Congratulations to our IPAA winners!

The Institute for Public Administration Australia’s (IPAA) 2022 Leadership in the Public Sector Awards were held on 22 June which recognise innovation, inspiration and impact across the public sector.

VicWater are thrilled to hear the two Victorian water corporations were winners in the following categories:

Emergency Management Award - Coliban Water

Coliban Water has received the Emergency Management Award at the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) 2023 awards for its response to the flood crisis of 2022.

Managing Director Damian Wells says the recognition reflects the organisation’s commitment to its customers.

“During a crisis, people look to the helpers, and that’s what we were. We were working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure the vital community assets of water and sewer were protected as the flood waters rose,” he said.

“This award is dedicated to the communities of Echuca and Rochester, who months on from this event are still experiencing the consequences from the flood.

“Many Rochester residents’ lives are far from ‘back to normal’ as they continue to live in caravans in their driveways and away from their homes while the repair and rebuild process continues,” he said.

The Leadership in the Public Sector Awards honour the excellence and innovation of teams and organisations within the Victorian Public Sector across all three levels of government.

Climate Change Impact and Adaptation Award - Barwon Water (as part of the Geelong Regional Climate Adaptation Partnership)

Barwon Water has received the Climate Change Impact and Adaptation Award as part of the Geelong Regional Climate Adaptation Partnership for its regional, collaborative approach to mitigating climate change and creating positive outcomes for the community, the environment, the economy and the region.

Chair of Barwon Water, Jo Plummer, said the prestigious award recognised the significant level of cooperation and partnership on regional priorities.

“We are pleased for our partners who have shown great teamwork across all of these projects. We are thrilled with what we have been able to achieve as a collective, making the most of the opportunities presented by the challenges we all face. We hope that the work of Barwon Water and our partners might serve as a case study for those looking to work together to tackle climate change and other serious challenges,” Ms Plummer said.

For further information on the awards, please see here.