Conference Papers | 1999 Conference Papers

AWWOA President's Message

Welcome to the 62nd Annual Victorian Water Industry Engineers and Operators Conference. This year there was an overwhelming response to the call for papers, which indicates the stead to which the conference is held. It is the hope of the selection committee that they have presented delegates with a balanced selection of papers dealing with a diverse range of topics. To all paper presenters and your employers thank you for your continued support of the Conference.

The Operator's, 'Poster Papers' section introduced to last year's conference has also been well received. With last year's high standard and the response this year, this part of the conference will continue to grow. Thank you to the Water Training Centre (WTC) for once again sponsoring this section of the conference and your continuing support for the level of operator involvement.

A few years back the AWWOA Committee was contemplating which direction the Conference would head with amalgamations taking place within the industry. Since that time, the conference has moved forward in leaps and bounds. Where once, host sponsors were sought, Authorities are now approaching the committee seeking to host the conference. I am pleased to report that South West Water Authority will be our host for the year 2000 Conference in Warrnambool.

Lower Murray Water was extremely keen to host the 1999 Conference. Unfortunately a suitable venue could not be located in a central part of the their Authority area and we were forced to look for alternatives. North East Water were only too pleased to Host the Conference when approached, and have been most obliging and helpful to say the least. I pass on the Committee's grateful acknowledgment for your support and sponsorship.

'Actizyme' once again are sponsoring Prizes for Best Papers by an AWWOA member. Actizyme first sponsored this award at Bendigo in 1992. The committee passes on their appreciation to Actizyme for their long support and association with the Conference. Like Actizyme, NRE - Water Agencies Branch have supported the Conference for many years and we thank you also for your support. The Conference dinner is now attracting sponsorship and to this end, the committee wish to thank this year's sponsor 'Grundfos'.

Where would the conference be without the support of our trade exhibitors? Sites are now in demand from one conference to the next. The success of the Trade Section is due, and has been for many years to Ron and Cheryl Bergmeier of Australian Pollution Engineering. Your time, effort and contribution to the conference is greatly appreciated.

As can be seen from my comments above, the conference has many long-time supporters. This can also be said for many of the delegates who attend and have been doing so for many years. We thank you for your support and please also pass on our gratitude to your employer for allowing your participation.

In March of this year the Association conducted another successful weekend seminar for members at Cowes, Phillip Island. These weekends have enabled many of our members, in their own time to network with colleagues from the industry and also gain hands-on knowledge of products and other subjects pertaining to their employment. Next years seminar organisation is well advanced and will be held in the Ballarat region.

The AWWOA Committee (below) has once again given the Association their time for the benefit of all in the Industry, I thank you all for your contribution. To George our Secretary/Treasurer thank you for the many hours that you dedicate to your position, many of these hours relating to the conference organisation.

To all delegates make the most of the conference.

Richard Greenhough
AWWOA President