Diversity award goes to Western Water

Asher from Gisborne Primary School. Picture Western Water.

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges’ water supplier has been celebrated for its diversity.

Western Water was honoured as the winner of the diversity category at Hume council’s 2017 Business Awards.

Western Water managing director Neil Brennan said the Sunbury-based water corporation had worked hard in recent years to build an inclusive workplace that valued diversity.

“We are leaders in the water industry when it comes to gender equity, with a majority female board, and three women on a seven-person executive team,” he said.

Mr Brennan said women comprised 43 per cent of Western Water’s workforce, across the various roles of engineering, plant operation, and business performance.

“This is backed by our Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, which celebrates and supports the diversity of our customer base and workforce,” he said.

The water corporation trains staff in positive and professional behaviours, employs recruitment and selection procedures to encourage diversity and ensures interview panels comprise a gender balance.

“We are proud of our diverse workforce and will continue to look for opportunities to improve in this area,” Mr Brennan said.

Just as the company received the council award, it was also distributing its own awards.

More than 500 primary school pupils competed in Western Water’s poster competition last month. Asher from Gisborne Primary (pictured) took out third place in the grade 1 and 2 category.