WIOA Operator of the Year Announced

The 8^th NSW WIOA Operators Conference was held in Orange last week at the PCYC and was a huge success with over 650 conference and exhibition attendees. Over twenty presentations were delivered over the two days by water industry operators, experts and suppliers and more than 120 exhibition sites were set up to showcase the latest in equipment, services and process technologies.

Each year the Water Directorate proudly sponsors the NSW WIOA Operator of the Year Award and this year the winner was Todd Pattison from Wyong Shire Council. Todd is the Operator in Charge of Mardi Water Treatment Plant where he monitors and reviews staff performance and provides technical assistance to other operators and external authorities.

Wyong Shire Council noted in their nomination that "Todd is a valuable employee to Wyong Council and in particular the Water Treatment Process. Todd motivates his small team through his attitude, work ethics and communication style. His peers hold him in high esteem. Todd ensures staff are appropriately trained by identifying training needs and providing "On the Job" training or where required co-ordinating provision of external trainers."

In addition to his trophy, Todd will join the WIOA conference tour of New Zealand as a delegate. The trip includes a study tour of various water and wastewater treatment plants as well as attending the WIOG NZ conference. All airfares and accommodation will be arranged by WIOA for the winner.

The judges are always very impressed with the high quality operators in regional NSW and the Water Directorate would like to congratulate the other nominees: Allan Black from Coffs Harbour City Council, Eddie Clarke from Glen Innes Severn Council and Les Green from Walgett Shire Council. Congratulations also to WIOA for hosting such a successful event.