Stormwater NSW is delighted to announce that Dr Andrew Thomas has been awarded Life Membership of the Association, in recognition of his outstanding service, visionary leadership, and enduring contribution to urban water and catchment management across New South Wales and nationally.
The prestigious Life Membership honour was formally presented during the franc. 2026 Conference. Surrounded by peers, colleagues, and sector leaders, the presentation marked a milestone celebration of Dr Thomas’s long-standing dedication to transforming stormwater into a valued community and environmental asset.
Years of Dedicated Service to Stormwater NSW
Dr Andrew Thomas’s connection to Stormwater NSW spans many years of active committee leadership and voluntary service. Having served extensively on the Stormwater NSW Management Committee—including his tenure leading the organisation as President of Stormwater NSW and continuing as an active committee member—Andrew has been central to guiding the association’s strategic direction, advocacy initiatives, and industry engagement.
During his time on the board and committee, Andrew helped champion critical reforms in urban water policy, supported capacity building for local government and industry practitioners, and strengthened partnerships between state agencies, local councils, and environmental researchers. His leadership set a benchmark for collaboration, ensuring the association remained a strong, unified voice for best practice in water sensitive urban design (WSUD) and catchment health.
Quote from Nerida Taylor, President of Stormwater NSW
Presenting the award, Stormwater NSW President Nerida Taylor highlighted the profound impact of Andrew’s service:
"Life Membership is the highest honour Stormwater NSW can confer, reserved for individuals whose commitment fundamentally shapes our organisation and industry. Andrew has given an immense amount of time, intellect, and passion to Stormwater NSW over the years—not only serving on the committee and leading the association as President, but consistently pushing us to think bigger about urban catchments, policy reform, and systemic change.
Whether leading discussions on regional catchment resilience, mentoring emerging professionals, or championing integrated water management across local government and national platforms, Andrew has been an indefatigable advocate for our sector. On behalf of the entire Stormwater NSW Committee and our members, it is an absolute privilege to present him with Life Membership."
— Nerida Taylor, President of Stormwater NSW
A Broader Legacy of Industry Leadership
Beyond his tenure on the Stormwater NSW Committee, Dr Thomas’s wider leadership across the sector exemplifies the holistic vision celebrated by the award:
- Executive Officer, Cooks River Alliance: Guiding multi-council collaboration to regenerate one of Sydney’s most complex and heavily urbanised catchment areas.
- Director & Board Secretary, Stormwater Australia: Providing strategic national governance, driving cross-jurisdictional policy advocacy, and elevating industry standards across the country.
- Director, Stormwater 2030: Accelerating the transition of emerging stormwater technologies and innovative management practices into mainstream, everyday adoption.
Presented on the franc. Stage
It was especially fitting that this recognition was conferred at the franc. conference—a platform created to spark candid, forward-looking dialogues about water sensitive cities, climate resilience, and urban liveability. Andrew’s career has embodied the very spirit of franc: challenging conventional thinking, breaking down silos, and fostering deep, collaborative connections.
Please join President Nerida Taylor, the Stormwater NSW Committee, and the entire stormwater community in congratulating Dr Andrew Thomas on receiving Life Membership!
