WSAA has announced that the Australian water sector’s founding LGBTIQ+ network, Pride in Water, will soon become a WSAA Network.
WSAA Executive Director, Mr Adam Lovell, Executive Director, said, “Water touches every person and every corner of our society, so it’s vital that the talented people delivering water services are reflective of the diversity within our communities.
“For that very reason we are so pleased that we will be supporting water utilities through the Pride in Water Network on their LGBTIQ+ inclusion journeys.”
Pride in Water was established in 2019, driven by the experience of two LGBTIQ+ employees at Yarra Valley Water, Jacquie Moon and Brendan Moore (pictured above).
Passionate about creating a collaborative initiative, they co-founded Pride in Water to create an industry where every LGBTIQ+ person feels valued, safe and included.
“Congratulations to Jacquie, Brendan and Yarra Valley Water on the huge success of Pride in Water to date, building strong industry recognition and gaining 29 supporting organisations,” Mr Lovell said.
“We’re delighted Jacquie and Brendan will remain involved in the Pride in Water Network at WSAA as the inaugural Co-Chairs.”
Lara Olsen, South East Water Managing Director, and WSAA Board Member, has been appointed the Network’s first Board Ambassador to champion Pride in Water in the industry and demonstrate leadership in LGBTIQ+ inclusion.
“I’m honoured to be the first WSAA Board Ambassador for Pride in Water. At South East Water we’re proud of our diverse, inclusive culture where everyone can be who they are, but we know as a society we need to do more to stop prejudice and discrimination,” Ms Olsen said.
“Pride in Water is a fantastic, industry-wide initiative to support our LGBTIQ+ colleagues and their families and friends”.
Pride in Water said through the support of WSAA and strong relationships across all levels and areas of the Australian and New Zealand water sector, they will work to grow their influence and impact, ensuring it has a sustainable business model and is accessible to everyone in the industry.
WSAA’s support of Pride in Water goes back to its beginning with the Ross Young Scholarship for Young Utility Leader, which was awarded to Brendan Moore in 2019 to support the Network’s development.
By furthering the water sector’s commitment to LGBTIQ+ inclusion, WSAA and Pride in Water are future-proofing an industry with a workforce of talented, diverse individuals who are passionate about providing safe water and sanitation across Australia.
An expression of interest for members of the Network will be sent out in the coming weeks.
For more information about Pride in Water visit: www.prideinwater.com.au.
