IWA Conference 2026
LEADING THROUGH THE UTILITY REVOLUTION
18 & 19 November
CONFERENCE THEME
Leading Through the Utility Revolution
The Victorian water sector is navigating significant change as the utility revolution accelerates. Rising costs, climate pressures, political uncertainty, technological innovation and increasing expectations around affordability, sustainability and performance are reshaping the operating environment.
This conference will explore how water corporations can strengthen resilience, improve performance and continue delivering value for customers and communities while responding to ongoing transformation.
Through insights from within and beyond the water sector, attendees will gain practical ideas and fresh perspectives on building high-performing organisations, embracing innovation, empowering people and preparing for the utility of the future.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Wednesday 18 November
AGM: 8.30 am (Melbourne Water)
Conference: 12 pm – 5 pm
Pre-Dinner Drinks: 6 pm – 6.30 pm
Dinner: 6.30 pm – 9 pm
Venue
RACV City Club
501 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Thursday 19 November
SIG Meetings: 9 am onwards
Venue
RACV City Club
501 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Melbourne Water
990 La Trobe St, Docklands
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
DEAN BARNETT
IWA President 2026/27
CEO
Water Industry Operations Association of Australia
MICHAEL WHEELAHAN
Principal Consultant
Proud Mary Consulting
FRAN DUIKER
Executive General Manager Gas, and Metering Networks
AusNet
HELEN BARTLEY
Principal Consultant
Bartley Consulting
ADELE ROHDE
Executive Manager Customer and Employee Experience
GWMWater
BERNIE MOSS
General Manager People, Safety and Culture
South Gippsland Water
SHAUN CUMMING
Managing Director
Barwon Water
LEANNE WILLIAMS
Chief Financial Officer
Gippsland Water
HEIDI RYAN
General Manager, Government & Sector Strategy
Melbourne Water
CONFERENCE DINNER
Please join us for the conference dinner! Always a highlight on the conference program. A fantastic opportunity to catch up and network with the water sector.
This year we will be announcing the winners of the 2026 IWA Awards. We’ll also hear from the 2026 WIOA Young Operator of the Year, Holly Westbrook.
Time: 6:00pm pre-dinner drinks for 6:30pm start
Dress: Corporate attire
Member Cost: $139 + GST per person
Non-Member Cost: $166 + GST per person
Inclusions: Three course meal with beverages
TICKETS & REGISTRATION
To register for any component of the 2026 IWA Conference, including the Conference, Dinner, AGM or SIG Meetings, please register via the button below.
Registrations Close on Wednesday 11 November.
Please note invoices for paid components will be sent after the conference.
If you need to cancel your place, please refer to our Cancellation Policy for further details and advise so we can adjust for catering and capacity purposes accordingly.
PAID TICKETS
Conference
Member Cost: $282 + GST
Non Member Cost: $293 + GST
Time: 12pm arrival – 5pm finish
Inclusions: Conference, lunch, afternoon tea & networking
Dinner
Member Cost: $139 + GST
Non Member Cost: $166 + GST
Time: 6pm pre-dinner drinks for 6:30pm sit down
Inclusions: Pre-dinner drinks, three course meal with drinks
Conference & Dinner Package
Member Cost: $377 + GST
Non Member Cost: $404 + GST
Going to both, then choose the package ticket that combines the conference and dinner for a discounted price.
Please note: All Victorian water corporations are members of IWA.
FREE REGISTRATION
SIG Meetings
SIG Meetings are open to Victorian water corporations.
Timings for SIG meetings are below:
Arrival tea/coffee: 9 am
Meetings commence: 9:30 am
Lunch: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
AGM
All IWA Members are welcome to join the Annual General Meeting, however please register your attendance if you do plan to attend.
When: 8.30am, Wednesday 18 November
Venue: Melbourne Water
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP MEETINGS
The 12 Special Interest Group (SIG) Meetings will take place between RACV City Club and Melbourne Water this year. SIG Meetings are open to Victorian water corporation employees and are FREE to attend, however registration is required.
SIG meetings will be allocated to a venue and meeting room closer to the conference.
All SIG Meetings will commence at 9.30am, but arrive from 9am to grab a coffee, have a chat and settle in before the meetings start.
Some agendas are now available, with more to come as we get closer to the conference. If you have a specific question regarding any SIG meeting, you can contact the corresponding SIG Convenor. Contact email addresses are linked below.
SIG
Communications
Environment
Finance
Human Resources
Energy and Greenhouse
Technical Services
Information Technology
Executive Assistants
Educators
Development Services
Corporate Governance
Customer Service
CONFERENCE VENUE
The RACV City Club – 501 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Our brilliant venue is RACV City Club, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, centrally located close of public transport, Melbourne’s premier shopping, business and entertainment districts.
Discount passes will be available from the IWA Registration desk. Please ensure you take a ticket from the machine when entering the car park.
ACCOMMODATION
The RACV City Club – 501 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
If you’re staying in Melbourne, RACV City Club have spacious and stylish accommodation for your city break with the convenience of being in the same venue as the conference.
Conference Discount
We have organised special accommodation rates with the RACV City Club for conference delegates. Please click the button below to be directed to our special accommodation link. Please note rooms are subject to availability.
SPONSORS
Thanks to our sponsors
Conference Sponsor
Dinner Sponsor
