Two City of Bayswater staff have been recognised as Water Professional of the Year, and Young Water Professional of the Year, for making an outstanding contribution to the State’s water industry at the WA Water Awards on Friday 25 October 2019.
The WA Water Awards highlight the achievements of organisations and individuals who have demonstrated innovation and leadership through their work within the water industry.
The City’s Manager Sustainability and Environment, Jeremy Maher, winner of the Water Professional of the Year award, has dedicated 16 years of his career to improving the Bayswater Brook Catchment; and has led several award winning projects within the region.
“I am incredibly humbled by this award. The work my team and I undertake directly improves the water systems within the City and the liveability of the area for our community. We must continue our efforts to save water and adapt to what climate change is doing to our environment.
“There are so many passionate people in this sector, including Water Corporation and Department of Conservation, Biodiversity and Attractions; and it is through their support that we have been able to deliver so many great outcomes for the City.
“The success we have had with the rehabilitation of Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary has led the way for other projects, including a series of living streams and our new micro wetland at Peters Place in Morley. We also do significant work to ensure the sustainability of the City.
“It is the cumulative effect of all of these that will help transform the City of Bayswater into a water sensitive City; and it is because of the support of Council and the organisation that we have been able to come so far.
Catchment Management Officer, Rebecca Ferguson, received the Young Water Professional of the Year award and is proud to work for an organisation and a community that places such an emphasis on the environment.
“I’m fortunate to be able to go to work each day and work with passionate people. Whether it’s with other City staff, community members, local schools, or our partners, we are working together to make real, on ground change and the impact we are having shows how dedicated we all are to making a difference.
The City has already received several high profile accolades for their work within the Bayswater Brook Catchment, and CEO Andrew Brien says it is wonderful to top this off with such prestigious awards for two outstanding employees.
“We are so proud of Jeremy and Rebecca and the work they have done to protect and preserve our natural environment and water systems.
“The City’s Sustainability and Environment team have really put the City of Bayswater on the map and it is an honour to support the careers of such skilled, innovative and driven staff.
Jeremy and Rebecca will now compete in the national Australian Water Awards in May 2020.