An inaugural ranking recognising the top 50 women in the Victorian Public Sector has been released, acknowledging exceptional female leaders building high performing teams and transforming their communities.
Among the women recognised in the Top 50 Public Sector Women (VIC), undertaken by recruitment and HR consulting firm Davidson, includes City West Water’s People and Capability General Manager, Louise Meadows; and Melbourne Water’s Executive General Manager, Service Delivery, Charmaine Quick, and Manager, Land Liveability and Stewardship Hannah Pexton.
Ms Meadows, who has also worked at NAB and Melbourne Water since arriving in Australia 10 years ago, said it was an honour to make the list.
“I’m extremely proud to have been included in the top 50 women in the public sector,” Ms Meadows said.
“Looking at the other names on the list, it’s clear we have a lot of capable and very talented women in leadership roles through Victoria’s public sector, which makes this an even greater privilege.
“Being listed as one of the top 50 women in the public sector is also an endorsement of the work City West Water is doing on our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
“I’m looking forward to continuing in my work at City West Water with the ongoing implementation of the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, and more broadly, to see more women reach their personal and professional goals with the support of their workplaces.”
Melbourne Water Managing Director, Michael Wandmaker, said both Charmaine Quick and Hannah Pexton were stellar examples of industry leadership.
“Charmaine and Hannah are extraordinary individuals who make invaluable contributions to Melbourne Water, and to our city, every day,” Mr Wandmaker said.
“They should be proud of their achievements and they both thoroughly deserve their places among the outstanding women who have been recognised this year.”
Charmaine Quick, Executive General Manager, Service Delivery said she hoped her inclusion on the list would inspire young women with a drive to become engineers.
Ms Quick was the first female to lead Melbourne Water’s core operations group. She is responsible for delivering customer value through the provision of water, sewerage, waterways, drainage and recycled water to the people of Melbourne.
“I am humbled to work for an organisation like Melbourne Water which is progressive and has supported me to achieve my career aspirations,” Ms Quick said.
“I hope I can encourage other young women to aspire to leadership positions in public organisations like Melbourne Water. If you have an aptitude for engineering you should know there are rewarding careers out there which contribute to great community outcomes.”
Hannah Pexton, Manager, Land Liveability and Stewardship said it was an honour to be included on the list.
“It’s wonderful to be included among this fantastic group of leaders in the Victorian public sector, with the water sector represented so strongly. The top 50 awards are a great way to showcase the many achievements these women have led the progress on.
“It’s important to celebrate womens’ successes as I think at times we are reluctant to do We have many fantastic examples of women leaders in the water industry, and recognising them through initiatives like this highlights the exciting and diverse career paths available to women.”
