The Australian Water Association’s Chief Executive Jonathan McKeown has congratulated the winner of the 2017 Tasmanian Young Water Professional of the Year Award as it was announced at the 10th annual Galah Dinner and Debate.

“The award recognises young water professionals – those under 35 who have had outstanding career achievements to date, promoted careers in the water industry and raised awareness of water issues in the community,” Mr McKeown said.

“They must also be recognised as possessing the potential to play a large and influential role in the future of the water industry. This year, our two finalists demonstrated these qualities.”

The winner was announced as Rebecca Sayles, an Asset Strategy Engineer with TasWater, with a high commendation awarded to Bardia Solati, an Asset Planning Engineer, also with TasWater.

In Tasmania, the award is named in memory of long-serving Tasmanian Branch Committee member Gary Ingram, to recognise his contribution and commitment to the water sector.

Stornoway has been a proud partner of the Award since it was first presented in 2012.

This year’s Tasmanian Young Water Professional of the Year will automatically be entered into the equivalent National Australian Water Awards category, which will be presented at Ozwater’18 in Brisbane next year.

To view all the photos from the night click here.

Winner:

Young Water Professional of the Year Award

Rebecca Sayles, Asset Strategy Engineer, TasWater

Rebecca has eight years’ experience in the water and wastewater utility sector in roles as both a regulator of water utility activities and as a water utility practitioner.

She has developed customer-focused outcomes for the TasWater strategic framework that could be tangibly linked to their asset management system. The improvements to the strategic framework have set TasWater up for success in the future by enabling development of clear linkages between customer outcomes and infrastructure investment.

During her time in the UK and in Australia, Rebecca has actively engaged with undergraduate and postgraduate students to provide mentoring, support and exposure across her key knowledge areas of the water industry.

Highly Commended:

Young Water Professional of the Year Award

Bardia Solati, Asset Planning Engineer, TasWater

Bardia has been working in Taswater’s Asset Portfolio Planning and Design division for nearly five years. He is a key participant in strategy, planning and performance for the creation, management and replacement of water and wastewater assets.

As an Asset Class Champion, Bardia has been responsible for coordinating administration of the Statewide Sewage Treatment Plant Program. As part of this role he has performed condition assessment, renewal prioritisation and planning of the assets within 113 sewage treatment plants.

Bardia has extensive overseas work experience in the water sector, supporting design and installation of on-site chlorine generation for regional towns of Iran. As a graduate engineer he designed disinfection processes and subsequently provided potable water for regional towns of Iran.

Bardia is a high achiever, always demonstrating his strengths through his work and interpersonal skills. Despite his young age, he is a significant and valued contributor in the workplace.