GWW recognised for innovation and collaboration at 2025 AWA Awards

The AWA’s annual awards showcase and celebrate individuals and organisations that lead and inspire positive change to secure our water future. This year, GWW was recognised across four award categories, reflecting a commitment to collaboration, leadership and technical excellence.

2025 AWA Award results

• Finalist: Research and Development Excellence Award, Sunbury Backfill Trial
• Finalist: Young Water Professional, Bella Schaffer
• Finalist: Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional and Metro), Terror Street Pressure Reducing Station and Mini Hydro Project (award submission led by Laing O’Rouke)
• Finalist: Organisational Excellence Award, Melbourne Metro Water Industry (in collaboration with MW, SEW and YVW)

Sunbury Backfill Trial

The Research and Development Excellence award recognises projects that challenge current practice and support a sustainable future. The Sunbury Backfill Trial – a collaborative project between GWW, Victoria University (VU) and Ground Science – aims to revolutionise trench backfill practices by replacing crushed rock with recycled glass, rubber and plastics to reduce landfill and carbon emissions while conserving natural resources.

“This project is a great example of innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. It highlights VU’s leadership in green infrastructure and GWW’s strategic focus on resource efficiency and the circular economy,” said GWW’s General Manager of Strategy and Partnerships Kessia Thomson.

Young Water Professional Finalist, Bella Schaffer

It was great to see GWW Senior Strategist Bella Schaffer honoured as a finalist in the Young Water Professional of the Year award. This recognises her exceptional leadership, influence and passion for the water sector.

“Since starting with GWW in 2023, Bella has led initiatives that are improving water security and efficiency, promoting waterway health, and supporting cultural water returns. Each day she contributes to the broader water sector by supporting communities and colleagues and representing GWW on sector-wide strategy and policy forums,” said Ms Thomson.

GWW congratulates all nominees and winners in this year’s AWA Awards.

For a full list of nominations and winners, visit AWA Awards.

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