Andrew Francis was awarded the Kamal Fernando Mentoring Award at the Australian Water Association Heads of Water NSW Branch Awards held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney on Friday, March 10.

The award recognises individuals who have displayed outstanding passion and commitment to mentoring water industry professionals.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith OAM said Andrew's dedication to coaching and mentoring underpins his ability to achieve excellent outcomes through people.

“Andrew successfully delivered our Lake Endeavour Dam upgrade project which was "highly commended" for Project Management by Engineers Australia,” Cr Keith said.

“This is a typical demonstration of Andrew’s ability to get results though people.

“Similarly our $70m Parkes Water & Sewage Treatment Plant builders were procured through a series of Early Tenderer Involvement workshops, again showing innovation and ability to get results through people.

“Andrew also chairs the CENTROC Water Utilities Alliance which has achieved some great regional results.

“Andrew’s dedication, innovation and regional participation in the Water Industry is to be commended,” Cr Keith said.

Parkes Shire Council's General Manager Kent Boyd said, "Andrew's expertise is a tremendous asset to not only his department, but the entire Council workforce as a respected advisor, mentor, and sounding board".

"As Manager Natural Resources and now the Director of Infrastructure at Parkes Shire Council (PSC) Andrew has been an active role mentor to his staff, as chair of the central west IPWEA and as the chair of the CENTROC Water Utilities Alliance."

"As a competent practitioner in 'LEAN' and the 'Training within Industry' techniques, he implements coaching and mentoring as essential components of his everyday work,” Mr Boyd said.