Yarra Valley Water releases Gender Equality Action Plan

Promoting gender equality isn't a new focus for Yarra Valley Water, who have been the home of a number of initiatives including the formation and launch of Pride in Water. The corporation's first Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) was officially launched Thursday 21 July 2022 as another important step in creating their vision for a workplace that is a benchmark for equality. One that treats all staff equally and allows everyone to progress their careers regardless of their gender identity.

"Achieving gender equality is critical to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities and is a core principle for a fair, safe and inclusive community. Through this GEAP, we will continue to explore new avenues and approaches to promote gender equality and take positive action to close the gender pay gap and improve economic security for women."

Pat McCafferty, Managing Director Yarra Valley Water

Achieving greater gender balance across the organisation and working towards closing the gender pay gap is at the core of the GEAP. Yarra Valley Water has also committed to ongoing engagement with staff, learning programs and organisational reviews to improve gender equality.

The GEAP was developed under the Victorian Government's new Gender Equality Act 2020 (Act), which came into effect 31 March 2022. The first of its kind in Australia, the Act aims to improve workplace gender outcomes across the Victorian public sector and eliminate inequality in policy, programs and service delivery.