Conference Name: 21st Symposium on Health-related Water Microbiology (WaterMicro23)
Dates: 4-9 June 2023
Host Organisations: International Water Association & Water Research Australia
Number of delegates: 250 delegates
Delegate origin: 60% international; 30% Australia interstate; 10% Northern Territory
NT location: Darwin, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
Conference venue/s: Darwin Convention Centre
Professional Organiser: AA&P Events
Event Overview
The International Symposium on Health-Related Water Microbiology (WaterMicro) staged in Darwin in 2023 by the International Water Association (IWA) was the first time this conference had been held in Australia.
IWA members are located in 140 countries world-wide and make up the largest international network of water professionals working towards a water-wise world.
The prestigious biennial international symposium brought together leading scientists and researchers, water suppliers, public authority regulators, business representatives and students to exchange the latest scientific findings, experience and know-how.
The Symposium was hosted by Water Research Australia and the Principal Partner was the Power and Water Corporation which is the NT’s key provider of electricity, water and sewerage services. The host committee was made up of representatives of academia, government and industry from across Australia and New Zealand and included a number of NT specialists in the field of water microbiology.
The theme for the 2023 Symposium was “Water Safety for All – reflections and emerging concerns” which related to the efficacy of water and sanitation plans and included a focus on climate change and environmental stress.
Why was Darwin and Australia’s Northern Territory chosen as the host location?
The Northern Territory’s interest in hosting an IWA conference began back in 2015, with support and encouragement from local expert Darryl Day, who has an extensive national and international background in water research, policy and practice. Darryl Day was subsequently appointed Co-Chair of the WaterMicro23 Organising Committee.
Firm plans to prepare a joint bid to host the WaterMicro Symposium commenced in 2018, with the Darwin Convention Centre and Northen Territory Business Events collaborating on the bid. It was ultimately presented at WaterMicro 2019 in Vienna, with the NT winning the honour against other competing international destinations such as China, Singapore and Panama.
Hosting the Symposium in Darwin, with its close proximity and direct aviation links to Asia, meant that delegates from throughout the Asia Pacific region had ease of access to the very latest research, knowledge and practices in health-related water microbiology. It also provided an opportunity for Australia and the NT to showcase expertise in this specialised sector.
The Darwin Convention Centre and the city’s location on one of the largest harbours in Australia, provided the perfect backdrop for the Symposium, highlighting the significance of water microbiology in a region greatly shaped by its environment. A number of the Symposium’s sub-themes such as “Indigenous Knowledge and Engagement” were also of specific relevance to the NT due to its significant Aboriginal population and capacity to deliver cultural insights.
Triumphs
The Symposium not only fostered a collaborative environment for professionals to share their expertise, but also aimed to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals. With a focus on water safety and its impact on human health, the conference served as a stepping stone in attaining these global objectives.
The Execution
The extensive facilities of the award-winning Darwin Convention Centre ensured multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces were available for the diverse Symposium program.
Concurrent workshops were delivered in the Centre’s Waterfront Rooms on the first day of the Symposium, with the operable walls of the three rooms removed to enable plenary sessions to be staged for the remainder of the conference.
Speakers at the Symposium included leading world experts and specialists in water science and practice. The Honourable Lauren Moss, MLA, whose ministerial portfolio in the NT Government at the time of the Symposium included Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, delivered a welcome to delegates.
The five-day Symposium concluded with a full-day workshop which was organised in conjunction with the World Health Organisation and featured presentations by world-renowned speakers.
The Symposium’s exhibition was open for the duration of the event.
Social Programme
The official Conference Opening was held in the Frangipani Plaza area of the Darwin Convention Centre. It included a cultural Welcome to Country and traditional Smoking Ceremony presented by the local Larrakia People, the Aboriginal custodians of the Darwin region. The conference opening also included award presentations to scholarship winners.
At the conclusion of the Opening formalities, delegates and guests were transferred to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, approximately five minutes from the Darwin CBD, for the evening social event. The Market is located on the foreshore of Mindil Beach, renowned for its stunning sunsets over the Timor Sea – it features over 200 stalls, ranging from multicultural food vendors to locally-made arts and crafts and is enhanced by a diverse range of entertainment. Symposium delegates were provided with access to an exclusive VIP area for the duration of their visit to the Market.
On the Monday evening, IWA Publishing hosted an educational Happy Hour session at The Precinct Tavern, a bustling venue overlooking the Darwin Waterfront parklands and pools, located just a short walk from the Convention Centre. The session aimed to provide delegates with information on best practice with regard to the publication of scientific papers and journals.
Following the Happy Hour, Young Water Professionals, a networking group for students and young people engaged in professional roles in the water sector, held a “Brush & Bottle” networking and team building event at Browns Mart, home of Northern Territory performing arts, which is located in the Darwin CBD.
On the Tuesday evening, delegates and guests experienced a 2½ hour cruise on the calm waters of Darwin Harbour, taking in the sights of the city and surrounds, whilst enjoying another spectacular NT sunset.
Another iconic Darwin location was the venue for a “Science in the Pub” (with the Australian Water Association) evening held at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club, affording spectacular sunset and water views.
The Conference Gala Dinner on the final evening was also staged in the Darwin Convention Centre’s Frangipani Plaza area and included music provided by local entertainers, the Natalie Pellegrino Trio.
About the Darwin Convention Centre
Organisers of WaterMicro23 advised that they considered the Darwin Convention Centre to be a world-class facility, offering a unique Australian destination for business events and noting it was a perfect location for staging an international symposium on health-related water microbiology.
They found the Centre’s stunning waterfront position with its views of Darwin Harbour to be one of its greatest assets, also being just a short walk from restaurants, hotels and the city centre. The variety of flexible venues, adaptable spaces and facilities were ideal for the conference of 250 delegates who were participating in one program stream over the five days of the conference.
Organisers noted that the Darwin Convention Centre’s experienced and professional team provided excellent service, from quotes and information to support the bid to host the event, through to contracting and the ultimate delivery of the conference.
Other additional stand-out features that were mentioned included the Centre’s commitment to sustainability, the state-of-the-art audio-visual system supported by highly skilled technicians and the
variety of food and beverage options available.
How did Northern Territory Business Events (NTBE) and the Darwin Convention Centre assist with the conference journey?
In collaboration with the Darwin Convention Centre, a joint bid was submitted by Northern Territory Business Events (NTBE) to attract the conference to Darwin – the bid highlighted the significant support on offer from NT Business Events, on behalf of the NT Government.
Key points mentioned about the destination
Organisers said that Darwin and its iconic surrounds provided a quintessential showcase of Australia with the tropical climate and beautiful landscapes offering lush rainforests, ancient rock formations and stunning waterfalls. Darwin’s rich and vibrant culture was of great interest, especially to the international delegates. Accommodation options were plentiful, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to globally-branded hotels, many of which were either located in the city centre or at the Darwin Waterfront, close to all major attractions. Organisers indicated that the city had something to offer everyone, with its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and diverse range of activities and experiences.
Most memorable aspect of the entire event?
The conference dinner staged in the Frangipani Plaza area of the Darwin Convention Centre was mentioned as a highlight by many delegates. The spectacular location with its waterfront views offered delegates the opportunity to come together and socialise after four days of conference sessions and workshops. Most had not met in person since prior to the pandemic and enjoyed the opportunity to not only learn and discuss the latest research but also connect and network in person.
Pre and post touring in the NT
A link on the Symposium website enabled delegates to directly connect with the official local tourism authority, Tourism Top End, for general destination information. This link encouraged delegates to extend their stay in the NT and book accommodation, car hire and touring options.
Many international delegates and their families arrived in Darwin ahead of the conference, in order to explore the city and region, whilst others stayed on after the conference for the same purpose.
Organisers advised that a number of delegates visited Litchfield National Park, a 90-minute journey south-west of Darwin, where a range of nature-based experiences were on offer, including pristine waterholes for swimming and recreation.
In their words
"Water Research Australia was honoured to partner with the International Water Association and Power & Water Corporation to host WaterMicro23, the world's leading health-related water microbiology event, in Darwin in June. It was a significant opportunity to showcase our country's expertise and to connect with an international community of scientists, researchers, and practitioners.
The conference gathered over 200 delegates from across the globe to share the latest research and insights on a wide range of topics, from water safety planning to the impacts of climate change on water quality. Darwin served as an ideal location for this conference, given its rich history of water management, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. WaterMicro23 proved to be a resounding success, and we look forward to welcoming the international research and innovation community back to Australia in the future."
Karen Rouse
CEO, Water Research Australia
“NT Business Events and the Darwin Convention Centre were a delight to work with from the bid, through to the planning and delivery of the event. The Convention Centre was proactive, flexible and provided professional advice. The Conference Organiser, AA&P Events, worked hard behind the scenes, along with the Convention Centre, on the event logistics. The positive and trusted relationship with the teams involved was the secret sauce in delivering a world class event in Darwin.”
Darryl Day, Co-Chair,
Organising Committee, 21st Symposium on Health-Related Water Microbiology
The Darwin Convention Centre’s spectacular waterfront location was a highlight
(Image provided courtesy of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct)