July 2026

NAIDOC Week

This week is NAIDOC Week and I know many of our members will be running events and activities as part of our sector’s ongoing commitment to working in partnership with Traditional Owners, and recognising our role within Victoria’s Statewide Treaty framework to help advance First Nations rights and participation in decisions about water and natural resource management.

This NAIDOC Week has a special significance for me, as I reflect on the week I spent in mid-June attending an immersive First Nations learning program on beautiful Yolŋu Country in East Arnhem Land.

IWN Water Innovation Award

IWN was delighted to award Sofia Viana Lopez the IWN Water Innovation Award for Level 3 Water Engineering at Monash University recently.

This is the third year that IWN has sponsored this award, supporting students who have a passion for water and engineering.

Sofia said that she was grateful for the recognition and support that the award provides and how much she has learnt about the water sector from the conversations with IWN. Sofia is looking forward to exploring graduate program opportunities once she graduates.

Macassans Beach flags - East Arnhem Land

IWN with the German Technology Delegation

Jason Cotton with award winner Sofia Viana Lopez

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The Practitioners Network have been very busy putting together and submitting their Gender Equality Action Plans (GEAP). This is a huge amount of work and a huge relief to have it completed. The last Network meeting had Kate Bardy from WIOA’s Women in Water Network come and talk to us about the important work they do. 

Say What You Are Campaign

The 2026 Census is coming, and how our workforce describes what they do will directly shape how the water sector is represented in national data.

WSAA has developed a one-page flyer based on Qldwater’s “Say What You Are” campaign, to assist our workforce to accurately answer questions in the census.

2026 Challenge Open For Submissions

The 2026 Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge (WMCIC) is now open for submissions. With $320,000 funding available, submissions are open until 22 July.

Events

2026 IWN Members Conference

When: 27 - 28 July

Where: State Library Victoria

Cost:  FREE for IWN Members

Thought Leadership Seminar 

Registrations

open!

2026 VicWater Annual Conference

Registrations

open!

Partner News

Registrations are open for the on-line IWA July Plenary Session and SIG Meetings

Plenary Session – 9:00am – 9:45am

SIG Meetings – 10am onwards

Vision Super - Sponsored Content

What Payday super means for you

There’s been a bit in the news about Payday super, but did you know it could mean you end up with more when you retire?

Super is usually listed on your payslip alongside your wages, so most people assume they are paid at the same time – but that’s not true for many of us. 

Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards 2026

Nominations are invited for the Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards 2026, which celebrate practical action, inclusive leadership, and workplace initiatives that are helping shift the dial on gender equity. The Awards are open to organisations, leaders, employees, and change makers contributing to gender equity in the workplace. Nominations close on 3 August.

New research from BYDA calls for urgent reform

New research from Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) examines why Government reform is urgently needed to meet international standards for ‘before you dig’ services, to avoid costly and potentially fatal underground utility service strikes.

Clearwater - Upcoming Training

28 July - 26 August

Winter 2026 IWM Webinar Series

Join Clearwater, DEECA and expert presenters to explore best practice in Integrated Water Management (IWM) and practical skills to build support and drive successful projects for your region. The interactive and locally relevant Winter 2026 Webinar Series, will be held weekly between 28th July and 26th August 2026 

Water Law and Natural Resource Management

Calling all budding water lawyers, water practitioners and water policy makers! Want to amp up your water law skills? Join Dr Erin O’Donnell at Melbourne Law School for a five day intensive Masters Law class dedicated to water law and management.

Course Details

Member News

Something Powerful

Call for Content

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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