The Australian water sectors’ premier event is just around the corner, and in line with this year’s theme, Utility looks back at some of our highlights from Ozwater’24 and shares some of the events we’re most excited about in 2025.
From 20–22 May 2025, some of the most brilliant minds in the water industry will gather at the Adelaide Convention Centre to connect, share their knowledge and work together to build a vibrant water future for everyone.
This year’s theme is ‘Looking back, moving forward’, which the host, the Australian Water Association (AWA), said is an invitation to reflect on the past while embracing a future where water is central to sustainable growth.
Corinne Cheeseman. Image: AWA
AWA Chief Executive, Corinne Cheeseman, said, “Ozwater’25 is a celebration of our shared journey, connecting people, ideas and solutions.
“By planning for the future and drawing lessons from our history, we equip ourselves to embrace the challenges of tomorrow, together.”
Any historian will tell you that the best way to plan for the future is to look to the past, and Ozwater’25 is an opportunity for the water sector to leverage both tradition and innovation to shape sustainable, resilient services that help our communities grow and thrive.
Looking back
Since 1962, the AWA has been connecting the people and organisations tasked with managing Australia’s most precious resource, and helping them to navigate the water industry’s most complex challenges.
Today, the association is Australia’s largest water network with more than 5000 individual and business members – and Ozwater is a key part of the AWA’s long and inspiring history.
The first ever event – known back then as the Federal Convention – was held in 1964 in Canberra, with 64 delegates in attendance. Since then, Ozwater has grown to be Australia’s biggest water conference and exhibition – with more than 225 exhibitors and upwards of 4000 attendees expected in 2025.
And if Utility’s experience in 2024 is anything to go by, Ozwater’25 is shaping up to be an industry event you don’t want to miss.
There was an incredible program of workshops, panels and papers at Ozwater’24 – and with a huge spread of topics covered across 12 themes, the Utility team’s only regret was that we couldn’t attend them all.
We heard from some truly inspiring thought leaders and thoroughly enjoyed Gina Chick’s keynote at the 2024 opening ceremony, who shared how she survived on her own within the Tasmanian wilderness for 67 days.
Last year’s event also treated us to insights from Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, and a really informative social license forum lead by Seqwater.
South East Water’s, Ninad Dharmadhikari, also presented on Hydrotrak technology at the event – which inspired an article in the February 2025 edition of Utility.
As always, the Australian Water Awards were a major highlight of the three-day event, and the Utility team were certainly very impressed by the innovation, dedication and leadership the winners displayed.
As soon as the event was over, we couldn’t wait to do it all again in 2025.
Moving forward
In an era of competing priorities and unprecedented growth, the AWA said water must rise to the top as a catalyst for economic development and innovation.
stand at Ozwater’24. Image: AWA
Ozwater’25 aims to create this space for water to lead with a curated program of powerful keynote speakers and interactive workshops across ten sub-themes.
“We’re thrilled to bring Ozwater to Adelaide in 2025 and deliver such a high calibre program of speakers, insights and ideas,” Ms Cheeseman said.
“Ozwater’25 is more than a conference, it’s a launchpad for the knowledge sharing and collaboration that will shape the future of our sector.”
Day one
The first day dives into the critical issues shaping the water sector, with discussions on wastewater optimisation, asset management and rural water challenges.
Highlighting opportunities for bold action and innovative solutions, streams on day one will cover emerging contaminants, customer and community engagement, the circular economy and climate resilience.
In the morning, attendees will hear from SA Water on resource and recovery and how it is helping to drive a circular economy, and garner insights from Sydney Water on customer engagement and environmental protection.
The afternoon will bring a dynamic line-up of workshops and panels, fostering collaboration, expert insights and visionary thinking. Delegates can hear from Yarra Valley Water on how the sector can better understand financial hardship; and attend a range of key events, including the Student Water Prize, and the improving Aboriginal Representation in Water panel.
Day two
The second day wastes no time, delving straight in to the transformative power of technology, culture and collaboration in the water sector.
Sessions will spotlight digital innovation, AI and machine learning, as well as themes of diversity, accessibility, and First Nations knowledge – with Taswater set to share insights into attracting how diversity and inclusion lead to high employee engagement, while GWM Water will take us on its renewable energy journey.
The second day will also highlight global perspectives and offer actionable insights from WSAA.
Workshops and panels throughout the day will encourage peer collaboration and thought leadership, balancing technical depth with broader discussions on resilience, conservation and community connection.
The evening will culminate with the much-anticipated Australian Water Awards to be celebrated with a spectacular gala dinner.
Day three
Ozwater’25 has saved some of the best for last, with the third day set to bring a powerful close to the conference.
This day is rich in thought leadership and innovation, spotlighting practical solutions, innovative technologies and collaborative strategies for the water sector’s biggest challenges – including South East Water’s investigation into the removal of PFAS using water treatment sludge and biochar.
Key themes include achieving a circular economy, enhancing customer experiences, and developing resilient strategies for extreme events. Streams and panels offer actionable insights and opportunities for collaboration, making it a day rich in thought leadership and innovation.
As the water sector enters a time of unprecedented change, this three-day event aims to unite the thought leaders that are shaping a sustainable water future for the next generation of Australians and beyond.
A limited number of conference tickets are still available, and for those unable to commit to the full program there is an option for free trade delegate registration – but get in quick, this Ozwater is one not to be missed.
Will we see you there?
For more information, visit ozwater.org
