Barwon Water

As we wrap up #16DaysOfActivism, let’s continue working towards a future where everyone is safe, equal, and respected. Together, we can challenge the attitudes that drive violence against women and create lasting change. We are committed to a workplace free from violence and supporting employees and customers impacted by family violence. Learn more about how we support customers here 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wPiOr #WAFV2024 #16DaysOfActivism #BarwonWater Respect Victoria

Today, on International Day of People with Disability, we celebrated the leadership and courage of our colleagues while reflecting on the importance of broadening our perspectives and inspiring change. Our conversation session allowed us to hear about the experiences of those working in the organisation and helped move us further towards a truly inclusive environment where we can all bring our whole selves to work. 2024 has seen further evolution since our Belonging @ Barwon Water Inclusion Action Plan 2022-25 was launched, highlighted by the creation of our first-ever Inclusion Council, paving the way for a workplace that fosters safety, inclusion, and progress. The theme for this year’s event, 'Amplifying Leadership for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,' provided opportunity for our employees to display their own unique leadership in this critical space. A big thank you to our generous conversation starters, Darren, Julia, Rachael, and Oliver, for sharing their lived experiences so openly and who reminded us that the experiences of others are as unique as the individuals themselves and that we must all resist making assumptions. Explore our Belonging @ Barwon Water Inclusion Action Plan to learn more about our commitment 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wP916 #BarwonWater #InternationalDayofPeoplewithDisability #Inclusion

Today is the final day to explore the Pooseum of Modern (f)Art, a fun and educational space during Geelong Design Week! This toilet-ally fun experience focuses on healthy sewers and how we all play a role in keeping the system clean and functional. Learn how to prevent fatbergs, blockages, and spills, and discover ways to change behaviours in a fun and unique way. Don’t miss your chance to get involved and PLAY your part in keeping our sewers flowing smoothly 💧🚽 to learn more, check out our website 👉 https://lnkd.in/g65SqAPy #GeelongDesignWeek #Pooseum #HealthySewers

We're excited to announce the successful launch of the Pooseum of Modern (f)Art! So why a Pooseum? Well, we remove 28 tonnes of rubbish from our sewer system each month, with reactive sewer blockages costing approximately $600,000 per year. We know that sewer spills cause impacts on the environment and inconvenience to our customers. So that is why we’re using new technology, data analytics, and significant investment (more than $100 million), to improve the performance of, upgrade and maintain our sewer system. We also know our customers are part of the solution to a healthy sewer system and we see the Pooseum as a wonderful opportunity to build awareness, share the challenge and change behaviours about maintaining a healthy sewerage system. Technology, investment and community awareness will help us to progress to our longer-term aim of moving towards zero sewer spills – a key foundation of our Strategy 2030 and 2023 Price Submission. As part of Geelong Design Week, we collaborated with creative partners Callum Preston and the indirect Object to bring the Pooseum to life. One of the highlights of the activation is Callum Preston's 'exploding' toilet installation, which illustrates the importance of only flushing the 3Ps – pee, poo and, (toilet) paper – and demonstrates how blockages occur when anything else is flushed. Additionally, the indirect Object created an eye-opening Fatberg installation, representing the accumulation of wrong items that end up in our drains, eventually blocking the system and spilling into the streets. The impressive 6.8-metre-long by 2.4-metre-wide Fatberg stands as the centrepiece of the Pooseum. Our hope is that the Pooseum leaves a lasting impression on visitors, encouraging them to take action at home to prevent sewer blockages and share the message with others. The experience also includes a variety of hands-on activities, from books and colouring materials to crafts and quizzes, all designed to engage and inspire curiosity – essential elements of learning, especially for young minds. We're proud of this unique initiative and look forward to seeing its positive impact on both the local community and beyond. #BarwonWater #HealthySewers #TowardZeroSpills #Pooseum #GeelongDesignWeek #Strategy2030

We’re thrilled to have been recognised for empowering a diverse workplace at the 2024 Recalibrate-Gender Equity Awards Australia! We were honoured to win the Medium Business (100-499 employees) category at the awards ceremony, which took place at Crown last week. Led by Business in Heels, the awards celebrate the outstanding leaders, businesses, and initiatives driving transformative change in workplace gender equity across Australia. We’re proud of our progress in fostering a safe, inclusive work environment and improving recruitment practices to remove barriers. As of June 2024, we are pleased to share that over 40% of our senior executive and non-executive positions are held by women. To learn more about the awards, visit 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wOWcV Shaun Cumming, Leoni Foley, Jo Plummer (FAICD)(MBA), Calum Urquhart #BarwonWater #GenderEquity #InclusiveWorkplace #DiversityAndInclusion

Today, we proudly joined thousands of Victorians at Birrarung Marr in Melbourne for the Walk Against Family Violence, organised by Respect Victoria. Our Managing Director, Shaun Cumming, and General Manager for Customers, Community, and Strategy, Laura Kendall, took part in this important event to send a clear message: family violence and violence against women will not be tolerated. We were inspired by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung women sharing the strength they bring through dance and had the privilege of catching up with Lara Olsen FTSE GAICD and Maree Lang from South East Water and Greater Western Water. The walk kickstarts the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, starting Monday 25th November. This global campaign is dedicated to preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls. We're lighting up our Ryrie Street HQ forecourt in orange during the 16 Days of Activism, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to this cause. We’re also committed to providing confidential and respectful assistance to customers experiencing family violence. Learn more about how we support our customers here 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wORoX #WAFV2024 #16DaysOfActivism #BarwonWater

We’re celebrating a huge achievement 🎉 Lucy Mill from our Colac Treatment Plant has been named Trainee of the Year at the 2024 Apprentice Training Awards! 🏆 In addition to this well-deserved recognition, Lucy was also honoured with the Inspiration Award: Women in Trades for her remarkable achievements in overcoming the challenges of working in a traditionally male-dominated sector. The awards, presented by The Hon. Gayle Tierney, Minister for Skills & TAFE and Regional Development, took place in Melbourne on Wednesday night. This prestigious event, hosted by the Apprenticeship Employment Network, celebrates the outstanding contributions of trainees and apprentices in their fields and local communities. We’re incredibly proud of Lucy for her dedication and hard work 👏 Learn more about the awards 👉 https://lnkd.in/gQSqbNsR #BarwonWater #WomenInTrades #TraineeOfTheYear

Striving towards gender equity is a key element of our aim to be a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We’re thrilled to share that we’re a finalist in the 2024 Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards in the SME Organisations 101 to 499 employees category. The Awards serve as a platform to recognise those who are making significant strides in promoting gender equity. We’ve been making progress to create a safe work environment with nearly 90% of the Barwon Water Group reporting they feel culturally safe, and they can be themselves at work. We’re also continually improving our recruitment practices to help remove barriers to employment. And we’re seeing results, with more than 40 per cent of senior executive and non-executive positions held by women as of June 2024 Hosted by Business in Heels, we’re looking forward to joining our fellow finalists later this month to celebrate those businesses and people creating more inclusive workplaces. #GenderEquity #InclusiveWorkplace #DiversityAndInclusion

Over the past year, we’ve made significant strides through collaboration between Key Account and Relationship Managers from Yarra Valley Water, Greater Western Water and South East Water. By working together, we’ve strengthened our connections with Local Governments and key business customers, driving meaningful outcomes in water management and sustainability. Some of the key achievements include: ✨ Organising the annual Greening Communities event 💧 Collaboratively designing and launching the DEECA WaterSmart Business Program 🤝 Addressing critical issues such as fire plug maintenance, sports ground management, and alternative water solutions 📈 Engaging with Victorian Water Corporation Executives to build on their existing relationships, identifying partnerships and opportunities for our respective regions In our recent meeting, we highlighted our Sustainable Water Use Plan, which aims to save 1,000 megalitres of water by June 2028, with a special focus on non-residential sustainable water solutions. We’re excited to continue this journey of impactful change towards a more sustainable water future! 🌱 #Sustainability #Collaboration #WaterManagement

All our facilities are now powered entirely by 100% renewable electricity, achieving this major environmental milestone a full year ahead of the Victorian water sector's 2025 target! ⚡️ We’re proud of this achievement, and you can learn more about our journey towards a sustainable future by reading the article below.