The Victorian Operator of the Year for 2022 has been named at the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) awards.
Water Treatment Operator within the Central Highlands Water (CHW) service region, Tom Stiles, was awarded the title.
The Operator of the Year title is highly sought after and is awarded to an operator of water or wastewater services in the Victorian Water Industry who shows a continued high level of performance, initiative and all-round attention to detail.
CHW General Manager Infrastructure, Planning and Operations, Jeff Haydon, said, “Mr Stiles consistently models the CHW staff values of integrity, teamwork, leadership and care.
“He acts in the best interests of our customers and community at all times.”
Mr Stiles has been employed at CHW for 12 years, after first working in the civil maintenance team and then completing Certificate III in Water Operations before joining the water treatment team.
Mr Stiles has implemented a number of initiatives, including the Electro Dialysis Reversal (EDR) process of water treatment at the Landsborough Water Treatment Plant.
This treatment process is unique in Victoria, with only one other treatment plant in the state using this system.
“Tom has exceptional leadership skills in Occupational Health and Safety, implementing initiatives that have improved operations and efficiency at our water treatment plants,” Mr Haydon said.
“He also looks out for his colleagues and reaches in to provide support to them when they need it.”
The WIOA awards are presented each year to recognise excellence in water industry operations.
This is the fourth time since 2015 that a CHW team member has been named Victorian Operator of the Year – Steven Letcher won in 2015, Glenn Taggart won in 2017 and Lee Marshall won in 2019.
