Welcome to the September edition of our Newsletter
Hi IWNers!
As we bid farewell to the chilly days of winter and welcome the blossoms of early spring, we find ourselves at the end of yet another busy and exciting month in the world of IWN. While our esteemed leader, Jason, takes a well-deserved break, I thought I'd keep you updated and informed in the ever-evolving landscape of our water-related endeavours.
The past month has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am thrilled to share the highlights with you. From the resounding success of the VicWater Annual Conference last week, to the inspiring opportunities at RMIT's Open Doors Melbourne Micro Internship program, and the imminent final days of the Water Minister Climate Innovation Challenge, September has been a month filled with celebration, learning, and innovation.
The session focussed on removing some of the complexity and mystique around the application of digital technologies in the water sector. Four trial use cases were shared and how the application of AI and machine learning in the water industry is solving real problems and delivering both customer and business value.
On 30 August 12 talented RMIT University students hailing from diverse disciplines embarked on a unique journey hosted by IWN and VicWater at the VicWater offices. Their destination? The realm of micro internships, a pivotal element of the Stand Ready – Industry Unlocked stream of #RMITOpenDoorsMelb. The team set to work, efficiently and effectively collaborated to present some fantastic solutions and innovative opportunities that we will be able to share with our members.
A big thank you to #RMITOpenDoorsMelb and the outstanding work ethic, enthusiasm and outcome achieved by all those who attended the session!
And of course, let's not forget the Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge. The submission deadline is tomorrow, but I'd like to call out the amazing effort that has been put in behind the scenes by our very own IWN Champions group to make all this possible. Stellar effort and a testament to the talent that we have in our wonderful water industry.
Here's to a brilliant October!
Thank you
Elisa
IWN Deputy Program Director
Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge - Submissions close this Friday 22 September
In collaboration with the Minister for Water and DEECA, IWN is inviting all Victorian water corporations to take part in this exciting new challenge that encourages innovation, collaboration and sustainable thinking.
With a prize pool of $85 000 up for grabs, we’re looking for projects that improve climate resilience through reducing the effects of climate change or finding new ways and opportunities to respond to these impacts. Submissions to the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge can be made via Climate Innovation Challenge Website.
We’re encouraging a range of ideas focused on adaptation to the impacts of climate change whether by reducing carbon emissions, improving water conservation practices, reducing waste, or any other approach that mitigates climate change impacts.
Honouring our outgoing Program Managers & Deputy Program Managers
Jacinta O'Connor (GVW) - Outgoing Program Manager Digital Metering Program
Kevin Hellier (MW) - Outgoing Program Manager Data & Analytics Program
Jonathan Crook (SEW) - Outgoing Deputy Program Manager Data & Analytics Program
Robert McBlack (GWW) - Interim Program Manager Data & Analytics Program
In the world of water, innovation and adaptability are the keys to ensuring the sustainability of our most precious resource. At IWN, we are ever fortunate to have exceptional people volunteering their time to help steer our ship through the waves of change as our Intelligent Water Networks Program Manager and Deputy Program Managers. Today, we take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable service. Whilst we know it's never "goodbye" here at IWN, we thank you Jacinta, Kevin, Jonathan and Robert for your outstanding service at Intelligent Water Networks. Your contributions have been nothing short of remarkable, and you leave behind a lasting legacy of progress and innovation.
IUAI Elios 3 drone demonstration & trial
VicWater Annual Conference Melbourne 2023
At the VicWater Annual Conference last week, we had the privilege of witnessing the incredible success and precision flying of the Elios 3 drone, expertly piloted by none other than Paul Sewell, Managing Director at IUAI.
Paul's mastery of this cutting-edge technology left us all in awe. The Elios 3's ability to navigate confined spaces with unmatched accuracy is truly a game-changer for our industry. IUAI and IWN have just completed a trial at Lower Murray Water and TasWater using this technology. The trial has been a great success, and the report will be delivered shortly for our members.
IUAI's dedication to innovation and excellence shines through in every flight, and it's clear that the future of inspection and exploration is brighter than ever.
Kudos to Paul Sewell and the entire team at IUAI for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of drones. See video below!!
IUAI Aerial Drone trial
Lower Murray Water & TasWater
Report available shortly
Sewer CCTV analysis - VAPAR
Using AI to read and analyse Sewer CCTV
The Vapar trial report of sewer CCTV technology at Coliban and TasWater are available for our member organisations. You can also watch the Vapar Webinar hosted by our Pipeline Intelligence program and presented by Mark Lee from Vapar.
At IWN, we are looking for passionate people who are genuine about identifying solutions to drive improvements across our industry, through knowledge sharing and technology trials. You don’t need to be a subject matter expert, simply bring your enthusiasm to our fabulous network. These volunteer roles involve about four hours/month. If you'd like to see a position description or have a confidential discussion with us, please get in touch via our enquiries email. We are looking for our next...
We are looking for both a Deputy Program Manager and small working group (up to 6 people) to help drive this pivotal program.
New Programs
We have just added to our suite of program offerings and we are also looking for new Program Managers and Deputy Program Managers to head up these two new programs and develop the roadmap for their success.
Safety innovation
The first new program is Safety Innovation and we are looking for a Program Manager and Deputy Program Manger to lead and develop this program to its full potential.
Contaminants of Concern
Our second new program is Contaminants of concern and we are looking for a Program Manager and Deputy Program Manger to lead and develop this program to its full potential.
IUAI is always at the forefront of technology, and there's an exciting trial opportunity to share with our members. We're thrilled to announce that IUAI is now offering Drone NDT testing using the incredible Voliro Drone from Voliro.
What's more, IUAI are introducing VT 150 & VT 300 NDT testing for sewer pipes buried underground!
They've teamed up with Applus+ to ensure all our valued members have access to certified level 3 testers and receive comprehensive reports on NDT testing for these cutting-edge systems.
Want to learn more? We have a handy PDF and other information detailing the VT system.
Expressions of Interest
ARMS Reliability (Baker Hughes)
At the last Asset Management and Optimisation working group meeting, we had a fabulous presentation from David Turner, the Global Training Manager of ARMS Reliability.
David spotlighted various projects, inviting the team to discover shared resonances.
The presentation included details of enriching training programs, covering reliability and RCA topics, while unveiling cutting-edge enterprise software tailored for asset maintenance strategy management and optimisation. This remarkable trio of opportunities promises to fuel collective innovation and align seamlessly with AMO interests. We have recorded the presentation and Q&A from the session for those who were unable to make it along to the working group.
Making your work smarter not harder - Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot
12.00-1.00pm,
Thursday 28 September
In this months webinar we are bringing the power of next-generation AI to work. Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot — your copilot for work. You will hear from the Microsoft experts themselves; Katrina Wu, Nicole Lancefield and Bill Lockett.
Microsoft 365 Copilot combines the power of large language models (LLMs) with your data and the Microsoft 365 apps to turn your words into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet. It will be integrated across Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more. Join us to learn how to unlock creativity, unlock productivity and uplevel your Microsoft skills.
ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource - 3rd Annual Symposium
Online registration for the ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource - 3rd Annual Symposium in Brisbane is still open for those wanting to participate. The Symposium is being held 25-27 September in Brisbane. The Program features presentations from all researchers in addition to invited guest speakers.
Expressions of Interest to attend Pride inWater at
Midsumma Pride March
Sunday February 4, 2024
Midsumma Pride March is one of the signature events of the Midsumma festival, where over 7,400 marchers usually take to the streets down Fitzroy Street in St Kilda each year and over 45,000 people line the streets and balconies along the march route to show their support.
Dykes on Bikes precede the marching contingent as per tradition, with the march itself led by Boon Wurrung Elders and a Rainbow Aboriginal Float along with the Premier of Victoria, Minister for Equality and the Creative Industries and Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality.
Hundreds of young people, often amongst the most vulnerable within our communities, are placed towards the front of the march as a positive and strong affirmation for LGBTIQA+ youth.
In 2023 we had the biggest group of Pride in Water that we've ever had. Let's make 2024 the biggest yet!!!
Lachie Glascodine (he/him) from Melbourne Water, has started planning for next year, and we would love to have all of the Victorian and Tasmanian Water represented.
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
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