The IWA formally acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of its members via the following 3 awards:
- Laurie Gleeson Professional Development Award
- Barry E Leach Lifetime Achievement Award
- John Robbins Significant Contribution Award
The 2026 awards are open for nominations until 30 September.
Please see information about the awards below, with further details including the submission details available on the IWA website.
Laurie Gleeson Professional Development Award – $10,000 Study Tour Grant
The Laurie Gleeson Professional Development Award supports excellence and leadership in the Victorian water sector by providing $10,000 to fund a study tour that advances capability, insight, and innovation across the industry.
This is not limited to technical and engineering insight and extends to communications and engagement, people management, corporate governance, technology and systems as well as continuous improvement.
This award provides a unique opportunity to explore leading practices, invest in your professional development, broaden your perspective and share valuable learnings with the sector.
Each person who submits a nomination will receive a complimentary ticket to attend the IWA Conference, with the successful candidate to be announced at the IWA Conference Dinner on 18 November in Melbourne.
Barry E Leach Lifetime Achievement Award
The Barry E Leach Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has made a sustained and outstanding contribution to the Victorian water sector over an extended career.
If you know a colleague, mentor or industry leader whose work has helped shape and strengthen our sector over many years, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
John Robbins Significant Contribution Award
The John Robbins Significant Contribution Award recognises an individual who has led an outstanding initiative, project, or event that has delivered meaningful and demonstrable benefit to the Victorian water sector.
If you know someone who has led a project that has improved performance, strengthened collaboration, delivered innovation, or created lasting value for customers and communities, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
Further Information and Submission Process
Please visit the awards page on the IWA website for further information abouth the awards and submission details.
Remember that the Laurie Gleeson award is a self-nominated award, whereas the Barry E Leach and John Robbins awards require you to nominate someone else.
All submissions will close on 30 September.
