TasWater operators recognised in water industry awards

TasWater operators recognised in water industry awards

TasWater operators from the state’s north and south have been recognised in this year’s Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) Excellence in Operations awards.

TasWater’s Dean Edsall, a Water Services Operator based out of Rocherlea took out this year’s Young Operator of the Year award for Tasmania.

Dean was nominated by his peers due to his positive attitude, his commitment to safety and his willingness to assist in other areas, which is demonstrated through his work at water treatment plants and on service interruptions.

“It was a real surprise to win the award,” Dean said.

“The award is really a representation of the work that our whole team does on a day-to-day basis, not just my work.

“We have a great diverse team who all demonstrate leadership and work together to deliver essential services to Northern Tasmanians.”

Dean has been working at TasWater for almost three years.

The coveted Operator of the Year award was taken out by Rex Townsend, a Water Services Operator based out of the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands areas.

“It was totally unexpected,” Rex said after finding out he won the award.

“It’s more a team effort, the award is more a recognition of the service that our whole team provides to the small communities that we work in,” he said.

Rex has been working in the water industry in Tasmania for about 28 years with his dedication to customers, safety and his fellow staff a big reason behind the recognition.

“A standout for me since being at TasWater was the work I did on upgrades at Wayatinah and Bronte Park in 2018,” Rex said.

“I had a hands-on role with the contractors and getting the new pipework and pump station organised, as a ratepayer in the area it was something I was passionate about.”

“Lately, I have also been getting satisfaction out of helping our young operators and passing my knowledge onto them.”

These awards recognise the hard work our staff are undertaking to deliver essential services to Tasmanians, while also highlighting TasWater’s ongoing commitment to training and career opportunities in local communities.

As part of their prize, the pair will travel to New Zealand next year, border restrictions permitting, to see how water treatment plants operate in another country.