Reconciliation Takes Action: Lower Murray Water Traineeship
Lower Murray Water (LMW) recognise that having a diverse and inclusive workforce provides different views, experiences and insights that filter through to the rest of the organisation. To uphold these values and support the LMW Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), an indigenous traineeship within their People & Culture Team was established.
The aim of the traineeship was to strengthen the organisation’s diversity and knowledge held by Aboriginal people across the region, as well as support the LMW Reconciliation Action Plan. Therefore someone with a deep passion for their culture was required, and the successful candidate would be proud of their Aboriginal heritage and well connected to their identity and Country.
Stephanie Sloane was employed as the People & Safety Trainee in May 2020 and fit the bill perfectly. Stephanie is a proud Ngiyampaa Woman and has a strong connection to her culture, history and the land. She has brought not only her experience and passion for people to this role but also a commitment to inspire and mentor others wishing to pursue a career at LMW. Stephanie has lived in the Mildura region for almost 25 years and brings a wealth of local cultural knowledge of the region with her to the role.
“Working for LMW has been a really rewarding experience. I have commenced my Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety and I am learning so much about human resources and health and safety in the workplace with my team. They have been really supportive and helpful, especially during the pandemic and me having to work from home, which has helped me to learn and grow.”
Stephanie has made many contributions to the organisation in the short time that she has been working with LMW, such as writing the Acknowledgement of Country for LMW’s Corporate Induction and 2019-20 Corporate Plan and sourcing local Aboriginal artwork to feature throughout LMW Annual and Corporate Reports.
She has been involved in the revision and implementation of new policies and procedures, organised diversity and inclusion training and compiled a list of significant dates to be recognised and celebrated by LMW through a consultation process with the workers.
“Being an Indigenous woman, I recognise the importance of creating career pathways for Aboriginal people. LMW has provided me with that opportunity and through my involvement in the People & Culture Team, I hope to be able to support other Aboriginal people who are wanting to progress their careers in the water industry”.
