When the New South Wales water operations sector gathers in Newcastle this September, the value of the event will lie beyond the formal program.
It will sit in the practical knowledge shared among operators, the problems discussed between peers, and the recognition given to people who keep water and wastewater services running.
The Water Industry Operations Association of Australia will host the 2026 NSW Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition in Newcastle on September 9 and 10.
The event will bring operators, utility teams, suppliers, emerging professionals and industry partners together for two days of technical learning, exhibition activity and sector connection.
Why does the WIOA NSW Conference matter for water operators?
The 2025 NSW conference showed what the Newcastle event can offer. It featured operator-led papers, poster presentations, training, awards, competitions and an exhibition floor focused on water and wastewater industry products and services. Topics included flood response, PFAS management, water-quality learnings, operational upgrades, and climate-related challenges.
That mix is central to WIOA’s role. The conference gives practical field experience on a public platform. A difficult shutdown, treatment issue, mains repair, or system improvement can offer lessons that are useful well beyond a single organisation.
For WIOA CEO Dean Barnett, the 2026 event also comes at an important point for the association.
“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. More than a number, it reflects a growing community of dedicated professionals committed to sharing knowledge, 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.”
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How can NSW water professionals get involved in Newcastle?
WIOA is encouraging members and industry participants to submit abstracts for the 2026 program. Presenters can share a project, initiative, field lesson or innovative solution through either a technical paper or a poster.
That flexibility matters for an operationally focused event. Some projects need the structure of a detailed technical presentation. Others are better suited to a poster format, where delegates can ask direct questions and discuss the work in a more relaxed setting.
The strongest conference material often comes from people who have solved a problem under real operating constraints. Those lessons can help other utilities consider what worked, what failed and what should be tested before a similar approach is used elsewhere.
What did the 2025 event show about water operations?
The conference will also offer operators and teams several ways to participate beyond the papers program.
WIOA is inviting nominations for their National and NSW Awards, including the New Operator category and recognition for standout teams and members of the water operations workforce.
The Reece Civil + Viadux Main Tapping Competition and the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Contest will also return.
These competitions add a practical and public-facing element to the event, while recognising the skill, care and consistency behind everyday water operations.
Together, the papers, awards, exhibitions, and competitions give the NSW water operations sector a clear invitation. Get involved, share what you know and recognise the people doing the work.
For more information, visit wioa.org.au/2026nsw
