The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's 2025 Woola Awards, held on UN Public Service Day, celebrated the outstanding dedication, innovation, and community impact of its staff, honouring those who exemplify excellence in public service across Western Australia.
In a vibrant celebration of dedication, innovation, and community spirit, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation 2025 Woola Awards and Employee Recognition Ceremony took place, coinciding with the United Nations' Public Service Day on June 23. The event and day continues to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of public servants across Western Australia, in particular those working at the department.
The term "Woola," derived from the Noongar language meaning "shout of praise," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the ceremony. This year's event was a powerful reminder of the value of public service and the importance of recognising those who go above and beyond in their roles.
The ceremony brought together employees to reflect on the past year's achievements and to celebrate the individuals and teams who exemplify excellence in public service.
Director General Alistair Jones praised the recipients for their resilience, creativity, and commitment to public good. "Today, we shout out in celebration of your achievements. You are the heart of our organisation, and your work touches lives every day," he said.
Dedication to Public Service and Making a Difference
During the awards, 116 staff were recognised and celebrated for having achieved milestone lengths of continuous service in the public sector between 10 and 40 years.
In addition, the ceremony also acknowledged the 27 Making a Difference Award recipients from over the last 12 months. These peer nominated awards recognise individuals for embodying our values and for their workplace contributions.
Significant Individual and team achievers
The Woola awards also recognised outstanding team achievement and Aboriginal empowerment.
Congratulations to Allan Lee, Beverley Davies, Daniel Hunter, Elke Reichwaldt, Emma Van Looij, Jaren Hart, Jennifer Stritzke, Julie Bavington, Matt Peers, Niamh Rayne, Rachael Duffield, Rebecca Palandri, Tarryn Jones from the Environmental Crime Team, South Coast Region and Aquatic Science Branch - recipients of this year's Significant Achievement Award.
These teams were recognised for their outstanding collaboration and commitment to improving environmental compliance, through the investigation into a dairy farm which led to a landmark enforcement action that not only halted harmful effluent discharge but also set a new standard for sustainable dairy waste management in Western Australia.
Aboriginal Empowerment Award
Congratulations to Sharon Oxenham the recipient of this year's Aboriginal Empowerment Award. Sharon was recognised for her outstanding leadership and mentorship in delivering the water components of the Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement, and advancing Aboriginal empowerment in water management
Director General Alistair Jones highlighted Sharon's extensive work with the Yamatji Water Trainees. Sharon's work has directly advanced the department's vision of a healthy environment and secure water resources by building local Aboriginal capability to support sustainable water management.
