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Australian Water Association

The Australian Water Association (AWA) is Australia’s leading water sector body, dedicated to promoting sustainable water management through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and international collaboration. AWA’s diverse membership includes over 5,000 professionals and more than 600 corporate members across Australia’s water sector, representing government, utilities, consultancies, and research institutions. AWA’s International Program extends Australia’s water expertise globally, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, fostering partnerships that build water resilience, enhance climate adaptation, and advance inclusive water governance.

AWA leverages its extensive network and expertise to support the development of sustainable water practices in partnership with international stakeholders. Key areas of focus include:
  • Capacity Building Partnerships: Strengthening operational efficiency, policy, and governance with water management organisations to meet local needs.
  • Climate Resilience: Building adaptive capacity to address climate impacts, including the integration of disaster risk reduction strategies.
  • Inclusive Water Services: Ensuring equitable water access by incorporating Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles.

AWA’s commitment to international water resilience is underpinned by our role as a connector of Australian expertise with regional needs. Through targeted programs and partnerships, AWA enhances water sector capacity with our partners, advancing sustainable water management, climate resilience, and inclusive governance for a resilient water future.

  • Strengthening Sector Capacity in Cambodia (2024-2025)

As part of this CAPRED initiative, AWA is providing strategic and advisory support to the Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA). This project focuses on improving CWA’s capacity in policy dialogue, professional development, and financial sustainability. Key objectives include enhancing CWA’s role in representing private water operators, supporting a sustainable water supply conference and exhibition, and ensuring long-term resilience through diversified revenue streams.

  • Climate Resilient Partnerships (2022-2024)

Supported by AWP, and in collaboration with UTS-ISF and international association partners in Vietnam, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Samoa, AWA launched climate-resilient partnerships across the region. This program partnered Australian and international utilities to integrate GEDSI and climate adaptation principles to bolster water sector resilience, focusing on strengthening capacity to withstand climate impacts.

  • NFACR-Funded Australia-China Water Engagement Program (2023-2024)

Funded by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR), this program fostered Australia-China collaboration in low-emission water management. The program brought Chinese delegates and young professionals to Ozwater, with tailored study tours and networking opportunities. It also provided support for young professionals and Chinese students to study water management in Australia, building a platform for sustainable water solutions and strengthening bilateral ties.

  • Cambodia Wastewater and Sanitation Policy Program (2022) and Knowledge Exchange Partnership (2024)

In partnership with Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) and Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport, AWA led a project to inform national wastewater policy development in Cambodia. An AWA member Expert Working Panel advised on policy frameworks, followed by a two-day workshop in Phnom Penh that shared insights on resilience and innovation in water management. Following this AWA has designed and facilitated online and face-to-face technical workshops, site visits and an exchange program with experts from Australia sharing knowledge and providing advice to Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport on topics such as wastewater regulation, tariff setting, community engagement and network and treatment plant operations and maintenance.

  • Ozwater International Engagement

AWA’s annual Ozwater conference includes tailored international programming, such as site visits, specialised workshops, and B2B networking, connecting Australian water innovations with global partners. Ozwater’24 featured sessions on resilience, circular economy, and cutting-edge technologies, reinforcing Australia’s role in global water solutions.

  • Young Water Professionals Program

AWA champions future water leaders through the Young Water Professionals programming, offering international networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. This encourages leadership diversity and strengthens sector resilience by empowering young professionals to tackle water challenges globally.

  • Economic Engagement and Regional Trade Relations

AWA supports our members to engage across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, fostering regional trade relations that address shared water sector challenges. Through business-to-business engagements and knowledge exchange, AWA connects Australian expertise with regional demand, empowering utilities and water organisations to enhance service quality, sustainability, and climate resilience in the Asia-Pacific.

Australian Water Association
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