Last month we farewelled Jason Cotton as he finished up after 3.5 years as IWN Program Director. Jason’s ceaseless drive and energy, and most importantly his passionate belief in the purpose and power of IWN, have delivered exceptional value to the members and the sector.
In great timing, one of the last things Jason did in his IWN role was to accept the Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (METRO) award for ‘Calming the Water Network with AI/ML’ at the AWA Victorian Water Awards gala dinner. Regular readers of the Update will know that Jason has long championed this project involving Transient Detect and a number of water corporations, using AI and machine learning to detect and manage pressure transients (water hammer) in order to extend asset life and improve service.
Quick introduction. My name is Michael Thomas, and I’m delighted to be joining IWN on secondment as Program Director for the next five months following Jason’s move into his new role.
I’d like to thank and acknowledge Jason for all his hard work and passion he has bought to IWN.
I’ve been involved with IWN for 10 years now; “2IC”, “IWN Champion”, and latterly as an IWN “Program Lead” for Circular Economy. IWN has invested in me, so I’m thrilled to now bring my energy and focus to building on the momentum that Jason, Izzy, and the broader IWN team – Program Leads and deputies, IWN Champions and 2ICs, as well as our wider network of industry collaborators – have all built.
Isobel Decru, Nick Raffaele, Jason Cotton and Curtis Murray
at the AWA Vic Gala Awards Dinner.
For the last 18 months VicWater has been working with DEECA, Claire Hunter Consulting, and the water sector on a Water Digital Safety initiative, which is a model that is designed specifically for the water sector to support managing digital risk as a broader service, safety and resilience issue, not simply a technical or cyber security responsibility. The model focuses on a deliberate shift from cybersecurity to digital safety.
The Strengthening Adaptation Capability Across Victoria’s Water Corporations Program has now completed the final deliverables for the current component of the Program. These deliverables include:
- The Victorian Water Sector-wide Principles Based Climate Risk and Adaptation Guidance;
- A Supporting References and Resources document; and
In October, the VicWater team proudly participated in WaterAid Australia‘s Walk for Water, joining the incredible Ultra Walkers – Chris Edwards, Zoe Walsh and Terry Down on different sections of their 83.3km journey across Melbourne.
As an industry dedicated to providing essential water services, it was a powerful reminder that access to clean water remains out of reach for millions of people around the world.
Every step taken helped raise awareness and funds to support WaterAid’s vital work, improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in communities that need it most.
International Day of People with Disability 2026
WaterAble is pleased to invite you to join in celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on 3 December 2026, online from 11.30am - 12.30pm (AEDT).
This year, WaterAble are thrilled to welcome Amber Anthony as their guest speaker.
Meet Amber Anthony - Autistic yapper, CEO, Board Member, and Senior Change Practitioner who lives at the intersection of strategy and empathy (and makes it look easy).
Life is busy and with everything else on your to-do list, it’s easy to put your super on the back burner – especially if retirement feels a long way away.
If you haven’t looked at your super in a while, you may want to take advantage of our super health check service, which is an opportunity to discuss your super and ask questions about your account.
Registrations are open for the 2026 IWA Conference to be held on 18 & 19 November 2026 in Melbourne.
Leading Through the Utility Revolution
The Victorian water sector is navigating significant change as the utility revolution accelerates. Rising costs, climate pressures, political uncertainty, technological innovation and increasing expectations around affordability, sustainability and performance are reshaping the operating environment.
This conference will explore how water corporations can strengthen resilience, improve performance and continue delivering value for customers and communities while responding to ongoing transformation.
Victorian Interest Day: Water, Wellbeing and Connection - 3 December
Join WIOA and industry colleagues for a rewarding day of learning, networking, and professional development at the Morack Public Golf Course, Vermont South on Thursday, 3 December.
Water Industry Operations Association [WIOA] of Australia’s 2027 Victorian Network Operator Development Program (NODP) - Applications Open
Applications are now open to WIOA Members to nominate one of your staff members residing in the Water Operations sector.
When: Wednesday, 11 November 2026 | 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Maintenance of Street-Scale WSUD Assets
Street-scale WSUD assets only deliver their intended benefits when they’re well maintained. This practical workshop explores maintenance considerations, common challenges and best-practice approaches for keeping these assets functioning effectively over the long term.
Building on the success of two Connection to Country Programs in Northern NSW, designed and facilitated by PCT First Nations Fellows and staff, the Peter Cullen Trust are delighted to offer a new Connection to Country experience across Victoria and South Australia in April 2027.
Key Details
Full Program dates: February 2027-June 2027
On Country experience: Sunday 11 April – Friday 16 April 2027
Cost: $6,000 per person (plus GST). Flights and dinners excluded, apart from dinner in Mildura on Thursday 15 April
South East Water launches Reconciliation Action Plan
South East Water has launched its Reconciliation Action Plan 2026–28, committing to actions that will further embed First People’s knowledge, cultural safety and Traditional Owner partnerships across the organisation.
North East Water has officially opened the new $84 million upgrade to Wodonga’s wastewater treatment plant, its largest and most significant infrastructure project to date.
Gippsland Water has extended the life of one of its oldest assets, with renewal works improving the condition and reliability of the Tyers raw water pump station.
Murray Cluster Expo strengthens connections across water sector
In mid-August, representatives from five Victorian water corporations came together in Mildura for the 2026 Murray Cluster Operational Expo, hosted by Lower Murray Water (LMW).
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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