Read about the latest news, events and research from VicWater, and your colleagues around the Victorian water sector.
VicWater Update November 2023
Last month 125 directors commenced their appointment (or reappointment) to the boards of Victorian water corporations, CMAs and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder. In her announcement, the Minister for Water Harriet Shing drew attention to an increase in diversity on boards with 57% female representation, 55% regional representation, 19% of board members from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and 19 out of 28 sector boards now having an Aboriginal board member.
One of VicWater’s strategic priorities is to advance member capability and performance through strengthening sector governance and leadership. The new cohort of board directors joining our sector gives us an opportunity to put this into practice by offering development support to complement organisational inductions.
Today we ran a webinar in partnership with Vic Catchments, to welcome the new directors and raise their awareness of what our respective organisations do, and encourage them to get involved and take advantage of joining such a highly networked and collaborative sector. We heard from John Bradley, Secretary of DEECA, who outlined the government’s expectations and priorities for water sector boards. We also held a panel discussion with former board directors who shared insights and reflections from their tenure to help new directors as they commence their board journeys.
Other initiatives that VicWater is undertaking to support new directors – in fact, all board directors regardless of how long they’ve been in the sector – include the Director Development Forum which we are running in partnership with DEECA and Vic Catchments in February 2024; the VicWater Director Masterclass Program which will run again in 2024 after a successful launch this year; and the Women in Water Directors Network (WWDN) which exists to support women directors and gender diversity more broadly in the sector. We’ll be sending out more information about all these initiatives in the coming weeks, so keep a look out.
The results from the completed member surveys were considered at the October working group meeting. The results showed strong support from VicWater members for a water “training academy” with many also being able to support the academy with facilities or experienced personnel who would be able to provide training. The survey results also gave an indication of the types of training that members would like to see provided as well has how many staff would require training.
The working group will next meet in December to begin working on a proposal for the training academy.
It has been a busy month, which I think is almost the new norm. It is lucky I enjoy what I do which makes it an enjoyable busy!
In early October we were hosted by Westernport Water for the MD's Forum. Bunarong Land Council gave an extremely educational and grounding Welcome to Country. Every time I attend a Welcome to Country I learn something new and feel a new connection and appreciation of the water sector’s role around Country. This was supported by the work that is being done by Westernport Water and their floating wetlands project which was fascinating. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I never knew that root length was so informative.
Members of VicWater are invited to join the VGSO's Workplace Relations and Occupational Safety Branch for this free webinar from 11:00am - 12:00pm on Thursday 23 November 2023 - Employment Law: Key Updates from 2023.
It has been an eventful 12 months in Australia's employment law and industrial relations landscape. A suite of changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (and with more to come) have taken a rolling effect throughout 2023. This webinar will discuss the impacts of these changes and provide a useful summary of the key decisions in 2023 relevant to the water sector.
VicWater is thrilled to have taken on the Insight: Executive leadership for women in water program for the 2024 cohort. This program is aimed for women at the executive level in the water sector and is aimed around self-development and learning through experience. This will open imminently for applications. If you are interested in learning more please go here.
Are you on track for a comfortable retirement? Your employer must put at least 11% of your earnings^ into your super, but you may need more. Making extra contributions to your super could help keep your savings on track.
Salary sacrifice for your super
Salary sacrifice is an easy way to make extra payments into your super. Your employer agrees to redirect a portion of your before-tax salary into your super account. It’s generally worthwhile considering if your income is over $37,000.
Greater Western Water’s (GWW) Werribee Recycled Water Plant is the latest site to benefit from the beauty of a Woody Meadow planting, as part of a University of Melbourne urban greening research project.
Woody Meadows is a cost-effective method of public planting, using drought-resistant and visually interesting native shrublands.
By planting a variety of plants that mimic the natural landscape, Woody Meadows create vibrant displays that attract biodiverse wildlife and require minimal maintenance.
The awards, presented on October 25 at the IAP2 Australasia Conference in Brisbane, recognises the high quality of Wannon Water's engagement program, which is designed to capture customer feedback to inform Wannon Water's decision-making.
Sparking conversation and supporting mental health
October was Safe Work and National Mental Health Month and Central Highlands Water (CHW) was throwing its support behind social impact workwear brand, TradeMutt. TradeMutt’s vibrant workwear, aims to reduce Australia’s suicide rate, by encouraging tradies and workers alike to take ownership of their own mental health, while also making a social impact through financially supporting mental health services.
Local children’s artwork celebrating water goes on exhibition
Barwon Water is excited to have joined forces with Geelong Gallery to exhibit the artworks of talented local children who entered the 2023 National Water Week Poster competition. Open to the public from 21 October (to coincide with National Water Week, October 16-22), the exhibition will be on display until February 2024.
With a warmer than usual summer predicted, Gippsland Water is encouraging people to prepare for bushfires.
Managing director Sarah Cumming advised customers to include an alternative water supply in their bushfire plan. “In the event of a bushfire emergency services may need to access our water supply,” Ms Cumming said.
Through a collaborative process, WSAA, the AWA and association members have developed a bold, unifying and compelling campaign to promote careers in the water industry. The campaign aims to attract new talent, and remind those who already work here of the importance of what they do.
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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