The ‘Australasian Organisation of the Year’ finalists in the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) awards have been revealed.
Melbourne Water has been named a finalist in the coveted Core Values category.
The awards recognise outstanding organisations and projects at the forefront of public participation and community engagement.
Melbourne Water has been recognised for its innovative and industry-leading Next Generation Community Engagement Program (NextGen).
It’s the second time in three years that Melbourne Water’s NextGen program has been nominated in this category. The award winners will be announced on 17 November.
Melbourne Water’s NextGen program is one of the biggest organisational change programs ever undertaken in the water industry.
Melbourne Water said it recognises that no one understands the needs and values of a community better than its citizens. NextGen transforms the way Melbourne Water is involved with the community in decision-making across its key strategies, projects and operational activity.
NextGen tracks Melbourne Water’s performance and provides comparative data for all engagement activities across the business as it builds a more liveable and sustainable future with the community at the core of decision-making processes.
Melbourne Water Managing Director, Michael Wandmaker, said it was an honour for the NextGen program to be acknowledged as a finalist for the second time in three years.
“Melbourne Water has reset the whole organisation to face the community and ensure that everything we do delivers measurable benefits to the community we serve,” Mr Wandmaker said.
“We take the health of Melbourne, its waterways and environment very seriously, which is why to that end, our people work hand in hand with the community.
“Wherever we can – we involve and listen to the community, working in collaboration with them to improve and protect our beautiful city and its waterways.”
