The Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA) is preparing for the 2026 New South Wales Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition, set to return to Newcastle on 9-10 September 2026.
This conference brings together water and wastewater operations sector, utilities, contractors, industry partners and suppliers for two days that focused on practical learning, shared experiences, connection and recognition of excellence across this industry.
This year’s event aligns with a significant milestone for WIOA, as the association celebrates reaching 6,000 members for the first time in its history – a reflection of continued growth and the strength of the operational water community nationally.
WIOA CEO, Dean Barnett, said the milestone highlights the importance of connection and knowledge sharing within the sector.
“The water operations sector has always been at the core of who we are, and reaching 6,000 members in 2026 is a proud milestone, it’s a true reflection of a growing community of dedicated professionals committed to supporting one another and strengthening our industry for the future. We encourage our members to get involved and share their experiences with peers in Newcastle this September.”
The conference provides a valuable platform for professionals working across water and wastewater operations to come together, exchange ideas, and stay informed on current challenges and solutions impacting the sector. With a strong emphasis on practical solutions, the program is designed to reflect real operational experience and frontline expertise.
In 2026, participants are encouraged to actively engage with the event in several ways. Industry professionals are invited to submit abstracts to present projects, innovations, and lessons learned, with options to deliver either a technical paper or a poster presentation in a more informal setting. These presentations play a key role in sharing knowledge and showcasing the expertise that exists across the sector.
The conference will also recognise excellence through the National and NSW Water Industry Operations Awards program on Thursday, 10 September including the NSW New Operator category, which highlights emerging talent making a positive impact early in their careers. The awards program continues to celebrate leadership, advancement and dedication across the water operations workforce.
A defining feature of WIOA events is the inclusion of hands-on competitions that not only highlight technical skill and operational process but also raise awareness of the critical role water operations professionals play in delivering safe and reliable services to communities. Attendees can look forward to the return of the Reece Civil + Viadux Main Tapping Competition and the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Contest, which showcase practical expertise, teamwork, and the high standards achieved across the industry, while continuing to draw strong participation and industry interest.
Beyond the formal program, the conference offers extensive opportunities for networking and engagement, with delegates able to connect directly with industry peers and suppliers, explore new products and solutions, and strengthen professional relationships within the sector. These connections continue into the evening with the popular Meet the Exhibitors’ Dinner on Wednesday, followed by the Awards Celebration on Thursday night, providing valuable opportunities to network while recognising excellence across the industry.
WIOA’s continued growth and the success of its events underscore the important role the association plays in supporting, connecting, and advocating for water operations professionals.
As the operations industry continues to evolve, events such as the NSW Conference remain critical in building capability and ensuring the ongoing delivery of safe and reliable water services to communities.
WIOA looks forward to welcoming attendees to Newcastle in September for what promises to be another impactful event.
For more information, visit wioa.org.au/2026nsw
