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Agenda

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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Exhibitor Bump In
Exhibitor bump in and booth set up. Closed toe shoes must be worn. Please collect your badges from the registration desk.
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM First Exhibitor Safety Induction
All exhibitors are required to attend one of the safety induction briefings, which will outline key procedures and safety requirements for bump-in and bump-out.
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM Second Exhibitor Safety Induction
All exhibitors are required to attend one of the safety induction briefings, which will outline key procedures and safety requirements for bump-in and bump-out.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Welcome Reception
Exhibitors can enjoy a drink and some nibbles after setting up their booths
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Chairman's Reception
An invite only event celebrating WIOA sponsors, life members, IDIOTs, volunteers and VIPs. A relaxed evening of canapes and drinks.
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Exhibitor Bump In
Exhibitor bump in and booth set up. Closed toe shoes must be worn. Please collect your badges from the registration desk.
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM First Exhibitor Safety Induction
All exhibitors are required to attend one of the safety induction briefings, which will outline key procedures and safety requirements for bump-in and bump-out.
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM Second Exhibitor Safety Induction
All exhibitors are required to attend one of the safety induction briefings, which will outline key procedures and safety requirements for bump-in and bump-out.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Welcome Reception
Exhibitors can enjoy a drink and some nibbles after setting up their booths
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Chairman's Reception
An invite only event celebrating WIOA sponsors, life members, IDIOTs, volunteers and VIPs. A relaxed evening of canapes and drinks.

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Exhibitor Bump In
Exhibitor bump in and booth set up. Closed toe shoes must be worn. Please collect your badges from the registration desk.
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM First Exhibitor Safety Induction
All exhibitors are required to attend one of the safety induction briefings, which will outline key procedures and safety requirements for bump-in and bump-out.
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM Second Exhibitor Safety Induction
All exhibitors are required to attend one of the safety induction briefings, which will outline key procedures and safety requirements for bump-in and bump-out.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Welcome Reception
Exhibitors can enjoy a drink and some nibbles after setting up their booths
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Chairman's Reception
An invite only event celebrating WIOA sponsors, life members, IDIOTs, volunteers and VIPs. A relaxed evening of canapes and drinks.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Women of Water Breakfast
Kick off the day with great conversation, coffee, and connection at the Women of Water Breakfast. This relaxed networking event brings together women working in all areas of water operations to share experiences, build relationships, and start the day inspired. All are welcome to attend and be part of the conversation.
8:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration Opens
Please come to the registration area and collect your badge before enjoying everything the conference and exhibition has to offer
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Conference Opening Session
Join us for the opening Welcome to Country and a warm welcome from WIOA
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Modernising Operations Training: Interactive Unit Process Guidelines for a Diverse Workforce
Sally Rewell and Daniel Leach - Sydney Water
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Achievements for Water Operators in Regional NSW
Brendan Guiney - Water Directorate
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Wednesday Morning Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Heats
Think you provide the best tasting water in NSW? The heats are your chance to prove it! Local water samples go head-to-head in a blind taste test judged by attendees, with the winner advancing to the state final. It’s a fun, light-hearted way to celebrate the hard work behind our high-quality drinking water.
11:30 AM - 11:50 AM Highlighting the ‘super’ skills of operator supervisors in NSW local water utilities
Lisa Andersons - NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM PFAS in Water Supply - Riverina Water's journey
Jason Ip - Riverina Water County Council
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM Leading with Fresh Eyes
Zhofi Boglari and Adam Carty - Albury City Council
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Wednesday Lunch
A catered lunch will be available on-site and must be pre-purchased during registration. Please note meals will not be available for purchase on the day.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Finals
The top water samples from across the state come together for the ultimate taste test in the NSW final. Judged by a panel of special guests, the winner will earn the title of Best Tasting Tap Water in NSW — and the chance to represent the state in the national competition. Let the tasting begin!
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM The Biggest Bang: Fixing Water Hammer in a DAF
Shane Dyson and Steven Buck - Icon Water
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Optimising extended aeration at Narrung Sewage Treatment Plant Wagga Wagga
Jason Creed and Chase McAlister - Wagga Wagga City Council
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM The RWCC Operations App: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Safety
Lachlan Baggett - Riverina Water City Council
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Wednesday Afternoon Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Main Tapping Competition Heats
The main tapping heats put skill, speed, and teamwork to the test as crews compete to complete a live tap into a water main in the fastest time possible. It’s a high-energy, crowd-favourite event that showcases the practical expertise of water operators in action. The top teams will advance to the final for their shot at tapping glory!
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM Operational Readiness for Climate-driven Water Challenges
Shion Watabe and Kerolos Gozman- Sydney Water
3:50 PM - 4:10 PM Water quality and operational learnings from the cyanobacteria incident in Grahamstown source
Vikaskumar Shah - Hunter Water Corporation
4:10 PM - 4:30 PM High Frequency Monitoring of Phytoplankton Distribution with Special Reference to Cyanobacteria in Drinking Water Reservoirs
Tobias Boehme - Bbe Moldaenke Gmbh
5:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Exhibition Closes
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM Meet The Exhibitors Dinner
A relaxed evening of networking, delicious food, and drinks. This casual event provides the perfect opportunity to connect with industry exhibitors, share insights, and build relationships in a friendly, informal atmosphere.
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Women of Water Breakfast
Kick off the day with great conversation, coffee, and connection at the Women of Water Breakfast. This relaxed networking event brings together women working in all areas of water operations to share experiences, build relationships, and start the day inspired. All are welcome to attend and be part of the conversation.
8:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration Opens
Please come to the registration area and collect your badge before enjoying everything the conference and exhibition has to offer
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Conference Opening Session
Join us for the opening Welcome to Country and a warm welcome from WIOA
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Modernising Operations Training: Interactive Unit Process Guidelines for a Diverse Workforce
Sally Rewell and Daniel Leach - Sydney Water
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Achievements for Water Operators in Regional NSW
Brendan Guiney - Water Directorate
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Wednesday Morning Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Heats
Think you provide the best tasting water in NSW? The heats are your chance to prove it! Local water samples go head-to-head in a blind taste test judged by attendees, with the winner advancing to the state final. It’s a fun, light-hearted way to celebrate the hard work behind our high-quality drinking water.
11:30 AM - 11:50 AM Highlighting the ‘super’ skills of operator supervisors in NSW local water utilities
Lisa Andersons - NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM PFAS in Water Supply - Riverina Water's journey
Jason Ip - Riverina Water County Council
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM Leading with Fresh Eyes
Zhofi Boglari and Adam Carty - Albury City Council
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Wednesday Lunch
A catered lunch will be available on-site and must be pre-purchased during registration. Please note meals will not be available for purchase on the day.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Finals
The top water samples from across the state come together for the ultimate taste test in the NSW final. Judged by a panel of special guests, the winner will earn the title of Best Tasting Tap Water in NSW — and the chance to represent the state in the national competition. Let the tasting begin!
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM The Biggest Bang: Fixing Water Hammer in a DAF
Shane Dyson and Steven Buck - Icon Water
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Optimising extended aeration at Narrung Sewage Treatment Plant Wagga Wagga
Jason Creed and Chase McAlister - Wagga Wagga City Council
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM The RWCC Operations App: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Safety
Lachlan Baggett - Riverina Water City Council
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Wednesday Afternoon Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Main Tapping Competition Heats
The main tapping heats put skill, speed, and teamwork to the test as crews compete to complete a live tap into a water main in the fastest time possible. It’s a high-energy, crowd-favourite event that showcases the practical expertise of water operators in action. The top teams will advance to the final for their shot at tapping glory!
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM Operational Readiness for Climate-driven Water Challenges
Shion Watabe and Kerolos Gozman- Sydney Water
3:50 PM - 4:10 PM Water quality and operational learnings from the cyanobacteria incident in Grahamstown source
Vikaskumar Shah - Hunter Water Corporation
4:10 PM - 4:30 PM High Frequency Monitoring of Phytoplankton Distribution with Special Reference to Cyanobacteria in Drinking Water Reservoirs
Tobias Boehme - Bbe Moldaenke Gmbh
5:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Exhibition Closes
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM Meet The Exhibitors Dinner
A relaxed evening of networking, delicious food, and drinks. This casual event provides the perfect opportunity to connect with industry exhibitors, share insights, and build relationships in a friendly, informal atmosphere.

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Women of Water Breakfast
Kick off the day with great conversation, coffee, and connection at the Women of Water Breakfast. This relaxed networking event brings together women working in all areas of water operations to share experiences, build relationships, and start the day inspired. All are welcome to attend and be part of the conversation.
8:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration Opens
Please come to the registration area and collect your badge before enjoying everything the conference and exhibition has to offer
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Conference Opening Session
Join us for the opening Welcome to Country and a warm welcome from WIOA
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Modernising Operations Training: Interactive Unit Process Guidelines for a Diverse Workforce
Sally Rewell and Daniel Leach - Sydney Water
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Achievements for Water Operators in Regional NSW
Brendan Guiney - Water Directorate
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Wednesday Morning Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Heats
Think you provide the best tasting water in NSW? The heats are your chance to prove it! Local water samples go head-to-head in a blind taste test judged by attendees, with the winner advancing to the state final. It’s a fun, light-hearted way to celebrate the hard work behind our high-quality drinking water.
11:30 AM - 11:50 AM Highlighting the ‘super’ skills of operator supervisors in NSW local water utilities
Lisa Andersons - NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM PFAS in Water Supply - Riverina Water's journey
Jason Ip - Riverina Water County Council
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM Leading with Fresh Eyes
Zhofi Boglari and Adam Carty - Albury City Council
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Wednesday Lunch
A catered lunch will be available on-site and must be pre-purchased during registration. Please note meals will not be available for purchase on the day.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Finals
The top water samples from across the state come together for the ultimate taste test in the NSW final. Judged by a panel of special guests, the winner will earn the title of Best Tasting Tap Water in NSW — and the chance to represent the state in the national competition. Let the tasting begin!
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM The Biggest Bang: Fixing Water Hammer in a DAF
Shane Dyson and Steven Buck - Icon Water
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Optimising extended aeration at Narrung Sewage Treatment Plant Wagga Wagga
Jason Creed and Chase McAlister - Wagga Wagga City Council
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM The RWCC Operations App: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Safety
Lachlan Baggett - Riverina Water City Council
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Wednesday Afternoon Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Main Tapping Competition Heats
The main tapping heats put skill, speed, and teamwork to the test as crews compete to complete a live tap into a water main in the fastest time possible. It’s a high-energy, crowd-favourite event that showcases the practical expertise of water operators in action. The top teams will advance to the final for their shot at tapping glory!
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM Operational Readiness for Climate-driven Water Challenges
Shion Watabe and Kerolos Gozman- Sydney Water
3:50 PM - 4:10 PM Water quality and operational learnings from the cyanobacteria incident in Grahamstown source
Vikaskumar Shah - Hunter Water Corporation
4:10 PM - 4:30 PM High Frequency Monitoring of Phytoplankton Distribution with Special Reference to Cyanobacteria in Drinking Water Reservoirs
Tobias Boehme - Bbe Moldaenke Gmbh
5:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Exhibition Closes
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM Meet The Exhibitors Dinner
A relaxed evening of networking, delicious food, and drinks. This casual event provides the perfect opportunity to connect with industry exhibitors, share insights, and build relationships in a friendly, informal atmosphere.

Thursday, July 24, 2025

8:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration Open
If you are returning for day two, please ensure you still scan in through the registration area. First time visitors and delegates must collect their badges before enjoying everything the conference and exhibition has to offer
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM When the Manning River rose, water levels dropped and the MidCoast team stepped up
Robert Scott & Shane Beeton - Midcoast Council
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM Navigating Capital Upgrades from an Operational Perspective
Scott Collis - Veolia
9:40 AM - 10:00 AM Practical Lessons from Filter Refurbishment and Media Replacement Projects
Nathan Dick - Beca HunterH2O
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM Coordination of Operational Asset Maintenance and Renewal Works Across Multiple Water Supply Systems
Coralie Gabus - Sydney Water
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Thursday Morning Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
11:30 AM - 11:50 AM Are your operations audit ready? Lessons learned from Drinking Water Management System Audit Readiness Reviews in New South Wales
Philip d'Souza - Atom Consulting
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM The Loombah Project
Grant Waite - North East Water
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM Energy-efficient ceramic membrane process enhances water recovery
Sreten Novic - Osmoflo
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Thursday Lunch
A catered lunch will be available on-site and must be pre-purchased during registration. Please note meals will not be available for purchase on the day.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Poster Presentations
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM The Knowledge Twin: Your Go-To Mate for Field Know-How
Mudasser Iqbal - Teamsolve
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Methodology for evaluation of energy efficiency in water supply systems
Thomas Lechner - Arx
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM Understanding Site Odour in Real-Time: A Case Study From The Wollert Waste to Energy Facility
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Thursday Afternoon Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Main Tapping Competition Final
The pressure is on as the fastest teams from the heats go head-to-head in the Main Tapping Final. Precision, teamwork and nerves of steel are on full display as crews race against the clock for the championship title. It’s the ultimate showdown of skill and speed - who will take out the top spot?
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM Pride in Water - Build your own pride network
Zoe Kennedy - Spark & Co
5:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Exhibition Finish
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM NSW Awards Dinner
An unforgettable evening at the WIOA Awards Dinner, celebrating excellence in the water industry with keynote speaker Alex Cech. Enjoy a night of networking, great food, and recognising outstanding achievements. This prestigious event honours innovation, dedication, and success, uniting professionals who make a difference.
8:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration Open
If you are returning for day two, please ensure you still scan in through the registration area. First time visitors and delegates must collect their badges before enjoying everything the conference and exhibition has to offer
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM When the Manning River rose, water levels dropped and the MidCoast team stepped up
Robert Scott & Shane Beeton - Midcoast Council
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM Navigating Capital Upgrades from an Operational Perspective
Scott Collis - Veolia
9:40 AM - 10:00 AM Practical Lessons from Filter Refurbishment and Media Replacement Projects
Nathan Dick - Beca HunterH2O
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM Coordination of Operational Asset Maintenance and Renewal Works Across Multiple Water Supply Systems
Coralie Gabus - Sydney Water
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Thursday Morning Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
11:30 AM - 11:50 AM Are your operations audit ready? Lessons learned from Drinking Water Management System Audit Readiness Reviews in New South Wales
Philip d'Souza - Atom Consulting
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM The Loombah Project
Grant Waite - North East Water
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM Energy-efficient ceramic membrane process enhances water recovery
Sreten Novic - Osmoflo
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Thursday Lunch
A catered lunch will be available on-site and must be pre-purchased during registration. Please note meals will not be available for purchase on the day.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Poster Presentations
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM The Knowledge Twin: Your Go-To Mate for Field Know-How
Mudasser Iqbal - Teamsolve
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Methodology for evaluation of energy efficiency in water supply systems
Thomas Lechner - Arx
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM Understanding Site Odour in Real-Time: A Case Study From The Wollert Waste to Energy Facility
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Thursday Afternoon Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Main Tapping Competition Final
The pressure is on as the fastest teams from the heats go head-to-head in the Main Tapping Final. Precision, teamwork and nerves of steel are on full display as crews race against the clock for the championship title. It’s the ultimate showdown of skill and speed - who will take out the top spot?
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM Pride in Water - Build your own pride network
Zoe Kennedy - Spark & Co
5:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Exhibition Finish
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM NSW Awards Dinner
An unforgettable evening at the WIOA Awards Dinner, celebrating excellence in the water industry with keynote speaker Alex Cech. Enjoy a night of networking, great food, and recognising outstanding achievements. This prestigious event honours innovation, dedication, and success, uniting professionals who make a difference.

8:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration Open
If you are returning for day two, please ensure you still scan in through the registration area. First time visitors and delegates must collect their badges before enjoying everything the conference and exhibition has to offer
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM When the Manning River rose, water levels dropped and the MidCoast team stepped up
Robert Scott & Shane Beeton - Midcoast Council
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM Navigating Capital Upgrades from an Operational Perspective
Scott Collis - Veolia
9:40 AM - 10:00 AM Practical Lessons from Filter Refurbishment and Media Replacement Projects
Nathan Dick - Beca HunterH2O
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM Coordination of Operational Asset Maintenance and Renewal Works Across Multiple Water Supply Systems
Coralie Gabus - Sydney Water
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Thursday Morning Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
11:30 AM - 11:50 AM Are your operations audit ready? Lessons learned from Drinking Water Management System Audit Readiness Reviews in New South Wales
Philip d'Souza - Atom Consulting
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM The Loombah Project
Grant Waite - North East Water
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM Energy-efficient ceramic membrane process enhances water recovery
Sreten Novic - Osmoflo
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Thursday Lunch
A catered lunch will be available on-site and must be pre-purchased during registration. Please note meals will not be available for purchase on the day.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Poster Presentations
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM The Knowledge Twin: Your Go-To Mate for Field Know-How
Mudasser Iqbal - Teamsolve
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM Methodology for evaluation of energy efficiency in water supply systems
Thomas Lechner - Arx
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM Understanding Site Odour in Real-Time: A Case Study From The Wollert Waste to Energy Facility
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Thursday Afternoon Tea
Light complimentary tea, coffee and snacks available to all exhibitor attendees and visitors
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Main Tapping Competition Final
The pressure is on as the fastest teams from the heats go head-to-head in the Main Tapping Final. Precision, teamwork and nerves of steel are on full display as crews race against the clock for the championship title. It’s the ultimate showdown of skill and speed - who will take out the top spot?
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM Pride in Water - Build your own pride network
Zoe Kennedy - Spark & Co
5:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Exhibition Finish
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM NSW Awards Dinner
An unforgettable evening at the WIOA Awards Dinner, celebrating excellence in the water industry with keynote speaker Alex Cech. Enjoy a night of networking, great food, and recognising outstanding achievements. This prestigious event honours innovation, dedication, and success, uniting professionals who make a difference.

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