The John Robbins Memorial Award is awarded to a member of the Institute to recognise their distinguished contribution to the Institute and the Victorian water industry.
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.
Recipients of the John Robbins memorial awards to date are:
- 1997 Jim Martin
- 1998 Robert Illig
- 1999 Brian Grogan
- 2006 Peter McManamon
- 2007 Dennis Brockenshire
- 2012 Graeme Jolly
- 2012 Sarah Johnston
- 2014 Rebekah Fraser
- 2016 Neil Brennan
- 2017 Frank McShane