executive officer Corinne Cheeseman said.

“Water management has dramatically transformed in this country over the past six decades, and AWA has been there for every step of the way.”

AWA was formed as the Australian Water and Wastewater Association, with four initial branches in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, and South Australia.

The subscription set for an individual member at the time was £4 a year.

By 1963, there were 364 members of the association, which has continued to grow to more than 5000 individual and organisational members today.

Regional water authorities, including Gouburn Valley Water, North East Water and Coliban Water, are all members.

AWA grew over the subsequent decades to have branches in every state and territory, as well as an international program dedicated to allowing the Australian water sector to play a key role in the region.

Since 1993, AWA has run Ozwater, which is today an annual three-day conference and exhibition.

Ozwater will be held this year in Brisbane from May 10 to 12, with the theme ‘Our Water Journey’, acknowledging AWA’s 60th anniversary year.

“It’s so important to reflect on our water journey and look back on what we have achieved so far and where our future lies,” Ms Cheeseman said.

“It is through this reflection that AWA can continue to build and continue to share, connect and inspire as we drive towards a sustainable water future.”