Read about the latest news, events and research from VicWater, and your colleagues around the Victorian water sector.
VicWater Update April 2024
At the end of last year, VicWater took over management of the Insight Executive Leadership for Women in Water program, with funding support from DEECA and ongoing sponsorship from the Hon Harriet Shing, Minister for Water.
Last week we were delighted to host a welcome dinner for the 2024 Insight cohort of 13 current and emerging women executives from across the Victorian water sector – including VicWater’s own Tara Daniel.
The dinner was attended by Minister Shing, who reminded us that all too often, the natural inclination of many women is to downplay their abilities and recede into the background. She encouraged the Insight participants to step forward proudly, embrace their leadership ambitions and remember that they are already a role model for other aspiring women leaders.
The Insight program was launched in 2019 to deliver on the commitment in Water for Victoria to promote gender equity in the water sector. Over the two rounds that have been run to date, the program has evolved into a truly transformative experience not just for the participants but also for their organisations and the sector as a whole, as it builds a strong female leadership network and pipeline into top executive roles.
Congratulations to all the 2024 Insight participants, and I look forward to hearing about their experiences at the end of the 12 month program.
L to R: Kristen McCaskill, Eileen Curtis, Teresa Ayles, Clare Gibson, Karen Lau, Anna Lamont, Minister Shing, Emma Youill, Lisa Anelli, Nardia Sheriff, Katie Zeller, Tara Daniel, Anna Murray, Philippa O’Sullivan
This month’s VicWater Update includes some great news items which really showcase the breadth of activity and achievement across the Victorian water sector. We are always looking for opportunities to promote the interesting and exciting things our members are doing – if you would like to share any newsworthy announcements or stories, please contact our Engagement Manager Lauren Vines – lauren.vines@vicwater.org.au.
The project working group has had its first meeting to begin finalising what the function of the Training Academy will be and then designing the best operating model for the Academy. In this first meeting we used DTF’s Investment Management Standard to clearly define the problem/issue that the sector is looking to address with the proposed Training Academy.
Carbon Offsets Project
Fifteen of our 18-member water corporations have advised that they wish to continue participating in the project. Following receipt of this advice VicWater engaged Aurecon/MAG to undertake the EOI component of the project and Allens to undertake the legal component.
Earlier this year, Central Highlands Water (CHW) got in touch, to ask if Jo or I would be willing to have a chat to their four female trainees. Of course we jumped at the chance and before we knew it, Jo and I were on a train hurtling towards Ballarat for a really quite excellent day. I started my career working in Operations and a benefit of getting older is seeing how the culture has shifted to make operations a great place for females to work and also the evolution of programs and opportunities to encourage females to enter the area. Our day consisted of a site tour and morning tea at Ballarat South Waste Treatment Plant (BSWWTP), courtesy of the trainees (Lilian, Lourdes, Tania and Tanika). Lilian showed us around and shared her knowledge of the processes and also reminded us of how much there is to know!
VicWater is proud to launch the 2024 Annual Conference, with registrations now open. Our theme this year is:
Environmental Stewardship: Caring for Country and
advancing sustainability in the Victorian water sector
The Victorian water industry demonstrates unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges of our changing climate through innovative strategies, sustainable practices, and collaborative efforts.
Please click the button below for further information and to register.
Do you have a disability and want to have more impact in your organisation or community but you're not sure how? Do you want to learn about leadership frameworks and tools? Do you want to build networks with other people with a disability in the water industry? This program is for you!
Expressions of interest are now open for the 2024 WaterAble leadership program.
For more information about the program check out the EOI Form.
Send your Expressions of interest to Llewellyn Prain praininclusion@gmail.com before 12 April 2024.
Feel free to reach out to Llewellyn if you have any questions about the program.
Women in Water Directors Network Committee invites Expressions of Interest for the 2024 Next Generation Program
The Next Generation program aims to build connections throughout the sector between non-executive directors, managing directors/ CEOs and executives from Victorian water corporations and Victorian catchment management authorities.
WWDN has run a peer mentoring program since 2018, which has now been expanded into the Next Generation program that aims to contribute to developing talent within the Victorian water industry and aligns with our industry values of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Smart budgeting tips: Building a strong financial foundation for your superannuation
Cultivating sound financial habits early on is crucial for building a great foundation of savings, particularly with the cost of living increasing. Laying the groundwork now can have great benefits long term, including building your superannuation balance which can help you achieve a comfortable retirement and secure financial future.
But how do you get there? Here are some practical tips to help you effectively budget and save.
East Gippsland Water Wy Yung basin liner replacement works have commenced
As part of maintaining the supply of high-quality drinking water to customers, East Gippsland Water are undertaking works to replace the 88ML basin liner and cover at our Wy Yung water storage facility.
This $6 million project involves the replacement and/or repair of any drainage pumps, floats, access hatches, underdrainage system, stabilisation of the clay liner and the installation of a new geomembrane liner and floating cover.
Caption: Cardinia Shire Mayor, Councillor Jack Kowarzik and South East Water General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder, Karen Lau with Skye and Harrison from Pakenham Little Athletics Club.
Helping Cardinia Shire to Choose Tap
South East Water has again teamed up with Cardinia Shire Council to help the community choose tap water over bottled, installing a drinking fountain at the new regional athletics facility at Pakenham’s IYU Recreation Reserve.
The new fountain is part of the Choose Tap® initiative, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the community and environment by promoting tap water as the most sustainable drink of choice.
Caption: Local residents, Libby and Judith attending the Community Engagement Workshop
GWMWater Community Engagement
GWMWater customers can have their say at GWMWater’s Customer and Stakeholder Workshop. The workshop will be held between 10 am and 12 pm on Friday 22 March 2024 at West Side Horsham, with an option to join online.
Caption: Barwon Water Project Manager Gurvinder Kaur, who led the project, Barwon Park Farmer Ewan Peel, National Trust Interim CEO Philip Martin and Barwon Water General Manager Seamus Butcher pictured with the new irrigator
Barwon Water and the National Trust preserve the past by stepping into the future
Barwon Water and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) are preserving the past by stepping into the future, with recycled water infrastructure installed and commissioned to irrigate farmland surrounding Barwon Park Mansion.
Thirst Aid Station – A new community support initiative from Wannon Water
Community event organisers are being urged to take advantage of a new initiative by Wannon Water aimed at reducing waste and promoting healthy choices.
The water corporation has launched its Thirst Aid Station, a 1,000-litre trailer available for loan to provide free water refills at major local events.
Central Highlands Water (CHW) team members rolled up their sleeves on Monday 18 March to work with Environment Protection authority Victoria (EPA), City of Ballarat, Leigh Catchment Group, Diona, Friends of the Yarrowee River and Landcare Victoria as part of an EPA coordinated Clean Up Australia Day action.
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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