New board chair and directors to lead Barwon Water

Barwon Water has welcomed three new directors to its board, as part of a leadership transition that has seen long-standing Chair Jo Plummer depart.

After two years as Deputy Chair, Peta Maddy has been appointed to lead the new-look Board as Chair.

Ms Maddy has been on the Barwon Water board since 2021, serving as the Board’s Deputy Chair since early 2024 and the Chair of Barwon Asset Solutions.

She has nearly 30 years’ experience in water and natural resources industries, including a stint as president of the Victorian branch of the Australian Water Association.

Ms Maddy steps into the top role following the departure of Ms Plummer, who led the Barwon Water Group as Chair from October 2015.

Kate Griffiths, John Mitchell, and Madeline Oldfield have also joined the board, which comprises 9 non-executive directors and Managing Director Shaun Cumming.

They replace Ann Lansberry (8 years) and Nik Devidas (4 years), who have completed their service.

Ms Maddy said she was honoured to lead the Board as it focused on identifying sustainable ways to deliver long-term water security to a growing region.

“It’s been an honour to work alongside Jo over the past few years,” Ms Maddy said.

“Jo was instrumental in shaping Barwon Water into an organisation that placed the customer and community at the heart of what it did.

“Over the past decade, we’ve made great progress on our long-term aims to provide affordability, water security, care for the environment and reliable services.”

Ms Maddy also acknowledged the outstanding contributions of the other outgoing directors, who had overseen a crucial period of transformation and innovation.

“Ann and Nik have been instrumental in the development and growth of the organisation, and we thank them for their dedication and expertise. “

She welcomed the new directors’ experience and perspectives, which would be highly valuable as the organisation prepares for its next major future-focused plan, Strategy 2040.

Ms Plummer said she stepped down as Chair after 10 years with pride and gratitude.

“It has been a privilege to serve an organisation that is deeply committed to the people and places of our region,” she said.

“Barwon Water has grown beyond the traditional boundaries of a water utility.

“We’ve stepped confidently into the circular economy, leveraged innovation and technology to improve service delivery, and created enduring value through initiatives like Barwon Asset Solutions.”

Biographies of the directors can be viewed at https://www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/about-us/board