Read about the latest news, events and research from VicWater, and your colleagues around the Victorian water sector.
VicWater Update December 2023
Yesterday I was fortunate to attend two industry events – WaterAble’s event for International Day of People with Disability, and the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge award ceremony run by Intelligent Water Networks (IWN) (more details below). Both events highlighted the inspirational efforts of many smart and passionate people to make the Victorian water sector more innovative, collaborative and inclusive. What a great way to finish the year!
And what a busy year it’s been for us at VicWater. In addition to supporting the WaterAble and IWN programs, we successfully launched our Director Masterclass Program and took on management of the Insight executive leadership program for women in water. We welcomed more than 300 people at our three major events – the IWN Conference, the People Summit and our Annual Conference. We continued to foster strong partnerships with Vic Catchments, IWA, WIOA and WSAA. And importantly, we released our new 5 year Strategic Plan 2023-2028 which will guide the way we fulfil our purpose to unite the water sector to deliver better outcomes for Victorian customers, community and the environment.
All these achievements belong to the amazing team at VicWater – Elisa Bourke, Jason Cotton, Stuart Craven, Tara Daniel, Linna Fang and Lauren Vines – and I thank them all for their hard work and commitment to delivering value for our members.
I would also like to thank all our members, sponsors and partners for their continued support and active participation in our various projects, initiatives and events – demonstrating that we are indeed ‘better together’.
Best wishes to everyone for a joyful festive season and a happy new year!
During November we had two meetings with the Victorian Skills Authority and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions to discuss the proposed Water Training Academy and how it aligns with State government policies and the potential for grant funding.
The next working group meeting is on 7 December at Greater Western Water’s Melton Recycled Water Plant. The meeting will include a tour of GWW’s training facility, a presentation from WaterRA on its Operator Competency Benchmarking Project as well as further developing the proposal for the training academy.
For me, this month has been all about equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I). VicWater has had in place a sector wide E,D&I Strategy since 2016, and our current strategy (2018 -23) comes to an end this year. We have made progress in some areas, but not all. Progress reports are released annually each year and can be found on the VicWater website. The final report of the 2018 – 23 strategy is due in early 2024.
There are a number of opportunities for new and experienced directors alike to take part in next year including:
Director Masterclass Program 2024
Masterclass 1: Contemporary ways of thinking: sector governance and leadership
Day 1: 21 February 2024 12:30pm – 9:00pm (includes dinner) Day 2: 22 February 2024 9:00am – 1:30pm Venue: Sofitel on Collins, 25 Collins St, Melbourne Cost: $1,800 per person (ex GST)
WaterAble has had a huge month of celebrations and the organising committee are energised heading into 2024 about the support we have seen this year from the sector. In August our members voted to become a VicWater program and since then we have 18 water corporations become partner including to from interstate. This is great as it provides WaterAble resources to run programs and events that support people who identify as having a disability in the sector to thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
When you're in the early years of your career, it's easy to overlook the importance of superannuation. After all, retirement can seem a lifetime away, and your super can be , out of sight, out of mind – and it’s locked away for decades.
VicWater staff joined with members of the Victorian water sector and the wider community to participate in the Walk Against Family Violence on Friday 24 November. This date marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign led by the United Nations calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls, ending on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Gippsland Water is looking to the future, with the release of its 2050 Vision which explores future pathways for the organisation.
The 2050 Vision is a public document that looks almost 30 years ahead and charts possible pathways to achieve success.
Managing director Sarah Cumming said the 2050 Vision was one example of how Gippsland Water is planning for the future.
“Our customers expect us to plan for the future and this document is one example of that and what it could mean for our organisation and most importantly our customers,” Ms Cumming said.
Community members in Cardinia Shire, Casey, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula can access free help to manage their finances thanks in part to a community grant from South East Water.
The grant is helping Casey North Community Information and Support Service (CNCISS) to deliver a ‘Stay on Track’ financial literacy program, complementing its one-to-one financial counselling service.
Yarra Valley Water shines at the 2023 Australian Service Excellence Awards
Yarra Valley Water celebrated multiple honours at the 2023 Australian Service Excellence awards (ASEA). The ASEAs acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by both individuals and leading organisations in Australia.
In a first for East Gippsland Water and as part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we have entered into a contract with Gippsland Regional Organics to recycle biosolids from our water recycling facilities across East Gippsland to produce compost products.
Do you have a water sector event you'd like to promote? Maybe an announcement you'd like us to share on behalf of your organisation? VicWater Update has opened the news and events section of the monthly update to promote visibility of things that are happening within the water sector.
If you'd like something included email Lauren Vines with your request for consideration in our next edition.
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