Archive for March 2020
COVID-19 and Emergency Resource Providers Support Scheme (EmRePSS) insurance
Dear members, The Victorian Water Industry Association (VicWater) is a “tasking agency” as defined in the Emergency Management Manual Victoria and obtains insurance under Emergency Resource Providers Support Scheme (EmRePSS) on behalf of the water industry, incorporating the 19 water corporation members. Emergency Resource Providers Support Scheme (EmRePSS) insurance EmRePSS is “an insurance program that covers an organisation…
Read MoreVicWater and COVID-19
Dear members, Following the official government responses to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in Australia, I am writing to advise you of the action VicWater is taking to protect the wellbeing of our staff and members. Until further notice, we will not host meetings and other gatherings involving face-to-face interactions. This means that all…
Read MoreIncreased representation and opportunities
Many Victorian water corporations have established traineeships or internships to encourage and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into water sector jobs. While there is still more work to be done, increased representation on water corporation boards is providing greater visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the industry, and leadership cultural…
Read MoreCreating an Inclusive Environment
The focus for industry action is on creating safe and inclusive workplaces that make employees feel confident and comfortable to identify as LGBTIQ+. Water corporations are doing this through a combination of awareness training, celebration days, and executive sponsorship. All 19 water corporations supported the launch of the Pride in Water network. The value of…
Read MoreIWA Women in Water Award
Nominations are now open for the International Water Association (IWA) Women in Water Award. This award acknowledges and celebrates female leadership in the field of water. Through this award, the IWA recognises those women working in the field of water who, through their demonstrated leadership, have had a significant positive impact on the development of…
Read MoreFlexible workplaces supporting parents and carers
The link between having caring responsibilities and having flexible work arrangements is not always clearly identified. However all Victorian water corporations have established policies and procedures around parental or carers’ leave which is a relevant indicator of industry progress. In addition, some water corporations have specific programs in place to support employees on extended carers’…
Read MoreMore focus needed to reach targets
Despite the progress that has been achieved to date, we know that a more dedicated focus is needed if the industry is to reach the 10% collective target for disability. Work is progressing through VicWater to set up ‘WaterAble’, a network for people with disabilities and their allies to promote and support disability inclusion and…
Read MoreVicWater are joining the Walk for Water
With my wonderful colleagues at VicWater I’ve decided to take part in WaterAid’s Walk for Water. WaterAid is a partner of our water industry and a positive organisation helping people across the world to access clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene within a generation. Every dollar you contribute can make a real difference for…
Read MoreWalk for Water!
23-27 March 2020 “Every day, millions of women walk 10,000 steps or more to collect water, and sometimes the water is not safe at all. The walk itself isn’t always safe. Walk for Water is a simple but powerful way that you and your colleagues, friends and family can help reduce this burden for so…
Read More“Diamonds are Forever” 22 May 2020
Diamond water paradox: why is it an essential thing like water which is indispensable for survival of a human life is valued so less monetarily vis a vis diamond which is nothing but a piece of sparkling stone offering no utility as such? Everyone connected to WaterAid knows the value of water and sanitation. Water…
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