The collegiate spirit of Victoria’s water sector was on full display at last week’s
IWN Members Conference 2026. For a comprehensive report of proceedings, I recommend an article penned by our IWN Ambassador Victor Perton which captures many of the insights and learnings shared by speakers on the day. Congratulations to the IWN team and everyone involved in delivering such a successful event.
A key part of VicWater’s role is advocating for and promoting the Victorian water sector beyond our own events. Last month I was invited by CEDA to bring a water sector perspective to yet another event on the hot topic of data centres.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the IWN Members Conference 2026, it was an incredible day and I’d like to call out our fantastic sponsors and the conference working group led by Isobel Decru.
Our first-ever IWN Members Unconference was also a great success, giving members the opportunity to lead discussions on the topics that matter most to them. These facilitated conversations generated valuable ideas, encouraged new connections, and reinforced the strength of our collaborative network.
For our sector, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principals are highly relevant. I’m looking forward to exploring this further at the VicWater Thought Leadership Seminar,From Risk to Opportunity: ESG in the Water Sector.
I have the privilege of facilitating a panel discussion at this event with three outstanding and highly experienced speakers: Freya Marsden, Melbourne Water and the Sustainability Fund, Lisa Moore, Ashurst Perkins Cole, and Michael Wyrsh, Vision Super. Further details below.
Your life has changed – should your insurance cover change too?
Insurance helps make sure you and your family are financially protected when life doesn’t go to plan, but it shouldn’t be something you set up once and forget about.
The Census is almost here - Reminder to say what your are
The 2026 Census is almost here, (11 August), 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 to assist our workforce accurately answer questions in the census.
VicWater encourage our members to share the one-page flyer within their organisation to help support this campaign.
Applications are now open for the 2027 Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program—Australia’s premier leadership experience for emerging and established leaders across the water, climate and environment sectors.
Upcoming Training - 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
Clearwater Engagement Survey – Prizes to be won!
Clearwater is currently evaluating its services, events and industry learning needs and is seeking feedback from stakeholders and participants. Participants who complete the survey will automatically be entered into a prize draw.
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.
Yarra Valley Water awards nearly $180,000 to community projects across Melbourne’s north and east
Community gardens, social impact programs, and environmental education projects are among 18 local initiatives sharing nearly $180,000 through Yarra Valley Water’s 2026 Community Grants Program.
10,000 native plants to take root across Gippsland
Gippsland Water is planting 10,000 trees and shrubs across the region after customers backed the initiative.
Plantings are already underway at several sites including the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve and Mirboo North wastewater treatment plant.
Observership program building the next generation of regional leaders
Wannon Water have partnered with South West TAFE, South West Healthcare, Brophy Family and Youth Services, Southern Stay and mPower to host The Observership Program, offering aspiring directors aged 25 to 45 an opportunity to gain practical boardroom experience alongside formal training.
A sprinkling of colour with new Frankston recycled water mural
South East Water, in partnership with Frankston City Council, has unveiled a vibrant mural in Frankston North celebrating recycled water keeping local sporting grounds green.
Painted by renowned street artist Jimmy Dvate, the striking artwork on Excelsior Drive’s long-standing milk bar brings to life the connection between water, sport and community wellbeing.
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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