Unity and Belonging
A message from our Managing Director: Shaun Cumming.
At the heart of our Unity and Belonging Plan is something deeply human: unity. Being safe to be ourselves, to speak up and connected in purpose. That is what our plan is about.
We recognise the First Peoples of this land we work on, and the waters that sustain it. We acknowledge the deep strength and wisdom of First Peoples. Unity starts with truth, respect and listening deeply.
We’ve made real progress on being an organisation where people feel they belong. I’m proud of that. And in developing this plan, we’ve asked ourselves where do we need to be brave? Where do we need to stretch? These questions have created the backbone of this plan.
Unity and built in moments we choose to show up for one another. Together, we create a workplace that reflect the very best of who we are.
Gender Equality Progress Report - Commission of Gender Equality in the Public Sector
Barwon Water continues on its path to gender and pay equity guided by the Gender Equality Act 2020. We submitted our 2026 progress report to the Commission in May. Some of our key achievements have included:
- Reducing the median gender pay gap to 1.4% and mean pay gap to 0% at Barwon Water
- Increasing the representation of women at Barwon Water and Barwon Asset Solutions
- More men accessing carers leave and parental than ever before
We have much to be proud of, including being recognised by Work180 as a Top 10 employer for women nationally. We also introduced Gender Affirmation Leave and Surrogacy Leave in our new Enterprise Agreement. We are doing a lot to recognise the importance of family and to challenge gender stereotypes.
And there’s still more to do.
Over the coming years, we will make sure our systems, programs and ways of working are more accessible and inclusive for people of all genders, including non-binary and gender diverse people. We will also better embed Equity Impact Assessments as a key tool to advance gender equity for staff, customers and community.
Opportunities for First Nations people
Our Aboriginal Employment and Retention Strategy is a key commitment under our Reconciliation Action Plan.
Central to the strategy is understanding and embedding Aboriginal cultural values in our workplace.
We aim to attract increasing numbers of First Nation employees into career pathways and empower Aboriginal staff to progress and succeed professionally. The strategy outlines the path we will follow on our journey to achieving employee outcomes, enhancing relationships and continuing our commitment to b a diverse, inclusive employer of choice for First Nations people.
Case study: Aboriginal Employment and Retention Strategy
In May 2022, Barwon Water was awarded the Australian Water Association Organisational Excellence Award for its Aboriginal Employment and Retention Strategy.
The strategy, a key commitment under our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, is structured around five key areas including: Recruitment, Induction, Inclusive Workplace Practices, Retention and Development.
At the heart of the strategy, developed and implemented in partnership with Wan-Yaari Aboriginal Consultancy Services, is understanding and embedding First Nations Cultural Values and the holistic wellbeing of First Nations Peoples. It provides the foundations for creating and delivering culturally appropriate, respectful and meaningful outcomes for First Nations employees.
We aim to attract increasing numbers of First Nations employees into career pathways that are diverse and inclusive, provide culturally appropriate support and empower First Nations staff to progress and succeed professionally.
This strategy holds us accountable for developing meaningful connections and employment opportunities with First Nations peoples in our region, to enable their knowledge, understanding and water values, to form an integral part of our water management and planning programs.
— Former Barwon Water Managing Director Tracey Slatter
The Organisational Excellence Award recognises significant and innovative water initiatives driving prosperity, sustainability and transformative change – and external programs improving engagement or outcomes for communities and partners.
Supporting employees of all abilities
We’re committed to fostering the thriving growth and optimal contributions for all our people.
We recruit and support people of all abilities. We recognise that people living with disability are widely represented in our community.
Talk to us about any accommodations we can make to ensure your recruitment process meets any special needs which you may have.
WORK180 endorsed
Our policies on pay, conditions, benefits and opportunities have earned us endorsement from WORK180 a global jobs network and independent advocate for working women.
Our people are our most valuable asset, and we’re proud to be recognised for promoting a healthy, happy, high-performing workforce.
Barwon Water is proud to be named as one of Australia's top 101 workplaces for women.
By partnering with WORK180 we have access to a broader female talent community, helping us to attract and recruit the best talent and increase diversity within our organisation.
Diversity Council Australia member
Barwon Water is a proud member of the Diversity Council Australia the independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Our membership provides our workforce with access to unique research, exciting events, comprehensive resources and unrivalled expertise.
By partnering with Diversity Council Australia, we aim to ensure our policies and practices are among the best in the industry when it comes to accessibility, flexibility, diversity and inclusion.
Recalibrate Gender Equity Awards 2024
Barwon Water is proud to be the recipient of the 2024 Recalibrate Gender Equity Award in the medium business category. Overseen by Business in Heels, these awards celebrate outstanding initiatives and leaders driving transformative change in workplace gender equity across Australia.
This recognition reflects Barwon Water's ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, a journey we have been purposefully advancing since 2016.
Learn more about the awards: