National Irrigation Australia Awards

Life Members Award

About the Award

In accordance with the Irrigation Australia Constitution the Irrigation Australia Board may confer life membership on any individual who has rendered outstanding service to the Association and is approved by at least a two-third majority of the Board, provided that, unless the Members resolve otherwise, not more than two (2) Members shall be made Life Members in any financial year. A maximum of 20 Life Memberships at any one time will be available.

Life Member Nomination Form

About Nomination for Life Members Award

To be eligible for consideration nominations must be:

• Submitted on the official nomination form In recognition of an individual Signed by Region's Chair or in the absence of a Regional Committee nominated and seconded by two financial members of the Association.
• Accompanied by a citation to a maximum of 175 words describing the reason/s for the nomination.
• Accompanied by other background information in dot point format as 'briefing notes' to support the nomination
• Received by the closing date of 31 May 2025

MacLean-Iedema Award

About the Award

Scott MacLean and Don Iedema were strong supporters and contributors to the Irrigation Association of Australia (IAA) during its early years. Both men were involved in the organisation at a regional and national level and Scott was a former chairman.

As partners and principals of the then large retail irrigation supply chain, Aquafield McCracken, they expressed their commitment to the irrigation industry through the support of their business and the contribution of their time to the Association and its ideals. Scott, Don and Roger Bell, an employee and talented, well respected irrigation designer with a young family tragically all lost their lives in a light aircraft accident in 1995.

In recognition of their contribution to the irrigation industry and the association, the IAA decided to create an Award to perpetuate and honour their memory.

Presented biennially, the MacLean-Iedema Award is specifically structured to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals to the industry and includes a cash prize and commemorative plaque.

MacLean-Iedema Award Nomination Form

What the Award Represents

The Award recognises an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the irrigation industry, or a sector of the industry.

In assessing the performance and contribution for which the Award is made, the following criteria will be considered:-

• Commitment An outstanding record of commitment to the development of their industry
• ContributionThe recipient will be judged to have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the industry (this contribution may be evaluated in quantitative and/or qualitative terms).
• Performance The performance of the individual should be deemed exceptional
• Persistence The performance will have been sustained over an extended period of time
• The Extra Mile The performance of the individual will extend well beyond the normal demands of the person's occupation, profession or position within the industry

About Nominations

Nominations for the Award are sought every two years on a national basis.

The Award nominations are reviewed and decided by the Irrigation Australia Board. The Board may decide not to make an Award if they are of the view that the nominating process has not identified an appropriate recipient.

Water Efficiency Management  Award

About the Award

Irrigation Australia’s Waterwise Program is dedicated to promoting water conservation and efficient water management practices, particularly in the area of outdoor water use. This initiative collaborates with various sectors, including businesses, industries, and local governments, to enhance water efficiency and sustainability.

Key elements of the Waterwise Program include providing rebates and incentives for water-efficient devices, such as smart irrigation controllers and high-efficiency appliances. The program also supports educational efforts and community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation.

Through partnerships and innovative conservation strategies, the Waterwise Program has significantly contributed to reducing water usage and improving water resource management. While our current efforts focus on Western Australia, the Award is open to members in all regions of Australia demonstrating excellence in meeting these broad objectives.

Water Efficiency Management Award Nomination Form

Eligibility for Award

To be eligible for the Water Efficiency Management Award, the nominees must meet the following criteria:

Categories

• Individual
• Small Business
• Large Business

Nominees Must Have

• Implemented significant water-saving measures or technologies that go beyond regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated sustainable water management practices, with quantifiable impacts such as measurable reductions in water usage or improved water efficiency.
• Demonstrated engagement in community education and outreach, promoting water conservation through workshops, public awareness campaigns, and collaborations with schools and community groups.

Nomination Submission

Initial submissions should be no more than a page. If accepted for consideration for an award, nominators will be contacted and interviewed to gather further information for the judging panel.

Innovation in Sustainability Award

About the Award

Irrigation Australia is committed to building a sustainable Australian Irrigation Industry through the application of the best research, high-quality skills and career development, and balanced policy advice.

Through this commitment, Irrigation Australia is excited to introduce the Innovation in Sustainability Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements in developing and implementing innovative solutions that promote sustainability, in its broadest possible definition. This might include environmental or product sustainability for example – basically we are trying to recognise individuals and organisations which demonstrate a commitment to quality, longevity and best use of limited resources.

Innovation in Sustainability Awards Nomination Form

Eligibility for Award

To be eligible for the Innovation in Sustainability Award, the nominees must meet the following criteria:

Categories

• Individual
• Small Business
• Large Business

Nominees Must Have

• Demonstrated expertise and leadership in implementing sustainable practices or innovations.
• Developed and implemented a significant innovation that has reduced environmental impact, promoted sustainable development or a quality product or service for individual customers or the broader irrigation industry.

Nomination Submission

Initial submissions should be no more than a page. If accepted for consideration for an award, nominators will be contacted and interviewed to gather further information for the judging panel.

Emerging Leader Award

About the Award

Irrigation Australia is committed to nurturing the future of our industry by acknowledging and supporting our young professionals. The Emerging Leader Award is a testament to this commitment, as it recognises exceptional individuals and paves the way for a brighter future for our industry and community.

This award aims to honour those who have shown remarkable promise, innovation, and dedication in their field, significantly contributing to their organisation or community. By highlighting these emerging leaders, the award seeks to encourage and support the next generation of leaders who will drive future success and innovation.

Emerging Leader Awards Nomination Form

Eligibility for Award

To be eligible for the Innovation in Emerging Leader Award, the nominees must meet the following criteria:

Categories

• Nominees should be early to mid-career professionals with less than 10 years of experience who demonstrate leadership potential and achievements. They should exhibit outstanding leadership skills through their work, community involvement, or professional activities and have a proven ability to inspire and motivate others and drive positive change.
• Nominees for the Emerging Leader award should have left a mark on their organisation or industry with tangible evidence of the positive impact of their work. Their commitment to professional development and continuous learning should be demonstrated through participation in leadership programs, training, or relevant activities. Recognition from peers, supervisors, or managers and letters of recommendation should underscore their leadership potential and accomplishments, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Nominees Must Have

• Demonstrated expertise and leadership in implementing sustainable practices or innovations.
• Developed and implemented a significant innovation that has reduced environmental impact, promoted sustainable development or a quality product or service for individual customers or the broader irrigation industry.

Nomination Submission

Initial submissions should be no more than a page. If accepted for consideration for an award, nominators will be contacted and interviewed to gather further information for the judging panel.

Innovation in Safety Award

About the Award

Irrigation Australia is pleased to announce our new Innovation in Safety award recognising outstanding achievements in creating and implementing innovative safety solutions within an organisation or industry.

This award highlights the importance of proactive measures and approaches to improving workplace safety, reducing risks, and protecting employees. It aims to encourage the development and adoption of new technologies, practices, and methods that significantly improve safety standards and outcomes.

Innovation in Safety Awards Nomination Form

Eligibility for Award

To be eligible for the Innovation in Emerging Leader Award, the nominees must meet the following criteria:

To be eligible for the Innovation in Safety Award, the nominees must meet the following criteria:

Categories

• Individual
• Small Business
• Large Business

Nominees Must Have

• Developed and implemented a significant safety innovation that has measurably improved safety standards, reduced risks, or prevented accidents. Evidence of the innovation’s impact, such as data, case studies, or testimonials, is welcomed.
• Demonstrated an ongoing commitment to safety through education, training or advocacy - previous recognition or endorsements from industry peers, and compliance with all relevant regulations and standards will be beneficial.

Nomination Submission

Initial submissions should be no more than a page. If accepted for consideration for an award, nominators will be contacted and interviewed to gather further information for the judging panel.