The purpose of the travel was to present a talk entitled “Wet Roots? High resolution groundwater depth prediction in the Bourke Irrigation District” at the 9th international River Symposium in Brisbane. I was representing the CCC CRC as a finalist in the Young water scientist of the year award 2006. The competition was a national one open to all CRC students undertaking research into a water related topic.The major outcome and highlight was winning the National award for 2006. The award was judged both on a written submission as well as the presentation. In addition to this I gave a plenary speech after accepting my award. A major outcome was demonstrating to the wider community that the cotton industry is actively addressing the i to do this.