Last month we were pleased to host the 2026 Director Development Forum (DDF) in partnership with DEECA and Vic Catchments. This is a biennial event that brings together new and continuing non-executive directors from water corporations and CMAs, together with members of the Birrarung Council and Victorian Environmental Water Holder, following Ministerial appointments made in the previous year.
This year’s DDF program included a mix of sessions focusing on public and water sector governance, and topical issues like climate adaptation and Traditional Owner partnerships. Keynote speaker Professor Dr Marcia Langton AO gave a fascinating presentation, placing Victorian Treaty in the broader historical context of treaties and agreements in settler colonial states, and highlighting the differences between First Nations customary leadership versus ‘Western’ market leadership styles. At dinner, I enjoyed the opportunity to interview our guest speaker Louise Cummins about AI governance and public trust and how to keep up with the rapid pace of change.
Taking advantage of people being in Melbourne for the DDF, the following day we ran a seminar featuring speakers from the Essential Services Commission, Department of Treasury and Finance, and Treasury Corporation Victoria. This is the first time we’ve brought these agencies together to provide an overview of the economic and financial regulation of the water sector, including the respective roles and responsibilities of each agency and their various touchpoints with water businesses. We’ve had very positive feedback from attendees and we will continue to explore opportunities to facilitate sector engagement with our key regulatory and government agencies.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Mark Reid at Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, who was the very deserving winner of 2026 Operator of the Year Award which I presented last week at the annual WIOA VIC conference in Bendigo. The judges also awarded a Highly Commended to Curtis Biggs at Nort East Water. VicWater is a long-time sponsor of the Operator of the Year award, which recognises operators who have demonstrated a continued high level of performance, initiative and all-around attention to detail in the execution of their duties. The WIOA VIC conference is a great opportunity to celebrate the many skilled and dedicated operators working in the Victorian water sector, delivering quality services and other beneficial outcomes to their customers and local community.
Director Development Forum at RACV City Club last month.
IWN Update - April 2026
Hi and welcome to the IWN April Update.
Champions Day
The IWN Champions Program is a two-year development program for emerging leaders across IWN member organisations, designed to build capability, strengthen networks, and support innovation across the sector.
As part of the program, Champions come together twice a year for a full-day workshop—providing a valuable opportunity to step away from day-to-day roles and focus on learning, collaboration, and connection.
IWN Champions workshop at the VicWater Office last month.
One of the benefits of my role is seeing the “better together” ethos being lived by our members. Collaboration and partnerships continue to be a theme for 2026.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) has published the 2026 Equity Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report. This report is completed annually and demonstrates progress against the targets within the 2023- 28 Strategy.
Strengthening Adaptation Capability Across Victoria’s Water Corporations Program
In its March meeting, the working group received a presentation from DEECA’s Climate Science Team, outlining the products it produces and overview of its Climate Scenario Guidelines – Selection and Use of Downscaled Climate Projections in Decision Making.
Please save the date for the annual IWN Members Conference. The theme for the 2026 conference, Celebrating Excellence in Innovation, focuses on recognising outstanding projects that demonstrate innovation in action across the water sector.
Water and wastewater ‘services’ that the environment has long provided to the global water industry for free are in decline, and need to be replaced by paid-for alternatives. This fundamental shift underpins recent increases in water investment, and means water consumers need to prepare for higher water bills for the long-term.
For many Australians approaching or entering retirement, one of the biggest decisions is what to do with their super. It can be tempting to withdraw your balance and move it into other investments, like a term deposit, a standard bank account or even an investment property.
Celebrating the best of the Grampians Wimmera Mallee region
GWMWater recently announced the winner and honourable mentions of their 2026 Community Photo Competition. Julia Pearse took out first place, with her stunning image captured at Wooroonook Lakes, depicting children ready to jump off an inflatable platform.
Schools saved over 100 million litres of water in 2025
Greater Western Water (GWW) is celebrating the success of the Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP), which is helping schools across our region save water, money, and educate the next generation about the value of this vital resource.
Bangladesh water management, social science, finance, economic and public health fellows visit Aquarevo House
South East Water hosts international fellows to share water-saving solutions
South East Water recently welcomed 17 Bangladesh water management, social science, finance, economic and public health fellows to Aquarevo House in Lyndhurst, highlighting Australia’s leadership and excellence in both rainwater harvesting and recycled water.
Stage two of Central Highlands Water's Creswick Rising Main replacement began in January, with important protections in place for the resident Growling Grass Frog population at an existing evaporation lagoon, which was previously part of the decommissioned Creswick Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Do you have a water sector event you'd like to promote? Maybe an announcement you'd like us to share on behalf of your organisation? VicWater Update has opened the news and events section of the monthly update to promote visibility of things that are happening within the water sector.
If you'd like something included email Lauren Vines with your request for consideration in our next edition.
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