The IWA formally acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of its Industry members via the following 3 awards:
Laurie Gleeson Professional Development Award – $10,000 Study Tour Grant
The Laurie Gleeson Professional Development Award supports excellence and leadership in the Victorian water sector by providing $10,000 to fund a study tour that advances capability, insight, and innovation across the industry.
Its purpose is to strengthen sector-wide knowledge by enabling a Victorian water professional to investigate leading practices, technologies, or approaches that can meaningfully enhance water management in Victoria.
This is not limited to technical and engineering insight and extends to communications and engagement, people management, corporate governance, technology and systems as well as continuous improvement.
Laurie Gleeson was Managing Director of Goulburn Valley Water for 28 years from 1980 to 2008, and a keen advocate for reform, efficiency and high standards of customer service. Laurie was a Past President and IWA Board Member.
2026 Laurie Gleeson Professional Development Award
PAST WINNERS
2020 Apanie Wood – video submission
2019 Dean Phillips
2018 Rosalind Martin
2017 Kristy Elrington
2020 Laurie Gleeson Professional Development Award Recipient
Apanie Wood, then Melbourne Water
The Barry E Leach Lifetime Achievement Award
The Barry E Leach Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has made a sustained and outstanding contribution to the Victorian water sector over an extended career.
This award honours individuals who have demonstrated:
- Long-term leadership, influence and commitment to the sector
- A lasting impact on policy, operations, capability or culture
- A strong legacy of collaboration, mentorship and sector development
It reflects not only professional achievement, but also a deep and enduring contribution to the strength, integrity and advancement of the Victorian water industry.
Barry E Leach was a member of the Institute for 18 years, including being President in 1978-1979 and Secretary from 1980-1992.
2026 Barry E Leach Lifetime Achievement Award
Nominations are now open for the Barry E Leach Lifetime Achievement Award.
If you know a colleague, mentor or industry leader whose work has helped shape and strengthen our sector over many years, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
PAST WINNERS
2025 Pat McCafferty
2025 Andrew Jeffers
2016 Peter Quinn
2014 Les McLean
2012 Les Mathieson
2007 Dennis Cavagna
2007 Jim Martin
2007 Neil Brennan
2004 Laurie Gleeson
1998 John Wilkinson
1997 John Maglen
The John Robbins Significant Contribution Award
The John Robbins Significant Contribution Award recognises an outstanding initiative, project, or event that has delivered meaningful and demonstrable benefit to the Victorian water sector.
This may include a major program, collaboration, reform initiative, industry event, or delivery milestone that has:
- Advanced sector capability, performance, or resilience
- Delivered measurable value to customers or the community
- Strengthened collaboration across organisations or with stakeholders
- Contributed to innovation, knowledge sharing or industry leadership
The award celebrates collective achievement and recognises the impact of well-executed initiatives that drive tangible outcomes for the sector.
John Robbins was a foundation member of the Institute and was President in 1977- 78 and Treasurer from 1979-80 to 1983-84. John was made a life member in 1983.
2026 John Robbins Significant Contribution Award
Nominations are now open for the John Robbins Significant Contribution Award.
If you know someone who has led a project that has improved performance, strengthened collaboration, delivered innovation, or created lasting value for customers and communities, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
PAST WINNERS:
2025 Andrew Chapman
2020 David Ryan
2020 Brett Millington
2017 Frank McShane
2016 Neil Brennan
2014 Rebekah Foster
2012 Sarah Johnston
2012 Graeme Jolly
2007 Dennis Brockenshire
2006 Peter McManamon
1999 Brian Grogan
1998 Robert Illig
1997 Jim Martin
2025 Barry E Leach and John Robbins Award Winners
L - R: 2025 winners - Barry E Leach awards to Andrew Jeffers and Pat McCafferty, the John Robbins award to Andrew Chapman with IWA President, Rob Murphy
FAQ’s
