Women in Water Operations is a national network dedicated to helping shape an industry culture that celebrates and connects women and their allies across the water sector.
Our goal is to connect collaborators, mentors, and allies across the industry, and provide resources and learning experiences for water authorities and their people. By working collectively to reduce barriers for women working in operations, and through highlighting and celebrating the contribution and achievements of women in the industry, we hope to make water operations an attractive, viable, and visible career path for everyone.
About us
WiWO is national network established by people working in water operations and their allies. It is run by a diverse range of people from the water industry, with the support of members. The idea was born out of several Women in Water Operations Groups that were running at an organisation level. Like WiWO, these groups were established to bring women in water operations together via a supportive network, while also working to reduce barriers for women working in operations. Through our work, we aim to attract more women to operational roles and retain industry talent showcasing career opportunities. Established in 2024 and officially launched in April 2025, the network is open to anyone from the water sector or supporting industry.
Latest news
Welcome New Members
We are thrilled to welcome you to the Women in Water Operations (WiWO) Network! As part of the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA), our network is dedicated to
You’re invited to join our new network…
As part of International Women’s Month 2025, we are launching a national Women in Water Operations (WiWO) Network. This new initiative from the Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA) is dedicated
Upcoming events
2025 QLD Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition
Meet the Operator
Meet Berenique Erasmus
Following a six year career in the beauty industry, Berenique moved states to take on a new traineeship with Seqwater Queensland. As a new recruit to the Australian water industry,
Meet Bridey Pearn
Meet Bridey Pearn, a valuable and high-performing member of the water industry. Bridey is the Coordinator of Water Systems at North East Water (NEW), and a member of NEW’s Women
In the spotlight
Meet Heidi Josipovic
Meet Heidi Josipovic, Team Leader Treatment Services (Water and Wastewater) at Albury City Council. Tell us a little bit about
Meet Kate Bardy
Meet Kate Bardy, a valuable and high-performing member of the water industry. Kate is the Manager Operations Project & Maintenance
Resources
North East Water Facilities Project
In recent years, North East Water has embarked on a transformation journey that has seen a strong focus on gender equality and inclusivity. The organisation has experienced an increase in
What are we working on – Coming soon
Become a mentor
Are you passionate about empowering women in the operations field and cultivating the leaders of tomorrow? We are eager to connect women in water operations with mentors from across the nation who can guide their professional development and career aspirations. If you hold a leadership position in operations or have experience as a seasoned field operator, and possess coaching or mentoring skills, we invite you to express your interest in our mentoring program.
Connect with a mentor
Are you currently working in an operations role, whether in the field or indoors, and are new to the water sector or looking for guidance from an industry mentor to help you navigate your career path or enhance your professional growth? If so, our mentoring program is designed for you and aims to match the right mentors with women in operations, providing support tailored to your needs.
Recruitment Framework
We are committed to collaborating across the sector to establish a recruitment framework that any water authority can utilise. Our goal is to promote water operations as an appealing career path, particularly for university and school leavers, and to highlight the industry as a space with long-term career opportunities and growth potential.
Facilities project
One significant barrier to women comfortably working in the field is the lack of suitable facilities. Often overlooked by organisations, this working group seeks to build on the efforts of certain Victorian water authorities by shing a spotlight on the availability of accessible, clean facilities and sanitation services for women in operations, as well as those visiting the field.
Join our new network?
Join our thriving network that builds an industry culture where women are empowered and celebrated, barriers are reduced, and water operations is an attractive, viable and visible career path for everyone.