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Melbourne Water, together with its partners, have won the Organisational Excellence Award at the 2026 Victorian Water Awards, recognising their work in supporting future talent in the water sector and the broader science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Titled CMP Gems in STEM, the winning program tackles the talent shortage across STEM, by helping educate Year-10 students about STEM and advocate for students who want to make a meaningful difference through STEM careers, with a focus on the water industry.
Sue Jackman, Melbourne Water acting Managing Director, congratulated all winners at the event and celebrated their contributions to the sector.
“Every year, the Victorian Water Awards recognise outstanding innovation, leadership and infrastructure that inspire positive change and drive a sustainable water future,” said Jackman.
“We are proud to have won the organisational excellence award together with our partners. The accolade not only highlights the importance of building a robust talent pipeline for our sector, but also promotes the vital work water professionals deliver to our community.”
Led by CMP Consulting Group, the program features a major partnership since 2018, among Melbourne Water, South East Water, Greater Western Water, Barwon Water, Westernport Water, Yarra Valley Water, Southern Rural Water and Engineers Australia.
“The program is about inspiring young Victorians to pursue their education, particularly in STEM, while continuing to develop their interests in sport, the arts and leadership,” said Mandhy Senewiratne, Sustainability Champion at Melbourne Water, who is also a co-host of the program.
“By exploring real-world challenges like water scarcity and plastic pollution, students come to see the role STEM plays in shaping a sustainable future.”
Gems in STEM has reached almost 7,000 Year-10 students in Victoria since 2018, along with their families, teachers and friends. The program has a focus on supporting young girls, as well as students from culturally diverse and low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
Winners of the Victorian Water Awards will automatically enter as finalists for the national awards. National awards will be announced in May 2027.
