To strengthen the state’s water sector with more diverse leadership, the Victorian Government has announced a number of key board appointments.
Victorian Minister for Water Gayle Tierney has appointed 135 board members to Victoria’s 18 water corporations, nine Catchment Management Authorities and the Birrarung Council – a move the Victorian Government said is intended to bring new perspectives and experiences that reflect the diversity of the state.
These directors will make sure Victoria can access affordable, reliable and high-quality water that supports growth, jobs, housing, and regional communities in a drying climate.
Ms Tierney said that strong governance keeps Victoria’s water flowing with reliable, affordable, and high-quality services that support every town and city.
“When our water boards reflect the richly diverse communities they serve, they deliver stronger results,” she said.
The independent selection panel balanced continuity with fresh perspectives, ensuring Victoria’s water entities are led by boards that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
Women are leading the way in the water sector, with more than half of all water board directors, and more than 60 per cent of board chairs, now women.
Regional Victorians continue to make up over half of board roles in the water sector, ensuring local knowledge and community needs are front and centre in decision-making.
The number of Aboriginal board members in the water sector has increased to 29, more than double that from 2019. With this increased representation, 23 out of 29 water sector boards will have an Aboriginal board member.
For the first time, the Birrarung Council will be led by a Victorian Traditional Owner, with Uncle Andrew Gardiner appointed Chairperson. The Birrarung Council advocates for the protection of the Birrarung (Yarra River) and provides advice on the implementation of Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (the Yarra Strategic Plan).
The diversity of the water boards continues to grow, with more LGBTIQ+ members and people under 35 years of age – giving younger voices and communities a stronger seat at the table.
The appointees join 109 existing board members in the water sector to oversee the delivery of critical water services and preservation of Victoria’s catchments and waterways. Victoria’s public water sector is central to supporting jobs, economic growth, and the environment as we continue to face a growing population and a changing climate.
For a list of board members visit, water.vic.gov.au/about-us/how-we-work-with-water-corporations/governance-and-planning/water-entity-board-appointments
South East Water
South East Water Chair, Lynn Warneke, said she is delighted to welcome three new Directors, Clare Amies, Philippa Taylor and Chris Newton, to the South East Water Board and extended her congratulations to Dr Rohan Henry and Julie Stanley on their reappointment.
Ms Amies, Ms Taylor and Mr Newton bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from the public, not-for-profit and private sectors, with expertise that spans people and culture, health and safety, financial management, sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG).
According to Ms Warneke, their appointments complement the diverse skills and experience of continuing Directors and position the Board strongly to continue guiding South East Water to meet customer and community needs and effectively address future challenges and opportunities.
While welcoming new appointees to the Board, Ms Warneke also expressed her gratitude to departing Directors Tim Lyons, Dr Kim McGrath, and Arron Wood for their commitment and expert contributions over many years to South East Water and the Victorian water sector.
Gippsland Water
Gippsland Water has welcomed Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan as new directors to its Board.
Mr Muir is a Wiradjuri man raised on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton. He brings experience as a corporate affairs specialist and community volunteer and has previously served as an Associate Board Member at Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
Ms O’Callaghan is a long-serving community leader with extensive experience in health, community services and governance. She is also a former Mayor of Latrobe City Council and has a strong focus on community engagement.
Gippsland Water Board Chair, Tom Mollenkopf, said the new directors would bring valuable perspectives to the organisation.
“Kellie and Sam’s impressive experience and diverse viewpoints will help us deliver even greater benefits to our communities,” Mr Mollenkopf said.
Mr Mollenkopf also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing directors Jo Benvenuti and Chris Badger.
“Jo played a key role in strengthening our community engagement approach and was instrumental in shaping the industry-leading engagement undertaken during our Price Submission,” Mr Mollenkopf said.
“Chris is highly respected for his engineering and governance expertise. His ability to challenge our teams and encourage fresh thinking has been a guiding influence.
“Both Jo and Chris leave lasting legacies from their tenures, and we thank them for their dedicated service.”
Mr Mollenkopf said Mr Muir and Ms O’Callaghan would bring welcome fresh insight at a critical time for the organisation.
“Kellie and Sam’s experience will help us strengthen our communication with customers and community groups and ensure we remain responsive, inclusive and forward-thinking,” he said.
Image: Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan were appointed to the Gippsland Water Board of Directors. Image: Gippsland Water
