Dave cashes in as Operator of the Year
23 Apr 2018
Congratulations to Dave Cashen of Bathurst Regional Council, (pictured) who was named Operator of the Year at the 12th NSW Water Industry Operations Conference at Tamworth.
Dave has been a supervisor at Bathurst Filtration Plant for a decade and been with the council for 20 years. He is fully trained WFP operator and motor mechanic who ‘lives and breathes’ water filtration. He has been involved in everything from coordinating multimillion dollar upgrades, to offering tours to school groups. His initiative of adding air to the flocculation chamber allowed for greater mixing and improved water supply.
As Operator of the Year, Dave will be sponsored for a trip to New Zealand to attend WIOA’s annual NZ conference and to have a tour of NZ water facilities. The Water Directorate has sponsored the award for the past 12 years, to raise awareness of the unsung work done by Operators across New South Wales.
Congratulations also to runner up, James Davis of Upper Hunter Shire Council. James was commended for being a dedicated operator under difficult conditions, for his involvement in supervising Chinese technical staff installing membrane water filtration modules – a first for Australia.
Other awards at the WIOA conference
2018 Ixom Best Tasting Tap Water in NSW finalists
Kempsey Shire Council
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Tamworth Regional Council
Walcha Shire Council
Winner: Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Actizyme Awards for Best Paper by an Operator
William Constable – Tamworth Regional Council
Adrian Cameron – Tamworth Regional Council
Barry Young – Kempsey Shire Council
Winner Best Paper Overall: Thomas Lees – Ballina Shire Council
WIOA Award for Best Poster by an Operator
Wes Trotter – Kempsey Shire Council
Danny Roberts – Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Kent Harris – Moree Plains Shire Council